HOWNIKAN Aptebbongises | December 2019

Top photo: The CPN Christmas tree at the Red Earth Museum Warm up during bbon (winter) with in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. traditional Potawatomi stories and games A LOOK INSIDE During bbon (winter) Potawatomi have Page 4 participated in a variety of activities Jett receives leadership award for centuries, including games like snow snake, storytelling and more that bring the community and families Page 8 together to pass time and stay warm during the coldest months of the year. Just as the Potawatomi moons serve as guideposts, like April’s Zisbakwtoke gises (Maple Sugar Moon), wintertime serves as an opportunity to reconvene and rest, preparing for the busy months to come. Tribal election notice for 2020 “That’s the whole concept of ‘Indian time,’” said Citizen Potawatomi Page 12 Nation Language Department Director Justin Neely. “Certain seasons are when you pick berries, when you harvest corn, etc. So, there were also certain time periods where you just hung out with your family.” Participating in Potawatomi traditions preserves culture for generations to come. Europeans often looked down on the Gwzege’wen (bowl and dice) the color and number of die. The game FireLake Discount Foods concept of resting and taking time to continues until each player has missed becomes Blue Zones-certified share stories and foster kinship during Although wintertime is the only season twice or someone reaches 12 points. the winter. However, still to this day, the to play snow snake, learning other season serves as an opportunity to tie games — like Gwzege’wen — can Bowl and Dice points: serve as entertainment and fellowship Pages 16-22 families and communities together. 2 white and 6 black die = 1 point Tribal Executive and year-round and are not limited to “Basically, in the wintertime, we have a the right weather conditions. 1 white and 7 black = 5 points Legislative updates lot of free time,” he said. “They always say that in the winter, the spirits are Traditionally, women are the only ones 8 white or 8 black = 8 points Pages 23-24 asleep and the earth is asleep. It’s a who can make and keep a Gwzege’wen 1 white and 7 black = 11 points perfect time for winter storytelling (bowl and dice) game set, but Neely Walking on and a perfect time for playing games said both men and women can put 2 white and 5 black = 12 points together the necessary items. and maybe sitting around the fire.” A standing effigy = automatic win Snow snake Equipment includes a wooden bowl, All white = automatic win six circular die and two animal- Although Oklahoma’s winters based game pieces often reflective All black = automatic win often are not cold enough to hold of the owner’s dodem (clan). Learning and playing traditional games onto precipitation, many Nishnabé “It doesn’t have to be a wooden bowl, serves as a chance for CPN members to communities still living around engage with their Potawatomi heritage. the Great Lakes participate in bbon but that’s usually what it is. A lot (winter) games like snow snake. of bowls really curve, so it might “It’s an activity that’s really good for kids be nice if you have one with a flat to be able to learn to play games,” Neely “Snow snake is a game where basically, surface inside it,” Neely said. PR SRT STD PR SRT US POSTAGE PAID said. “And it’s nice to have something PERMIT NO 49 PERMIT

STIGLER, OK 74462 they take snow and mount it up, Deer and other antlers sawed off into that you can pass on. Stories and little pushing it together to make a track, games are things that anyone can if you will,” Neely explained. thin circles, about the thickness of a quarter, serve as the die. Individuals definitely pick up and share with their nieces, nephews, grandkids, that way A pathway with snow walls personalize their game pieces by painting they can feel like they’re doing their approximately 2-3 feet high serve or applying copper and other metals part to help continue the culture.” as the playing field, just tall enough that differentiate one side from the to provide adequate structure. other, which also determines points. Storytelling “And then they’ll carve these sticks, and “Then usually there are two little Since the spirits rest during bbon everyone will get in a line and throw effigies, which are little animals — it (winter), sharing oral traditions about them to see who goes the farthest,” could be an eagle, bear; it could be a key spirits is central to Potawatomi he said. “They may water the track turtle — and basically, the idea behind culture, including Wiske — also known down to ice it up, but the idea is to it is you toss them up in the air,” Neely as Nanabozho — the Trickster. see who can throw it the furthest.” explained. “You want to keep them in the bowl, but when they come back “These stories are fundamental to how Many take the time to carve their down, you get points based on how our ancestors saw the world and how stick, or snake, to reflect their many blacks versus white, and there we continue to see the world and our personal beliefs, clan and more. are a couple ways to get points.” relationship with the earth,” Neely said. “You want to make sure that our “It’s like regalia; people add their own Birth order customarily helps define teams, children and our grandchildren have an flair to it,” Neely added. The Citizen separating the mjigwewes (first-born) and opportunity to see how their grandparents Potawatomi Nation Cultural Heritage kishko (second-born), with equal numbers or great-great-grandparents saw the world.” Center’s gallery Gete Neshnabek of players on each team. Participants take Zhechgéwen features a digital version turns casting, or flipping the die inside of snow snake and bowl and dice. the bowl. Players receive points based on Continued on page 4 2 DECEMBER 2019 HOWNIKAN Tips to incorporate an Indigenous diet in 2020

Food often serves as the center of every on ourselves and work on the people culture. However, since colonization, who already have those choices.” Indigenous food systems have been stripped from Indigenous people across Holdbacks the world. In America, federal policies “There is a difference between survival removed many Native Americans from and thriving, and right now, a lot their lands, which in turn, caused them of folks I feel like are caught in that to lose connections to the plants and survival mode,” DeerInWater said. animals that sustained Indigenous people since time immemorial. This Also, because so many communities have disconnect influences overall health not had those connections to traditional and wellness, which manifests as fare, it can be harder for individuals to mental illnesses, diabetes and other have an open mind and open taste pallet. negative health-related outcomes. “People are so accustomed to commodity “There is also a lot of healing that can be foods that they become acclimated to done with changing those food habits. that and resistant to Native, pre-contact Food policy is definitely there to break foods, or traditional ancestral foods,” the connection and the relationship DeerInWater said. “I myself eat fry we have with the land. And we can see bread, but making that your daily thing the consequences of that in our health,” is probably not the wisest health choice.” said Kaya DeerInWater, Bodewadmi Learn about seasonal and traditional crops — like persimmons — by attending a Widoktadwen Gtegan (Citizen Potawatomi Bodewadmi Widoktadwen Gtegan (Citizen Potawatomi Community Garden) work party. Minimizing consumption of processed Nation Community Garden) assistant. food decreases sugar intake. One easy “That is what’s most concerning. devoted a lot of effort and energy and transition is exchanging soda for water. Incorporating Indigenous agricultural What are we leaving our kids?” intention into them, making sure each systems into food policy can address “That’s a shift that could help you in Peak of freshness of those happened, not only because public health issues while simultaneously it was important to them, but it was the long run, or all the way scaled up healing Native Americans physically, to buying a head of broccoli instead One way to adhere to pre-contact also a necessity,” DeerInWater said. emotionally and spiritually. of buying a pound of meat. That kind traditions is to eat seasonally, which of thing can also help your health as For those who have an opportunity Sacredness also increases the nutritional well as the food system,” he said. bioavailability of food. to strategically spend their grocery Colonization profoundly affects budgets, consumer dollars can have an While changing to an all pre-contact “Like with berries being ripe in the Native America’s sense of community. impact on markets. Making conscious foods diet may be impossible for Harvests were only done by hand and summer,” DeerInWater explained. decisions to purchase only what is everyone, DeerInWater encourages often served as social gatherings. “Typically, you’re moving around, you exchanging one non-traditional food do a lot of activities in the summer in season can help create changes for its traditional counterpart. “People enjoyed each other and still when it’s warm, and having a lot of across Turtle Island and the world. enjoy doing it,” DeerInWater said. “It’s Pantry switches about this bigger aspect, which is just about connecting with the land, One easy switch includes opting connecting with Creator and Mother for sunflower oil that withstands Earth, Father Sky, all of those things, and high temperatures instead of recognizing the spirit in everything. It’s canola, corn and even olive oil. more integrated than a lot of Western concepts of spirituality. We are not “Sunflower is one of our Four separate from nature. We are nature.” Sisters crops,” DeerInWater said. “So, in a way, it’s cultural.” Since Europeans arrived in North America, policy governing Native Organic produce requires less peoples encouraged removing Native chemicals to grow and can have up Americans from their ancestral lands, to 15 percent more nutritional value which in turn removed communities over its non-organic counterparts, from their traditional foods and diets. according to DeerInWater. “Ultimately, without that, we are no “Organisms aren’t really just solely longer connected to our lands and our organisms,” DeerInWater said. “Just life, our livelihoods, and our culture,” like food is processed by gut bacteria he said. “You can’t have culture if you we have, our plants and other animals don’t have lands, and when your culture are similar. So when you’re spraying and your language is connected to your herbicide all over your plants to kill lands, everything starts to unravel.” some bugs, you’re also killing all the bacteria associated with that plant.” Many across Indian Country seek to Bacteria work with plants and end this disconnect by incorporating trees to help process sugars and traditional foods into their diets. assist with nutrient uptake. “Pre-contact food is food that, like “I try to tell people, just consume one the name says, existed prior to calorie a day that is either foraged, Europeans arrival in the Americas, bartered or grown locally and/or hunted so that would have been around locally that you know exactly where it 1491,” DeerInWater explained. sugar in your diet isn’t so bad because “You can easily find a seasonal food came from and when,” he said. “Even that However, more than just Native you’re always moving around. But calendar online, and you don’t have to get little act of intention of reconnecting with Americans need to de-colonize their eating the berries during the winter super crazy about it. You know, just maybe our ancestral foods and our land and our diets, “and it’s not just Native peoples when you’re just sitting around don’t buy strawberries in January or don’t community is really what it’s going to take who are searching for more connection watching movies, beading, whatever buy apples in June,” DeerInWater said. to make the next step. It doesn’t happen and more relationships with the you’re doing — there’s a difference.” for me every day, but I think about it every land around them,” he added. Out-of-season produce must day. And it’s going to take us all thinking Many of the 13 moons recognize travel thousands of miles to about it more to make a difference.” Opportunities exist daily for all people when specific foods reach their reach grocery stores, and overseas to build connections to earth and return peak of freshness. For example, products often are flash-frozen. to a more sustainable way of living. August is Minkegises (Berry Picking Moon) and September is “We’re talking about it as if people have “And a way that will make room for Mnomnekégises (Ricing Moon). a choice, and there are a lot of people future generations because right now, who don’t have a choice, and we have we consume way more than our current “All of those things are so important to acknowledge that,” he explained. “I generation is allotted,” DeerInWater culturally that a whole timeframe is think we need to work on getting said. “We’re eating into our future devoted to them, and our ancestors those folks into a better place, but generations’ budgets, so to speak. looked forward to that time and that doesn’t mean we can’t also work HOWNIKAN DECEMBER 2019 3 Invisible no more For more than 80 percent of Native and it leads to a lot of situations American and Alaska Native women, where we’re just left out,” she said. experiencing violence throughout their lifetimes is a harsh reality. In fact, Native Congressional efforts women in some areas of the country “We have to be very vigilant in Congress are murdered at 10 times the national and demand justice there, and we have average. Often the public perceives that most missing and murdered Indigenous to start demanding respect for our women cases occur on rural reservations, tribal governments and tribal courts but 71 percent of American Indians/ because those are our first defenders Alaska Natives live in urban areas. for the safety of Native women; and Oklahoma is home to 39 tribes and right now, we’re not respected by non- ranks 10th in the nation for missing Natives, so we have to work to build and murdered Indigenous women. that respect and restore it,” Nagle said. “While I am not an expert on missing Members of both the House and and murdered Indigenous people, I Senate have drafted legislation recently, know that the root causes of this crisis including Not Invisible Act and Savanna’s go back to colonization, assimilation and Act. The latter improves communication federal legislation that was designed over and database management amongst tribal, a century ago to erode tribal sovereignty, county, state and federal law enforcement. especially the matriarch,” said Oklahoma Not Invisible Act establishes an advisory State Rep. Mickey Dollens during a Nov. committee to draft recommendations 19 interim study hearing on missing for the Department of Interior and murdered Indigenous women. and Department of Justice. Rep. Dollens recruited Native Americans While missing and murdered Indigenous statewide to help find potential legislative women is usually a bipartisan issue, solutions through the interim study. politics and personal opinions have Olivia Gray, citizen of the Osage Nation interfered with passing legislation. of Oklahoma, director of the Osage Nation Family Violence Prevention “Some senators think that any tribal Department and founding member jurisdiction over a non-Indian violates of the Northeast Oklahoma Missing the United States Constitution,” Nagle and Murdered Indigenous Relatives, said. “I don’t think there is anything presented first during the hearing. in the United States Constitution to support that notion, but that doesn’t stop “We’re just asking that you don’t do some senators from having that thought.” stuff to us — you do things with us and in collaboration with us,” Gray said. In Oklahoma, Rep. Dollens and other “Because we have a lot of knowledge members of the statehouse are drafting as we’ve been dealing with this issue legislation that addresses the issue since the boats landed. Our women and sets an example for other states. lifestyle and say, ‘I don’t want to spend Nation citizen, attorney at Pipestem have been going missing and being Get involved murdered since the boats landed. We resources on a drug addict,’ because Law and missing and murdered that person still deserves to be found.” Indigenous women’s activist. know what we’re doing here.” During a phone interview with the Hownikan, Nagle highlighted that a Leaders across Oklahoma, Indian Gray also addressed the need for Lacking a joint database for variety of opportunities exist to help Country and loved ones of missing greater communication between municipalities, states, tribes and the make an impact across Indian Country, and murdered Indigenous people law enforcement and tribes. federal government to report and manage filled the room in the state capitol, cases makes it more difficult to track including running for tribal office, “We already notify tribes now when there including family members of Emily MMIW numbers and is not conducive meeting with elected officials and is an Indian child that goes into foster Morgan. Her mother Kim Merryman to open communication. Native women continuing to practice tribal traditions. care. … So why can’t we make this a part discussed Morgan’s case, highlighting are falling through the system’s cracks. of the process when there’s a missing “We need everyone on board and the need for legislative changes. person’s report or there’s a murder “We also need to think about giving advocating for a change in the legal “All that I know to do is to be her voice victim found?” Gray asked. “Let’s make tribal law enforcement access to national framework but also a restoration of and to share her story,” Merryman it a part of the process to contact that databases and then mechanisms that our traditional cultural values,” Nagle said. Morgan was a citizen of the tribe, because it’s their citizen. And it’s will ensure that state, local and county said. “We’ve always known women Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. In not just their citizen, it’s their relative.” governments also put Native women are sacred, that women are not treated this way with violence. I think even in August 2016, authorities discovered who are murdered or go missing Additionally, Native women experience our own communities, we need to do the bodies of Morgan and her friend into that database,” she added. Totinika Elix in Bache, Oklahoma, violence by interracial perpetrators work to restore those cultural values. near McAlister. More than three years at a higher rate than any other race, More than 5,700 Indigenous women “I think more people have stepped later, no arrests have been made. and often violence starts at home. across the United States were missing or up to the plate to advocate for this murdered in 2016, but the Department “She was 23 years old. She was in college “It’s not just a missing and murder issue. issue, and it certainly has gotten more More times than not, the cases that we of Justice database accounted for attention in the media, which is great.” in her third semester, and she didn’t know only 116 of those, according to an that the third leading cause of death (for look into on that end are tied to domestic Urban Indian Health Institute study. Recent efforts have increased awareness Native women) was murder,” Merryman violence or trafficking or sexual assaults of missing and murdered Indigenous said. “And she is one of those statistics.” or childhood sexual assaults,” Gray said. “If a crime is committed against Native women, but finding a long-term women, the jurisdiction falls to the Jurisdictional boundaries Systemic gaps solution requires additional work. state if it is not on tribal lands, and all With nearly 40 tribes throughout In 1978, a U.S. Supreme Court case too often, the state doesn’t have the “People need to work across jurisdictional Oklahoma, the overlay of jurisdictional determined tribes cannot prosecute desire or the wherewithal to prosecute boundaries to support an investigation. boundaries including tribal, local, county non-Native perpetrators who commit or investigate crimes committed against They need to not use facts that they and state law enforcement can result in crimes on tribal or reservation land. Native women, and oftentimes those haven’t yet uncovered as a reason to mismanaged cases. During the Nov. 19 Legislation that restores tribal jurisdiction cases go unprosecuted or uninvestigated, say they don’t have jurisdiction and hearing, Gray proposed setting aside and sovereignty as nations is one key which is a huge problem,” Nagle said. disclaim any responsibility,” Nagle funds to establish a group of investigators component to overcoming this epidemic. said. “We really cannot abide by that, with the authority to overrule municipal, Until recently, most news outlets did and we need all hands on deck. That’s county and state law enforcement. “Beyond that, if we’re not going to not cover the issue in-depth, and the only way we’re going to start to be restoring the right of the local the public’s lack of education creates curb this epidemic of violence.” “We have to have investigators that can governments on the ground to protect additional hurdles to overcome. override those county sheriffs that say women where they live in their homes, For more information on CPN services it’s a lifestyle issue … colonization and then we need to be thinking about “The media has a short attention for those experiencing violence or the things that go along with that are legislation that provides resources and focus, and I think for the most part, abuse, visit the House of Hope’s website historic trauma, our intergenerational funding to tribal law enforcement,” Native women are invisible. The at cpn.news/hoh or on Facebook, trauma,” Gray said. “We can’t look at a said Mary Kathryn Nagle, Cherokee invisibility is really hard to combat, facebook.com/cpnhouseofhope. 4 DECEMBER 2019 HOWNIKAN Intern secures funding for Cultural Heritage Center project Bridging the Gap Beaubien descendant and Oklahoma Expanding skillset the summer. This experience helped fuel Baptist University senior Kaitlyn Precure her desire to connect with the Nation. recently completed an internship with When Precure approached CPN’s the Citizen Potawatomi Nation’s Office Department of Education Internship “Out of my entire family, it’s just me that of Self-Governance. Her work focused and Project Coordinator Channing has any active involvement with the Tribe, on potential funding opportunities to Seikel about opportunities at the and I know there are so many people like expand the CPN Cultural Heritage Nation, they discussed her passions me who would love to be able to have Center’s programming. Her grant writing to find the perfect placement. As a a connection that gives them a starting efforts will allow the CHC to digitize business major, Precure enjoys data, place to become more involved,” she said. historical documents, including 14 boxes but for her internship, she wanted to Through Bridging the Gap, she hopes of Tribal members’ belongings currently do more than just work with numbers. to find links to her ancestral past possessed by the Oklahoma Historical The opportunity to build her written as well as extend that opportunity Society through Bridging the Gap. The communication skills interested her. to fellow CPN members. funding also supports forming digital “I knew Kaitlyn was an extremely bright archives so that CPN members, educators “Knowing that I had a small part in and the public will have the opportunity young woman with ambition to serve the Tribe. The Office of Self-Governance this project from the beginning, it to access a free internet database, no just feels so special,” she said. matter where they may reside. was looking for someone to work on a summer project, and I believed that she Her internship connected her “Online accessibility allows us to reach would have an amazing perspective to do to Potawatomi heritage and the broadest audience and creates a direct the job,” Seikel said. “She is a business boosted her self-confidence. link between the community and their major, so I wasn’t exactly sure how that cultural resources,” said CHC Curator would work. But it fit really well for a “The Tribe’s internship program really Blake Norton. “It also provides us the short-term project with the Tribe.” helps students understand and figure out opportunity to develop programming Former PLP participant Kaitlyn Precure what they may want or may not want to around the resources that lend to a The Bridging the Gap project is close to enjoys every opportunity to learn more do long term,” Siekel said. “It is all about more comprehensive, enriching and Precure’s heart, as the OHS’s archives about her Potawatomi heritage. trial and error, and having an internship user-friendly research experience.” currently have a box that includes program allows us to figure likes and her Potawatomi family’s artifacts. handwriting, and maybe be able to make dislikes out. I am so glad she had the Bridging the Gap focuses on taking that recipe and have that connection.” opportunity to really figure out that she “I think that’s probably why it was such the documents and artifacts wants a more one-on-one or face-to-face a success because I was so passionate housed by the OHS and pairing Heritage position to work with individuals.” them with Tribal allotments. about it, and that usually helps your writing,” Precure added. “Because I Like many CPN members, Precure did To learn more about CPN’s internship “Understanding the skillset that Kaitlyn wanted for any Tribal family to be able to not grow up traditionally, and she has program, visit cpn.news/edu. brought to her internship, we were see something that visually links them to learned about her Potawatomi roots as excited to go after the highly competitive their heritage … like if there was a recipe, a young adult. In 2017, she accepted grant and get this important project even if it was written out in Potawatomi, the opportunity to participate in the off the ground,” Norton said. for them to be able to see their ancestor’s Potawatomi Leadership Program during Shane Jett receives Visionary Leader Award Shane D. Jett, CEO of the Citizen from loan funds, banks, credit the body. He continues to serve as Potawatomi Community Development unions and venture capital funds the presidential appointee of the U. S. Corporation, recently received the are provided through Native CDFIs, Department of the Treasury Community 2019 Visionary Leader Award in which are powerful tools to advance Development Advisory Board and is the recognition for his contributions to the economic development of the first Native American to chair that board. the Native community development Native communities they serve. financial institutions industry. Established in 2003, the CPCDC has A Cherokee Nation citizen and CEO grown into an important financial “It is an honor to be a part of the of the CPCDC since 2011, Jett’s team institution, serving rural Oklahoma Native CDFI industry, where every has raised more than $77.6 million and Indian Country. The $25 million day I get to put my greatest passion dollars for lending in Indian Country award from the USDA comes on the to work building up and supporting and lent over $79.9 million to Native heels of a separate $1 million in funding Indian Country,” Jett said. “There is entrepreneurs, creating or sustaining over it recently received through the U.S. nothing more rewarding than seeing 1,675 jobs. The Citizen Potawatomi- Treasury’s Community Development fellow Natives and Native communities based institution is the only Native Financial Institution Program to thriving in the business world.” American CDFI to participate in the provide small business lending. U.S. Treasury Guarantee Bond Program. Native CDFIs provide access to capital In 2016, it was awarded $25 million by For more information about the and create economic opportunity for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s loan products and services provided Native Americans, Alaska Natives Rural Development, Community Shane Jett by the CPCDC, visit cpcdc. and Native Hawaiians, and provide Facilities for re-lending — another first org or call 405-878-4697. development services and financial in Indian Country. Jett was recognized 2018. He recently concluded his second products to Indigenous communities by the Native American Finance Officers term on the OFN’s board, having been across the United States. Everything Association as executive of the year in the first Native American to serve on

