HOWNIKAN Mkogisos | February 2020

Top photo: The annual Flapjacks & Friends pancake feed will take place February 14 at FireLake Arena. Bourassa the reptile wrangler While most avoid run-ins with have a lot of viruses — the bubonic A LOOK INSIDE rattlesnakes and other venomous reptiles, plague — so you want to be careful Citizen Potawatomi Nation tribal member with killing predators,” he explained. Page 5 Brandon Bourassa seeks out animals many 2020 Tribal election are too scared to approach. He, along with Through his work, Bourassa hopes candidates certified his wife Gwyn, own and operate Bourassa more people and communities Wildlife Consulting in Albuquerque, will think about the ecological impact all animals of prey have. Page 8 New Mexico. The couple serves as animal consultants on TV and movie sets across “The problem really is exaggerated. the state, ensuring the well- You always hear stories — ‘They’re being of cast, crew and animals killing my cattle,’ but cattle are smart alike. The business provides enough to walk away when they hear income while they complete the rattles,” Bourassa said. “Maybe their undergraduate degrees every now and then there’s an accident, in geography and biochemistry but really, it is people that are dumb Traditional craftwork provides at the University of New Mexico. enough to mess with them.” connection to Nishnabé culture “New Mexico is home to many He noted some communities that incredible filming locations, but once hosted rattlesnake roundups, Page 10 those locations pose some important which encourage the wholesale considerations for productions slaughter of rattlesnakes, have to consider,” Bourassa Wildlife switched to celebrating the species. Consulting’s website noted. “The most important consideration for any “I think that’s the model for the future. film project is the safety of the cast You can still have your rattlesnake and crew. … All venomous snakes Brandon Bourassa strives to protect festivals and contribute to your economy, are handled using the safest methods both humans and wildlife through but just get the family together and his work. (Photo provided) Regenerative agriculture for both people and animals.” enjoy the animals,” Bourassa said. techniques improve Tribal land Some of the major projects that for the next scene, and that’s where Future for generations to come Bourassa’s business contracted with I’ll go check for snakes,” he said. include The Kid starring Chris Pratt, The CPN tribal scholarship helps When he captures venomous snakes, support Bourassa as he pursues a Pages 14-18 Paramount Network’s miniseries he places them in a safe holding Waco, Netflix’s Chambers and more. geography degree, which he plans Tribal Executive and container to release back into the to complete later this year. wild once production ends. Legislative updates “I’ve always been a reptile nerd — that was from the beginning,” Bourassa said “The scholarship has been “Sometimes, if it’s a really impressive extremely helpful,” Bourassa then laughed. He began handling wildlife animal, I’ll keep it and use it for Pages 19-20 in his youth and enjoyed opportunities said. “I definitely wouldn’t be able films,” he added. For example, to pay for college without it.” Walking on to explore on his grandfather’s land Bourassa was able to provide a live in southern Pottawatomie County. rattlesnake for the recent filming of He chose to study geography for Netflix’s drama mystery Rattlesnake. “My grandpa, he’s always been interested the vast opportunities and fields of study under its umbrella. in rattlesnakes, too,” he said. “He’d Bourassa also takes steps to protect nature take us out looking for rattlesnakes from potential human threats. According “It’s anything from a spatial as a kid. He hunts them, which is to the Bourassa Wildlife Consulting perspective,” he explained. “Lots of a little different than what I do.” website, “In addition to temporarily people go into urban geography or removing venomous snakes from a Before he was old enough to work, meteorology — those are all subfields PR SRT STD PR SRT US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO 49 PERMIT location, we will also take measures to of geography — but my interest is STIGLER, OK 74462 Bourassa volunteered at the Bob Jenni protect other wildlife from potential in wildlife conservation, and that’s Nature Center in Edmond, Oklahoma. threats like vehicle and foot traffic.” He accepted his first job after high definitely within the realm of geography and environmental studies also.” school at the Oklahoma City Zoo as a Balance keeper in the children’s zoo. But for the After graduation, Bourassa hopes past three years, he has traveled from His job also offers an opportunity to to continue working with animals, set to set across New Mexico while educate others on the important roles mainly crocodilians, and to have juggling his undergraduate studies. animals like snakes and other predators a more regular work schedule. play in overall environmental health. However, his film industry interest “In New Mexico, pretty much every may encourage Bourassa Wildlife production that’s shooting outside hires “You can talk to them about the Consulting to continue its operations. one of us because they’re shooting out importance of the ecology and why there where there’s rattlesnakes, and we’re protecting them and not just “I got a lot of good stories out of it — most of those people are from (Los killing them on-sight,” Bourassa said. “I getting to meet all these celebrities,” he Angeles). And they’re very concerned appreciate that about the film industry. said. “Which I’ve never really been about wildlife,” he explained. Even though it can be pretty destructive super excited about celebrities, but it’s in some situations and not so great fun whenever you’re watching TV and Process for the environment, they at least hire you can say, ‘I worked with that guy!’” us to protect some of these animals.” One of Bourassa Wildlife Consulting’s Learn more about Bourassa Wildlife main goals includes ensuring Rattlesnakes help control small mammal Consulting at bourassawildlife.com. that each film set is safe from populations like mice and rats. potentially harmful animals. “You don’t want to let rodents get “I usually look at the script and see out of control, especially where I where they’re going to be moving am living in New Mexico, where we 2 FEBRUARY 2020 HOWNIKAN Language connections through the web

People from all Potawatomi tribes the change in name makes me feel ever often use the Potawatomi Language so slightly more connected to them.” (Bodewadmimwen) Facebook group as a space to ask questions about Victoria Tschohl translations, references and lyrics. They Victoria Tschohl began researching also use it to discover and relearn her father’s side of the family, wanting their ancestors’ Potawatomi names. to know more about the ancestors Assimilation into Western culture caused she never knew. She is a registered many Nishnabé names to disappear and descendant of the Hannahville Indian naming ceremonies have become less Community in Michigan. Tschohl frequent. As Tribal members return to considers the Potawatomi language a their Indigenous roots, more seek out large part of the culture, and online these links to their family history. language resources provided a way to Here are a few stories of Potawatomi learn out of state. Living in Idaho, the citizens connecting with each other Facebook group put her in touch with and filling in gaps using social media. other Potawatomi with the same goals.

Fae Myers “As a physically disabled and chronically ill Potawatomi far from any physical Growing up on the East Coast, Fae Myers’ tribal resources and people, I’m extremely connection to her Native heritage lacked appreciative for the online community the strength that comes with physical and the help I was provided,” she said. “It proximity. Toward the end of high school, means the world to me to still have a way Sandi Bolt Dailey uses the Potawatomi Language (Bodewadmimwen) she started to trace her DeGraff and to communicate with fellow Potawatomi Facebook group to learn about her ancestors, including her great- Navarre family lineage back to Pierre about our language and history.” grandmother, Mary Ann Shopwetuck DeLonais (far right, dark dress). Frenchette Navarre and Angelique Navarre, got busy,” Tschohl said. “It did make Shopwetuck DeLonais, Potawatomi name a French fur trader and his Potawatomi Looking through public records me feel more connected and inspired was the same. However, Bolt never knew wife. Angelique’s Potawatomi name and talking to family, she found me to start reading some material from she was named after her grandmother. was Kishnawkwe (Afternoon Woman). the Potawatomi names of several of her relatives, beginning at her great- fellow Potawatomi authors, however.” “(My mom) was the oldest granddaughter, “Learning the Potawatomi names grandmother and continuing back. Sandi Bolt Dailey and I know that’s why they named of my family and ancestors as well Tschohl asked the group about translating her that. And it just made me start as other history about my family a few of the names. She wanted a Sandi Bolt Dailey grew up in Hominy, crying,” Dailey said. “It still makes me allowed me to feel a lot more more accurate spelling in particular, Oklahoma. As a Bruno, Vieux, DeLonais cry, and I know she didn’t know that.” grounded in my roots,” Myers said. as the ones she already knew came and Rhodd family descendant, Dailey directly from the census: Pabahmesay, knew she was Potawatomi. Throughout Dailey reached out on the While naming skipped a few generations Wahsaygeshegoqua and Ogemahgoshegoqua. her life, she worked for the Osage Bodewadmimwen Facebook group to find in her family, the last four women on Nation and attended Native events. a proper spelling of it in Potawatomi in her maternal side have names, including “It was great to get the translations and August 2019. She learned “Mk edemnedok herself. Her great-grandmother, also also see the bit of variation in them. And Dailey started researching her lineage we (Black Snake Woman)” from Justin named Kishnawkwe (Afternoon Woman); I will definitely return to those names in depth along with younger relatives Neely, the group’s administrator. She grandmother, Nadmagekwe (Helping and their translations as I learn more throughout the last decade. Her aunt believes the name fit her mother. Woman); her mother, Msko-gishek about our language, so I can learn how Ethel Bruno Shopwetuck named several (Red Sky); and herself, Gises (Sun). She they break down,” Tschohl said. “And family members, including Dailey’s “My mom (Bolt) was quiet and kind and learned the names of a few other relatives I’ll have a personal connection with mother, Florine Victoria DeLonais never talked bad about anybody,” Dailey through asking questions in the group. which to affiliate the language, which Bolt. Bolt knew Shopwetuck wrote their said. Family members described Bolt’s is the best way to learn languages.” names down, and Bolt kept them and grandmother, Mary Vieux Bruno, as kind “I got to see my great-gram a few times her other cultural knowledge to herself. and quiet as well. However, Dailey de- before she passed when I was 16, but With the new translations, she learned scribed other Bruno women as outspoken. between being 1,000 miles out and being her great-great-grandparents were “I didn’t have this for my kids, and I a child when she was elderly, I never got known as Pabamse (He Walks Here would have been more involved in it Dailey uncovered truths about her mother a chance to truly know her,” Myers said. and There) and Wasegishgokwe (First when they were growing up. … Now, I’m that Bolt did not know about herself. The Rays of the Morning Sky Woman); trying to play catch-up,” Dailey said. ability to translate her mother’s name “Learning their Potawatomi names not and her great-grandmother’s name was into Potawatomi warms Dailey’s heart. only placed them solidly in a Potawatomi Ogemagishgokwe (Chief Sky Woman). Vetta Bruno named Dailey Cae-a-no-Kwe, context, but I guess what feels like a Warm Wind Blowing Woman, during “It just really makes me feel so much much more meaningful name. These “It was exhilarating to finally understand a family naming ceremony. Relatives more connected,” she said. are names that I feel describe their the Native names I had found in the she met while attending events and personhood, rather than a set of names Indian census records, but I haven’t reconnecting told Dailey her mother’s Join the Potawatomi Language picked at birth by chance. In a sense, it gotten to do much beyond that since name was Black Snake Woman. They said (Bodewadmimwen) Facebook almost feels like they’re still here. Just learning that information because life her paternal great-grandmother’s, Mary group at cpn.news/langfb. Quiz: How healthy is your relationship? By Kayla Woody, Citizen Hits or throws things when Says I’m too involved in 3-4 points: It sounds like you may Potawatomi Nation House of they are angry different activities be seeing some warning signs of Hope Prevention Specialist an abusive relationship. Do not Our relationship is I have no life outside of ignore these signs. Many of these It’s the month of love, but do you moving pretty fast our relationship start out small, and gradually, the question if your partner is abusive? This behavior becomes much worse. quiz may help you determine if you are Always asks where I am or The results with the most checkmarks: in a healthy relationship. Just read each what I am doing 5 points: If you have received this question and answer honestly for yourself. Give yourself one point for each score, there is a very good chance It is always someone else’s fault as to bubble you said “yes” for. that you are currently in an abusive Makes me feel nervous why they do things relationship. Remember that the most when we disagree 0 points: You got a score of zero? Don’t important thing for you is safety. Asks me to change worry. It’s a good thing. It sounds like Tries controlling a lot of what I am wearing your relationship is very healthy! Here at the House of Hope, we can help the things I do you put together a safety plan, and you Puts me down a lot lately 1-2 points: You may be noticing a Accuses me of flirting or cheating do not have to deal with this alone. We Doesn’t like me spending few things in your relationship that are here to help. Contact one of our Texts and calls all the time time with others are unhealthy, but it doesn’t mean community advocates to find out options they are warning signs. It is still a at 405-275-3176, visit us online at I feel like I am always trying to find My friends don’t like my good thing to keep an eye out and facebook.com/cpnhouseofhope or contact ways to please my partner partner at all check for unhealthy patterns. our 24/7 crisis line at 405-878-4673. HOWNIKAN FEBRUARY 2020 3 Alex Kietzman’s research aims to detect vision impairment through photos