Stories and games continued... The CPN Language Department Neely highlighted that sometimes CPN dances, we have our regalia, we have our hosts an annual winter storytelling members may feel compelled to tell stories, we have our language, we have Because Nishnabé and Potawatomi event, sharing some of Tribe’s oral these oral traditions outside of bbon. He our recipes, and we have our own unique culture existed before written word, traditions with the community. said to place tobacco down in prayer blood that flows through us from our Neely said it is important to continue and “ask the spirits to watch over it ancestors. We have all of these things sharing traditionally stories orally. “Technically, you’re supposed to tell and not cause any ill or harm to your that make us who we are as a people, them when there is snow on the ground, family for doing it outside of that time.” and I think it’s important to continue “Though there have been times that but you know down here, it’s almost the culture. But it’s also nice that people someone has written this story down or impossible to predict that,” Neely said. For many, learning a short Potawatomi have different outlets to do that.” another one down, there are so many of “The way that we basically try to deal with story is an easy way to incorporate them, you just have to take them in and that is we try to adhere to it the best we Tribal traditions into their families. For more information on Potawatomi remember them that way,” Neely said. can and try and tell them in that window language resources and upcoming “It’s not like you can go to one little spot of time when it is wintertime and “There are all of these things that make us events, visit potawatomi.org. and here are all the winter stories. We respecting that tradition of our ancestors who we are as Potawatomi people,” Neely don’t have a long history of writing.” — that tradition that the spirits are asleep.” explained. “We have our own unique HOWNIKAN DECEMBER 2019 5 Fundamentals fuel Meier’s momentum in research Tribal member Steve Meier works for together resulting in the opportunity ExxonMobil, conducting research at the to really create new options.” intersection of chemical engineering, physics and mathematics. He serves Throughout the years, Meier’s work as the section head of Engineering has been published in multiple Physics, which is part of the company’s publications and scientific journals, Corporate Strategic Research division in including Advances in Physics and the New Jersey. The Lafromboise descendant Journal of Fluid Mechanics. He is also began his career in the energy sector an inventor, and his name appears on after completing his doctorate in several patents for his contribution to chemical engineering at Northwestern engineering designs through his research. University in Illinois in 2007. “I’ve seen whenever we solve a problem “What I really like about working at or get an insight, that then leads others ExxonMobil is that we collaborate to think about a problem differently extensively,” Meier said. “I have very and then take a different approach,” dedicated colleagues here, where he said. “There is a real sense of everyone brings a different perspective validation, as a scientist, to see that based on both their training and when you have that type of impact.” their scientific experience.” “Dual challenge” In 2014, the National Academy of ExxonMobil is committed to doing Engineering selected Meier to participate Steve Meier continues his love of scientific research as he attempts to solve challenges their part to solve the “dual challenge” in the annual Frontiers of Engineering in the energy industry at ExxonMobil. (Photo by Scott Janelli for ExxonMobil) — providing reliable, affordable energy Symposium. The organization brings on to her children and grandchildren. chemistry and chemical engineering after to support prosperity and enhance together promising engineers from across Meier’s great-grandfather moved as his freshman year, and that continued living standards, while reducing industry, academia, and government a child with his family in the early throughout college. His graduate studies environmental impacts around the world. labs to discuss their goals and interact 1900s from Kansas to present-day at Northwestern focused on both the about the future of the field. Pottawatomie County in Oklahoma. physical phenomena and the underlying Over the last few years, his role at the company moved from a research His love for science began at a young mathematics of granular flows that lead “That means a lot to me. Just thinking scientist to the head of a group of age. Meier transferred from Chickasha to mixing. Flowing granular particles, about that story and that journey. It’s such as sand, tend to separate based engineers and physicists working High School to the Oklahoma School on those types of solutions. of Science and Math in Oklahoma inspiring because I know that it is on their properties such as size and a story of people who were looking density. How that phenomena evolves City his junior year. Meier discovered “This is also society’s dual challenge after their family and working very depends on the characteristics of the his interest in chemical engineering and something that ExxonMobil hard, looking for opportunity in the flow. While at Northwestern, Meier after taking courses in physics and takes very seriously. So that, I would face of significant adversity,” he said. received a National Science Foundation chemistry, which eventually led to say, underpins everything we do with Graduate Research Fellowship in 2004. a graduate degree from one of the Meier remembers attending Tribal our scientific research,” Meier said. country’s best research universities events as a child and learning about the At ExxonMobil, creating something “What I work on is the fundamental and employment at ExxonMobil. history of the last several generations of new builds his excitement the most. science where we focus on the questions his family. As the father of two children, Family base Meier believes science’s fundamental that we believe that underpin, say, he now passes it on to them. They visit principles serve as the foundation for the ability to reliably and effectively Meier felt a connection to not only his Oklahoma a couple of times a year and development, and he keeps those at the produce energy resources.” future career while at Northwestern, attend the Family Reunion Festival in forefront of his mind while working. but also to the university’s location the summer when possible. The 2019 Collaborating with scientific researchers Some of those goals include new methods as a member of a Great Lakes tribe. Festival honored the Lafromboise family, and development engineers means of oil and gas extraction and exploration and Meier made a point to participate. using the group’s collective creativity in various environments as well as the “Knowing the story of the Potawatomi, The CPN Cultural Heritage Center stood to solve problems in novel ways. development of computational and especially our family, and the stories out along with the powwow and crafts. numerical simulations of those methods. of when they left Chicago gave me “That really requires us to also then Those simulations could determine a greater appreciation of the context “It was really nice to see how amazing question if we have a new idea. So their effectiveness while significantly of my own time there around Lake of a collection the Heritage Center has what is it that makes it new? Is it the reducing environmental impact. Michigan. Reflecting on their story and the way they tell the story about the confluence of new opportunities? was very personally meaningful while Citizen Potawatomi Nation,” he said. Have there been scientific advances “We think very long-term. … So, there on my academic journey,” he said. that have now put us in a position to are extremely challenging scientific and Excitement of research see things differently?” he asked. technical challenges in front of us today Generations of Meier’s family did not and as we move forward,” he said. discuss their Potawatomi heritage. His As an undergrad, Meier found his passion “And I think what gets me the most maternal grandmother, Peggy McCreery, for scientific research at Rice University excited to come into work every day researched their lineage and passed it in Houston, Texas. He began research in is seeing how those things all come 6 DECEMBER 2019 HOWNIKAN Scuba diving in the CPN geothermal pond

Considered a renewable resource by the chairman (John “Rocky” Barrett) the U.S. Environmental Protection does not want that. He wants the wildlife Agency, geothermal heating, ventilation not to be harmed at all. That’s why we do and air conditioning systems utilize the scrub job on them. That’s the safest the temperature differences between way for the environment,” Berry said. the ambient air and the stable heat underneath the earth’s surface, which Both Berry and Reed consider themselves results in fewer pollutants than outdoorsmen and animal lovers, and they other energy creation methods. enjoy contributing in a protective way. On the forefront of technology and Equipment above and below environmental awareness, Citizen Potawatomi Nation built geothermal Scuba gear is heavy; an 80 cubic foot tank ponds to heat and cool some of its weighs between 40 and 50 pounds. With largest buildings. However, after several the additional weights required to help years of use, the components that sit them sink to the bottom of the pond, in those ponds became less efficient. Berry and Reed carry approximately 75 pounds each. They ease suiting up by In 2016, the Tribe sent scuba divers to taking the tanks into the water before the bottom of FireLake lake to assess strapping them to their bodies, allowing the situation. Chris Berry, a recreational the buoyancy to do the heavy lifting. scuba diver and security guard at CPN Health Services East Clinic, took part Eight heat exchangers sit in the pond, in the first discovery expedition. It and the divers spend an average of showed a manageable issue with the three hours on each one. They take Tribal employees Eric Reed (left) and Chris Berry scuba dive to the bottom of heat exchangers, the components that breaks between plunges to allow the Citizen Potawatomi Nation’s geothermal pond to clean the equipment. absorb or disperse the heat needed pressurized gas in their bloodstreams if you start watching that floating “The rescuers come out there, and to achieve the desired temperature. to escape at a natural pace. around in front of you,” Reed said. they said it would be 45 minutes “We went down, took pictures, showed One tank allows for a 50 to 65 minute for somebody to come out from them, ‘Hey, they are basically just dive. However, their physical exertion “The fish come up to you to your mask (Oklahoma City) to help retrieve the blanketed in this algae, and there’s no increases their air use, which reduces and swim around in front of you. And body that was underwater,” he said. “I way that they can dispense the heat their time underwater. Reed and sometimes you can reach out, and just thought that was ridiculous that like they’re supposed to,’” he said. Berry keep track of their intake with they’ll get up in the your palm of your there wasn’t anybody in Pottawatomie digital monitors on their wrists. hand and kind of just hover there. County that would be available to He and Eric Reed, conservation law It’s pretty neat, pretty exciting.” assist in that type of emergency.” enforcement officer for the CPN “Scrubbing that stuff’s not easy and Department of Realty, began cleaning controlling your breathing at the They take pictures of their Reed enjoys it as a hobby as well. the heat exchangers in 2016. They dove same time,” Berry said. “It’s not like work under the water and keep “It’s just altogether a stress reliever to together in the geothermal pond for the running and jogging. You have to track of the algae’s growth. get under water,” he said. “The only third time at the beginning of October. control what you’re using because you’re limited on how much you can use.” Beginnings noise you have is the bubbles from “We do a good job for the Tribe. We your exhaust coming out of your The two met while working for the get them as clean as we possibly can To clean the geothermal equipment, regulator, and it’s just peaceful.” and that way they work as long as they Berry and Reed head 20 feet under Tribe and became good friends through They both serve as part of the CPN Police can until the overgrowth takes them the surface to the base of the scuba diving. Berry began diving Department’s dive team and take scuba over again, and we have to come back exchangers, which are 7 or 8 inches after knee surgery as low-impact vacations together with larger groups of out and clean again,” Berry said. off the ground. They can see 12 to recreation and exercise and became a 15 inches around them in the murky certified rescue diver nine years ago. people. Cozumel is one of their favorite After several attempts to find a cost effec- water, and the scrubbing significantly destinations. They also find places to tive and environmentally friendly solution reduces their field of vision. He introduced Reed to Scuba Dudes hit the water in Oklahoma, including to the algae buildup, scuba divers with dive shop in Shawnee, Oklahoma, where Lake Tenkiller and Lake Murray. scrub brushes met those standards the best. “The algae comes up, and it’s like a he learned. After witnessing events snow effect, and it blocks a lot of following a drowning at the Shawnee “Just anywhere there’s clear enough “They could use chemicals, but it would your vision. And sometimes you can Twin Lakes, Reed felt the need to become water to enjoy yourself,” Berry said. kill every living thing in the pond. And get disoriented and a little bit dizzy certified as a service to the community. HOWNIKAN DECEMBER 2019 7 Artist Susan Appier finds versatile medium in gourds Geckos, fruit, horses, feathers, birdhouses, While living in New Mexico, Appier “When you open them up, they are peacocks, and giraffes — those are only a attended a rattle-making class in like a dried pumpkin inside,” Appier few customer requests gourd artist Susan the mid-2000s taught by a Nambé said. “Some of them are really hard to Appier has received throughout her career. and Pojoaque Pueblo elder. The style clean, and some gourds I have 30 and Over the last 13 years, the Bostick family passed down for generations included 40 hours in them. And it depends on descendant worked to perfect her artistic cleaning and drilling holes in a gourd the size, and some gourds are softer skills, including watercolor painting, as the container for the pebbles that shelled, so they’re easier to clean.” stenciling, burning in designs and more. make the signature sound. Potawatomi and Nishnabé people also use rattles in She considers her clients’ requests Appier built a business for herself, traditional music, and the class gave on their intended use for the gourd turning clients’ ideas into unique Appier her first experience with gourd art. and their ideas for themes, opening pieces of functional or decorative herself to all suggestions. She recently art. But why gourds? “The whole process fascinated me. So raffled off an apple gourd covered in I moved on to buying equipment — strawberries. Appier turned it into a “I’ve made lamps out of them. I’ve gourd saws, specifically, and the tools bowl filled with different kinds of fruit. made canister sets. I’ve made little specifically for gourds,” she said. “So, jewelry boxes. … They’re very versatile,” I have all kinds of gourds, from little “Each one is completely different on she said. “You can make banks for tiny jewelry gourds to very large.” how it’s going to take the paint and children. I’ve done all sorts of things. the dyes. Some of them I use acrylics, I’ve made nightlights. And each gourd In 2006, she and her sister visited a gourd water-based acrylics, and then other is different, and it takes the dyes festival in Albuquerque, New Mexico, ones I use the gourd dyes,” Appier said. differently, and it intrigues me.” where Appier became inspired. Her Gourd artist Susan Appier takes orders for her unique pieces from across the country. “Some will take white easier. The harder sister bought Appier the first burning shells won’t take the color white in Apart from their versatility, Appier kit she owned, and Appier gave her it’s pathetic looking,” Appier said and the dyes like the softer shells do.” appreciates using a natural, water-based the first gourd she painted as a gift. medium. She started watercolor painting laughed. “But bless her heart. She’s kept Welburn Gourd Farm in California at 6 years old in the late 1950s. A local “It was a wart gourd that had bumps it all these years. … But I have come a provides the gourds as well as many of shop owner in her hometown let Appier all over it. I made a little face on it and long way; I know. It’s like, ‘Why would her supplies, including her new burner, take a beginner’s set with her one day used one of the bumps as a nose. Yeah, you keep that?’ She goes, ‘Because and put the cost on her store account. you made it, and you’re my sister.’” dyes and paints. She purposefully selects Appier’s mother and neighbors paid non-toxic and chemical-free products. Not long after, Appier entered several her for chores to buy the supplies, and gourd pieces into the Santa Fe County Appier looks forward to working on she remembers the set cost $5.19. Fair art contest for the first time. orders in the art studio she opened in Watercolor remains her Some of them she burned, and some her back yard earlier this year. With favorite painting style. she painted. She won five first-place a dedicated space for her watercolor awards and two best of show ribbons. paintings and gourd art, she anticipates Appier’s artistic motto is, “Create beauty spending even more time creating that will make people smile.” She even “Dried pumpkins” “beauty that will make people smile.” printed it on her business cards, which While Appier’s business has grown sit in a holder made from a gourd. “I’m very blessed,” she said. throughout the last decade, she continues Rattles and warts to work a full-time job where she lives For more information, or to place an in Arizona. Her art consumes much order, email [email protected]. Appier drew from the time she could Appier brings her clients’ ideas and of her time as well, and cleaning and Type “Gourd Inquiry” in the subject hold a pencil and painted long before themes to life through painting, preparing the gourds for burning line, and include contact information. she discovered her new favorite medium. dying and burning gourds. or painting requires diligence. Veterans report

Why are the guard’s gloves wet? only 400 worn. The guard must either the guards were given permission to obey these rules for the remainder of suspend their assignment during the The gloves are moistened to prevent their life or give up the wreath pin. storm, they respectfully declined the them from losing grip on the rifle. offer. The soldiers were soaked to the skin Other facts but continued to march in the pelting Does the guard carry their rifle on rain of a tropical storm. The soldiers said The guards’ shoes were developed with the same shoulder all the time? that guarding the Tomb was more than Bozho very thick soles that keep their feet warm an assignment: it was the highest honor (Hello), The guard carries their rifle on the in cold conditions and helps manage the that can be afforded to a service person. shoulder that faces away from the heat. Metal plates on the heels provides I have personally witnessed the guards Tomb. After their march across the the clicking sound as the guards come We can be very proud of the men and at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier path, the guard turns and moves to a halt. Their uniforms must be free women in the service wherever they serve. walking their post and the changing the rifle to the outside shoulder. of wrinkles, folds and lint, and they of the guard at the Tomb. It is a very check themselves in a full-length mirror Duty – Honor – Country. inspiring event. However, most people How often does the changing before going out into the public. Migwetch (Thank you)! watching the soldier as he marches at of the guards happen? his post do not know what they do During the first six months, a guard This month we will not have our reg- The guards rotate every 30 minutes, cannot talk to anyone nor watch ularly-scheduled meeting, but rather or have to do to earn the honor and 24-hours a day, 365 days a year, privilege of being assigned to this post. TV. Instead, they must study the 175 have a Dec. 3 Christmas Dinner at 6 regardless of the weather. notable people that have been laid to p.m. at the CPN North Reunion Hall. rest in the Arlington National Cemetery Contact me for more information. Here are some common questions about What are the physical traits how the soldier/guard mans his post: during off-duty time. Each guard must of the guard limited to? memorize who these individuals are Migwetch (Thank you), How many steps does the guard For a guard to apply for guard duty at and where they are interred. Some of take during his walk across the notables include: President Taft, the Tomb, they must be between 5’ 10” Daryl Talbot, Commander Joe E. Lewis (the boxer) and Medal of the front of the Tomb of the and 6’ 2” tall and their waist size cannot [email protected] Honor recipient Audie Murphy (the Unknown Soldier and why? exceed 30 inches. Other requirements are: 405-275-1054 most decorated soldier of WWII). they must commit two years of their life They march 21 steps, which represents CPN VA Representative: to guard the Tomb, live in the barracks Each guard averages at least five hours the 21-gun salute. This is the Andrew Whitham highest honor given any military under the Tomb and cannot drink any per day preparing their uniform for duty. alcohol on or off duty for the rest of their member or foreign dignitary. They are so committed to their positions CPN Office Hours: 1st and lives. They cannot swear in public for that even in the 2003 Hurricane 3rd Wednesday each month How long does he wait after the rest of their lives and cannot disgrace Isabella, which impacted Washington, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. his about-face to begin his the uniform or the Tomb in any way (by D.C., the guards refused to leave their return walk and why? fighting, for instance). After two years, post. The U.S. Senate and House of 918-397-2566 the guard is given a wreath pin worn Representatives took two days off with The guard waits 21 seconds, also on the lapel that signifies they served as anticipation of the storm, but the ABC representing the 21-gun salute. a guard of the Tomb. Today, there are Evening News reported that although 8 DECEMBER 2019 HOWNIKAN Visiting the Citizen Potawatomi Nation archives By Marisa Mohi The archive and research division of the Cultural Heritage Center holds the The following is part of a series key to a lot of family records. And in by tribal member Marisa Mohi my effort to get to better know where who is learning about the various I come from, it’s where I stopped one ways Citizen Potawatomi can learn morning to learn a little bit more about and connect with the Nation. my ancestors. There’s a simple form that I watched Indiana Jones a lot as a kid, you fill out, and Thompson finds what and so maybe that’s why I carry this information the Tribe has about you. weird view that learning about history “We give you what we have for you to be is a little more adventurous and full of able to do your research,” Thompson said. danger than it is. So, it probably won’t surprise anyone to know that when I After my initial meeting with her, I was went to speak with Czarina Thompson, shocked by the amount of information the family history specialist at the Citizen that was available. In an age where I Potawatomi Nation Cultural Heritage can type any query into Google and Center, I assumed there would be booby immediately receive information, it’s traps and treasure hunting clues. always intriguing to me to find that there are still some mysteries that other forms of research can uncover. Henry and Mary Ford. After my request, Thompson provided me with a disk full of pictures and copies of Even though I’m still wading through more. And while popular sites like hand-written records that sit in the CHC all the documents, what Thompson ancestry.com can be helpful, looking archives. Just by giving her the name of has provided me has been amazing. through county records and county my ancestor on my Tribal ID, she was assessor land ownership records can able to supply me with an overwhelming Although she admits that not all families help Tribal members get access to amount of my personal history that, are as well documented as others, land records and official documents. prior to now, I had no idea existed. Thompson says that we’re fortunate to have access to the information that we do. For those interested in learning more My ancestor, William Ford, was the about their Citizen Potawatomi son of Mary Nadeau Ford. I had never “Luckily there’s people who Nation ancestors, it can be as simple as seen pictures of either of them, and left enough information and sending Czarina Thompson an email only knew that William was listed on made sense of it,” she said. at [email protected]. the 1887 rolls. “However, Thompson was able to provide me with photos of But receiving information from the Marisa Mohi is a member of the some of my ancestors, land allotment family history specialist is just the Nadeau family and is a writer and records and all sorts of scanned images beginning. Thompson recommends writing instructor at the University of Oklahoma. You can follow from the past. Looking through those some resources for digging in deeper. her on Facebook or Twitter @ records shined a light on that section Checking multiple spellings of last themarisamohi. Her writing can of my family tree for the first time, and names is a great way to find more be found at marisamohi.com. it was a quiet moment of connection information, since the spelling could’ve when I realized where I came from.” changed based on pronunciation or who was doing the spelling. Checking with While the research into my past in no historical societies in both Oklahoma Left to right, Vernie Ward, Louise-Lula- way resembles an Indiana Jones-style and Kansas, as well as Catholic Church Ford Ward and her mother Mary E Ford. treasure hunt, the payoff is sweeter. records, can be a good way to find out Tribal election notice for 2020 Tribal election season will soon be underway as Citizen Potawatomi Nation voters prepare to elect candidates for two Oklahoma legislative seats — Districts 9 and 12. CPN members will cast their ballots during the election on June 27, 2020, that takes place during the Citizen Potawatomi Nation Family Reunion Festival near Shawnee, Oklahoma. Candidates must be 18 years old prior to Election Day. Legislative Districts 9 and 12 are located in Oklahoma but have no geographic boundaries within the state. When applying, candidates must select one specific seat they wish to run for on their filing form. They must also have lived in that selected district for at least six months prior to Election Day. Declarations of candidacy must be mailed through the U.S. Postal Service and in the CPN Election Committee’s hands no later than 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020. Request filing forms via email at [email protected] or by calling 405-275-3121 and requesting the CPN Election Committee. Current incumbents are District 9’s Paul Wesselhöft and District 12’s Paul Schmidlkofer. trust earnings. No principal from the CPN members who are at least 18 years individual candidate for legislative seats fund is spent, but the budget pays old on Election Day will be eligible 9 and 12 as well as the Tribal budget. Tribal members will also vote on the for national service projects and the to vote. All eligible Tribal citizens CPN members around the country can budget that manages the Nation’s executive branch of the Tribe. living in Oklahoma can vote for each cast ballots for the Tribal budget. HOWNIKAN DECEMBER 2019 9 Writer Jeffrey Thomas constantly composes the next idea

After almost two decades, author and high praise increased his confidence, Inspirations Citizen Potawatomi Nation tribal which he needed to finish Osiris. member Jeffrey Thomas released As an author, Thomas draws ideas his first novel in March 2019 — a “After the first two or three assignments, from all facets of his life — dreams, military science fiction tale named she asked me, ‘Why are you in here?’ work, family heritage, and likes and Osiris. The title comes from the name And I said, ‘Because I want to learn dislikes. He also uses opportunities of the giant spaceship the characters how to write.’ She just kind of looked like NaNoWriMo to cultivate whatever travel on throughout the book. at me. She said, ‘You already know strikes him, and the added pressure of how to write,’” Thomas recalled. a deadline helps keep him composing. A sci-fi story fits as Thomas’s first publication, given his lifelong love for the “But it took me a long time to He carries a hard drive in his pocket genre as well as fantasy, history, dystopian finally get to, ‘OK. I want complete with him everywhere. It holds about 35 outlines and manuscripts for tales and action-adventure plots. strangers to read my work.’” everything from historical fiction to “I think I was 5 when my dad took me Osiris techno-thrillers, some of which come to see Star Wars in the movie theater. from his day job as an IT and systems Osiris is the first in an upcoming So, I’ve always been a fan of science engineer for a pharmaceutical company line of books Thomas calls fiction,” he said. “And my dad also took where he lives in North Carolina. the Derek Cross series. me to see Raiders of the Lost Ark. So, I As a descendant of the Higbee family, love the action. I just, I love stories.” Cross is a military commander with Thomas also outlines stories for fictional a complicated past who made some Author Jeffrey Thomas' writing spans Beginnings pieces based on Potawatomi history and difficult decisions. He ended up aboard many fictional genres, including several subsets of science fiction and fantasy. lore. He and his family attend Family Thomas remembers creating fictional a spaceship named Osiris, traveling Reunion Festival, Potawatomi Gathering worlds as early as middle school when in a cryogenic state to a new colony aircraft, airplanes, that kind of stuff — of Nations and powwows when possible, he lived in Lexington, Oklahoma; with other military personnel. A still recognizable technology,” he said. and he teaches his children what he knows. yet, he only wanted others to read doctor also on the ship awakens “It’s more grounded than something “I’ve been inspired by the resilience his work within the last few years. As Cross after hijackers seize the ship that’s set 500 years in the future.” of the Tribe and how the Tribe has a young adult, he attended college en route to the new solar system. overcome adversity, and the stories at the University of North Carolina Thomas thought of the idea years Thomas describes developing the of the Trail of Death and how we Wilmington for biology and chemistry. before he started pushing himself, and novel as “an exercise in ‘what if.’” he completed Osiris during National look at the Tribe now, and I get While in college, a girlfriend wrote While the military sci-fi piece takes Novel Writing Month 2002. During kind of emotional,” Thomas said. him a poem. Thomas felt he needed place a century in the future, he NaNoWriMo, authors use the internet strove to keep it comprehensible. He hopes to publish full novels to reciprocate the gesture and gave it to keep track of and challenge each with historical acknowledgments, his best shot. The poem to her was the other to finish 50,000 words of a “Instead of having spacecraft that just allowing readers to learn more about first thing he let anyone else read. manuscript each November. The Potawatomi and Native Americans. float in the air, I have helicopters, I have supportive atmosphere helped him “I was impressed that she was impressed finish the novel; however, it sat on the “That’s a story that people need to know because I was so embarrassed to shelf unpublished until spring 2019. about. People just don’t, and if I can write it. I’m not a poet by any change that through telling these stories means,” Thomas said and laughed. “I just was too afraid and too paranoid, … that would be fantastic,” he said. and I didn’t really feel comfortable He began coming up with stories getting it out there,” Thomas said. “And More than anything, storytelling as a side hobby after entering the finally after all those years, I finally was itself keeps Thomas going. workforce, and passion struck him. like, ‘I’ve got all these other stories I want to write. I’ve got to do something.’” “I just enjoy that, and I like to tell the “After college is when I really said, ‘You story. Even if I’m not writing, I like know what? I want to write; I’ve Since it came out in March, readers have telling people about the story that I got all these stories. I’ve got all these given Osiris five-star reviews and said wrote or that I’m writing,” he said. things going on in my head,’” Thomas they enjoyed the plot and characters. said. “And it was funny because by One reviewer likened it to “Die Hard in Expect more from Thomas, including this time, I had started going back and space,” given the humor incorporated the second Derek Cross book coming looking at old things that I had written, into each chapter. Thomas considers in 2020. Find Osiris online, as and it actually didn’t sound bad.” the comparison a compliment. both an eBook and paperback on Amazon at cpn.news/osiris. It is also He decided to take a night class as He is currently working on the available in paperback at all online UNCW in the fall of 1999 to brush second Derek Cross book, which book retailers, including Barnes & up on his grammar and learn how Osiris by Jeffrey Thomas, has led to ideas for a spinoff series Noble. Keep up with Thomas on to construct a story. His instructor’s released March 15, 2019 as well as a companion series. his website at jeffreythomas.net. House of Hope’s holiday toy drive By Kayla Woody, Some wonderful businesses in the If you are not a shopper and would Prevention Specialist community are helping House of rather give a gift card, the House of Hope by allowing customers to drop Hope would be happy to purchase It is crisp outside, and the tunes on the off these gifts. Businesses include: that special gift for you to present radio tell us, “It’s beginning to look a lot to our young residents. Candy and like Christmas.” With the holidays upon • Shawnee Power Equipment - 14000 US-177, Shawnee, OK 74804 sweets are a great holiday gifting us, everyone is hustling and bustling to idea, but due to various food allergies, get gifts purchased for their loved ones • Acclaimed Family Medicine – 2508 we ask you to exclude them. and nestling them under the tree with a N. Harrison St., Shawnee, OK 74804 bow. However, not all families will get to • Shawnee Public Library House of Hope is very grateful for enjoy the holidays with a nicely wrapped – 101 N. Philadelphia Ave., everyone who is willing to participate gift to tear open on Christmas morning. Shawnee, OK 74801 in this wonderful giving experience. If you have questions about the Citizen Potawatomi Nation House of • Theopolis Social Club – 419 E. Holiday Toy Drive, please feel free Hope is asking the community this Main St., Shawnee, OK 74801 to contact me at 405-275-3176. holiday season to give to the souls at These locations will be accepting toys Christmas that need it the most. House of from Nov. 18 – Dec. 16. Our main If you are experiencing intimate Hope is hosting a Holiday Toy Drive this location at 1310 S Gordon Cooper partner violence, sexual assault or December for the children residing at their Drive, Shawnee, OK 74801 will also stalking and have questions, please emergency shelter located in Pottawatomie be taking those donations. All gifts will contact House of Hope’s crisis line County, Oklahoma. Smiles and good need to be unwrapped, but wrapping at 405-878-4673, or visit us online tidings are really what these families need paper, bows and bags will be accepted at facebook.com/cpnhouseofhope. during the holidays, and a donation of a separately. Gifts can be purchased new, unwrapped gift could do just that. for newborns to 14 years old. 10 DECEMBER 2019 HOWNIKAN Sisters’ sewing helps build self-esteem