CPN member Alex Kietzman joined Dr. never seen before. On top of a distinct on the fringe of technology as medical Bryan Shaw’s bioanalytical lab in 2018 geography, I repeatedly came across some appointments via video call and self- as a sophomore at Baylor University in of the most intelligent minds in the assessment with the help of digital Waco, Texas. It matched his interest in the country. For a weekend it was normal to applications become more common. digital future of health care and allowed have conversations with famous professors him to explore options for specializations like Steven Pinker, Nobel Laureate Oliver “I think telemedicine is a really, really in medical school. As an undergraduate Hart, Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, important thing, and that’s where I researcher in the lab, Kietzman worked or (former) Editor-in-Chief of Cell, a imagine very much of or maybe even on the development of one of Shaw’s top biology journal, Emily Marcus.” the majority of medicine in the future biggest projects as an associate professor, going,” he said. “And CRADLE is, I the ComputeR Assisted Detector of CRADLE think, just another way, another example LEukocoria – or CRADLE – algorithm of how telemedicine is expanding in As medical software, CRADLE helps nature. … It’s just great to be a part of used for the “white eye detector” detect leukocoria, or “white eye,” which smartphone application available in some movement to expand health care or sometimes can be seen in photographs. medicine beyond the clinician’s office.” both Android and Apple app stores. Leukocoria is often a symptom of more Kietzman, a junior in his undergraduate A descendant of the Higbee and Lorraine pressing ocular issues, including cataracts, program, keeps his career options families, Kietzman double majors in Coats’ disease, and retinoblastoma, a open. His declared majors and minors biochemistry and philosophy with a minor type of eye cancer usually found in incorporate varied schools of thought in biology. His aspirations include medical young children. The refraction of light and subjects that overlap one another, school. As part of the team continuing off certain ocular surfaces created particularly in this branch of health care. to develop and improve CRADLE, he by these diseases results in the white worked on scientific research that turned pupil. Alleviating these issues depends on early detection and treatment. Kietzman rubs the John Harvard “It’s definitely something that even if into his first published study. Autonomous statue’s toes for good luck at the National it wasn’t a trend, I think that I would early detection of eye disease in childhood “The goal of the app is to use casual Collegiate Research Conference. still be drawn to approaching medicine photographs appeared in the October photography that parents take of their that way, and it’s clearly a beneficial 2019 edition of the publication Science kids on a daily basis and sort of sum sort of at the top of the line of the thing to have those sort of cogs already Advances, and at that time, more than it all together in some aggregate way Android market,” Kietzman said. moving in my mind,” he said. 10,000 devices had downloaded the app. as a single test to view the pupil and see if there are any abnormalities like In an attempt to make CRADLE “It’s humbling to be a part of something “The vast majority of people who are leukocoria,” Kietzman explained. universal, availability on every device that’s so much greater than myself.” conducting research and writing papers seemed logical and necessary. Android are graduate students, postdoctoral After downloading CRADLE White Eye functionality also increases its potential The opportunities to shadow and fellows, or people who are currently Detector, the user grants it access to their presence in developing nations as gain perspective on different medical just working with their Ph.D.,” device’s photos. Then, it uses both facial those makes and models become fields ranging from cardiology to Kietzman said. “It’s really exciting to recognition and a hue saturation value most popular in those markets. primary care excite Kietzman as well. be introduced to this sort of published scale aligned with instances of leukocoria He calls those future decisions “up community at a younger age.” in photography to detect possible “The goal is just to have as many people in the air, but in a good way.” instances that may warrant further testing. as possible download it and be using Kietzman also discussed the application Read the Science Advances’ publication of it whenever they need. … It’s the most Autonomous early detection of eye disease in and its updates in front of peers and As part of Dr. Shaw’s lab, Kietzman important (there) because the density childhood photographs professionals at the National Collegiate assisted with “the first large-scale, at cpn.news/cradle. of doctors and pediatricians is far CRADLE is available free on the Apple’s Research Conference at Harvard longitudinal testing of its accuracy, lower than that of the United States,” app store and Google Play. It is also on University in January 2019 — his first sensitivity and specificity” of the Kietzman said. “And an awful disease Facebook @white.eye.detector and on presentation of its kind. Despite his software. While the project previously like retinoblastoma, the cancer of the Instagram @cradle_white_eye_detector. nervousness, he appreciated and learned focused on the iPhone, Kietzman’s retina, is curable, if caught early enough.” from the eye-opening experience. addition encouraged an expansion into Dr. Shaw’s bioanalytical lab is currently Androids as the owner of a Google Pixel. Due in part to his contributions, “People always consider Boston or Ivy requesting childhood photographs for the lab’s team is currently assessing analyzation to increase their work’s League areas as a step up, intellectually. “I was over at (Dr. Shaw’s) house with approximately 100,000 images to build accuracy. Email Shaw Research Labs It’s sort of humbling to recognize how a friend of mine, who was also in the its training set and improve its accuracy. at [email protected] for further similar a Texas education is in many lab, working on the project, and I pull information on contributing. Visit the ways,” he said. “So, I get to Boston; I fly out my phone. He saw my phone, and Virtual health care and the future lab online at shawlaboratory.com. to Boston. I step off the plane, and I see he goes, ‘What type of phone is that?’ more snow than I’ve ever seen in my life. and then I start telling him about my Kietzman finds CRADLE exciting as I see a frozen river. Just things that I’ve phone and how at the time, it was a part of telemedicine. He hopes to be 4 FEBRUARY 2020 HOWNIKAN Sengo Zibiwes Ngemojek find the rhythms of the past and future Gathering for practice on a cold Friday something that can connect you to a afternoon in December, the Sengo whole bunch of other communities. And Zibiwes Ngemojek (Squirrel Creek you can chitchat about or whatever,” Singers) catch up on each other’s lives DeerInWater said. “That aspect of it around the drum and chuckle. They meet is very cool to me, and then being twice a week at the Citizen Potawatomi with the guys here is also really cool Nation Cultural Heritage Center, because we’re singing Potawatomi learning the traditions of drumming songs. We’re using the language. We’re as well as lyrics in Potawatomi. drumming at traditional games.” “What’s nice about this group of Occasionally, some of the men’s sons guys is, I think we’re comfortable attend practice as well, giving them the enough with each other that we don’t opportunity to learn together. As part mind giving it a whirl, trying it out, of the Language Department, Collins trying to lead now and then because drums for the children at the CPN you don’t want it always to be the Child Development Center. He also one guy,” said Justin Neely, Sengo sees it as an opportunity to pass on the Zibiwes Ngemojek organizer and CPN customs to the pre-kindergarteners, who Language Department director. like the Seven Fires song, inspired by the prophecy that outlines the origins Before they begin, they all lower their The Sengo Zibiwes Ngemojek open the Oklahoma Indian Education Conference with a performance at the Grand Casino Hotel & Resort in December 2019. and history of the Nishnabé people. heads and say a prayer to Creator in Potawatomi over the drum. Jason Hawk, Since then, practice became part make horrible mistakes, but it’s all a “Those kids love it. So, they’ve been a new member and Cherokee Nation of his routine as a Tribal citizen. learning experience,” DeerInWater said. wanting it,” he said. “Every day I’ll citizen, learned to give the instrument go down there, they’re wanting it. reverence during the last six months. “The drum is the heartbeat of the Nation, DeLonais family descendant and And they’re learning it. So, they’ll and when that goes silent, our people Language Aid Robert Collins spent the sit there, and there are even videos “It’s a sacred item, in a way. We call it will be silent; and so I feel like getting majority of 2019 learning Potawatomi. of them on Facebook doing it.” our grandfather. … We treat it like to know that better is very heartening,” In less than a year, he went from knowing The Ngemojek’s songbook includes our grandfather. So, we wouldn’t he said. “It means a lot, and I guess it’s nothing about the language to writing disrespect it in any type of way,” songs as part of the drum group. veterans, flag, honor, intertribal and something that I feel like has allowed round dance pieces, and their goals Hawk said, which includes making me to express myself in a way that indecent jokes in front of the drum “It’s just what we do, so it’s feeling like focus on keeping their repertoire I didn’t feel comfortable doing.” and laying things on top of it. coming to work every day kind of, growing. Neely hopes to eventually Before this experience, DeerInWater almost,” he said and laughed. “But it is participate as the main drum The group started meeting in 2008. had never focused on developing any really awesome to sit back and look at during CPN’s annual powwow as They named themselves Sengo Zibiwes musical skill. In fact, not many of the it like that. It’s pretty cool. I wouldn’t well as perform at other events. Ngemojek, or Squirrel Creek Singers, Sengo Zibiwes Ngemojek have. While have seen myself doing this. If I would after the creek that runs on Tribal land “I feel real positive about it, myself. a couple of them briefly picked up have said, ‘I’m going to be doing that in through the Nation’s FireLake complex. … I really think it is something that percussion, piano or saxophone in their a year’s time,’ that wouldn’t have been one of the things I would have said.” would be nice if we could be the drum “Squirrel Creek is a pretty prevalent one youth, their time with the men’s drum at some time for our own powwow, for kind of the center of our government group remains their greatest effort toward Last summer, the Sengo Zibiwes Ngemojek obviously, our own Festival. I mean, right here. Every time you go to (Family mastering an instrument. For some of played the drum for the handgames I’d like to see us even try maybe some Reunion) Festival, Squirrel Creek. We them, attending practice means gathering tournament during the Tribe’s Family smaller powwows at some point, just thought it was a neat name back the courage to try something new. Reunion Festival. Several group members kind of get in the mix,” he said. in the day to call it,” Neely said. began practicing only a couple of “Being someone who wasn’t raised in months prior, and the event felt like The Sengo Zibiwes Ngemojek welcome However, many current members my Native community or around my the beginning of something bigger. new members on Wednesdays and began attending practices within the Native community, that seemed kind Fridays at 4 p.m. at the CPN Cultural last year. CPN Community Garden of daunting and like there was a divide, “It is something that is so pan-tribal. Heritage Center (cpn.news/heritage). For Assistant Kaya DeerInWater began but these guys have been so welcoming. Most peoples these days have powwows more information on the Family Reunion drumming in the summer of 2019. And I’ve felt comfortable enough to or participate in powwows, so it’s Festival, visit cpn.news/festival. Shkodedeajek reaches anniversary of founding

By Kaya DeerInWater, aspects of our local and national STEM Shkodedeajek chapter president community. The chapter also hosted an event during the 2019 Family Reunion Citizen Potawatomi Nation is one of two Festival where participants got a chance tribal nations with its own chapter of the to work with computer coding or American Indian Science and Engineering medicinal plants. One portion focused Society. In February 2019, CPN and on a tutorial in robotics coding with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Bluetooth-enabled SPHERO robots, started the first two tribal chapters of and the other centered on using native AISES, which provide opportunities for American Indians, Alaska Natives Oklahoma plants as healing teas. and Native Hawaiians in the fields of In 2020, Shkodedeajek plans to science, technology, engineering and host more events with local schools, math. Members promote and support send a delegation of leaders to the each other in their own communities. annual AISES Leadership Summit ASIES was founded in Oklahoma in and National Conference, and start 1977 and has 4,600 individual members a mentorship program for students. in 189 chartered college and university This chapter is open to any Citizen chapters as well as 15 professional chapters and 158 affiliated K-12 schools. Potawatomi, regardless of geographic location, as well as any Native person CPN’s AISES chapter is named CPN AISES chapter president Kaya DeerInWater leads a tea who resides within CPN’s jurisdiction Shkodedeajek (the People with the Fire making workshop at the 2019 Family Reunion Festival. that spans over five counties. If you in Their Hearts). Pronounced shk- are interested in joining, please email oh-duh-deh-ah-juhk, it is a reference the Keepers of the Fire. Our Tribal organized into four central committees me at k.deerinwater@potawatomi. to the greater Potawatomi Nation as chapter includes more than 75 members that focus on supporting different org or visit aises.org/membership. HOWNIKAN FEBRUARY 2020 5 Speaking your child’s love language

By Darian Young, Family How to speak this language to your child: Preservation Coordinator frequent and sincere hugs, kisses, pats on the back, high fives, fist bumps, holding Miscommunications often lend hands, dancing together, cuddling while themselves to the creation of rifts reading a book or watching television, and barriers within families. For special handshakes, play wrestling or any example, if every member of a other positive touch gives the visible sign family spoke a completely different to a child that they are noticed and loved. language at home, imagine the conflicts, hurt feelings, confusion and Discovering your more that would arise. The truth is, child’s love language many families are speaking different languages — love languages, that is. While most children will have one primary love language, it is critical In Dr. Gary Chapman’s book The Five not to drop the ball entirely when Love Languages of Children, Chapman it comes to the other four love wrote, “Every child has a primary languages. All are necessary for children language of love, a way in which he or to thrive, but one will speak the she understands a parent’s love best.” loudest and clearest to your child. There are five primary love languages that Chapman refers to: words of affirmation, A simple way to discover your child’s love acts of service, gifts, quality time and language is to ask the question, “How of service will communicate most gifts can more than satisfy a child do you know mommy/daddy loves physical touch. When you speak your deeply that you love [them].” whose primary love language is gifts. child’s love language accurately, you you?” Their answer will provide you fill their “love tank” and increase their It is important to understand that a Quality time direct insight to what speaks the loudest and fills their tank the fullest. Answers feelings of being both accepted and child who thrives on acts of service does might sound something like, “I know loved. Ideally, this removes the need for not get a free pass or get every request Complete undivided attention in today’s you love me because you always tell children to seek love and acceptance immediately granted. What it does hectic world will speak volumes to a me so every morning and every night,” from places that could prove harmful. mean, though, is parents should respond child whose primary love language is to requests sensitively and “recognize quality time. All children crave attention, (words of affirmation); “You always Words of affirmation that your response will either help fill but children motivated by quality time make me yummy dinner and help me the child’s love tank or else puncture continuously and intentionally seek out whenever a toy breaks, and that always Most understand the power that words the tank,” according to Chapman. parents to play with them and act out makes me feel really happy,” (acts of hold, but to children with words of when periods come and go without one- service); “I can look at all my clothes, my affirmation as a primary love language, How to speak this language to your on-one time. It is imperative to choose cellphone and even the random cards words are even more significant. Praise, child: lovingly repair a broken toy, moments and activities important to mom makes me and see how much y’all guidance, encouragement and words pack a lunch, prepare a favorite your child. Pay attention to their likes love me,” (gifts); “You always make time of affection all send a direct signal that meal or help create flash cards for and hobbies, and create moments where for me, no matter how busy you are the child is loved. “Even though such an upcoming test. These can speak you choose to join in with them. with work or how difficult I’m being, words are quickly said, they are not soon volumes and fill your child’s love tank. and that means a lot to me,”(quality forgotten. A child reaps the benefits of Carve out one hour each week for time); or “Mommy, you always give me affirming words for a lifetime,” Chapman Gifts individual time with your child or kisses and cuddles, and it makes me wrote. The same holds true with negative, children by reading, playing a game, feel warm and cozy!” (physical touch). harsh and overly critical words, too. “The giving and receiving of gifts can going on a walk, making a meal together A loved one’s harshness or excessive be a powerful expression of love, at the or having an uninterrupted conversation. Additionally, there are free online negativity deeply wound children time they are given and often extending quizzes you can take in order to better who hold words dear to their heart. into later years,” Chapman said. Giving Physical touch understand what your child’s love gifts does not have to be an elaborate, language may be. The quizzes can be How to speak this language to your expensive or grand gesture. Children It has been widely studied and proven accessed at cpn.news/5lovelang. child: write a short note inside their who relate most to this love language that babies who are held and loved on lunchbox, send a daily positive text to connect presents with deep meaning, more as infants fare better over time than “When we as parents learn to speak your child or cheer for them at sporting memories and overall love. A child whose babies who are neglected of physical our children’s love language, even events. One suggestion with significant primary love language is gifts will most touch. If we understand the significance though it differs from our own, we are impact is allowing your child to overhear likely remember what presents are from of touch with newborns, it is vital we showing them the way of unselfishness, you saying something positive about whom and when or why the gift was do not forget the power touch has on the way of serving others. We are guiding them into an important part them to someone else. Dr. Harvey given to them. The gifts are worth more toddlers, adolescents and even adults. “A tender hug communicates love to of becoming an adult — giving and Karp, author of The Happiest Toddler in their young eyes than the monetary any child, but it shouts love to these caring for others,” Chapman said. on the Block, explained that we tend to value or the popularity of the gift. children,” Chapman said. As with words believe things even more if we overhear How to speak this language to your of affirmation, the reverse is also true with If you are interested in learning more them versus being directly told. child: creating unique “coupons” that negative or harmful touch. To a child parenting tips, reach out to FireLodge Children & Family Services and inquire Acts of service fit your child’s interests (such as “extra whose primary love language is physical time before bed” or “free ice cream touch, a spanking or an inappropriate about the parenting classes that are The role of a parent is most often a cone”), placing surprise small gifts touch can become a devastating emotional offered free of charge. Visit facebook. service-oriented job. According to such as a Hershey’s kiss or handmade wound. All children need to be taught the com/cpnfirelodge or call 405-878-4831. Chapman, children’s primary love card hidden in your child’s lunchbox importance of physical boundaries and language is service and “Your acts or bedroom, or other personalized should be allowed to decide their own. 2020 Tribal election candidates certified Each year, the Citizen Potawatomi Only Oklahoma voters can cast service projects and the executive ballot requests may be made in writing Nation holds elections for positions ballots for these two legislative seats. branch of the Tribal government. by sending the voter’s name, address, in the Tribal government. This year’s Tribal ID number and legal signature In-person voting takes place at Tribal ballot includes two legislative seats in Election Day is June 27, 2020, to the CPN Election Committee, the Saturday of the CPN headquarters near Shawnee, Oklahoma, addition to the annual Tribal budget. P.O. Box 310, Tecumseh, OK, 74873. Family Reunion Festival. on June 27, 2020. Polls open at 7 a.m. Absentee ballot request forms must The legislative race to represent and close at 2 p.m. Tribal citizens must be postmarked by June 6, 2020. Candidate profiles and Q&As will show their CPN ID to receive a ballot. Oklahoma District 9 will be be in upcoming editions of the Citizen Potawatomi are encouraged contested by one incumbent and Hownikan before the election. Absentee ballot request forms will be to contact Tribal Rolls to ensure one challenger. Current District mailed to CPN members’ last known their address information is up 9 Legislator Paul Wesselhöft will In addition to the legislative seats, Tribal address on March 1, 2020. Absentee to date at 800-880-9880. face challenger Jay Laughlin. voters will cast their ballots on the ballots will be mailed to members’ last Nation’s annual budget. It outlines the known address on May 1, 2020. The District 12 incumbent, Paul expenditure of the CPN trust fund’s CPN Election Committee must receive Schmidlkofer, was the lone candidate earnings. No principal from the fund absentee ballots by 10 a.m. on June 27, filing for his seat and will run unopposed. is spent. The budget pays for national 2020, in order to be accepted. Absentee 6 FEBRUARY 2020 HOWNIKAN Anishinabe Design Inc. revitalizes and constructs tribal spaces across Oklahoma

Branded as “architecture, planning ICDBGs outline what services the struc- and interior design for the Native ture provides to the tribal community. American community,” Anishinabe Anishinabe Design has designed cultural Design Inc. is one of two architectural heritage centers, cultural learning labs, firms owned by CPN member Cheryl food distribution centers, law enforcement Lockstone and her husband, Barrett centers and roundhouse rehabilitations. Williamson. Their office sits at Asp Ave and Boyd Street on the University of “It’s the tribe helping their people, and Oklahoma’s Campus Corner in Norman. they help them in a way that doesn’t make them feel like they’re being helped “My husband calls it the ‘Center of the or put down,” Lockstone said. “It’s Universe’ because we have the premier like lifting people up, and so most balcony on the corner above Starbucks,” of the tribal projects that we do, I she said. “So, we get to have wonderful feel like we are lifting people up.” game days. We’re big OU fans.” Currently, they are working on an Previously a full-time painter, the Bruno expansion of an Indian Health Services family descendant spent seven years in clinic near El Reno, Oklahoma, with the early 2000s exhibiting and selling her the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes. With primary construction set for completion work in juried art shows from Arizona to Barrett Williamson and Cheryl Lockstone own two architectural design firms Michigan. She now serves as the chair of in fall 2021, the new facility expands located out of Norman, Oklahoma. (Photo by Shevaun Williams) provider services and offers radiology, the Norman Public Arts Board; however, pharmacy, dentistry and more in 16,000 her work with the firm has required most Council member and elder Charles on the OU campus into the Chickasaw square feet — significantly larger than the of her artistic abilities in recent years. “Buddy” Lone Chief to identify important Nation Student Services Center. Originally one destroyed by a tornado in spring 2013. constellations and their proper placement. a sorority house built in 1925, the tribe “Architecture, of course, is a creative Then, the staff painted it by hand. reimagined it as a home away from home “It’s just going to be a much better business. … When we first started the for its students with a living room, dining facility. So, whenever you look that firm, I was interested in combining art “Everyone from the office went on a rooms, computer lab, laundry room, we’re able to help the U.S. government and architecture in some way,” she said. Saturday, and we spent the night. We library, game room and much more. fulfill treaties with tribal governments in spent two days painting the ceiling of The beginning place to make sure Native populations the Pawnee Nation Dining Hall, and it “We have spaces there that they can have have access to health care, it’s very reflected their star chart. … Every project classes so that they can learn beadwork gratifying to me that we are able to give Lockstone and Williamson founded that we’ve had since then, we’ve tried or anything about their heritage — any the business in 2008 following a back in that sort of way by building to work closely with elders of the tribe type of programming that the Chickasaw really nice facilities,” Lockstone said. satisfying relationship rehabilitating and get their input.” Lockstone said. Nation wants to do to bring their students the Pawnee Nation College dining closer to their heritage,” Lockstone said. Anishinabe Design also conceptualized hall in Pawnee, Oklahoma. Restorations single-family homes for the CPN Work began in 2018, and they Housing Department’s new lease purchase “I finally said, ‘OK, I’m going to do Anishinabe Design focuses on restoring preserved the original fabric of the home ownership program. Participants this, but I want to make sure that and rehabilitating tribally owned building, including refinishing and sign a three-year lease agreement with all of the Native projects that we or culturally significant structures. reusing the original wood windows. the possibility of homeownership do … that the culture of that tribe Lockstone said the goal of creating a new is put in the building,’” she said. by meeting a series of criteria. For purpose from a space that already exists “I’ve always loved that building, and people more information, visit cpn.news/ aligns with Native customs and traditions. in Norman especially have a strong sense homeowners or cpn.news/housing. “They’re each distinct in their own way. of that building and a lot of ownership And they each have their own culture; “Anything that’s going to save a historic towards it,” Lockstone said. “Everyone Throughout the last decade, working they each have their own identity, building instead of tearing it down is im- was excited to finally see the Chickasaw with tribes across Oklahoma and learning and their language and customs and portant to us because we believe that you Nation come in and restore that building.” their customs taught Lockstone how to things that are important to them.” should reuse and recycle instead of knock- engage uniquely with them and made ing down and rebuilding,” she explained. Tribal community connection her more appreciative of her own. Plans for the dining hall combined “And the original building is maybe a bet- through spacial utilization Pawnee customs and art with a star map ter-built building with better materials.” “I just encourage everyone that is painted on the ceiling in the main space Lockstone and Williamson also submit a tribal member or whatever tribe of the building. Lockstone gathered As an architect, her husband enjoys their qualifications for consideration for you belong to just be a part of inspiration for the design after visiting the those kinds of challenges and builds his tribal projects funded by the U.S. Depart- your cultural heritage,” she said. Field Museum in Chicago and standing reputation around them. Besides the ment of Housing and Urban Develop- underneath a replica of a Pawnee earth Pawnee Nation College dining hall, their ment’s Indian Community Development Visit Anishinabe Design on the lodge. They consulted Pawnee Business firm repurposed the Casa Blanca Building Block Grant program. Applications for web at anishinabedesign.com. One Time Grant program open for housing opportunities By Sherry Byers, CPN Housing regarding this program and the Tribal • Copy of borrower’s CPN processed and the check mailed back to Department Program Manager bank. Our office receives calls daily from membership card the Tribal member by the specified date. citizens that never knew of this grant • Copy of Social Security The One Time Grant has now been in or that the Tribe owns its own bank. To request the application and/or general operation for more than 21 years and has cards for household member information regarding the One Time evolved and improved throughout this All Citizen Potawatomi members without Tribal cards Grant, please contact Sherry Byers, time. It has assisted hundreds of Citizen are eligible for this grant one time • Copy of the “Loan homeownership manager at 405-273- Potawatomi Nation tribal members only. The maximum amount is $2,125 Estimate” from lender 2833 or at [email protected]. with funds for their down payment or and does not have to be repaid. • Income verification for all household closing costs associated with the purchase, This grant may also done after closing. members (last three to four pay stubs, building or refinancing of a home. Program criteria: The required paperwork must be in our or if same employer for years, the office at least 30 days from the loan In addition to assisting individual Tribal • The grant cannot be used for last two years of tax returns — first closing date. Please contact our office members with this program, we would any type of