Founded in 2018, the Kwek Society and grandmother, the past few strives to decrease access barriers to years, Fleischfresser has attended menstrual supplies that many young regalia classes at the CPN Cultural women, especially Native Americans, Heritage Center under Leslie Deer. face. Citizen Potawatomi Nation tribal member and District 2 Legislator Eva “I would have to say, joining regalia Marie Carney formed the organization classes taught by Leslie Deer would be to help end period poverty across Indian my turning point in loving the creation Country. Her nonprofit’s efforts inspired process and knowledge,” Fleischfresser said. fellow CPN members and sisters Jayne The sisters — with the assistance of Fleischfresser and Czarina Thompson to fellow Dewegen Kwek members — create special, handmade fabric moon combined their sewing skills to develop time bags that the Kwek Society gifts a step-by-step moon time bag tutorial to students across North America. that Carney shared on the Kwek “I love our culture, for what we stand for Society’s webpage and social media. and how we come together as a whole,” “My sister is one of the most caring Fleischfresser said. “It’s amazing what we people I know,” Fleischfresser said. “She’s take for granted in our daily routine we always there, able and willing to help call life. To imagine that there are young where she can and rallies the troops to girls and women that cannot attend help, and we do. We have such wonderful school or work because they are on their Native American students across North America receive moon time bags through the Kwek Society as well as additional supplies and educational materials. (photo provided) support in our ladies hand drum group moon cycle and they don’t have the items Dewegen Kwek; they are always willing they need to get them through the day — The process across one to hold travel-size tissues, and able to help wherever it is needed.” if we can make a difference in their lives, and I thought, ‘This could work.’ well then, that just enriches our lives too.” After the sisters spoke with Carney, they The Kwek Society’s work positively started creating plans and trying out “Then we just modified it from there. influences women and girls across the Knowing the vast skillset of Thompson, new methods to sew the discreet bags as I got my rotary cutter and mat, and continent every day. Because of this, the Fleischfresser and other members well as opened the opportunity for other started going through scraps of material. sisters’ personal experience and their of Dewegen Kwek — a local women’s Dewegen Kwek members to get involved. I have found that using fat quarters is connections as Bourbonnais and Tescier drum group — Carney asked if they pretty good — the ones that are 18 by descendants inspired them to complete could help create moon time bags. “My sister is a Pinterest freak,” 21 inches at least in size,” she added. the moon time bag project, making Thompson said and laughed. “She hundreds of satchels to assist fellow “I can’t say enough about Eva Marie started playing with her material Using 18-by-21-inch fabric can Native American women and girls. Carney’s good and gracious heart,” and using different patterns from yield approximately three moon Fleischfresser said. “She had mentioned online. We were just looking at what time bags, and often, strips “We’ve all been caught off guard without this project to me and my sister Czarina we could do with whatever we had.” designed for quilts work as well. something in our lives — at least at the Potawatomi Gathering of Nations most women have,” Thompson said. in Mayetta, Kansas, in 2018 to see if we Fleischfresser purchased pads to Just as the Kwek Society celebrates “Multiply that times any other social could help, and it was a definite yes.” help determine the amount of fabric womanhood and provides connections, stigma, socioeconomic problem, or needed to complete the project. the moon time bag project also whatever; maybe you don’t have a place The Kwek Society strives to uplift the served as a chance for the sisters and to get them … if someone never has to successes of Native Americans and “We were looking for something that fellow Dewegen Kwek participants get to that point that would be nice.” provide menstrual supplies, as funds would be discreet when carried in a to spend quality time together. allow, while also raising awareness purse or a backpack and be able to meet To learn more about the Kwek Society of the dire need for period equality their needs,” Fleischfresser said. “I was Although both sisters grew up and detailed instructions on creating across Indian Country and beyond. looking through patterns and came learning to sew from their mother moon time bags, visit kweksociety.org. Recognizing child abuse and neglect By Kendra Lowden, Foster are physical abuse, neglect, sexual Care/Adoption Manager abuse and emotional abuse.

Child abuse and neglect can have lifelong What does neglect mean? implications for victims. There are long-term consequences of experiencing Neglect is the failure of a parent or childhood trauma, even if a person has caregiver to provide for a child’s basic physically healed. A person’s ability to needs. When we think of neglect as just the absence of something, it cope and thrive after trauma is called may not sound that bad. But to a resilience. With help from loved ones and child who relies completely on adults, professionals, children can work through neglect can feel like a threat to his or and overcome their experiences, while her survival. Neglect includes failure transitioning from victim to survivor. to provide medical or mental health What is child abuse and neglect? treatment, appropriate supervision, safe shelter, food, education and more. The Federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act defines child abuse and Are homelessness and poverty neglect as, at a minimum, “any recent act considered abuse and neglect? or failure to act on the part of a parent or No. Homelessness and poverty by caretaker which results in death, serious themselves should not be reasons a physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse family becomes involved with a child injuries, emotional withdrawal, abuse mandated to report suspected abuse or exploitation (including sexual abuse welfare program. Many families have low to animals, age-inappropriate sexual and/or neglect and can face criminal as determined under section 111), or incomes or find themselves homeless but behavior or knowledge, school charges for failing to inform authorities. an act or failure to act which presents do not abuse or neglect their children. absences and poor hygiene. Remember that reporting your concerns an imminent risk of serious harm.” Child welfare intervention is necessary is not making an accusation; rather, it only if a child’s health or safety is at risk. When and how do I is a request for an investigation and What are the types of child report concerns? assessment to determine if help is needed. abuse and neglect? What signs do I look for? If you are concerned about a child’s For more information, contact FireLodge Each state has minimum standards Common concerning situations well-being and safety, contact your state’s Children & Family Services at 405-878- in which they must define child and behaviors may include parental child abuse hotline immediately. If the 4831 or visit potawatomi.org/firelodge. abuse and neglect. Tribal nations substance abuse, sudden changes in a child is Native American, you can also also define these in their own laws. child’s behavior or school performance, contact the tribe’s Indian Child Welfare Common categories included in law lack of adult supervision, unexplained program. In many states, citizens are HOWNIKAN DECEMBER 2019 11 PCOS’s influence on infertility

By Lenzy Krehbiel-Burton “It (the hormone imbalance) makes you approved it as a PCOS medication, feel like you’re not female,” Gentry said. metformin, which is often used to In hindsight, the signs were all “When I was diagnosed, it all made sense treat Type 2 diabetes, frequently is there for Kristin Gentry. why I didn’t feel like a girl for so long.” prescribed to women with PCOS in A citizen of the Choctaw Nation an effort to lower androgen and blood Gentry’s experience is not wholly unique. sugar levels. If taken long enough, it currently living in Owasso, Oklahoma, JoEtta Toppah, a Muscogee (Creek) Gentry had irregular menstrual can help restart and regulate ovulation, attorney living in Coweta, Oklahoma, but as Toppah is experiencing, it cycles growing up, a family history had several of the symptoms growing up, of reproductive health issues, and does not address the noticeable side including irregular menstrual periods and effects caused by excess androgen. despite being active and eating severe acne. However, despite having an a moderately healthy diet, her emergency laparoscopy done to address “I now have thick, coarse hairs growing weight would fluctuate wildly. a burst ovarian cyst, the possibility of on my chin and sideburns,” Toppah said. After multiple rounds of tests for PCOS was not raised until she and her “I carry tweezers with me all the time to allergies, diabetes and gastrointestinal husband attempted to start a family. pluck those embarrassing hairs out, or sometimes I just use a razor and shave issues, her doctors could not determine “When I went to talk to a doctor about them. I’m extremely embarrassed when the culprit until she and her husband family planning, the first time she did began attempting to have children. The some labs and mentioned polycystic I’m talking to other individuals up close.” verdict: polycystic ovary syndrome. ovarian syndrome to me for the first Gentry previously took metformin “We went to fertility specialist while we time,” Toppah said. “She explained but stopped because it constantly lived in New Mexico, and he showed some of the symptoms, and it was like made her sick. In November, she me pictures of my ovaries,” Gentry all of a sudden a light went off, and underwent bariatric surgery in the said. “Apparently, I had multiple there was finally some explanation to hopes that the improved circulation burst cysts — something that often all the crazy hormonal, reproductive from the weight loss would improve requires an emergency room visit.” issues I had been having my whole the chances of ovulating regularly. life. It also explained why I was ‘It makes you feel like having trouble getting pregnant.” As per a study published in 2012 you’re not female’ in the World Journal of Diabetes, The exact cause for the higher rates bariatric surgery improved the fertility Although it is one of the most common among Indigenous women is not with other people’s perceptions about my rates for 69 of 110 obese women causes of infertility, the exact cause of known, but several common risk size is hard to deal with, so please give us who underwent the procedure. PCOS, or Stein-Leventhal Syndrome, factors are more prevalent among more grace when it comes to our weight.” is unknown. According to the U.S. Native American women, including “Although surgery has both short and Department of Health and Human obesity and insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is when the body long-term risks, the potential benefits Services, roughly 10 percent of women of does not property respond to insulin, may be greater in these PCOS women childbearing age are impacted by PCOS Nationally, American Indians and Alaska Natives are more likely to be obese than thus making it difficult to properly than in older women who are already with even higher rates estimated among absorb glucose from the blood. That more advanced with respect to vascular Native American and Hispanic women. their non-Native neighbors, as per the Department of Health and Human in turn forces the pancreas to make disease,” wrote Michael Traub, one even more insulin to get the job A healthy ovary releases an egg on a Services’ Office of Minority Health. An of the study’s authors. “Every woman done. It can be managed, or even regular basis. If the egg is fertilized, it estimated 43 percent of all Native adults with PCOS … deserves to at least reversed, through diet and exercise. can implant in the uterus and lead nationally and 15.9 percent of Native be offered education and counseling regarding the role of bariatric to pregnancy. If not, it is passed high schoolers are considered to be obese, Living with PCOS as part of a menstrual period. compared to 28.5 percent of white adults surgery in reducing their illness.” and 12.4 percent of white teenagers. With a cure specifically for the condition Even if the surgery helps alleviate In women who have PCOS, ovulation still elusive, doctors often treat the some of the fertility issues tied to does not happen regularly, due in The figures are similar in Oklahoma, individual symptoms instead. part to the development of numerous with more than 40 percent of Native her PCOS symptoms, Gentry said small fluid sacs, or cysts, on the adults considered obese. Despite For women with the condition who she is not sure whether she and her ovary, which is often enlarged. frequently exercising and eating a are not attempting to conceive, husband will attempt to have a second moderately healthy diet, the hormone hormonal birth control is often child. Their daughter, Jewell, was Additionally, excess levels of androgen, imbalance shoved both Gentry prescribed to help regulate menstrual born in spring 2016, after multiple a male hormone, often impede and Toppah into that category. cycles. Depending on the specific PCOS-related fertility treatments ovulation in women who have PCOS. form used, it can also help address the and regular visits to two different Those high levels also sometimes “I’ve gained and lost more than 80 pounds androgen-induced acne and facial hair. doctors throughout the pregnancy. cause external signs visible to others, over the years because of this,” Gentry including excess facial hair, male said. “It’s not because I’m lazy, as there Although the Food and Drug “Emotionally, I’m just not sure I can pattern baldness and severe acne. is more to it. The negativity that comes Administration has not officially handle another round,” she said. 12 DECEMBER 2019 HOWNIKAN Regina Ertz focuses career on serving Indian Country Citizen Potawatomi Nation’s Behavioral of that treatment, Honoring Children- degrees outside, and we’d be in the Health Department hired psychologist Mending the Circle (HCMC). She also barn with no heat and overalls and Regina S. Ertz in September 2018. treats children ages 3 to 18 who engage coats and jackets and gloves. You Certifications and degrees line the wall in problematic sexual behaviors. As a just did what you had to do.” behind her desk, and children’s toys and psychologist treating American Indian books clutter the floor and fill the shelves patients, she believes staying involved and Dr. Ertz said Oklahoma feels like on the side of the room where she sees aware of cultural traditions adds to her home after three years, but she misses patients. Dr. Ertz graduated with her ability to relate and care for her patients. things about South Dakota, especially doctorate of psychology in August 2017 the cold winters and the plains. and became licensed the same month “I don’t think there is such a thing as she began seeing patients at the Tribe. being a true, culturally competent “From where I’m from, you can look, and psychologist. I think it’s something you can see literally 50 miles in front of “I’ve definitely grown a lot, and I that we’re forever growing and working you, and it’s just straight prairie,” she said. think CPN really allowed me for that with,” Dr. Ertz said. “The more you “And so to me, it’s just strange when we’re growth,” Dr. Ertz said. “And it’s been work with that population, the more driving and I can’t see 10 miles in front really nice in that way that I think you’re going to learn and the better of us. I’m used to the flat, no-tree land.” I’ve gotten a lot farther in one year you’re going to be able to do.” than others have, just because of the In addition to riding, Dr. Ertz also began opportunities and growth that have been She occasionally recommends resources teaching herself how to bead at 14 years allowed to me while working here.” for those looking to connect with their old from a couple of books. She makes tribe, and Dr. Ertz wanted to be a part of beautiful earrings and other jewelry, A member of the Cheyenne River Although psychologist Regina S. a Native community through her career. much of which she wears herself. Ertz Sioux Tribe, her cultural and family Ertz, Ph.D., specializes in child During her time as an employee, she has always felt close to her Sioux heritage psychology, she sees patients across connections run deep. She grew up in noticed CPN’s community outreach and throughout her life, and beading helped rural Box Elder, South Dakota, and the lifespan at Citizen Potawatomi way the Nation encourages its members. her establish new relationships. her father is a psychologist as well. Nation’s Behavioral Health facility. Watching him serve other people during “Potawatomi themselves, I’ve really in the summer of 2016, despite never “Over the years, I just connected with her childhood influenced Dr. Ertz’s seen, there’s a big strive and push to having traveled south of Nebraska, and people, and they showed me different decision to choose that field of study. keep advancing, to keep growing, ended up staying for her residency little tricks and how to do certain and I think that’s undervalued in too. Dr. Ertz specializes in child things, and trial and error got me “Really it was just a big interest of mine, a lot of other places,” she said. and it was something that inadvertently psychology, one of the few CPN where I am today,” Dr. Ertz said. he kind of primed me to be like that professionals with those credentials. “It’s growing, even though it may not be However, when she began her doctorate, As her skills progress, she plans to attempt in some ways growing up,” she said. as obvious when you first kind of talk beading regalia pieces and moccasins, “And so it just kind of felt natural.” that focus was not her intention. to people and things like that. There’s a mostly for her young son, Chasen. lot more going on than meets the eye.” From the beginning, she intended “Throughout our graduate training, there Dr. Ertz looks forward to progressing to serve other Native people. That was a clinic that we had on (the UND) Roping in a family culturally and professionally as desire stayed strong throughout campus, and we were just assigned college as she remembered the unmet patients, and part of it was to expose Team roping became a big part of her well as seeing behavioral health needs she saw on reservation lands ourselves to different dynamics, different life as a child, and she decided to stay services at CPN expand. backgrounds of people, different ages in Oklahoma following her residency that surrounded her hometown. “It just improves our ability to provide and things like that,” she said. “And after meeting her husband at a rodeo better services to people who come “Working with Native people, it’s been then, I don’t know how it happened, but event. As she puts it, “The story wrote a goal. Just the whole strive of getting all of a sudden, I just had all kids. And itself.” They continue to rope at events and see us,” she said. “And so no licensed and being able to provide I started getting connected with more around Shawnee, Oklahoma, and own matter how small your issue is, it services to an underserved population, and more people who were specialized four horses on their property, including matters. It’s important, and if you’re and just being part of that culture myself with children, and I realized that it’s just Sunny, who she rode while she learned. having a hard time, this is the place is a connection that I have,” she said. something that connected, and I fit.” to come because we will be able to “He was my child before my child. I grew provide you with an overall, round After she graduated from the University Dr. Ertz’s certifications include Parent up rodeoing on him. He’s retired now, so care of the things that you need.” of North Dakota, Dr. Ertz accepted Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) and he just hangs out in the pasture,” she said. an internship with the University of Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Find more information about Oklahoma Health Services – Child Therapy (TF-CBT), as well as the “It was a way of life. And we still roped CPN’s Behavioral Health Study Center. She moved to Oklahoma American Indian cultural enhancement in the winter, and it would be zero Services at cpn.news/bh. FireLake Discount Foods becomes a Blue Zones Project approved worksite

Blue Zones Project in Pottawatomie Foods leadership support from Mike County celebrated Citizen Potawatomi Lester and Richard Driskell. Nation FireLake Discount Foods’ recent designation as a Blue Zones Project One key point in this approval includes Approved worksite with a ribbon cutting a sustainability plan, a road map that celebration on Nov. 7, 2019. This was ensures that a strong development FireLake Discount Foods’ second Blue strategy is in place in order to continue Zones Project designation after their improving employee health in the coming grocery store approval in early 2018. years. Additionally, a downshifting space was added to ensure employees could Citizen Potawatomi Nation’s designation focus on personal well-being through is due largely to its decisions to intentional stress relief in the workplace. make sustainable changes that help to make the healthy choice the easy “The well-being opportunities choice for their employees. Citizen employers offer is key in making the Potawatomi Nation Vice-Chairman healthy choice, not only a possibility, Linda Capps serves as a Blue Zones but also the easy choice,” said Blue Project steering and leadership Zones Project, Pottawatomie County committee member. She designated Organization Lead, Miriam Bell. a committee of leaders to oversee the Find FireLake Discount Foods Blue Zones Project approval process FireLake Discount Foods staff, CPN Vice-Chairman Linda Capps and online at firelakefoods.com and on members of the community celebrate FDF’s recent Blue Zones recognition. throughout the Nation’s departments. Facebook at @discountfoods.” The Blue Zones Project worksite wellness committee, which includes Karla Sample and Molly Chaney approval process was completed by the Nicole Sanchez, Megan Phillips, along with the FireLake Discount HOWNIKAN DECEMBER 2019 13 Recycling’s role at Citizen Potawatomi Nation