mobile home page and signature page only) when applying following closing. also like to see the CPN’s First National • Convicted felons or other household • Name of the closing entity (Title Bank & Trust Co. benefit by originating member felons are ineligible Co., Escrow Co., Attorney, etc.) For information regarding loan products the mortgage loans. FNB is able to and lending requirements at First National • The home being purchased must offer most loan programs offered by • Completed W-9 form Bank & Trust Co., please contact Jeff be their primary residence other lending institutions, except loan • Copy of appraisal Scroggins, mortgage loan officer at types affiliated with predatory lenders. • The Tribal member’s name 405-275-8830 or 800-227-8362. must be on the loan The application and support information It is interesting to know that there are is required in our office at least three weeks still many uninformed CPN members The application must be completed prior to the closing date. This gives our out there when it comes to information thoroughly with the following submitted: office enough time to get the paperwork HOWNIKAN FEBRUARY 2020 7 Knowing the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning can save lives By Lenzy Krehbiel-Burton areas, Harris pointed out that it is still possible to occur while outside. Keeping warm or maintaining a lawn does not need to be fatal. “You don’t think about it with a generator going outside, but it is Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, recommended to have gas powered tasteless gas that is emitted in fumes machines going at least 20 feet away from burning fuel, including gasoline, from the building to help prevent kerosene, charcoal and wood. If allowed carbon monoxide buildup,” she said. to build up in the body, it can be fatal to both people and animals. In addition to installing and regularly maintaining a carbon According to data published by the Cen- monoxide detector, carbon monoxide ters for Disease Control and Prevention, poisoning can be avoided through more than 400 Americans die annually from carbon monoxide poisoning, with several basic proactive measures. an additional 4,000 hospitalized from it. For example, chimneys, heating systems Often described as flu-like, carbon mon- and coal burning appliances need to oxide poisoning symptoms include dizzi- be inspected yearly and cleaned as ness, confusion, a dull headache, blurred needed. Never leave a car or truck vision, chest pain, shortness of breath and engine running in an enclosed garage, nausea. It can also lead to a loss of con- particularly if that garage is attached sciousness, making it possible for people to the house. Gasoline powered tools, to die from carbon monoxide poisoning such as leaf blowers and chainsaws, before showing any noticeable symptoms. monoxide levels at 50 parts per million. problems are generally more susceptible must be used in a well-ventilated area. That same adult would start developing to getting sick from extended The exact timetable for symptoms a mild headache after two or three hours exposure to carbon monoxide. Additionally, in the event of a power to start appearing hinges on several in a room with carbon monoxide levels outage, do not use a gas oven, gas factors, including a person’s size and at 200 parts per million. After an hour Stephanie Harris is the director of range or camp stove as a heat activity level as well as the concentration or two in a room with carbon monoxide the Oklahoma City Indian Clinic’s source or sleep in a room with an levels of carbon monoxide in an area. levels at 400 parts per million, that adult public health department. unvented kerosene space heater. would most likely start getting nauseous. For example, an average healthy adult Although carbon monoxide poisoning “When you’re cold and just trying would not experience any symptoms Infants, elders and people with heart is a more common occurrence indoors, to get warm, sometimes you forget after eight hours of exposure to carbon disease, anemia or chronic breathing particularly in poorly ventilated common sense,” Harris said. Citizen Potawatomi Nation Adult Protective Services looks out for elders When considering programs such elders and be able to focus on them and Disabilities Act guidelines dedicated to as Indian Child Welfare and family check on them and be another set of eyes.” the elders. Draper said it returns a sense services, one group often left out of the of independence through transportation. conversation is elders. Adult protective APS Case Manager Brian Moore began service programs do not always receive working for the Tribe in September “We’re going to be able to transport adequate funding and are far from 2019 to assist with the beginning of them to doctor’s appointments or universal throughout the country. the department and help with the to visit someone or to go shopping. cases he and Draper have already And although the Potawatomi have However, the U.S. Department of Justice started. He worked for the State of a transit department, sometimes Office for Victims of Crime recently Oklahoma in the same field. During they’re booked. We want to be able to awarded Citizen Potawatomi Nation his short time with CPN, he already provide that service to the ones that a grant to fund the Tribe’s new Adult appreciates the streamlined nature can just pick up the phone and say, ‘I Protective Services Department for of its services and resources as well as want to go to Walmart,’” she said. the next three years. With more than the ability to focus on individuals. a quarter of a million dollars available Already, CPN APS has nearly 15 cases beginning in January 2020, the Tribe “With the State of Oklahoma, you’re as the new year begins. Although the laid the groundwork for a growing staff really just stuck working with neglect, program is in its infancy, talks remain and set of resources specifically devoted exploitation and abuse. Here, we’re focused on teamwork and possibilities. to the investigation of elder abuse and able to provide all sorts of assistance to As the only tribe in Oklahoma with welfare. The CPN program is amongst our elders, not just investigating those CPN Adult Protective Services an APS staff, Draper and Moore hope the first of its kind for a tribe in the U.S. particular crimes, but we can also just Department Director Janet Draper to set an example for their colleagues provide assistance to them when they’re and Case Manager Brian Moore. as they grow into uncharted territory. APS Department Director Janet Draper just needed,” Moore said. “It’s just a oversaw CPN’s Indian Child Welfare phenomenal program that we have here.” dollars,’ or ‘My grandchild has taken “It shows that the Potawatomi Nation is Department prior to her new position. my money. I don’t have money now for concerned for all of its citizens and the During that time, she accepted cases of The grant covers staff and procedural food or medication.’ And it’s sad, and realization that this problem exists in elder abuse and performed welfare checks. costs for 50 cases a year, each one it goes on every day,” Draper said. “And our own backyard,” Draper said. “But averaging more than 80 work hours unfortunately, it happens within the the Potawatomi Nation is going to “I just felt over the years that something to close. Their complex nature stems Citizen Potawatomi Nation community. step up as always and take care of the more needed to be done,” she said. from the addition of several factors And I want our elders to know that there problems within their community so not present in child welfare, including is someone they can call that they can that everybody is proud and excited “With this new program, we are going property, debt, Social Security and trust to help them solve this problem.” for these type of programs to start.” to be able to go to each of those Tribal medication theft by family members. members and/or their spouses and/or The grant will allow a portion of the For more community services any other Natives that are living in … “It’s embarrassing for them to say, ‘Hey, allocated funds to purchase a van from Citizen Potawatomi Nation, housing that the Tribe has to offer for I’ve been swindled out of thousands of compliant with Americans with visit cpn.news/services. Get the Hownikan via email! If you would like your newspaper via email, please send your name and address to [email protected] and let us know. 8 FEBRUARY 2020 HOWNIKAN Traditional craftwork provides connection to Nishnabé culture Growing up in Oklahoma, Kristy way she does this is through world Phillips has held close ties to her language inquiry by giving students Nishnabé roots since youth. Today she Potawatomi language to investigate serves as a secondary educator at the and incorporate into assignments. Hannahville Indian School — Nah Tah Wahsh (Soaring Eagle). There she “It’s basically them researching and teaches Neshnabémwen (Potawatomi inquiring about their language and language) and Indigenous kenomagewen how to take what they’re given and (science), incorporating tribal traditions put into these projects,” she said. and lifeways into her lessons. Outside Her hand-crafted items, like of work, Phillips creates beautiful pieces winnowing baskets and wild rice of artwork, jewelry and more using knockers, also supplement lessons. traditional materials and methods through Neshnabkwewek run by her and her sister “One of the things I wanted to do Kateri Phillips, who currently serves as was to help them understand that, the 2019 Miss Potawatomi. A limited you know, we are living on this land number of Neshnabkwewek creations of the Great Lakes and how much are on sale now at Potawatomi Gifts. traditional ecological knowledge is built into our language,” she said. “The gift we have as Nishnabé people is to create, and I think that anybody is Techniques capable of doing, especially Nishnabé people. It’s just practice,” Phillips said. Phillips entwines mindfulness into every step of her creative process, including her Phillips’ interest in Potawatomi art forms favorite part: hand-harvesting supplies. began at an early age. She learned a variety of skills and methods while making “Beadwork is fun, but you go to the Neshnabkwewek birch bark baskets feature the American Indian store and you buy a lot of that stuff,” powwow regalia with her grandmother. Science and Engineering Society’s logo. (photo provided) This experience inspired her to create a she explained. “Then, it’s like a whole beading business for a high school project, Returning home “I kind of made up my mind at a other level when you can actually go helping spur her entrepreneurial spirit. young age that if I was ever given the out and harvest that by hand and put those things together. And they’re Before obtaining her degree in cellular opportunity to move back north and “My business was beaded keychains, and and molecular biology, Phillips all things you found out there.” be back home where we were before my group made a lot of money that year studied and taught Potawatomi under because my grandma donated beads,” the CPN Language Department the Trail of Death, I would take that To learn the proper ways to she said. “I just got some dowel rods. I as a language aid. Then in 2011, opportunity and try to bring back collect natural materials, she beaded so many keychains. When that Hannahville Indian Community a lot of knowledge to my people in relies on other’s guidance. was a success, my sister and I put our extended a job opportunity to her. Oklahoma and Kansas,” she said. heads together, and we were like, ‘Man, “I never go out unless I know specifically we should really see if we can sell these Phillips’ move to Michigan connects her As a teacher, she has an opportunity what I’m doing and how I ought to do it. to the gift shop.’ So, I have had things in and her children to Potawatomi ancestral to integrate the Potawatomi language the gift shop since I was a younger child.” homelands, fulfilling a lifelong dream. and traditions into the classroom. One Continued on page 12 Ways to support foster parents

By Kendra Lowden, Foster Donate Care/Adoption Manager WE LOVE OUR Children in care are not always able Caring for children involved in the child to bring all of their belongings into welfare system can be challenging due foster homes. Sharing new or gently CUSTOMERS to the trauma they have faced. There used items for children is very helpful. are ample support options available You can donate clothing, toys, sports for foster children, but not as many equipment, diapers, bottles and anything for the foster parents who are caring children in your own life would and advocating for some of the most need to feel safe and comfortable. vulnerable members of our communities. Being a foster parent is much more Remember all children in the home than loving children. Often, the day- Biological and adopted children in to-day hardships and complexities the foster home still need the same of working with multiple agencies love and attention as foster children. are the biggest challenges. Although not everyone is able to foster, most Offer to take them out for a movie people offer a kind gesture. Here are night or to an activity. Do not worry some simple ways you can help: about being “fair.” We can trust foster parents to navigate that topic Communicate with each child. It is okay to show children attention at separate times. Reach out via phone, email or social media. Offering words of encouragement Reserve judgment is helpful for everyone, especially for a foster parent who is juggling all Hold back negative comments about the responsibilities that come with biological parents. Do not assume every child who has been abused or caring for children involved in the At First National Bank & Trust Co., we appreciate the little neglected is damaged, unloved or needs complex child welfare system. Even things in life - like smiling faces, solid handshakes and one kind word makes a difference. to be adopted. Avoid asking questions friendly neighbors. There’s nothing sweeter than serving about any trauma the children may our community each and every day. Run errands have experienced or about the situation with their biological parents. That Save a foster parent a trip to the store is private information. Remember by picking up groceries. You can also that all behavior has meaning, and a order items for delivery through websites struggling child may be expressing their TALK TO US. FIRST. like FireLake Discount Foods, Walmart emotions in the only way they know or Amazon. Committing to helping a how to at that moment. There are no foster family with simple actions like “bad” children, only bad experiences. this can make such a difference when 405.275.8830 someone is struggling and can help For more information, contact FNBOKLA.BANK them find the balance they need to FireLodge Children & Family be their best selves for their family. Services at 405-878-4831. 2020-01-29 Hownikan News Ad HOWNIKAN FEBRUARY 2020 9 Educator and Tribal member improves social studies lessons with grant

Citizen Potawatomi Nation member The “ripple effect” Nathalie Lee’s classroom looked a little different as the school year began As a major component of a proposal, in August 2019. Maps of Oklahoma applicants often think about how outlining cultural markers and their professional development will history paired nicely with new games turn into what Wilson calls a “broader depicting frontier life and books ripple effect to the community.” One about Native Americans’ time on the way Lee aims to have a lasting impact land that became the 46th state. on her students’ thought process is including Native Americans more As a third grade teacher at Union Public prominently in social studies lessons. Schools district in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Lee focuses on social studies, in particular, During their travels, “I feel like I Oklahoma history. Earlier in 2019, the learned a lot that I wish I would have Bertrand and Higbee family descendant retained when I was a public school received a Fund for Teachers grant from child in Oklahoma,” she said. the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence. They visited the Cherokee Heritage She used it to strengthen curriculum and Center near Tahlequah and obtain accompanying classroom resources. considered ways to improve inclusion “I’ve always been really proud to be and representation of Native an Oklahoman and really proud to Americans in their coursework. be a Tribal member,” Lee said. “And “We tried to balance out Native I’ve always been interested in learning Americans, which we found about Oklahoma history, which easy to research and find a lot of is why my teaching partner and I information about, with the cowboy decided to write this grant and why life and pioneer life. We also learned it really, really affected me deeply.” how Native Americans played a The Oklahoma Foundation for part in the government roles of Excellence’s mission “is to recognize building Oklahoma,” Lee said. and encourage academic excellence in Lee (left) and her Fund for Teachers partner Janet DeMarco pick up necessities for selenite crystal digging at Great Salt Plains State Park in northwest Oklahoma. Their students will learn to use a Oklahoma’s public schools.” Through a Cherokee language syllabary and put partnership with the national nonprofit together full presentations on different Fund for Teachers, the Tulsa Community “It’s an experience. It’s a learning odyssey,” our heritage here with the Oklahoma OFE’s Wilson said. “So whatever they children in our classrooms is valued.” Oklahoma tribes using the resources Foundation and the Oklahoma Tribal Lee and DeMarco gathered. Lee also Alliance, the organization receives create, it has to be with the mindset that the whole time they’re gone, they’re Lee and DeMarco traveled for 12 days feels the “ripple effect” when what she bridge funding to administer the last summer and spent the following learned sparks ideas for geography, type of professional development Lee working hard. They’re making connections. They’re learning. They’re researching.” weeks writing lesson plans and laying literature or mathematics lessons. experienced to educators across the state. out their classrooms. Some of their However, Lee and her teaching favorite destinations included the Pioneer “It’s changed my worldview. … It’s “All the more we give that opportunity amazing when I’m teaching other to teachers, the better job they can do,” partner Janet DeMarco’s goals Woman Museum in Ponca City, Great kept them in Oklahoma. Salt Plains State Park in northwestern things how it will come back around said OFE Executive Director Emily to something that I learned this Stratton. “They are encouraging student Oklahoma and Woolaroc Museum “We’re in the unique position of being and Wildlife Preserve in Bartlesville. summer about our home state and academic achievement — academic third grade teachers, and we have state about the people of our state. It excellence. So we feel like it’s a perfect fit.” standards that focus on Oklahoma “We wanted to go visit landmarks ties in seamlessly with a lot of the Last year, OFE sought to expand its history, which of course, includes Native and places in Oklahoma museums. things that we do,” she said. America and the land allotments and We wanted to talk to people and reach and built relationships with tribes Talking with grant recipients before in Oklahoma. CPN donated $10,000, the land runs and the culture and the educate ourselves and find artifacts beliefs of these people,” Lee said. to bring back into the classrooms so and after their experiences, Wilson and OFE awarded between 25 and believes keeping educators inspired is 30 grants in total. The organization that our students could have hands- They applied three times before receiving one of the most important and tangible encouraged Indigenous educators on experiences while learning about a grant. When Lee and DeMarco outcomes of Fund for Teachers. to apply, and Communications and the history of our state,” Lee said. began outlining their materials the Program Outreach Specialist Sara first time, they knew they wanted to Books, toys, maps, games, arrows, videos “It’s very empowering to them to be Wilson also saw the partnership as an learn more about where they live and and photos were only a few of those able to go out and learn what they opportunity to increase its rural presence. work. Lee believes their improvements artifacts. They focused on picking need to do, and then they experience more than they ever anticipated,” she “This is a statewide opportunity,” she and unconventional focus brought things made by Native Americans or them to the forefront for selection. people from Oklahoma as opposed to said. “And it just renews a passion for said. “It’s not just for central Oklahoma them, and once you see a passionate or the Tulsa area, and we’re trying to mass-produced items in the hopes of “We realized the beauty and the history teacher, it’s so much easier for a student find ways to reach other parts of the adding authenticity to the classroom. that is right under our feet here to engage and learn and believe that state and let them know that this is in Oklahoma. And we have a rich “Our kids can utilize (them) to see what teacher and trust that teacher.” available to all Oklahoma teachers.” history, just like other places in the kind of games children played at the For more information about Fund for Lee studies Oklahoma world,” she said. “And we wanted to beginning of the state of Oklahoma stay here and focus on our homeland and how it’s different from how Teachers, visit fundforteachers.org. Many of the grants awarded and our ancestors and our history they play games today. … they had outline trips to Africa, Australia or and our heritage. We wanted to be marbles and rag dolls and bonnets Taiwan as a way of looking at their able to honor that in our classrooms and just a completely different aspect curriculum in a broader context. and make sure that our history and of child play,” DeMarco said. 10 FEBRUARY 2020 HOWNIKAN Regenerative agriculture techniques improve Tribal land for generations to come Just like a building needs a strong, compared to Pottawatomie County’s stable foundation to last, soil also average of 41. Western Oklahoma’s requires a solid base to grow the plants precipitation often falls in large amounts necessary to feed and clothe the world’s over a very short period of time, and it population. Indigenous agriculture is not uncommon to go more than 100 techniques have understood this days with less than a quarter inch of rain. principal since time immemorial, but now modern agriculture is catching up. Cover crops and regenerative agriculture techniques keep the root systems “We as Potawatomi people, our traditional intact, loosening the soil, which beliefs and our teachings — original results in greater water retention. teachings and original instructions — Planting mixtures mimics the natural are as people to take care of all of our and diverse plants that once grew. relatives. And that’s not just human relatives,” said Citizen Potawatomi “You increase the soil health, you increase Nation Community Garden Assistant the water holding capacity, which Kaya DeerInWater. “We knew that decreases runoff and erosion. With growing monocultures perpetually the water holding capacity, if you ever was not going to work out long term. had a drought, your lands — using Our ancestors knew that, and that’s those practices — are more able to why we came up with a polyculture, withstand dry periods for longer multi-cropping system. We figured Greg Scott, soil scientist for Oklahoma Conservation Commission, examines because of that healthy soil structure that out long, long before corn even soil health on a plot of land owned by Citizen Potawatomi Nation. and because of the healthy plant got to us in the Great Lakes.” community,” DeerInWater said. community garden, 2,000 acres of land inorganic nitrogen, regenerative Employing regenerative agriculture set aside for row crops, 1,100 acres for agriculture seeks opportunities to use Plant variety ensures the earth has root methods improves land quality by hay production, 154 acres for sod and and increase the overall levels of organic systems at different levels and offers encouraging plant and organism 3,200 acres in land leases. Lance Coker of nitrogen. This method also increases the microbial organisms living below ground more opportunities to thrive. diversification while decreasing land Circle C Farms in Pottawatomie County, the number of living organisms under By incorporating these techniques, the disturbance and increasing biodiversity leases 132 acres of land from CPN. the earth by creating an environment and organic material. Planting cover that is more conducive to their needs. Jacksons increased absorption rate on crops offers producers an opportunity to “I’ve always been reading about these one plot of land from 6/10 an inch incorporate those approaches. Because cover crops, and in the past, I’ve just According to a NRCS fact sheet, “An of rain per hour to 2.7 inches. The of this, CPN co-hosted a Cool Season always done traditional agricultural incredible diversity of bacteria, protozoa, Nation hopes to have similar results. Cover Crop Field Day on Dec. 6 at practices. And I mean, I made money arthropods, nematodes, fungi and the CPN Cultural Heritage Center at it, but I knew there was a better way,” earthworms create a hidden food to educate farmers from across the Coker said. “I’ve read about this stuff web in the soil that affects how crops region on restorative methods that and I thought, ‘Man, I don’t want to grow, how soil nutrients are cycled and sequester carbon and rebuild the soil. use up all my water for my crops.’” whether rainfall is quickly absorbed into the soil and stays where crop “As soon as we went down, saw what During a hunting trip to southwest roots can access that moisture.” could happen, and saw the differences Oklahoma, Coker learned about (cover crops) can make in your soil, and remediation techniques Russ Jackson Since DeerInWater began overseeing all the good that it can do, it immediately uses on his family farm. After meeting Bodewadmi Widoktadwen Gtegan became something that CPN was Jackson, he began looking for ways to (CPN Community Garden) in 2018, interested in,” said Tonya Kitchens, CPN utilize the same production methods. he has incorporated techniques Real Estate Services Agriculture Program to improve soil quality and manager. As a CPN tribal member On 45 acres of CPN land near state influence overall garden health. and employee, Kitchens believes in the Highway 177, Coker recently began importance of mindful land management. incorporating no-till practices and in “When you use regenerative agricultural fall 2019, planted a blend of cool-season practices, the land is more resilient. It’s “It’s forward-thinking. It is working now cover crops including wheat, rye, vetch, basically just mimicking nature in a for something that our children and Austrian winter peas, alfalfa, and brassicas way,” DeerInWater explained. “It’s using great-grandchildren will benefit from,” like daikon radishes and turnips. principals, but it’s not exactly like nature.” she explained during the workshop. Bodewadmi “If we don’t take care of the future of As Coker has experienced firsthand, Like most gardens, Widoktadwen Gtegan produces during agriculture, no one else is going to.” sowing cover crops can result in greater yields. For example, according the warm season. To ensure year-round According to the Department of to Sustainable Agriculture Research ground cover, staff and volunteers Agriculture’s Natural Resources & Education Program’s 2017 Cover have planted a mixture of cool season Conservation Service, five basic principles Crop Survey, corn farmers were able to cover crops the past two years. Local contractor Lance Coker educates help maintain and improve soil health. fellow producers during the cover harvest 2.3 additional bushels per acre. “We wanted to keep live plants in the These include ensuring year-round crop field day on Dec. 6, 2019. soil to keep the beneficial soil biota ground coverage and plant growth, “On one of my corn crops, I cut my happy and active,” DeerInWater said. no-tillage practices, and diversified nitrogen back a third and made 20 “Using those practices that take care of production including implementing more bushels an acre than what I did Drought and flood management the land and take care of the soil and take rotations and sowing cover crops during on my conventional till,” Coker said. care of the animals and the birds and non-cash crop growing seasons. Conventional agriculture utilizes the pollinators is culturally congruent Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium tillage, which removes underground with our teachings,” DeerInWater “It’s a big focus, especially with the legacy are the “Big Three” primary root systems and decreases the said. “With all of our success, we are of the Dust Bowl that sadly Oklahoma is macronutrients producers use to fertilize. ground’s ability to absorb water. able to have the luxury to rethink still trying to recover from,” DeerInWater Regenerative agriculture techniques about the way that we’re doing things explained. During the 1920s and seek opportunities to naturally restore “One of the big things that I’ve been and to regain our cultural practices so ‘30s, approximately 350 million tons key nutrient levels, decreasing the trying to do on my farm was maximize that our values as a Nation are aligned of soil blew away from Kansas, Texas, need to add synthetic chemicals to rainfall capture,” said Russ Jackson, with our management practices.” Oklahoma and other portions of the achieve adequate growing conditions. farmer from Mountain View, Oklahoma, Great Plains because of agricultural during the Dec. 6 workshop. Learn more about CPN’s garden practices like sod busting that removed “A lot of soil health can be like a car,” programming and workshops native plants and root systems. Cover said Shawn Fleming, NRCS resource “When you’re doing a tillage system like at potawatomi.org/events. crops serve as an opportunity to reverse conservationist, during the Dec. 6 we’ve done for 130 years, it’s always too the Dust Bowl’s impact across the region. workshop. “The main thing is, just wet or it’s always too dry,” Jackson said. don’t keep it parked in the garage.” Tribal land management Jackson farms in southwest and western The concept is relatively simple: reduce Oklahoma, and the region tends to be The Nation currently has several the input. Rather than going to the one of the driest in the state with only agricultural endeavors including a local co-op or seed store to purchase an average of 32 inches of rain per year HOWNIKAN FEBRUARY 2020 11 Woodworker uncovers beauty in nature’s defects Kevin Roberts — Kakingeshi (Grizzly he grew up in central Missouri to Bear) — breathes new life into timber search through sawmill scrap piles. that others may only see useful as firewood, not as end tables, benches or “They’ve been there probably 100 years