By Holliann Burnett, a healthy recycling program could Public Information Intern reduce that cost by at least 10 percent, saving the Tribe $40,000 per year. Most people are familiar with the recycling bins sitting near the end of the curbs in “Many industries pay to have their their communities. Some view recycling confidential documents destroyed, which as a hassle, where others see it as a duty. is something that an industry our size Wherever one stands, recycling benefits would pay $50,000 to $60,000 a year the planet, provides jobs and even helps for. Being able to do that internally businesses save money. However, China’s would benefit the environment as well 2017 restrictions on what recyclables they as CPN financially,” Tompkins said. will import from the United States have made recycling efforts more complicated Inspiring future generations in recent years. Citizen Potawatomi Nation Environmental Sustainability CPN understands the importance of Specialist Jeff Tompkins oversees CPN’s engaging beyond its own enterprises and recycling program and strives to keep into the community. During large events it a priority for Tribal enterprises. such as the Family Reunion Festival, the hashtag #CPNRecycles becomes popular According to the United States on Facebook. Tompkins believes it is Environmental Protection Agency, crucial to engage the younger generation around 75 percent of what Americans so they can be educated about recycling throw away is recyclable, but only and its benefits and maintain those about 30 percent of it is actually standards into adulthood. The “selfie recycled. With numerous enterprises challenge” engages a wide audience employing more than 2,200 people, by prompting everyone to take a selfie CPN produces no shortage of trash. photograph while recycling an item into Tompkins understands the importance one of the Tribe’s recycling bins. They of recycling. In March 2017 when then use the hashtag #CPNRecycles he came on board, the preliminary and post it to the CPN Facebook page, stages of the recycling program already which enters those who followed the existed. He began with re-implementing steps into a contest to win a prize. “Green Team” meetings with managers “Social media is a good platform to and directors of different enterprises “Roughly over the last 20 months, During this time, he also set up a spread awareness and get a wider at CPN to generate plans for the the Tribe has collected over 200,000 clothing drive at a high school to raise audience involved with recycling. We materials they threw away. Eventually, pounds of material, not only diverting funds for students who could not afford have had huge success from utilizing he met the directors of housing and it from the landfill but also turning an upcoming trip to Disneyworld. these platforms,” Tompkins said. maintenance. With the help of the staff it into a profit,” Tompkins said. The drive lasted one week, and after from these departments, they began seeing advertisements and flyers, the Tompkins laid out some practical ways A potential growth sector dispersing recycling bins around CPN’s community brought over 90,000 pounds to get involved with recycling right businesses and collecting materials. of clothes. When sold, he made enough Tompkins continues to learn and gain here at CPN or any community. Two to support the school’s trip and pay his “I believe CPN is such a large industry new ideas for the Tribe’s recycling beginning concepts for everyone include: personnel who helped with the event. with so many different departments and program. At a training conference in educating yourself on the environmental His business now operates in three enterprises, that what we are doing now Tulsa, Oklahoma, he spoke to a man and financial benefits of recycling as is just scratching the surface of what we warehouses, has a fleet of 13 trucks well as buying reusable goods. For those who began borrowing his parents’ van on and employs a little over 30 people. are capable of (recycling),” Tompkins said. weekends to collect and sell old clothes at CPN, learning the location of the recycling containers and putting them to and shoes. He maximized his profits CPN currently accepts cardboard, Tompkins noted this example to show use is a great step. Familiarization with by splitting them into three groups. paper shred, aluminum and steel cans that there are always new and innovative the site and methods of transporting The first group consists of clothes that internally. Materials such as glass, plastic ways to recycle, and he hopes to one materials to the recycling facility can foam and other plastics are still recycled can be washed, sanitized and reused. day bring these ideas to life at CPN. He assist as well. Whether Tribal member in a slightly different process. These Clothes that can be cut up and used for identified numerous areas that may be or not, every person can do their part items must be placed in a clear, plastic products such as shop rags make up the able to save funds for the Nation or to help protect the environment. sack and put in the green recycling second group. The last group includes turn a profit. He found that businesses bins outside of each department for clothes that can be ground down to similar to CPN’s size have waste bills For more information on recycling an outside company to pick up. be reprocessed into new clothing. of up to $400,000 per year. He believes at CPN, visit cpn.news/cpnoeh. Congress must ensure agencies implement federal laws By Margaret Zientek, others — into a single tribal plan. This Since then, we’ve seen this MOA can do for tribes across the U.S. As a Assistant Director of Workforce eliminates overly burdensome reporting implemented to the detriment of tribal citizen of my Tribe, my state and this & Social Services requirements for tribes seeking to use governments and the people they serve. country, I am dismayed that these funds that help employ, house or educate For instance, agencies have denied at agencies allow certain actors within On Nov. 6, I traveled to Washington American Indians or Alaska Natives. least four programs’ entrance into 477 them to ignore Congressional authority D.C. to inform the U.S. Senate Tribes under the law have the flexibility plans based on criteria unlawfully added by re-implementing the same harmful Committee on Indian Affairs of to use this money at the local level and through the MOA, rather than required behaviors the law intended to curtail. federal agencies’ intransigence in fully report using one metric provided by by the actual law. Simply put, one federal adhering to federal law when it comes The 477 program has been the most the U.S. Department of the Interior. This employee following the whims of a policy to tribal programs. Given my dual not existing in statute has the ability to successful of its kind in the history positions with Citizen Potawatomi principle of local control was the basis of the government-to-government for Congress’ passage of the amended withhold legally obligated funds intended Nation and the Public Law 102-477 for use by a sovereign tribal government. relationships. It is one of the purest Administrative Flexibility Workgroup, 477 law just two years ago. The amended examples of tribal self-determination law sought to remove Washington I again found myself requesting that Additionally, the MOA takes decision- policy. Congress’ unwavering bureaucrats from the decision- Congress enforce its own statutes making power away from U.S. bipartisan support for the program with 12 federal agencies involved in making business at the local level. Department of the Interior, effectively is indicative of the positive impact it funding programs for Indian Country. can truly have, if only Washington’s This bureaucratic intransigence is providing veto power to any of a dozen agencies. This is not allowed by the law. unelected bureaucrats would follow The 477 law is essential for the best exemplified by the dismaying the law and get out of the way. development of effective and efficient memorandum of agreement by these These are just two of several tribal services across the United States. agencies in December 2018. Decided by examples. They are not outliers. It It consolidates funding and paperwork unelected federal employees without any is, unfortunately, more of the same. requirements across a dozen agencies — input from Indian Nations, the MOA is from social services, housing, agriculture, entirely inconsistent with the amended In almost two decades in my position, I workforce development and many 477 law that Congress passed in 2017. have seen how much good this program 14 DECEMBER 2019 HOWNIKAN Jessica McQueen — CPN videographer by day and film production crewmember by night

For Cherokee Nation citizen and and then all of the sudden, breaking news “You have to have a passion and drive Citizen Potawatomi Nation Audio happens. You have to write that story, fit to do that,” she explained. “I would Visual Production Coordinator Jessica it in, pull a graphic, find pictures, and work an eight-hour day then drive to McQueen, sharing stories through visual do all of that in one single commercial Guthrie, which is 1.5 hours away, and mediums is at the heart of her career. She break,” she said. “If you don’t have the I would stay there until like 2 in the joined CPN’s Tribal Heritage Productions most recent information that someone else morning. You have to really want it.” Department November 2018, and does, you’ll get called out for it not only since then has worked on many Tribal by your co-workers, but by your viewers.” Personal favorite projects, including a documentary Feature films In the past few years, McQueen series covering the stories behind the 11 began developing a documentary galleries at the Cultural Heritage Center. In addition to her work with the about her grandfather, Dennis “My work at the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, McQueen stays involved in the Spencer from Oilton, Oklahoma. Oklahoma film scene and opportunities Nation makes me happy because I feel “I wanted to work on one with him for like it’s important to share these stories,” to expand her skillset. In 2018, she served as a production assistant and behind a while, and then he got cancer, which McQueen told the Hownikan. “I’m the scenes photographer for a Lifetime sped up my timeline a little bit,” she Cherokee, and I don’t even know my original film titled In Bed With a Killer. said. “It was cool because we got to go own stories. I just know how important out to Oilton and see where he was it is for people to know their stories and “That was really fun,” McQueen born, where he grew up, and just hearing to know their culture, and I feel like the said. “We shot in this cute little him talk about life was like years ago.” work we do here really helps with that. bakery, and we went to a yoga studio Being able to help people discover things in Edmond and shot there.” During their time working on the project, about themselves is just cool to see.” McQueen learned more about the oil Most recently, she worked on the movie industry’s impact on rural Oklahoma McQueen graduated from the University As a visual storyteller and citizen of set for Southland featuring actress Bella the Cherokee Nation, Jessica McQueen and stories of her grandfather’s youth. of Central Oklahoma in 2017 with a Thorne. McQueen’s mom, Jill Sanchez, seeks every opportunity to highlight bachelor’s in professional media. Before served as the movie’s script supervisor. Native American history and culture. “I loved watching him reminisce about accepting her position with CPN, she his time on the football field, visiting was an associate producer for KFOR- “I got to shadow my mom for a couple learning and seeing that side of it, I his old house with him and the places TV, an NBC-affiliated news channel days, and then I took over for her one realized, ‘Oh, I could do this too.’” he used to hang out as a teen,” she in Oklahoma City. The fast-pace news day when she was gone,” McQueen said. “It was special getting to experience environment allowed McQueen to said. “I would have never looked into Her time on-set provides opportunity to his early life with him like that.” learn a tremendous amount about script supervision, a unit production gain firsthand production experience. the industry in a short time period. manager or producing. It just seemed After filming, her grandfather went too important or too big of a job, but “Here, I’m more on the computer, into remission, but sadly, the cancer “In news, things can change in a second, watching her do it — not that it’s behind a desk, whereas when I am recently returned. McQueen hopes especially when you’re producing a show easy — but watching her do it and working on projects, I’m out in the to create a final version, that way field, helping make the shot,” she said. her family has something to look back on and remember him by for Balancing her day-to-day duties at CPN years and generations to come. and freelance opportunities can prove daunting, but McQueen’s strong interest Learn more about Tribal Heritage WE ARE in the film industry helps provide fuel. Productions at cpn.news/thp. THANKFUL FOR CUSTOMERS LIKE YOU!

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Hownikan - 2019-11-01 Thanksgiving HOWNIKAN DECEMBER 2019 15 CPN Workforce & Social Services Tribal Re-entry Program teaches self-sufficiency This article was first printed in the July prison. … We talk about the way 2018 Hownikan as ‘As CPN’s Tribal Re- life is and how it pertains to the old entry Program coordinator, Burt Patadal way, our Native American ways.” teaches the gift of self-sufficiency.’ Due to the release of hundreds of non-violent offenders Patadal enters prisons and recruits in Oklahoma, it is being re-published candidates with a history of drug or here with edits and updated information. alcohol addiction and works with them as they transition into freedom. The Tribal Oklahoma released more than 450 inmates with newly commuted sentences elder also acts as a sponsor to incarcerated at the beginning of November 2019 — Tribal Re-entry Program candidates. the largest, single-day commutation in “I’m in there helping because I want U.S. history. The releases came in an effort to reduce overcrowded prisons them to know that, when they step out and fulfill state House Bill 1269. from behind those prison walls, that I want them become self-sufficient,” Citizen Potawatomi Nation Workforce he said. “I don’t ever want them to & Social Services offers its Tribal Re- go back there, and I want them to entry Program to former inmates. It know about being an Indian.” is available to members of federally recognized tribes located within the Behind bars, he leads talking circles program’s service area — Pottawatomie, and sweat lodges, infusing pre-release Tribal Re-entry Program coordinator, Burt Patadal leads a re-entry session. Cleveland, Lincoln, Seminole and treatment with Native teachings and Payne counties as well as part of traditions, giving them a sense of Once a client is established, the program again within three years of their release Oklahoma County. The department and three-fourths within five years. higher purpose and self-sufficiency. can help with transportation, utilities, welcomes those eligible to apply. rent, work clothes, education and more. They continue post-release, too. “I want them to know that you have “Any Indian that wants to come in Patadal has more than 25 years of “We try to get you on your feet. It to give it back,” he said of the Native sobriety of his own behind him. American tradition of reciprocity. “If you our program and go through our takes commitment; you have to prove employment training or intense take this experience and you use it to counseling or diversionary or re- “Burt is a diagnostician because he’s yourself. If you do good or if you help other people, the Creator will always entry programs — we’ll help them been there,” said Tribal Judge Philip want to do good work, you show me,” help you. You can’t be stingy in life.” out,” said Burt Patadal, Re-entry and D. Lujan, who oversees CPN’s Patadal said. “Show me you’re working, Diversionary Lead Counselor. “If they Healing to Wellness Court. “Burt can and we’ll back you up all the way.” For more information about re-entry want to be happy, we can help them.” listen — things can sneak in, and he and other Workforce programs, visit In six years, less than five of nearly 350 cpn.news/workforce or call 405- notices if there may be a problem.” He coordinates the program launched participants who completed the Tribal 878-3854. Applications are accepted six years ago with the support of a Patadal can also help them find Re-entry Program have returned to at wssadmissions@potawatomi. U.S. Department of Justice grant. work; affordable housing; finish prison, Patadal said. That success is org. Workforce & Social Services is located at 1549 Workforce Drive, a GED, attend a vocational-tech impressive — a comprehensive Bureau “My program is about getting people Shawnee, OK 74801. Find job listings to be self-sufficient, and my program school or go to college; and get them of Justice Statistics study conducted with the Citizen Potawatomi Nation is about Indians,” he said. “It’s about into substance abuse treatment and in 2005 showed that two-thirds of anytime at firelakejobs.com. the reintegration into society after behavioral health counseling. former U.S. inmates were arrested 16 DECEMBER 2019 HOWNIKAN Tribal Chairman – John “Rocky” Barrett as a period of rest after the fall resources to learn from. Visit a wonderful time for family, At the Tribal government level, harvest and hunting seasons. them at potawatomiheritage. food and celebration, so take your Nation continues to Often living with family inside com or cpn.news/stories. advantage of it while available. succeed. Despite challenges, our their wigwams and longhouses, commercial and governmental they spent the cold winter In addition, while our cultural The Citizen Potawatomi have sectors continue to serve months entertaining and heritage is important, it is equally long been a Christian tribe, and customers and Tribal members growing closer with one another vital that you share old family the aforementioned points about alike. Be proud that we are by telling our peoples’ stories. stories with younger generations. our cultural and family histories one of the leading service and That history is the history of our coincide with the Christmas infrastructure providers in the It is with that in mind that I Tribe. Those stories are key to holiday’s underlying spiritual communities that overlap with remind you to tread a similar our Tribal identity. We honor tradition celebrating the birth of our jurisdiction. Together, path on the holiday occasions our ancestors by remembering Christ. As stress levels can rise our Nation continues to where you see friends and family, them and passing along their from attempts to hold the “per- thrive and grow, and I thank whether you visit with them histories, personalities and fect” Christmas get-together, be you for the honor of serving regularly during the year or not. actions to the next generation gentle with yourself this holiday as your Tribal Chairman. Bozho nikan For the younger ones, tell them who will likely need guideposts season. For those who are plan- Migwetch (Hello, my friend), the winter stories of our people. for their own lives. ners, follow our Tribal traditions Those tales provide a look back and incorporate others into the (Thank you), hope you all had a wonderful at the history of our Potawatomi What may seem like a dull story preparations so that everyone John “Rocky” Barrett Thanksgiving holiday, even ancestors prior to their removal. to you about how you grew or has to pitch in. When dining, I Keweoge if only to take a break from the If you don’t know them, our interacted with your elders as allow the eldest to get food and (He Leads Them Home) hustle and grind of everyday CPN Cultural Heritage Center a young person may provide drinks first, thereby following Tribal Chairman life. Our ancestors in the Great and Language Department have light for someone treading the traditions that our elders Lakes region saw the wintertime developed a wealth of online their own path today. This is did for generations before us.