art. But Roberts looks at wood through because when I was a little boy, that’s a different lens for his furniture and where my parents would take us to décor company, Migwetch Mtek Designs. pick up firewood,” he said. “But I’ll go and spend a day or so, digging “I’ve always had an admiration through their wood pile to find these and a really sincere appreciation imperfections in discarded wood for nature,” Roberts said. scraps that I turn into decorative art.” Hunting, fishing and exploring He often hears customers comment the spring-fed creeks and rivers in on how he highlights the wood’s Missouri were his favorite youth beauty through nature’s flaws. After pastimes. However, Roberts’s career finding the perfect pieces of reclaimed and other obligations made it difficult timber, he sands and polishes each to spend time enjoying the outdoors piece before using oil or a wax as an adult. Now retired, Migwetch sealer as the finishing touch. Mtek offers him the opportunity to reconnect with Mother Nature through “Nature makes it. There’s no man-made creating one-of-a-kind pieces of art. element of creating or crafting the natural beauty of my products,” he explained. “I’m saving and using the wood for a “It’s nature’s defects and imperfections useful purpose, and I feel like I am Organic, natural features inspire Kevin Roberts’s creations through Migwetch Mtek. I am leveraging. It’s normal decay, bringing nature’s natural beauty and Check out the limited supply of charcuterie boards now on sale at potawatomigifts.com. weathering and exposure — an exposed serenity indoors,” Roberts said. “And burl or some natural imperfection that people can use it and enjoy it in my grandparents, then of course, Beginnings makes my decorative art pieces unique.” whatever capacity they want to use the family ancestry,” he said. it as opposed to the wood just being Roberts’s desire to learn more about his When out marketing his creations, turned into mulch, firewood or Roberts met another CPN member Potawatomi culture and the language Roberts takes every opportunity to share letting it be destroyed otherwise.” residing in Kansas, Gladys Moeller, inspired the name of his design company: our Potawatomi culture with others. who had done extensive research on Migwetch Mtek (Thank You Tree). Uncovering new branches many Potawatomi families, including “I enjoy and am able to engage in the Bertrands, which helped him “In one lessons, the word tree — mtek — dialog around the Potawatomi, sharing Roberts is a Bertrand family create a detailed family tree. was included, and I thought, ‘That’s what information about our heritage descendant, and although his mother I am going to use.’ I added Migwetch, the and culture. Of course, you get the did not know much about their “She had numerous filing cabinets in word for ‘thank you,’ and it seemed like proverbial,‘What’s a Potawatomi?’ Potawatomi heritage, she made it a her house full of research on various the perfect fit for what I do in my work. I Because some people have heard priority to inform her children from families and information she had routed it around to my children and said, about our people and some haven’t,” an early age about their ancestry. compiled over the years, all tied to ‘What about this?’ and it stuck,” he said. he said. “I usually respond initially the Potawatomi,” Roberts explained. “When we were little, and (mom) While his children were in college, his with, ‘Well, you are looking at one.’” would put us to bed, she’d always “She helped me find pictures of relatives youngest daughter asked him about Roberts’s organic approach to his make a peace sign gesture with her that my mom hadn’t even seen.” using extra logs from the neighbor’s business reflects traditional, fundamental hand. And she’d say, ‘That’s what the tree they had to cut down to create worldviews of the Potawatomi people and Potawatomi would say.’ We’d always Although his mother was not able to end tables for her apartment. chuckle, but she’d go, ‘Well, that’s all I share much about their Potawatomi humanity’s role in protecting segmekwé know. You’re part Potawatomi.’ And it roots, Roberts now ensures future “It just caught on where friends of theirs (Mother Earth) for generations to come. was something I always thought about generations of his family know would say, ‘Can you make me some of “I have a better appreciation for life — why didn’t she know any more about their heritage and incorporates those?’ And then the parents would see and purpose,” he said. “I feel like I our Potawatomi heritage?” he asked. traditions into family gatherings. them when the kids would come home. I didn’t have enough wood,” he said and am connected to nature and really While living in Kansas, Roberts stopped “I have three adult children, and I laughed. “I had to go out and find it.” kind of being a good steward and by the Prairie Band Potawatomi keep encouraging them to find time taking care of what’s afforded to us as Nation to learn more about the history in their busy schedules to read the Process a people — a people entrusted to care of Potawatomi in the area and for information I share with them and access for it as opposed to destroying it.” potential clues to his heritage. During the CPN online resources” Roberts Word of mouth continues to help that trip, he became aware of his said. “I summarize information from business. Roberts made connections Potawatomi Gifts currently has a small, family’s association and enrollment the lessons and insights that Justin with farmers and companies across limited number of Migwetch Mtek with the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. (Neely) publishes. And with the online the Midwest to obtain material he charcuterie boards for sale. Check them dictionary and all the resources we have reclaims into benches, charcuterie out at potawatomigifts.com and follow “That’s really what started my excitement now on the CPN’s website, it’s really boards, end tables and more. Although Migwetch Mtek on Facebook at facebook. about my heritage and hunger to helpful and exciting to learn about our he lives in Illinois, he drives as far as com/migwetchmtek and Instagram learn more. I started researching people, culture, and our language.” Colorado and frequents the area where at instagram.com/migwetchmtek. 12 FEBRUARY 2020 HOWNIKAN Tribal citizenship and participation in CPN democracy By Marisa Mohi I struggle with feeling like my voice matters. Am I relevant member of the Many Tribal members know about the Tribe? Does my limited knowledge services the Citizen Potawatomi Nation of Tribal history and how the Citizen offers. From the tag agency to health Potawatomi Nation government works care to scholarships to housing to career qualify me to vote? In my mind, there is a services, the Tribe truly serves its members. perfect Tribal member. They attend every But these services don’t simply exist as a event, and they regularly call their Tribal prerogative of the Tribe. Elected Tribal legislators. They can speak Potawatomi members serve in the CPN government without looking at a pronunciation guide in order to ensure members have access they made themselves, and they know to these services. Currently, there are each of the Seven Fires prophecies. two legislative seats up for election on June 27, 2020, at the Family Reunion While this perfect Tribal member Festival: the District 9 seat, currently held may or may not exist, I do know this. by Paul Wesselhöft, and the District 12 My disconnection with the past is a seat, currently held by Paul Schmidlkofer. function of many things but mostly a Both seats represent districts in the function of time. Traditions, culture, state of Oklahoma and can be voted customs — we typically use those on by CPN members in the state. words when we discuss the past. But the Citizen Potawatomi Nation isn’t In addition to the election, all Tribal Marisa Mohi working on a beaded necklace. a thing of the past. It’s thriving and members will also have the opportunity something I am connected to today. to vote on the budget that manages it’s something that I feel called to do continue to use them in the future, I the Nation’s trust earnings. because now I have the freedom to do so. know it’s my duty participate in the The Tribe itself doesn’t look the way it did decisions that shape those services. 100 years ago, so it doesn’t make sense For a few months now, I have been We aren’t very far removed from a time for anyone to judge their connection to writing about building a connection when speaking Potawatomi or practicing Admittedly, I haven’t always been the Tribe by past standards. And though I with my heritage and learning what it Tribal customs wasn’t allowed. The interested in Tribal government, and I haven’t voted in the past, it’s something I means to be a member of the Citizen Native American Languages Act, a law had no idea how any of it worked. Even will be doing this year. It’s one small way Potawatomi Nation. While I can’t say that stated Native American tribes were though CPN is very transparent and most I can participate actively as a member that I’ve come to any major conclusions, entitled to speak their own languages, questions I have about how something of the Tribe. So, while I can’t go back in I have learned a lot about the history wasn’t even passed until 1990. with the Tribe works are answered by time and experience what the Citizen of the Tribe and the history of my not- perusing the website, I felt like the Potawatomi Nation was like in the too-distant ancestors. There is so much As someone who has used the Tribal Tribal government was something that past, I can actively shape the future. more to know and to experience, and services in the past and plans to was above me, in more ways than one.

Traditional craftwork continued... on the back of cellphones and medallion kind of goes full circle, so it’s pretty “I’ve got them etching winnowing necklaces. Regardless of what project interesting as we keep progressing.” baskets right now, and they don’t see That’s always kind of a drawback because she works on, she strives to conserve it; they don’t see the pieces yet. They’re it’s challenging sometimes to find people and utilize every part of the supplies. Symptoms of colonization such as like, ‘Oh, it’s just a piece of wood.’ who are willing to teach us. But if you development, environmental stress and So, I am excited to see them when really want to know, then you’ll find that “What we recently learned is like the edge invasive species have negatively impacted they put it all together because it’s just person,” she said. “Put your tobacco down, shavings, after we peel and make pictures traditional ecological knowledge as going to blow their minds,” she said. and ask that person to come to you.” with the birch, the stuff that we’re edging well as animal populations that the off, we can actually put that into our Potawatomi and other Great Lakes tribes Overall, she is thankful that When learning, she watches others, then tea as medicine,” she said. “We’ve been have relied on for thousands of years. her work connects herself and tries herself and asks for constructive using them because our people are really Understanding this decline, Phillips others to Mother Earth. criticism. Although one instructor may susceptible to diabetes, different things, employs conservative efforts to help teach a certain method, she remains and that’s supposed to help with that.” “I think that’s what the joy is for me is ensure future generations also have access that there are more people showing that open to other approaches as well. Generational connections to culturally-relevant plants and animals. we have traditional ecological knowledge, “We can’t assume that when somebody and we are wearing to show and prove Learning about these benefits, Phillips’ “Our trees are really susceptible right tells us something different that they’re now to so many different things that we that we know exactly where this comes younger sister Kateri and co-operator from,” she said. “And we’re not trying wrong. It’s probably a larger piece of the can’t really take as much as we probably of Neshnabkwewek, realized that to form it and change it into something puzzle that we didn’t see,” she explained. used to as Nishnabé people,” she said. “I Nishnabé ancestors may have created that’s disconnected from the earth.” “I always say to be open minded about this art form as a way to harvest know people want to use everything as it when you’re learning from people, the medicinal benefits of birch. capital, right, because we’re capitalists, Learn more about Neshnabkwewek by and take what you can and keep adding but I don’t think this stuff was ever following on Facebook at cpn.news/ on to it and just be really respectful “My sister was like, ‘It’s really interesting meant to help us become millionaires. nbk or Instagram @neshnabkwe. of the plants and their purpose.” that we knew that this was a difficult This stuff was just supposed to help us.” Shop Neshnabkwewek in-store at medicine to get. So to put a picture in Potawatomi Gifts located inside the In the past few years, Phillips has this and get the medicine is way better After mindful harvesting, she enjoys CPN Cultural Heritage Center or learned various techniques to create art than just doing it to do it.’ We’re learning using the supplies to create cohesive online at potawatomigifts.com. and jewelry through peeling birch bark, that everything we do has a purpose pieces as well as the chance to introduce including PopSocket-style holders that fit and a reason,” Phillips explained. “It the next generation to traditions. HOWNIKAN FEBRUARY 2020 13 Veterans report Current Era and General • Records of American Prisoners of War You are welcome. Military Records: • Records of Repatriated Korean Remember the CPN Veterans Organi- • Pictures of U.S. Navy War Prisoners of War zation meets every month on the fourth Ships (1775 – 1941) Tuesday at 6 p.m. (or as soon as you can Casualty Records for World War II: get there ) in the North Reunion Hall Casualty Records for the on the Potawatomi Powwow Grounds. Vietnam Conflict: • Honor List of Dead and Missing Military Personnel All CPN and spouse veterans and their Bozho families are welcome. A meal is provided. (Hello), • State-level Lists of Casualties • Casualty List for Military Personnel • Casualty Statistics Migwetch Did you know that you can request • Records List of Prisoners of War • Records on Military Personnel (Thank you), copies of your military records, replace • Enlistment and Draft Records lost medals and awards, research military Who Died, Were Missing in Daryl Talbot, Commander records, and browse WWII photos? Action or Prisoners of War • Photos [email protected] Visit the Online Veterans and Military • Records of Medals, Awards • Research and Selected Finding Aids 405-275-1054 Documents section of the National and Decorations Archives website at cpn.news/vetarchives. There are also research records for World CPN VA Representative: • Records of Combat Operations War I, the Spanish-American War era, Andrew Whitham Most of their holdings are not online; the Civil War era and the American however, varieties of military records, Casualty Records for the Korean War: CPN Office Hours: 1st and from photos to documents to searchable Revolutionary War era. Additional online • State-level Lists of Casualties 3rd Wednesday each month databases, are available. Here are some records may be found by searching the 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. online collections of special interest to • Records of Military Personnel National Archives Catalog and Access veterans, their families and researchers: Who Died and were Wounded to Archival Databases “AAD” systems. 