Vice-Chairman – Linda Capps humbling experience to see the was to build a long-awaited new many years as the Secretary- give in” when the Tribe fell outpouring of love and respect hospital in Talihina, Oklahoma, Treasurer of the Tribe. Beverly behind in building the aviary. for this great leader. Some of followed by a Diabetes Wellness served in the day when the Tribe the ceremony was done in the Center and new clinics in Stigler, was struggling to establish its This article is in tribute to Choctaw language. The choir McAlester, Atoka, Broken identity. She published the first Indian leaders throughout members comprised of Choctaw Bow and Idabel. In addition, edition of the Tribal newspaper Indian Country, Oklahoma Native elders, who wore their he oversaw the construction and was also instrumental in and the United States. I salute regalia, sang in their native of a new Hospitality House designing the Great Seal of the the great leaders who have walked on and those who stand language. Many of the songs adjacent to the hospital, a new Citizen Potawatomi Nation. In strong today in protecting the could be recognized as they recovery center and much more. addition, she helped to correct sovereignty of Indian people. carried the same tune as the the Tribe’s name with the U.S. When Chief Pyle retired in April English version. Governor Bill 2014 after serving 17 years as Bureau of Indian Affairs to the Migwetch Anoatubby of the Chickasaw Chief and 13 years as Assistant proper ‘Potawatomi’ spelling. (Thank you), Nation was one of the eloquent Chief, the number of Choctaw Beverly was a good friend to Linda Capps speakers as he told of long Nation employees had grown many and a strong proponent Segenakwe Bozho history with his good friend, to over 8,000 worldwide. Both for the rights of the CPN (Black Bird Woman) (Hello), Chief Pyle. Chief Gary Batton, Chairman Barrett and I knew people. She was unsurpassed at Vice-Chairman presiding Chief of the Choctaw Chief Pyle personally. My encouraging her friends to be 405-275-3121 work hairman Barrett and I Nation, also spoke to help heart-felt sympathy goes out to their very best and to achieve 405-650-1238 cell attended the memorial eulogize the great former leader. the Choctaw tribal members C [email protected] service for former long-time Chief Batton served with Pyle and to his beloved family to their heart’s desire. She leader of the Choctaw Nation as his assistant for many years. including wife, Patti, daughter, loved our Potawatomi people, Chief Greg Pyle on November son and grandchildren. and she loved the concept of 2, 2019, after his passing on Chief Pyle was especially Tribal sovereignty. One thing Oct. 26. The service was in remembered for the The Citizen Potawatomi Nation that many may not know of the Choctaw Nation’s huge, advancement of Choctaw Health had one of our own former Beverly Hughes is that she impressive event center in Services during his tenure. One leaders walk on Sept. 26, 2019. helped initiate the eagle aviary. Durant, Oklahoma. It was a of his first initiatives as Chief Beverly Inez Hughes served for She would not “give up or HOWNIKAN DECEMBER 2019 17 District 1 – Roy Slavin The first thing: all during the Second, watching the footage landfills. She saw someone at air conditioning at the Grand summer months our area was of the fires in California is the grocery store using their Casino Hotel & Resort, impacted by the flooding in Iowa, heartbreaking. The number own cloth bags, and the clerk FireLake Arena, Tribal housing, Nebraska, Kansas and Missouri. of people who have had to used them. Julia said, “I know and clinics as well as solar To us, it probably means more evacuate is growing every how to eliminate some of these panels on the apartments. because Julia and I both came day. Some only have a short plastic bags.” The grocery stores All of these conservative from this area. As we travel north time to leave their homes to where she shops said they would measures help save money on Interstate 29 — which was escape the fire. The beautiful use her bags. This doesn’t seem and Mother Earth. Thanks to closed from the Missouri line homes and the countryside like a big deal, but we are not the Chairman and Ms. Capps, north for many miles because are being charred by fire. fireman helping with the fires in our Nation is doing its part. of flooding — we go to White California. And we don’t have The third thing that we see a lot Roy Slavin Cloud, Kansas, where there is any idea how to stop the river Netagtege (Forever Planting) of is a commercial for cleaning a small casino. We have family from flooding, but we still want Representative, District 1 up the ocean. As you watch this, working there, so we travel there to help save Mother Earth. We 816-741-5767 from time to time. The last 10 what stands out is how many do recycle what we can and 888-741-5767 Bozho nikanek miles, the road runs alongside plastic bottles and bags they are conserve on electricity and gas. [email protected] (Hello friends), the Missouri River. In years finding. This brings to mind They say every little bit helps. [email protected] past, the fields alongside the hearing Julia complain about all s we watch television each road were filled with beautiful the plastic bags from the grocery We should thank our Nation Aday, three things stand corn and soybeans crops; this store and that something needs for having the knowledge out that say, “What can we do year, for miles and miles, there to change. The plastic bags are to utilize the water at the to help save Mother Earth?” was nothing but water. not recyclable. They go to the hotel, geothermal heat and

District 2 – Eva Marie Carney he thought, “If I shoot one, the Luther King, Jr. memorial others will fly away, and I will weekend. The timing hopefully not have much to eat.” So, he took will permit some of you from the cord off the bow and dove outside the area to travel with into the water and swam under family to participate in the visit. each duck and tied the cord to It’s never too early to RSVP – one of the legs of each duck. He Potawatomi family and friends then tied the end to his wrist and are welcome; there is a 15-visitor came to the surface. This surprised limit. I’ve included a photo of the ducks, which flew off with an early District 2 archives visit. him at the end of the “V” shape. Screaming for them to let him Request for your go, he managed to get loose and emails and for your fell head first into a hollow tree. mailing address for an end-of-year gift Stuck upside down in the tree, Bozho nikanek he could only see out of a small Please send me your email (Hello friends), hole that had been drilled by a address so I can send you email woodpecker. Thinking quickly, he updates. Please note that these Winter stories changed himself into a rabbit updates will be coming from the just as a woodpecker started email address evamariecarney. ack in 2015, our District com, at least until I can figure 2 contest was a story hammering on the tree. He Attendees from the 2010 trip to the Archives of the B said to the woodpecker, “If you National Museum of the American Indian. out how to port my email contest. I received a number database, and group email lists, of winter stories from contest make the hole bigger, you can see how beautiful I am.” The all ages. These include Simon is based on the Thanksgiving that are stored with Google, participants and also reached Ortiz and Sharol Graves’s The Address from the people of the over to the Outlook web-based out to others to gather more woodpecker, not having anything to lose, made the hole bigger, People Shall Continue (Children’s Six Nations living in upstate portal that CPN IT recently set winter stories, along with other Book Press, 1988); David A. New York and Canada; it up for me. Whatever the means traditional stories, for the book and Wiske managed to squeeze Robertson and Julie Flett’s offers a message of peace and I use to communicate, please I titled Winter Stories 2015. At out of the hole but pulled a lot When We Were Alone (Highwater appreciation of our Mother be assured that I will keep your the end of 2015, I mailed 100 of his hair out. He thanked the woodpecker and gifted him Press, 2016); Traci Sorell and Earth and all her inhabitants. email address and other personal copies of Winter Stories 2015 to Frane Lessac’s We Are Grateful: information I’ve collected requestors. It’s hard to believe with a red tuft of hair for head This book now is part of our feathers. As Wiske ran away, the Otsaliheliga (Charlesbridge, annual Fall Feast programming. as the District 2 legislator that was four years ago! If you 2018); and Chief Jake Swamp confidential. Also, if you are in did not get a copy, or want an woodpecker said, “That Wiske doesn’t look very beautiful to me.” and Erwin Printup Jr.’s Giving You may borrow one of these District 2 and want to receive electronic version, visit cpn. Thanks: A Native American Good books or any others in the an end-of-year gift (a District news/winterstories2015 for a That is the reason woodpeckers Morning Message (Lee & Low District 2 library on the 2 tradition at least since 2015) downloadable PDF. You can have a red head and ducks Books, Inc., 1995). The People condition you agree to return (see above), I will need you to visit my website at any time, fly in a tight formation as Shall Continue is a teaching story, what you borrow on a timely confirm your current mailing evamariecarney.com, and under they think of Wiske. the purpose of which is to instill basis! (I’ll mail out the books to address (to avoid costly USPS the “Heritage” tab find a PDF a sense of responsibility for you. Borrowers are responsible returns of misdirected mail). of the book. (The password to District 2 library additions life. Its concept of “the People” for return mailing costs. Mailing access the “Heritage” content is and lending information Best wishes encompasses all people now costs are affordable using USPS “potawatomi heritage.”) Please I’ve recently collected a living on this land who have book rates.) A complete and Along with my husband take note that the Potawatomi been the victims of inhumanity. teaching is that the traditional couple of storybooks that are growing list of books available Alan Cohen, our daughter instructive and entertaining for The storyteller turns to all of for borrowing from our District Elise (Mtenose) and our son stories in the book that involve us and says that we must be Nanabozho Wiske 2 Library is available at cpn. Marshall Cohen (Wasmikas), I or are told responsible: “We must take great only in the wintertime. This news/d2library and can be wish you and your family a care with each other,” he says. found anytime on my website, blessed holiday season and is the time when the earth “We must fight against those and the spirits are asleep. under the “Services” tab. a healthy and happy new forces which take our humanity year. Migwetch (thank you) Here’s one of the stories from us. We must ensure that Archives visit for the honor of representing about Wiske’s exploits (on life continues.” When We Were We have our next date for a visit you; please keep in contact! page 21 of the book) that Alone is a story about life in to the Archives of the National always makes me smile: a residential school, where Eva Marie Carney everything was taken away. We Museum of the American Ojindiskwe (Blue Bird Woman) A long time ago Wiske was Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga takes Indian, in Suitland, Maryland Representative, District 2 hunting in the woods for the reader on a journey through (just outside D.C.). It is Friday, 2200 N. George Mason Drive something to eat. He was very the year with a Cherokee Jan. 17, 2020. It will be good PO Box #7307 hungry because he hadn’t eaten in family and the Cherokee to start the new year off with Arlington, VA 22207 several days. He came to the edge Nation as they express thanks a Potawatomi gathering and a 866-961-6988 toll-free of the woods and saw a flock of for celebrations. Otsaliheliga visit to our objects housed in the [email protected] ducks on a pond and drew back Attendees learn about Native is a Cherokee word used to archives. This date is the Friday evamariecarney.com his bow to shoot one. But then American artifacts during the tour. express gratitude. Giving Thanks before the three-day Martin 18 DECEMBER 2019 HOWNIKAN District 3 – Bob Whistler American nations in attendance. by Congress each year. The U.S. This was the year for electing census results also determine how NCAI officers. Jefferson Keel of many U.S. representatives there the Chickasaw Nation was the are for each state. Depending outgoing president, and he chose upon the total citizens in a state, not to run, although eligible. it may gain or lose a representa- He has served in that capacity tive. The U.S. Census staff has for three different terms and is recommended that if a house- very highly respected. Our new hold has a couple where one is president, Fawn Sharp, is from Native and the other is not Na- the Quinault Indian Nation. She tive, that you list the Native adult appears to have lots of energy, first so that the entire house and in her presentation speech, hold is counted as Native. If the she described herself as the lawyer non-Native is listed first, then the warrior! The first Vice-President household is listed as non-Native Aaron Payment, a citizen of or whatever the ethic group is for Bozho that person. This year, they have (Hello), the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, and Secretary come up with a numerical list for census, check to make sure they as 3 years old came in regalia and Voting Juana Majel-Dixon of the Pauma several thousand of the various have a valid ID badge with their danced. They are taught their Band of Luiseno Mission Indians ethnic groups. It encompasses photograph, a U.S. Department Native language on a daily basis. or starters, I hope that all of were re-elected. We have a new detailing individual census ID of Commerce watermark and an We also saw several other danc- Fyou who were eligible to vote treasurer, Clinton Lageson of the numbers down to individual expiration date. If you suspect es. The men in the Eagle Dance in the Nov. 5 Texas election did Kenaitze Indian Tribe, who ran tribes. There is a general number fraud, call 800-923-8282 and have a cape of eagle feathers and so since we had 10 amendments unopposed. NCAI was formed used for simply putting down speak with a U.S. Census Bureau a small bustle. The Corn Dance to the state constitution plus in 1944 to give the Native that you are a Native American. representative. The census may males have antlers, and the fe- several bills for bonds — one of American nations a vehicle Our nation has its own number. be conducted by mail, online males carry eagle feathers in their which involved funding for our and large voice to strengthen You need to write in that you are or in person. In-person visits right hand and an ear of corn in schools, and another relating to sovereignty through resolutions a Citizen Potawatomi Nation usually only result if they have no their left hand. We also saw an creating a state income tax. My with the U.S. Congress. member! They do have a gener- information for a specific address Apache arrow dance that was pre- primary concern dealt with the al number for the Potawatomi or the form that was filed was sented by two women. One eve- fact that amendment four pre- Tribal ID cards Nation as well as a number for incomplete. I do have a contact ning, there was a Buffalo Dance vented our elected representatives each of the seven U.S.-recog- with a local representative that was very different. The from holding the sole power to I attended a number of breakout nized Potawatomi Nations. By in Dallas; so, if you have males had headwear with buffalo create a state income tax. By vot- sessions at the convention, the just listing as generalized Native something immediate that needs horns, and their upper torsos ing for that amendment, it would first dealing with trans-border American or Potawatomi, it attention, please give me a call. were covered in a rather dark but require a vote in the future of issues and acceptable Transpor- then will reduce the number of see-through fabric. They carried a Tribal youth small bow and arrow in their left two-thirds of the citizens to cre- tation Security Administration citizens for our Nation and may ID that is required for air trav- negatively affect grants that we hand. They had a rattle in their ate a state income tax. We, rather For our Tribal youth between el. At this time, Oklahoma has apply for. So, to ensure we apply right hand. The women dancing than just our elected representa- the ages of 16 and 24, there is for various grants and are eligible with them also had rattles. There tives, would be in control of that the only driver’s license that is an organization called, United for the maximum available, you was a fashion night where models possibility. Last month, I brought not acceptable as TSA ID for National Indian Tribal Youth, need to be sure you note Citi- presented some regalia as well as up voting in hopes it would re- the new Real ID that TSA will which offers a great opportunity zen Potawatomi Nation on the very classic wear from four dif- mind you of this year’s election, enforce on Oct. 1, 2020. There for Native American students to form. The census will begin in ferent Native American fashion which was not well advertised. are currently 10 nations who are network and share experiences the spring, and I will be remind- designers. I was very impressed Voting went very well on the updating their tribal ID cards with other Native students. There ing you again of what is needed with the designs presented. amendments. Every amendment to comply with the new Real are some fees associated with ID requirements. Our Tribal ID to maximize our numbers with except number one was approved. belonging. For any student wish- District 3 meeting cards are acceptable to TSA, but the Census Bureau tabulation. The citizens voted against allow- ing to secure more information that may expire in October 2020. ing a judge to serve in another No doubt, scammers may on their councils, you may go On Saturday, Dec. 14, we community in which he was not U.S. census attempt to use the U.S. Census to unityinc.org or call 480-718- will hold a district meeting in elected or appointed. Amend- Bureau as a tool to steal 9793. There are over 220 youth Corpus Christi at the Hawthorn ment number four that dealt The next breakout meeting I at- information. Remember, the U.S. councils operating in 36 states. Suites by Wyndham, 1442 with personal income tax passed, tended was with the U.S. Census South Padre Island Dr., from census will never ask for your CPN Community which means in the future the Bureau. As mentioned in a prior Social Security number, bank 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Lunch will Development Corporation elected officials cannot just create Hownikan article, the census data account or credit card numbers, be served. Please RSVP so we order enough food. Email me at a bill and pass it to create state is used for appropriation deci- or request money or donations. Our director of the Communi- personal income tax. The citi- sions for the distribution/alloca- If someone comes to your home [email protected], or ty Development Corporation call 817-229-6271 and advise zens now have that power and tion of the annual federal funds to secure more answers for the came up with a resolution that I would vote in the future for that the number in your party. I look took to the NCAI taxation sub- forward to seeing you there. if they wanted it. I did send out committee, and it was approved. an email to those of you whose NCAI staff will develop a plan to Bama mine email address I have. It would be take it to the federal government (Until later), nice to have addresses for any of for implementation. The resolu- you who didn’t receive the infor- tion is designed to give all Native Bob Whistler mation I sent out on this election. American CDC operations many Bmashi (He Soars) I thank all of you who voted. thousands of dollars in federal Representative, District 3 tax credits for certain types of 112 Bedford Road, Suite 116 NCAI Convention loans. Shane Jett and his staff are Bedford, TX 76022 817-282-0868 office In October, I spent five days to be commended for coming 817-229-6271 cell in Albuquerque, New Mexico, up with this type of legislation. 817-545-1507 home attending the National Congress New Mexico culture [email protected] of American Indians annual [email protected] convention as our Tribal alternate We were treated to many cultural delegate. This year, there were events while at NCAI. The Isleta 161 nations out of the 567 Pueblo Children’s Dance Group federally recognized Native Corn dancers perform at NCAI Convention. of pre-school children as young HOWNIKAN DECEMBER 2019 19 District 4 – Jon Boursaw 2020 CPN Family Reunion a portion of his land to be Festival will be held in Shawnee, used as a railyard and train Oklahoma, on June 26, 27 station, and the development and 28. This year’s honored of the city followed. families included the Bruno, Darling, Hardin, Higbee, Lewis, Elders Christmas Potluck Nadeau, Slavin and Smith. The Elders Christmas Potluck at 2020 Gathering of Potawatomi the CPN Community Center Nations will be hosted by the in Rossville is scheduled for Hannahville Potawatomi, who Dec. 13 at noon. The main dish are located in the south-central will be roast beef. Come join us section of the Upper Peninsula and bring your favorite holiday of Michigan. Tentative Dates side dish or dessert. Please are Wednesday, July 29, to RSVP to Tracy at 785-584- Saturday, Aug. 1, 2020. 6171 if you plan on attending. Wamego water tower boasts eight different vibrant colors, Bozho helping it win the Tank of the Year Award. (Hello), Award-winning water tower Elders January Potluck for the CPN scholarship if Finally, it has been a pleasure Holiday greetings How many other CPN families The January Potluck will be they are enrolled members to serve as your legislative have their name on an award- held on Jan. 10, 2020, at noon. of the Tribe. I’m available to representative this past year, and eggy and I would like to winning water tower? The assist you in the application I am looking forward to the sincerely wish you and your Wamego family name is proudly Recognizing P December graduates process as is my brother, Lyman, coming year with enthusiasm. family a very merry Christmas displayed on the water tower who is located in the CPN and a happy new year. We located in the Kansas town If you are, or a member of Community Center in Rossville. Migwetch hope that your holiday season bearing the same name. But your family is a December (Thank you), is safe and only filled with joy more importantly, Wamego has graduate, you need to send the Item of CPN Tribal history and happiness. This past year Jon Boursaw, the best-looking water tower following information no later was an extremely active and I recently received a series of Wetase Mkoh (Brave Bear) in the country. The Tnemec than Dec. 15 to graduation@ rewarding year for me, and I emails containing items of Representative, District 4 Company, a nationwide potawatomi.org: full name, look forward to 2020 with great Tribal history regarding several 2007 SW Gage Blvd. company that specializes in hometown, Tribal family anticipation and enthusiasm Potawatomi families that lived Topeka, KS 66604 high-performance coatings and name, high school or college, as I continue to foster the near what is now Maple Hill, 785-861-7272 office linings, announced Wamego’s and degree type and major. awareness of the history water tower won both the Kansas. One item that caught 785-608-1982 cell and presence of the Citizen People’s Choice and Tank of Tribal enrollment my attention pertained to [email protected] Potawatomi Nation in Kansas. the Year Awards. According to Jude Bourassa, who operated Office hours: Tnemec, the tower has over It continues to happen. I’ve gristmills on Mill Creek near 9-11 a.m. Tuesdays Put these on your calendar eight different vibrant colors, recently had two conversations Maple Hill. We know that 3-5 p.m. Thursdays and the design is truly a work of with CPN members who have Jude had a home near the Other times: please call 2020 District 4 meetings: art. I have found very little on failed to get their college-age mills southeast of Maple Hill Rossville: Saturday, the origin of the city of Wamego students enrolled. I’m always but did not know that he may March 28, 2020 other that it was named after amazed at the number of have had an earlier home in Chief Wamego, a Potawatomi times I have encountered this Uniontown that was burned Wichita: Sunday, Indian. I have heard the Tribal situation. Remember, college- when the community was March 29, 2020 legend that Wamego donated age students are only eligible burned to rid itself of cholera.

District 5 – Gene Lambert Let’s think about what he A ragged robe of rabbit skin taught, who he was, and Wrapped His beauty ‘round; what he did on his birthday. But as the hunter braves drew nigh, The angel song I found this in the archives and rang loud and high: Jesus, thought you might enjoy reading. your King is born, Jesus is The Huron Carol, also known as born, In excelsis gloria.” ‘Twas in the Moon of Wintertime, The website continued, “Huron is a Christmas hymn and possibly legend says the ancient people Canada’s oldest Christmas built a nativity of fir trees, song. A Jesuit missionary featuring Joseph, Mary and named Jean de Brébeuf living baby Jesus as Indians, the in the mid-1600s wrote it. Wise Men as chiefs, and The Native American animals such as a bear, a fox Christmas Carol and a buffalo in attendance.” Bozho (Hello), You can find specific Native It highlights what Christmas American adaptations of should be. I loved the poem e have arrived again at Christmas songs, such as the and thought you might also. Gene gifts the youngest in attendance a Pendleton blanket and celebrates with family. Wthe end of another year. Christmas Carol. The Huron Some Native Americans people have an original Any time we have the point I know your grandchildren The holiday season brings with reference this time as winter Christmas Carol that tells the opportunity to gather, I think too. Now, that is family. it the remembrance of grace, solstice, and it is from Dec. sacrifice, love and gratitude along story of Christ in the manger. of it as great opportunity to 21-22. This time is celebrated with the reason we celebrate. socialize. This would include We had just that opportunity According to christmas. with dances and feasts our festivals, district meetings on Oct. 12, 2019, in Colorado. Christmas celebration is the lovetoknow.com, here is the story prepared by Native families. or attending church together It wasn’t Christmas, Easter acknowledgement of God’s as told in native Huron language: in a moment of prayer. or Festival, just one of our gift to the world: his son. We also have the special best get-togethers. We met “Aloki ekwatatennonten occasions called giveaways. CPN How else could we get to shekwachiendaen at the Butterfly Pavilion in “For God so loved the has hosted several giveaways, know the family we belong Westminister, Colorado. world, that he gave his only Iontonk ontatiande ndio sen and it is about the special to, who these other CPN begotten Son.” John 3:16 tsatonnharonnion nature of a giving heart. The tribal members are or share What made it that way, in my Ouarie onnawakueton ndio sen time is considered spiritual our lives, if even for a day? book, was the 25 children in Thinking as a parent and tsatonnharonnion and holds tremendous social attendance with their parents. knowing what that would This is also the time when we Iesous ahatonnia!” value. This is where the gifts You can see their picture take; it is everything. learn of the progress of our are placed in a circle, and you First, the carol was translated people and what new projects together within this column. The birth of Jesus Christ into French then English: have the opportunity to pick are being undertaken. That is an entire classroom. They changed the world and is the gift of your choice. You behaved beautifully, and it was continuing up to today “Within a lodge of broken bark have to be fast, or it might be I learn something new each and a pleasure. This is so important, and will forever. The tender Babe was found, on someone else’s wish list too. every time. It is getting to the as they are our next generation. 20 DECEMBER 2019 HOWNIKAN A few years back, we had a We had the opportunity to generational meeting where three discuss CPN’s involvement with and four generations attended at the bee project and connected it the same time. It was warming to our speaker from the Butterfly to see them together during a Pavilion as he talked about the CPN meeting. Colorado, you importance of our tiny friends are great and always inspiring! — the butterfly — and their value. By this time, the kids Our wisest was Rita Groess, were ready to see the butterflies. and it was a close call. We had They had been very patient, and another who was almost the it was 2:30 p.m. So, off we went. wisest by two weeks. At 85 years of age, this was a close call, Please, please enjoy your but two weeks is two weeks. Christmas with your family. This can apply to bloodline The youngest CPN member or adopted family. It is your in attendance was Mckaylee choice as to who you have in Lin Meister at the age of 1 your life, but make it count. year. She was born on Sept. 6, 2018, with a congenital heart Merry Christmas to you all! defect known as Tetralogy of Fallot. This means she has a Children attending recent District 5 meeting pose for a picture. Eunice Imogene Lambert hole in her heart. At 10 days Butterfly Woman old, she had her first open-heart guess, as she was such a vibrant, have the paperwork complete to receive the satchel. Robert Representative, District 5 surgery and spent two weeks in active and darling little girl. before the meeting. You will is the gentleman who has the 270 E Hunt Highway, Ste 229 recovery. During this surgery, the always have next year to try again. Potawatomi Trading Post in Col- San Tan Valley, AZ 85143 doctors discovered she also had Let’s please remember her in orado and always attends with 480-228-6569 a rerouted artery that added to our prayers for a Christmas Traveling the farthest distance something wise to contribute. [email protected] her risk. At 6 months old, they miracle. We had several children was Robert Melot, and he gra- Thank you, Robert, for being you. discovered scar tissue was causing there who were younger, and ciously paid it forward. He had her valve to narrow again. This we were happy to have them won the distance a couple years The longest distance of all time created the need for a second also. However, their enrollment in the past and felt he should I can recall would be Vietnam, surgery. They say she will need paperwork had not been step down and acknowledge and that was in our New another, but you would never completed. So remember, always the second place in mileage Mexico meeting last month.

District 6 – Rande K. Payne donation. Thank you Lucy’s Tacos for the delicious food we enjoyed for lunch. My sisters Sharon Welch and Karen Walker worked long and hard preparing the welcome bags, creating all the signage and keeping score for all the games. We couldn’t have done it without them! Our greeters, Terry and Bobby Payne made sure everyone got checked in with their badges and the appropriate red or blue colored lanyard based on their even or odd order of birth among their siblings. They also handed out Bozho nikanek the welcome bags to everyone as (Hello friends), they were checked in. The dinner Mark Johnson, farthest feast of roasted turkey, wild rice, traveled Jack Wistos and Janet Mark Johnson, wisest Imogen Huffman and Rande Payne. t was a warm day in late Stangl and Rande Payne. IOctober, the 26th to be exact. beans, corn and squash with fry Potawatomi gathered from miles bread was delicious, but it was in 1915 but was later rescued around to enjoy time together the homemade blueberry cobbler and relocated to my hometown that was the proverbial icing on celebrating their family heritage. of Visalia in 1919. It was later the cake. My wife Kim created replaced by a bronze replica, and the perfect Potawatomi meal, and It took many hands to put this the original plaster sculpture year’s D6-7 Heritage Festival for that, everyone is thankful! was moved from Visalia to the together. Representative Mark National Cowboy & Western Johnson and I can’t thank This year’s Heritage Festival was everyone enough for their giving a great opportunity for everyone Heritage Museum in Oklahoma spirits of service helping prepare to share family history and visit City. The sculpture sums up for and volunteering during with family members. There the plight of Native Americans were family members that met after years of damage inflicted other people from their family by Euro-American settlers. It for the first time at the event. depicts a defeated and weary The Brant family literally took Indian on his horse reaching advantage of the event to have a the “End of the Trail” at the family reunion. It was awesome Pacific Ocean. I remember End of the Trail. to see. The day flew by, and seeing the statue shortly after it before we knew it, the time had arrived in Oklahoma City endured by Native Americans house; you give them drink from had come to feast and raffle off when my aunt Dolly took me to on display locally for all to see. your river of delights. 9 For with some really great items. Plans the museum in Oklahoma City you is the fountain of life; in your are already underway for next when I was a young teenager. In closing, I would like to wish light we see light.” Psalm 36: 7-9 year’s Heritage Festival. Thank The Tulare County Historical everyone a wonderful holiday Migwetch! Bama pi you very much to all who Society held a ceremony at the season. Merry Christmas attended this year’s event! (Thanks! Later), statue in Mooney Grove Park and Happy New Year! As you may know, November celebrating the art piece and the Potawatomi Phrase of the Month: Rande K. Payne Mark Johnson, youngest Winter history behind it. There was a Mnedo Gabo Henderson and Rande Payne. was Native American Heritage Wikkwege (feast he/she has) Month. A recent article in a Native American blessing of the Representative, District 6 this year’s gathering. Thank local newspaper caught my eye stature as part of the ceremony. Wisdom from the Word: “7 How 31150 Road 180 you Sable Davenport for the marking the 100th anniversary I went out recently to visit the priceless is your unfailing love, O Visalia, CA 93292-9585 face painting and the beautiful of the original End of the Trail statue. I found it very moving, God! People take refuge in the 559-999-3525 office artwork Horse you painted sculpture. The sculpture had and I felt thankful that there shadow of your wings. 8 They 559-999-5411 cell during the event for a raffle been thrown into a mud pit is a reminder of the suffering feast on the abundance of your [email protected] HOWNIKAN DECEMBER 2019 21 District 7 – Mark Johnson Bozho nikanek rice for dinner along with some to the following generation, me an email with your contact (Hello friends), great fry bread, which I may and there is no better way information so that I can keep have hidden in my bag for the to honor your heritage. you informed of the happenings nce again, the District 6 ride back home. Please try to within the Nation and district. Oand 7 Heritage Festival was join us next year if you were Once again, I would like to say a success. A great time was had unable to attend this year. what an honor it is to serve you Migwetch by all who attended as we shared as your District 7 representative. (Thank you), information and reconnected As the holiday season gets into As always, give me a call, and I with our friends and relatives. full swing and our families will be happy to work with you Mark Johnson, We owe a debt of gratitude to gather in celebration, take on any questions you may have Wisk Mtek (Strong as a Tree) Rande Payne for the use of his care to honor our elders or provide you with additional Representative, District 7 venue at his home and to his and ask them to share some information you may need to 1565 Shaw Ave., Suite 202 wife Kim, once again, for her stories. It is how generations access Tribal benefits available Clovis, CA 93611 great cooking. We all enjoyed of our elders ensured that to you. Please also take the 559-351-0078 cell roasted turkey, squash and wild our heritage was passed on time to give me a call or send [email protected] District 8 – Dave Carney year and did several songs on explained the process for hand drums. One of the hand creating the bag and handed out drum songs was a women’s honor the materials – Migwetch, Kathy! song to bring attention to the plight of murdered and missing We recognized our wisest Native women. Another was the member, Erma Pozzobon (age Morning Song in Potawatomi. 90) with a beautiful Pendleton The words were distributed on blanket from Potawatomi Gifts a handout to members, and as well as our youngest enrolled the attendees sang along. member, Jaeger Fox (age 5). Julie Jackson of Woodburn, Oregon, Peggy King Anderson, author was awarded a Pendleton travel of Two Moon Journey, gave a bag, also from Potawatomi Gifts. talk on the Potawatomi Trail of Death. Peggy researched this We had a fair number of entries pivotal event in our history for into our Native American art Bozho nikan several years while writing this contest this year; all of the (Hello friend), book and participated in the entries were amazing. Judges Aunt Agnes. caravan several times. Peggy had a difficult time selecting he District 8 Fall Feast is a was available to personally winners. Runner up went to Julie Twrap! Members gathered for add a message and sign her Jackson for her regalia women’s our annual celebration in Seattle book throughout the event. breast plate – a very fine and on a typical drizzling afternoon. intricate piece of work. The Of the many people who helped winners were Amanda Nelson Many people contributed to our that day, I’d like to especially for her watercolor entitled event to make it unique and thank Kathy Notter of Belfair, Through the Trail of Death and successful. One of the highlights Washington, for jumping in and Rocky Chenaux for his cedar was our District 8 drum group, heading up the craft portion carved mask entitled Winter headed by Mallorie Fultz of our event. Members created Solstice Dancer Mask. Each (Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma). a no-sew medicine bag that artist explained their process, Citizen Potawatomi members could be decorated with pony medium, time line, etc. Rocky’s in the group include Robert beads. Sage, cedar, sweet grass mask, for example, was hand White, Julie Jackson and John and tobacco were available carved from a cedar log using all Kochanowski. They drummed for members to add to their Native tools and techniques. He on a large powwow drum that creations. Kathy patiently explained how he used a Native they constructed earlier in the technique of submersing the wood in boiling salt water when it would begin to split, which Art conest winner Rocky Chenaux. stopped and sealed the wood from further damage in that area. now 93 years old and a proud Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, In closing on this topic, I’d Potawatomi elder. It was great like to mention that our fall reconnecting with her and my cousins, Janet and Josette and Migwetch feast will be in Portland next (Thank you), year in mid-November. Please their spouses, Bill and Joseph. plan to attend if possible. Agnes was the aunt who never Dave Carney forgot a birthday and never let Kagasghi (Raven) The holidays really are about you leave her home without Representative, District 8 spending time with family. My a meal in your stomach and 520 Lilly Road, Building 1 wife, Nicole, and I were very a snack for the road. We feel Olympia, WA 98506 fortunate to be able to travel fortunate to have Ag in our 360-259-4027 to Florida to visit my favorite lives and grateful to Janet for [email protected] Wisest Erma Pozzobon with Dave. Youngest Jaeger Fox. aunt in October. Aunt Agnes is taking such good care or her.