918-397-2566 College leadership program Calling all 2020 graduates Graduating from high school, proof that they have graduated or will applications open Feb. 1 college, a technical institution or graduate in the 2019-2020 academic year any other program is an outstanding to be eligible. This academic year includes By Tesia Zientek, Department and information learned have been accomplishment, and the Citizen summer 2019, fall 2019 and spring 2020 of Education Director invaluable. Liam Wrixon from Spokane, Potawatomi Nation wants to celebrate graduates. Additional guests will need to Washington, stated, “In PLP, we have that achievement during the Graduation purchase a ticket at the door for $10. We The 2020 Potawatomi Leadership visited almost every major aspect of Celebration Banquet starting at noon on will serve lunch, present a gift to each Program application opens on Feb. 1 the Tribe. From the courts, police, self- April 25 at the CPN Cultural Heritage student and have a short presentation. at 8 a.m. CST and closes on April 1 governance, casinos and more, we were Center in Shawnee, Oklahoma. at 5 p.m. CST. Every summer, the kept extremely busy and learned so much. To attend this event, you must RSVP. Citizen Potawatomi Nation brings One of my main takeaways is that the The second-annual Graduation Please go to portal.potawatomi.org and 8-10 Tribal members ages 18-20 Tribe is doing an amazing amount of Celebration Banquet, hosted by the CPN register under “celebration.” We have a years old to learn about the Tribe’s work to help its people and community.” Department of Education, is free for any limited number of spaces for this event, government, economic development enrolled Citizen Potawatomi graduate so make sure to register and submit your and culture as part of the PLP. Maria Hrenchir, a 2019 PLP class and one guest. Graduates must provide proof of graduation to save your spot. member from Atchison, Kansas, expressed In 2003, the program began to address that her newfound knowledge built a need to prepare future Citizen confidence in her identity. She shared, Potawatomi leaders. Tribal leaders “After this program, I feel much more understood that a critical aspect of comfortable saying I am Potawatomi leadership involves understanding the because I know so much more.” inner workings of CPN. They invited students to spend six weeks in Shawnee, This year’s program will take place from Oklahoma, to participate in cultural Friday, June 12, through Saturday, July events, meet directors of government 25. To be eligible for the PLP, students programs and commercial enterprises, must have at least a 3.0 GPA, be 18-20 and take an active part in their Nation’s years old by the program’s start date, government processes. Since then, over and not have completed more than one 100 students from all over the world have year of college. Travel expenses, housing, participated in this Harvard Honoring food and a weekly payment are all Nations Award-winning program. provided. Students can learn more and apply online at plp.potawatomi.org. For Now in its 18th year, the experience any questions, please contact the CPN has been life-changing for many Department of Education at college@ participants. For most, the relationships potawatomi.org or 405-695-6028. 14 FEBRUARY 2020 HOWNIKAN Tribal Chairman – John “Rocky” Barrett automatically renew” clause of “Nothing in this section shall be We are committed to remaining To say that the tribes aren’t the tribal gaming compact. interpreted as conferring upon a strong partner with the State of paying their fair share is a a State or any of its political Oklahoma. We do that through misrepresentation of all that we After careful consideration, the subdivisions authority to impose our Tribal enterprises, which do for Oklahoma. We contribute Citizen Potawatomi Nation any tax, fee, charge, or other create an economic impact 100 percent of our Tribal has asked to join the lawsuit. assessment upon an Indian tribe of more than $530 million, revenue to Oklahomans through Gov. Stitt has attempted to or upon any other person or and through programs and infrastructure, education, cast uncertainty of our Tribal entity authorized by an Indian initiatives that provide health economic development and gaming operations, calling tribe to engage in a class III care, address infrastructure more. The positive impact that gaming illegal and stating that activity. No State may refuse needs and fund education. CPN has on our community the “casino industry” doesn’t pay is many times more beneficial its fair share to Oklahoma. Our to enter into the negotiations described in paragraph (3)(A) We employ nearly 2,400 than a few more dollars in gaming operations are critical to Oklahomans, making us gaming taxes to the state. our government, the services we based upon the lack of authority in such State, or its political the largest employer in provide to our Tribal members, Pottawatomie County. The It is an honor to serve as and to the State of Oklahoma. subdivisions, to impose such a tax, your Tribal Chairman. Bozho nikan fee, charge, or other assessment.” Nation also operates emergency (Hello, my friend), The lawsuit does not address 911 services for free to most Migwetch gaming fees or any other part The current “exclusivity fees,” of Pottawatomie County, (Thank you), n New Year’s Eve of the gaming compact, but were presented to us as part of allowing local first responders O2019, the Chickasaw Gov. Stitt has said that he a take-it-or-leave-it offer. We to update equipment and John “Rocky” Barrett Nation, Cherokee Nation and believes that the fees should were not given the opportunity add to their workforce. In Keweoge Choctaw Nation filed a federal be more than quadrupled. The to negotiate. Nevertheless, we 2019, CPN contributed to (He Leads Them Home) lawsuit against Oklahoma Indian Gaming Regulatory took the deal, and we have $1.7 million in scholarships Tribal Chairman Governor Kevin Stitt. The Act prohibits such taxes. kept our promise. I don’t see to students in Oklahoma lawsuit specifically asks the I’ve included the language why the Governor doesn’t universities and gave another court to interpret the “shall here for you to read: want to do the same. $2 million to local charities.

Vice-Chairman – Linda Capps The week of Jan. 3, one new Please don’t misunderstand; there flu-related death was reported were other efforts throughout in Oklahoma, bringing the total the community to administer to six so far for the season. flu shots, but I don’t think any During that week, there were were as gallant as that of the 286 Oklahomans hospitalized CPN Health Services. Hopeful- from the flu. The numbers ly, because of the community increase rather rapidly as the efforts to contain the flu, the flu season progresses. As I low occurrences of flu-related write this article, there are 431 hospitalized patients in Pottawat- flu-related hospitalizations omie County is a positive result. noted in the state. Thanks goes out to Dr. Vascel- Pottawatomie County did not laro, Dr. Roselius and Chris see flu-related hospitalizations In recent years, CPN Health Services’ Flu Shot drives Skillings for their guidance and until December, but that figure have been widely used by county residents. direction in this huge undertak- Bozho has jumped from three to nine. ing. I appreciate you reading my (Hello), In addition, there are now eight for “stepping up to the plate” goes to the nurses and other heart-felt views on the impor- in trying to contain the spread workers from our health services tance of CPN in the community. s in other parts of the flu-related deaths in Oklahoma. According to the Oklahoma State of the flu throughout the CPN that gave of their time to United States, Oklahoma Migwetch A Department of Health’s OK Flu- work force and Pottawatomie administer the vaccines that day. has had its share of flu-related (Thank you), View, the eight Oklahomans who County. Saturday, Oct. 26, At the end of the allotted time, hospitalizations this flu season, there were 900 flu shots given to died of flu-related causes were from 8 a.m. to noon, our health Linda Capps which began in September both Natives and non-Natives. spread out across the state. Over services sponsored a drive-thru Segenakwe 2019. The Shawnee News-Star Before that date and even after half of the victims were reported free flu shot campaign. Keep in (Black Bird Woman) reported the week of Dec. 27 the date, there was a widespread to be older than 65 years of age. mind, the free means no cost to Vice-Chairman that there were 68 new flu- drive for CPN employees to the participant, but CPN Health 405-275-3121 work related hospitalizations in the Outside of the flu being a obtain free flu shots. Between Services paid the approximately 405-650-1238 cell state. Pottawatomie County had concern for many people across $17 per flu shot cost. the drive-thru effort, shots [email protected] remained relatively untouched the country, there is a rhyme to given to employees, and shots at that time with only three my reason for writing about this Cars were lined up in the given by our Public Health total hospitalizations since topic. This is my opportunity to hour before the drive officially Department, approximately the flu season commenced. applaud the CPN Health Services opened. My deep appreciation 5,000 vaccines were given. HOWNIKAN FEBRUARY 2020 15 District 2 – Eva Marie Carney Security Administration’s playground. The park is open website (cpn.news/real) states, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. No pets “REAL ID-compliant cards are permitted inside the park with marked with a star at the top the exception of guide or service of the card,” that same page dogs. More information and links to another TSA site (cpn. an extensive maps are available news/tsascreen) that expressly at cpn.news/clearwater. Dennis states that “federally recognized, reports that the center is located tribal-issued photo IDs” are in a residential area adjacent acceptable to fly within the to other parks and is accessible United States. I plan to continue from the north, south and east. using my CPN ID card when All details are provided in the travelling by air within the invitation that is mailed to CPN United States – I’ll save my families within driving distance passport for international of Clearwater. I look forward to seeing many of you there, Bozho nikan travel, since our IDs are not accepted in lieu of passports, Mausoleum of Mao Zedong, Tiananmen Square, Beijing, and please note that you don’t (Hello friends), China (By Yongxinge, CC BY-SA 3.0, cpn.news/zedong) passport cards or Department need to have received a postcard enth annual District 2 of Homeland Security’s Trusted 2 entries. You don’t have to to that private page. Please invitation or to be in District TNew Year contest – “A Traveler Program cards. I also live in District 2 to enter, but send me a note if you are 2 to attend – you just have to CPN ID is an acceptable plan to have TSA’s website to win the special prize, you on Facebook and would like RSVP by Friday, March 20 via email or phone (see end of my form of ID to fly within page uploaded on my phone do need to be in District 2. to join that private group. the US – tell us about a and available for TSA agents’ column for that information). review. I’m sure that there The contest deadline is April Thanks in advance for time you used yours.” In Keeping in touch celebration of the 10th year of will be questions and delays 15. I will announce the winner contributing to our CPN District 2 annual contests, we along the way, but if we don’t and print the prize-winning community by participating I appreciate that many of you are returning to the theme of use our IDs and educate TSA entry and some of my favorites in the contest. will not have the opportunity the first annual contest. That agents (and their supervisors in future columns. If you are to travel to district meetings. If Upcoming Florida meeting year, folks were asked to submit who regularly are called in to not sure about which 13 states you have questions, comments scrutinize tribal IDs), I think make up District 2, log onto my stories about their use of CPN Dennis Johnson and his family, or ideas to share with me, I we’re missing an opportunity to website, evamariecarney.com, ID cards. Dear elder Stella who live near Clearwater, hope you will do so through let the world at large know that and click on “Our District” – Malone, then living in Florida Florida, have found us a great email, phone or letter. Please and now happy in Tennessee, we Potawatomi are still here! the states outlined in red are don’t be put off by the distance District 2 states. You can send venue for a meeting. I’ll host won my heart with her story a family meeting and lunch at between us. Building our about showing her ID card Please send me an account of your entry by email attachment CPN community in District your (successful) presentation or in the regular U.S. mail. Moccasin Lake Environmental whenever she donates blood. Education Center in Clearwater 2 continues to be my top of your ID card – extra credit priority as your legislator. We’re returning to that theme for funny or oddball stories. I I’m also announcing the contest on Saturday, March 28, 2020, since this is the year of the still enjoy telling the story that under “Events” on my Facebook from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Kindest regards, Real ID. As you probably I used my CPN ID in 2009 page, so you can visit that page Moccasin Lake is a 51-acre know, beginning Oct. 1, 2020, to get into the Mausoleum of to refresh yourself on the details. nature preserve with trails and Eva Marie Carney every air traveler 18 years Mao Zedong in the middle I’d be pleased to have many boardwalks under a canopy of Ojindiskwe (Blue Bird Woman) of age and older will need a of Tiananmen Square to see more Potawatomi Facebook mature oaks and across ponds Representative, District 2 Real ID-compliant driver’s Chairman Mao’s embalmed friends, so please friend me and creeks, with an array of 2200 N. George Mason Drive license, state-issued enhanced body. I’ve attached a photo today (and put CPN in your wildlife including gopher turtles, PO Box #7307 driver’s license or another of the imposing mausoleum. friend request message). Also, if raccoons and many birds. It Arlington, VA 22207 acceptable form of ID to fly you are in District 2, we have is home to several injured 866-961-6988 toll-free within the United States. There will be a drawing from a private Facebook page for birds of prey, including two [email protected] all CPN District 2 entries discussions/postings among eagles. Come early or stay late evamariecarney.com And while the “mantra” is “check for a special prize, selected District 2 members – there’s to explore the park, visit with for the star,” and Transportation at random from all District close to 200 of us subscribed the wildlife and play on the District 3 – Bob Whistler consequences for specific states. there will be some redistricting interest in both Argentina and Let me start with what has in each state impacted by Chile. Argentina at the time been happening over the last 10 the change in their elected had a government similar to years with interstate migration. officials in the U.S. House ours. They had an Electoral For example, California lost of Representatives. In some College, and the voters allowed 203,000 of their