District 10 – David Barrett Bozho our blessings from our Creator. that a person has wronged you, anyone who offends you. (Hello), Now this month, we need to but through forgiveness, you Remember, the Lord forgave remind ourselves of the love don’t have to become a victim. you, so you must forgive an you believe this is and forgiveness that our Creator others.” (Colossians 3:13) Calready Christmastime? (God) has freely given to us for In the New Living Translation Let’s not look at this month forgiveness of our sins. Being of the Bible, “Then Peter came Since the Washington D.C. as a year-end where we plan a Christian, we need “to by to him and asked, ‘Lord, how trip, our Veterans Color Guard on how to do our year end faith” honor God’s word to “pass often should I forgive someone has been very busy in showing taxes, but how to incorporate through” what God has shown who sins against me? Seven our CPN veterans’ pride by more unity in the family as forgiveness to us and show times?’ ‘No, not seven times,’ participating in the Frontier Day and civility in our country. the same forgiveness to those Jesus replied, ‘but seventy times parade in Tecumseh, Oklahoma, who have wronged us or done seven!’” (Matthew 18:21) on Sept. 21, 2019. We carried in We have moved past our us harm. Don’t hold grudges or our colors at the Shawnee Expo Thanksgiving month, where vindictiveness inside! This is not “Make allowance for each Center in Shawnee, Oklahoma, we took a pause to recognize to say you will forget those things other’s faults, and forgive on Oct. 12, 2019, for the Show 22 DECEMBER 2019 HOWNIKAN Cattle Camp, which highlighted for you and your charter to be unsettled history with. It’s easier individual showmanship of a part of the event. Not only to suppress your feeling year cattle. Then on Oct. 26, 2019, do we get to honor you all for after year than to put forth the we paraded all of our color your sacrifices but also get to effort to mend the relationship. guard flags for Sorghum Day show the younger generation in Wewoka, Oklahoma. how resilient we as Native It goes without saying, thank Americans can be, think about you for allowing me to represent I had received an email it, getting along with others.” you and our great Nation. from the Cultural Heritage Center’s Cultural Education We also, brought the colors Merry Christmas and Specialist Kristen Wilson in for the FCF Cage Fight a Happy New Year! wanting to honor our Veterans with John Beebe singing the Migwetch Organization. The Absentee national anthem at the Grand (Thank you), Shawnee Cultural Preservation Casino Hotel & Resort on Department and her CPN- Nov. 2. He did a great job David Barrett based programs collaborated, singing. My personal note: Mnedobe (Sits with Spirit) honoring veterans of all tribes “There was no disrespect of our Representative, District 10 with a gourd dance held on flags by John by kneeling since 1601 S. Gordon Cooper Dr. Nov. 2, 2019, at the CHC. This we had limited space to take Shawnee, OK 74801 event was the first of its kind, the picture before we entered Members of CPN Color Guard pose before FCF Cage Fight event. 405-275-3121 but it also was special to Kristen the cage for John to sing and [email protected] Day. On Dec. 9, we will be Final thought: have you ever due to her daughter’s longtime presentation of the colors.” boyfriend’s (who is a CPN tribal presenting our colors for the been in a room where you could member) deployment on Nov. We recited the meaning of Oklahoma Conference for feel the tension between two 15, 2019. We had five CPN the 13 folds as we folded the Indian Education that was people? During the holidays, members honored, and to quote American flag at Tecumseh hosted at the Grand by the there are many opportunities for Kristen, “I would be honored High School on Veterans’ request of Justin Neely. us to see people that we have an District 12 – Paul Schmidlkofer remember the record snowfalls Horse Industrial Park. The and you will find many tribes in hopes of accomplishing in western Oklahoma in the late park is located approximately watching what we are doing. It these types of projects. part of October. That seemed a a mile and a half east of the is an exciting time that many bit rude, weather-wise, to me. I Tribal administration area. It of us have been watching In closing, please know that I am hoping it was not a warning is built on property the Tribe and waiting on for years. appreciate the trust you have of weather to come this year. bought maybe a decade or placed in me, and I take it I am old enough to remember longer ago. We had it put into Some people have asked which seriously. I am honored to several unusually harsh winters trust. We hope to engage with Tribal family once owned the serve each of you and respect here. I often think of those and other companies to enter into property the Pro-Pipe facility the trust you have given me. I am of the age I remember of our ancestors who moved similar agreements with us in was being built on. The short well how little we had in the here with little in the way the future and bring more good answer is none. Although I have past, and I remember well protection from our temperature employment opportunities to not researched to see the entire how we got to where we are. and weather extremes. I also our area — hopefully for many history of it, I know the people the Tribe bought it from were lived in the Great Lakes region of our Tribal members. We Migwetch for a couple years in Duluth, as a Nation are beginning to not Tribal members, and they (Thank you), How nikan Minnesota. I still remember take advantage of new areas. had owned it for many years (Hello friend), the punishing weather up These opportunities have before we purchased it. Anyway, Paul Schmidlkofer there. No easy life wherever taken years to create. I hope I just wanted to share this in Representative, District 12 all was here for what seemed they had been, in reality. that you, the Tribal members, case anyone was concerned 1601 S. Gordon Cooper Dr. Flike all of one day, and allow us to continue expanding about this. The entirety of our Shawnee, OK 74801 winter seems to have snuck We recently had the and diversifying our base of outreach properties are primarily 405-275-3121 up on us. For those of you groundbreaking ceremony for enterprises and investments. land we have purchased over 800-880-9880 toll-free in Oklahoma, you probably Pro-Pipe USA LLC in our Iron Ask around Indian country, the past 20 years or more [email protected]

District 13 – Bobbi Bowden to thank my opponents Jay Laughlin and Michael Whistler for a well-ran campaign. It was encouraging to see more people running for election with the true interest of service to our great Nation. Congratulations to my colleagues David Barrett and Lisa Kraft on retaining their legislative seats also. This year’s Grand Entry was a little extra special to me. I am blessed to have my daughter, Alex, dance beside me this year with her first full regalia thanks Bozho nikan to the talented Julia Slavin. I Mrs. Claus and the (Hello friend), School for Santas. could see the pride in her eyes ’d like to begin with a long from the moment she put it on! incredibly creative, talented Family Reunion Festival 2019. overdue migwetch (thank you) cousin, Timothy Stewart, on I One of the things I try to do it is great for the upcoming my pleasure to serve as one of for re-electing me to continue writing an adorable childrens anytime possible is to support holiday season. Anytime you your legislative representatives. to serve as your District 13 other Tribal members, whether Christmas book. The name have the opportunity to support legislator for another term. it be purchasing beautiful art, of the book is Mrs. Claus and Bobbi Bowden Your support means so much jewelry, regalia or shopping the School for Santas. It can a Tribal member’s business, Peshknokwe to me, and I will continue to at any Tribal member-owned be purchased on Amazon and I hope you will do so. Representative, District 13 do my best to work for our business. With the holidays online thru Barnes & Noble [email protected] members and serve to the best around the corner, I would like at cpn.news/santas. If you Wishing you all a blessed of my ability. I would also like to do a little bragging on my have little ones in your life, holiday season. As always, it is Legislators are not able to retrieve your contact information from Tribal Rolls Please contact your legislator and update your contact details so that you can receive important information. WALKING ON DECEMBER 2019 23 Leslie Duane Evans grandmother who raised him as well as custom homes. They built a shopping 2, 1976. Robert attended Wichita Area his best friends Jim Spurr and Ed Hays. center in Agua Dulce, California, which Practical Nursing School and graduated they owned and managed until they in 1980 with his mother Vivian. He He is survived by his wife, Betsy; retired to Gardnerville, Nevada, in 2000. began his nursing career as an LPN daughter, Jadee; son and daughter-in- at Good Samaritan Nursing Home in law, Rafe and Donna; sister, Kayelynne; Mary was a descendant of Theresa Winfield. Robert continued to pursue grandchildren, Matthew, Leslie, Neshe, Lafromboise (1823-1914), one of his bachelor’s degree while working for Shadusa and Sebastian; eight great- thirteen children and oldest daughter William Newton Hospital. He earned grandchildren; much-loved cousins, of Chief Joseph Lafromboise known his degree and graduated alongside his nieces and nephews; and his faithful as Wamegose (Little Thunderbird). brother Lance Rhodd in 1995. Robert best friends and cats, Wile E. and Hela. made many friends while working at She is survived by her husband of hospitals, prisons, as an ombudsman A service for Duane was held on almost 75 years, Jack; daughters for the State of Kansas, and as a home Saturday, Nov. 2, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Linda (Barry) Boyd and Cathy (Don) health caregiver. Robert and his family Home with a viewing and reception. Stanford; granddaughters, Jacqueline moved to Meriden, Kansas, in 1999. Walter of Washington, and Conni Boyd Robert retired in 2010. Following Memorials will be welcomed in the of New Hampshire; and grandson, his retirement, he and his wife Karen form of funds to install a bench in Micheal Fee of Washington; seven moved to Colorado Springs in 2016. Duane’s memory at the Rotary Club’s great-grandchildren; and numerous arboretum. Donations to be made Known to childhood and young adult nieces and nephews. Mary is preceded Robert was a lifelong member of the to Lawrence Parks and Rec., the friends and family as “Duane,” but later in death by her parents; sisters, Grace, First Church of the Nazarene. He stewards of the arboretum, sent in care to adult friends as “Leslie,” Leslie Duane Aldena, Peggy, Miriam and Edith; was also a proud Tribal member of of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Evans passed on Oct. 30, 2019, at age and great-grandson, Ryan Walter. the Citizen Potawatomi Nation of Box 1260, Lawrence, KS 66044. 82 following multiple brain bleeds. Shawnee, Oklahoma, and a descendant She will live forever in our hearts. Duane was an artist, a teacher, a social of the Cherokee Nation of Tahlequah, worker, a runner, a Citizen Potawatomi Mary Louise Wyle Oklahoma. He enjoyed spending and a Marine. Although he was quiet by Robert Hatton time with his family, particularly his nature, he had a delightful but quirky Gene Rhodd grandsons, his friends, listening to audio sense of humor enjoyed by his family, books or music, and watching Fox friends and colleagues. He and Betsy News. One of Robert’s favorite things Franken Evans noted their 60 years to do was road tripping with Karen, of marriage in August of last year. regardless of which direction they were heading. He loved seeing new places and Upon receipt of his bachelor’s in fine arts doing new things. He was always very from Oklahoma State University, Duane thankful to never miss “The Dance.” taught for a few years at St. Gregory’s High School in Shawnee, Oklahoma, the His family includes: school from which he graduated. He His wife Karen of 42 years; his spent a year in the National Teacher daughter Erica Vlahavas, husband Corps in rural Kentucky while pursuing Sam and grandson Constantin of a graduate degree. The Prairie Band Colorado Springs; his son Colby Potawatomi Nation benefitted from his Rhodd, wife Jacquie and grandchildren efforts in and around Mayetta, Kansas, Max, Natalie, Jacob, and Kellen of before he enrolled in a second master’s Keokuk, Iowa; his son Timothy of program at Kansas University. He Meriden, Kansas, with granddog Nala. and his family farmed for several years on an organic farm near Tonganoxie; His sister Ronda Thomas and husband he worked briefly as a consultant for Jim; his sister Michele Sweeney Native American Research Associates Mary was born July 12, 1925, to Eugene and husband Mike; and his brother as well as a social worker at Bert Nash and Ruth Watts of San Fernando, Robert Hatton Gene Rhodd, 61, of Lance Rhodd and wife Ashley. Community Mental Health Center California. She was the third of six Colorado Springs, Colorado, passed in Lawrence. Duane finished his daughters. Mary went to heaven on away unexpectedly in the afternoon He loved his many nieces and professional life after 15 years of teaching Oct. 16, 2019, at the age of 94. on Oct. 21, 2018, at UC Health nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles. art at Haskell Indian Nations University. Memorial Central Hospital. She married her high school sweetheart, In retirement, Duane and Betsy traveled, Jack Wyle on Dec. 27, 1945, while he Robert was born on July 18, 1957, in kept a busy social schedule and cared for was home on leave from the Marine Winfield, Kansas. He was the son of their pets. Montana’s Glacier National Corps. Mary and Jack built their first the late Max and Vivian Rhodd. Park and the Bob Marshall Wilderness home together. They were a team. Area were his favorite destinations. He graduated from Winfield Mary was a real estate broker and High School in 1975. Duane was preceded in death by his owned her own business in Southern son, Josh, his mother, father, two California. Jack was a general contractor, Robert was united in marriage to Karen sisters, a brother, two aunts and a and together they built and sold many Jean Potter of Winfield, Kansas, on July

TheHownikan 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 CPN Executive Committee Association. Reprint permission is granted with publication credit to the Hownikan. Editorials/letters are subject to editing and must Tribal Chairman: John “Rocky” Barrett Vice-Chairman: Linda Capps contain traceable address. Secretary/Treasurer: D. Wayne Trousdale All correspondence should be directed to Hownikan, Editorial staff 1601 S. Gordon Cooper Drive, Shawnee, OK 74801 Writer/editor: Jennifer Bell Page/graphic designer: Trey DeLonais Questions: [email protected] or 800-880-9880 Writer/editor: John VanPool Graphic designer: Emily Guleserian Writer: Mary Belle Zook Photographer: Garett Fisbeck Address changes should be sent to Tribal Rolls, Writer: Paige Willett Editor: Mindee Duffell 1601 S. Gordon Cooper Drive, Shawnee, OK 74801 24 DECEMBER 2019 WALKING ON David C. McEvers he was inducted into the Michigan Lenora Mae Vermilyea 2003. The Lock & Key/Saw Sharpening High School Coaches Hall of Fame. part of the business was sold in 1975, and Marcia also passed on in 1975. After his retirement, he became a track official, traveling throughout the Unites Lenora married Dennis Vermilyea on States serving as an official with the U.S. June 29, 2006. Lenora’s Alterations Track and Field Association for 18 years. has been at its present location for nearly 50 years. Lenora continued her Ellis Michael Cline passion for sewing and helping others before illness forced the closure of Lenora’s Alterations in September 2019. She remained active in her business until just weeks before her passing on Oct. 23, 2019. Lenora is survived by husband, Dennis Vermilyea; stepson, Carl J. Frizzell; son, Russell W. Frizzell; daughter, Carleen Redheart; brother, James A. Guess of Oroville, California; granddaughter, Brenna Purkey; grandson, Donovan Huth (deceased); great- grandson, Ramon; great-granddaughter, Nyla; and great-grandson, Quentin. David C. McEvers, 90, of Fort Lenora was a member of the Citizen Myers, Florida, passed away on Aug. Lenora Mae Vermilyea was born Jan. 9, Potawatomi Nation of Oklahoma, 23, 2019. He was born to Dave and 1937, in Stillwater, Oklahoma, to Denver member of the Rebecka’s and a lifelong Gail McEvers. He is survived by his and Carie Guess. Lenore was the second member of the Church of Christ. daughters, Cheryl (Dwight) Cameron, oldest of seven children. The family Jill (Vic) Dombrowski, and Marcia moved in the late 1930s from Oklahoma Lenora will be greatly missed by McEvers; his grandchildren, Chrissy to Westwood, California, where Lenora many and all that adored her. (Jarrett) Shoemaker, and Christopher Ellis Michael “Mike” Cline died Sept. helped her mother and father with daily and Eric Dombrowski; and his great- 24, 2019, in Norman, Oklahoma, duties of caring for her five younger granddaughter, Payton Shoemaker. He at the age of 68. Funeral services siblings. This is where Lenora came Linda Delaney is preceded in death by his wife Juliana were held on Saturday, Sept. 28 at by her trait of caring for others’ needs McEvers, his son David. S McEvers Wadley’s Funeral Chapel with Pastor before her own. Lenora graduated from and his brother Dale McEvers. Steve Lance officiating. Interment Westwood Highschool in 1955 and followed at Chappel Hill Cemetery moved to Live Oak, California, where David won nine high school athletic east of Lexington, entrusted to the she lived with the Gowan’s and worked letters in three sports and was a three- care of Wadley’s Funeral Service. in a diner. This is where she meets Ellis year starter in football and basketball. Carl Frizzell and married in 1956. He placed in the state track finals and Mike was born Jan. 20, 1951, in was involved in six school records. Shawnee, Oklahoma, to Albert Hollie Lenora’s marriage came with a little twist The inscription beneath his yearbook and Clara Lavern (Trousdale) Cline. named CJ, Carl’s son from a previous picture was “Most Likely to Coach.” Coming from a military family, he was marriage that she cared for as her own. raised all over, graduating from Noble Soon after Lenora had two children, He received a Bachelor of Science High School around 1969. Mike worked Russell and Carleen, the family moved from Wittenberg University, where for the State of Oklahoma for many regularly due to Carl’s employment he played football and was a member years, removing asbestos. On Dec. 26, working in the construction industry. of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. He 1999, he married Corinne Burleson Finally settling in Chester, California, received his Master of Administration at their home in the Noble/Norman Lenora raised the children and started from Eastern Michigan University. area. Mike enjoyed hunting, fishing, sewing cloths for others as she had playing darts, watching old westerns David served in the U.S. Army, been doing for years helping with the Linda Delaney, born June 29, 1943, and anything to do with their farm. He family. She, at one point, decided where he was assigned to special and Corinne raised animals and enjoyed passed away on Aug. 3, 2019, in Wichita services as an athletic director in to make a career of sewing and even Falls, Texas, after a long illness. She is spending time with family and friends. taught college sewing classes at Plumas Vienna, Austria. He was a player/ survived by her husband of 30 years, County Community College. Lenora coach for numerous Army teams and Mike is preceded in death by his Albert Delaney of the home; son, Mike and Carl moved the family in 1970 a member of USFA and Southern parents, Albert and Clara Cline; wife, Trammell; mother, Alice Killian; brothers, to Tillamook, Oregon, where they European Championship basketball Corinne Cline; brothers, Fred Cline, Kevin Killian and Gary Killian; and one purchased Henry Plasker’s Lock & teams, as well as the winning team in Jim Cline, Phillip Cline and Wyvern sister, Colleen Albert. She was preceded Key, creating Carl’s Lock & Key/Saw the European Track Championship Cline; stepdaughter, Pamela Plott; and in death by one son and three brothers. Sharpening and Lenora’s Alterations. between troops from several countries. stepgrandson, Zachary Hall. Survivors include his daughter, Chanda Lankey Carl Frizzell passed in November 1971, He was an educator at Mt. Clemens and husband David; son, Michael leaving Lenora to try and run the High School in Michigan where he Lee Wilson; stepdaughter, Kit Raper businesses with Russell and Carleen taught biology and physical education. Zias and husband Mark of New York; still in school. Soon after, Lenora’s He initially coached football and then stepson, Tony Hall and wife Jennie sister Marcia Paris with her young began coaching cross country, and track of Oklahoma; grandchildren, Ashley daughter Valeri, came to help with the and field. He received numerous county and husband Mike, Kyler, Amber and business where Lenora’s Alterations Coach of the Year awards. He was named Jonah; stepgrandchildren, Jessica, Chris, became a very recognized part of the Michigan High School Coach of the Year Mason and Stella; great-grandchildren, community. The business was moved to twice and received an Outstanding Coach Rayden, Jayce, Kambrie and Wyatt; 116 Stillwell Ave. Tillamook, Oregon, in award from the National Federation of stepgreat-grandchild, Kamden; siblings, 1972. In 1973, Lenora married Willis Interscholastic Coaches Association two Steve Cline and wife Jeanette and Linda Rutledge (“Willie the Shoe”) on Sept. times. He was elected to the Macomb Cline; and numerous nieces, nephews 3, 1972, who passed away on Jan. 12, County Coaches Hall of Fame, and and other relatives and friends. 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