population cases, a state district may be it to be voted out. Their between 2018 and 2019. Over eliminated or new ones created. future elections became based the last 10 years, California solely on the popular vote. as well as Alabama, Illinois, In order for all of this to take Shortly thereafter, Argentina Michigan, Minnesota, New place, it is very important went through a devaluation of York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, that you get yourself counted the peso. At that time, I cancelled Rhode Island and West Virginia by the U.S. Census. In some my business interest since the have had a large number of cases where there is only a seat difference in parties in the U.S. peso and dollar were no longer their citizens leave and relocate equal. Since then, the elected to Arizona, Colorado and/ House of Representatives, the loss of a seat in one state whose representatives basically passed Bozho nikanek or Texas. As a result, after the laws that do more for the very political party is now in the (Hello friends), U.S. Census is tallied, each of populated areas, mainly Buenos majority could result in the these states is expected to lose Leonard Almero Aires, and there is little left for other party now having the et me begin with another one federal representative in the rural communities. Moreover, Lmention of the upcoming the House of Representatives majority due to the new seat however, will not take place taxes have become so high that a 2020 U.S. Census. I wrote in Washington, D.C. gaining a new representative until after the 2020 election. number of firms have gone out about this a couple of months in the other political party. of business or moved to other The following states because The Electoral College was ago on how important it is for countries. When Argentina had of now increased populations In some ways, the U.S. Census designed by our forefathers you to be registered correctly. the Electoral College, the laws are expected to each gain one may indirectly impact how votes to ensure that a very high In that article, I emphasized passed were generally in the additional representative in the turn out by our representatives concentration of population in that you need to be sure to list interest of all areas and taxes on the federal level in the future. a few states — that could be yourself as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives: were less. Basically, the Electoral This change will also impact the large enough to include over Citizen Potawatomi Nation. Arizona, Colorado, Montana, College ensures the smaller The reason being to ensure our North Carolina and Oregon. makeup of the federal Electoral 50 percent of the population states are not left out and lose population is listed at the proper At the same time, Florida is College by giving some of the — were prevented from having their importance, and in reality, level, which will help us in grant expected to gain two more smaller states a slightly larger complete control of the ensure representation for their applications for the next 10 years. representatives, and Texas is role and taking some power outcome of our federal elections interests by those they elect. expected to gain three more from one or more larger states for U.S. president. As a point There is another factor that has representatives in the House of in the federal elections for of information, about 20 years In summary, please be sure you favorable as well as unfavorable Representatives. This means that president. Any change here ago, I had a small business get registered with the U.S. Cen- 16 FEBRUARY 2020 HOWNIKAN sus. As you can see from what good scholarship program. I was is active in the California Native an MD/Ph.D. He is currently assist you with any questions I have outlined, there are some overjoyed to say the least that American Research Center for working on a website to tutor about the benefits we offer. side issues or impacts that will one of my nephews has taken Health. Leonard was awarded Native American college result based upon the numbers advantage of our scholarship the Sycuan Medical Scholars students in science, math and Bama pi for each state. With Texas set to program along with securing Award from the UC, San Diego writing. In addition, he plans (Later), potentially gain three more of some others while attending School of Medicine Office to project that into a tutoring Bob Whistler the 10 seats that may change in the University of California of Diversity and Community site for K-12 students. For the House of Representatives, San Diego. Leonard Almero, a Partnerships and Association more information on Leonard’s Bmashi (He Soars) I urge you to get counted! member of the Bourassa family, of Native American Medical work, please go to cpn.news/ Representative, District 3 is a senior studying cell biology Students. In November, he UCSD. I have included a photo 112 Bedford Road, Suite 116 As you may know, I am in and biochemistry and its impact was invited to the Arizona of Leonard in his cardiology lab. Bedford, TX 76022 complete support in getting an on cardiovascular disease — a Department of Health Services 817-282-0868 office education and how important leading cause of death in our to make a presentation on In closing, I am honored to be 817-229-6271 cell it is, not only to you but for our Native American population. doing research in Indigenous the District 3 Representative 817-545-1507 home Citizen Potawatomi Nation as He has participated in the UC, communities. Leonard has the and proud to represent you. [email protected] well. Our Nation offers a very San Diego STARS program and long-term goal of becoming Please contact me if I can [email protected]

District 4 – Jon Boursaw located in the south-central to say you won’t leave without section of the Upper Peninsula learning something new. Tell of Michigan. Tentative dates the students in your family are Wednesday, July 29, to about it, as it would be a great Saturday, Aug. 1, 2020. resource for preparing a history report or making a presentation. The February Elders Potluck at the CPN CPN member is new Community Center in Rossville president of the Shawnee is scheduled for noon on County Historical Society Friday, Feb. 14. (For those of Board of Trustees your husbands in the need of a reminder, this is Valentine’s Tim Hrenchir, a descendant Day.) The menu will be chicken of the Juneau family, was pot pie. Come join us, and recently elected president of bring your favorite side dish the 15-member SCHS Board of Bozho or dessert. Please RSVP to Trustees. The Society has slightly (Hello), Tracy or Sharon at 785-584- more than 200 organizational 6171 if you plan to attend. members. Tim has been a Upcoming events: staff reporter/writer for the Catheryn and Tim Hrenchir. The March Elders Potluck Rossville District 4 Topeka Capital Journal since will be held on Friday, March 13. 1980. However, for the past can go online at cpn.news/ be of assistance to you. If you meeting at the CPN hownikan0120. If you still are not receiving emails from Community Center will few years, he has been better Kansas historical known as “The History Guy” have difficulty, email me, and me, it is because I do not have start at 10 a.m. on Saturday, research material I will send you a copy of that your current email address or March 28, 2020, with a as each week he produces a short video and article about a portion of Bob’s article. what I have is incorrect. All catered lunch at noon. The I was recently given a you need to do is send me meeting agenda will be posted tremendous amount of material historical, sometimes forgotten, Burnett’s Mound exhibit person or event associated your email address, and I will in the March Hownikan. dealing with the history of enter you into my District 4 Kansas, including the following: with Topeka or Shawnee The Shawnee County Parks & County history. Joining Tim information file. My contact Wichita District 4 meeting Recreation Department and I information is listed below. at the Mid-America All-Indian • A bound set of Kansas in the accompanying photo have made Friday, March 27, Center, 650 N. Seneca St. in Historical Quarterlies is his wife, Catheryn. the tentative date for opening Migwetch Wichita. The meeting will start covering the period the exhibit. The county folks (Thank you), with a catered lunch at 1 p.m., from 1931 to 1977 2020 U.S. Census still need to pour some concrete Jon Boursaw, Sunday, March 29, 2020. The • Several books pertaining If you haven’t, I highly pads before the exhibit can be Wetase Mkoh (Brave Bear) meeting agenda will be posted to events, places and recommend you read the section installed, and Kansas winter Representative, District 4 in the March Hownikan. life in early Kansas in Bob Whistler’s column in weather is not the most ideal 2007 SW Gage Blvd. the January Hownikan along time to be pouring concrete. We 2020 CPN Family Reunion • Numerous early Topeka, KS 66604 with this his piece in this very would like to see a great turnout Festival will be held in Kansas maps and other 785-861-7272 office edition on the need to properly of Tribal members at this event. Shawnee, Oklahoma, on June miscellaneous items 785-608-1982 cell 26-28. This year’s honored report your tribal affiliation Honored to serve you [email protected] families included the Bruno, This material is available to be on the census form during Office hours: Darling, Hardin, Higbee, Lewis, viewed and researched only in the upcoming U.S. Census It is an honor to serve you as 9-11 a.m. Tuesdays Nadeau, Slavin and Smith. the CPN Community Center this spring. It is vital that you your district representative. I 3-5 p.m. Thursdays in Rossville. We are discussing properly identify yourself as a appreciate hearing from CPN Other times: please call 2020 Potawatomi how to possibly make this Native American and a member members in Kansas, whether Gathering will be hosted material available on a checkout of the Citizen Potawatomi in the form of a letter, email, by the Hannahville Indian basis. Feel free to stop by and Nation. If you do not have phone call or in the office. Community of Potawatomi scan this material. I venture the January Hownikan, you Please let me know how I can

The Hownikan is published by the Citizen Potawatomi Nation and is Hownikan mailed free to enrolled Tribal members. Subscriptions for nonmembers 1601 S. Gordon Cooper Drive, Shawnee, Oklahoma are $10 a year in the United States and $12 in foreign countries. The Hownikan is a member of the Native American Journalists Association. CPN Executive Committee Reprint permission is granted with publication credit to the Hownikan. Tribal Chairman: John “Rocky” Barrett Vice-Chairman: Linda Capps Editorials/letters are subject to editing and must contain 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 Address changes should be sent to Tribal Rolls, Writer: Mary Belle Zook Photographer: Garett Fisbeck Writer: Paige Willett Editor: Mindee Duffell 1601 S. Gordon Cooper Drive, Shawnee, OK 74801 HOWNIKAN FEBRUARY 2020 17 District 5 – Gene Lambert and want to marry. This is greatest commandment. And Regardless of the “who is being. While their concerns an important one too. Best the second is like it: ‘Love your responsible,” someone has to may differ from yours, that if you don’t forget! I believe neighbor as yourself.’ All the take the lead to break the ice so doesn’t mean they are wrong this is the love St. Valentine Law and the Prophets hang on you can begin to communicate. and you are right. It simply addressed centuries ago. these two commandments.” means we are all different. Find the smallest of things to We call this Valentine’s Day. The Now I don’t know about you, agree on and go from there. Without respect, there can idea was established knowing but I have been working on They are undoubtedly just as be no love, and without love, it is the beginning and end the second commandment as uncomfortable with the elephant there is no point on the human of all things. It was getting I truly do love the Lord, and I in the room as are you. You or spiritual level. Leave that lost in the hurry-up world we know the same spirit lives in us don’t do this for them, rather judgment to the Creator. live in today. In all actuality, all if we are here on earth today. for yourself. They will benefit, this day acknowledging love but the true benefit is yours. God is love, love is God, in its many forms should be If God decides your neighbor and God is good! practiced on a daily basis. We has the right to be here, then I I have had people say after the Everything said here is assume they know we love have to accept that and learn to fact how much they appreciated something you know well. A them! Don’t! We all need to get along. Right? Right! So as a the little compliment (sincere gentle reminder in today’s Greetings to everyone! hear it from time to time. child here, we go as we continue compliment) or how it brightened their day to have world of change and upheaval hope the new year has treated to learn, even if it is a neighbor. By the way, call if you are too acknowledged them when can help us keep our focus each and every one of you well I far away to visit and talk to your We all have different priorities they were feeling lost. on issues of importance. so far. My prediction is that 2020 special people. Please don’t send along with varying mental will be the best year ever. Let’s The heart! a text or email, which would be and emotional capabilities. We never know when we say put everything in its place and acceptable only as a follow up. hello with a smile to a passing make it so. It all starts with us. Practice and enjoy February, If you have not reached a stranger how it will affect their the month of all kinds of love. That just says, “I am really place in your world to love day. Caring about these things So what if you stumble? Just too busy for you.” your neighbor, perhaps just and acknowledging the spirit keep on “walkin’.” It’s ok! So, I end with saying love others learning to be kind would that lives in your neighbor as you would want them to We have the love our Creator be an excellent start. Maybe (which is the same as yours) love you. Be there for them, as The month of February is gave us unconditionally. all about love. This can your neighbor needs your love is the beginning of learning you would seek their assistance be the love you have for The Greatest Commandment and understanding more than how to love your neighbor. in life. No one makes it all your children, parents, anyone. (I think they may be alone. Thank you all for being I am sure you have had similar grandparents, aunts, uncles, The First Commandment; working on me right now.) there for me. Hopefully I can days when a kind word lifted cousins or just good friends. Matthew 22:34 to 40 and be there for you. I love you! Mark 12:31; taken from The short “Good mornings,” your spirits and helped you We have the unconditional love the King James Version and when you cross each other’s through a depressing day or Thank you for the we enjoy every day from our pets. American Standard Version. paths or “How are you work project. Acceptance and opportunity to serve. today?” can take you far. If acknowledgement is important Maybe it is about the love “Hearing that Jesus had they do not respond or are to everyone. No one wants to Your legislator, you share with your Native be where they are not wanted silenced the Sadducees, the perhaps a little stubborn, just Eunice Imogene Lambert people and our ways (Citizen or appreciated. The lack of Pharisees got together. One keep on as they will have to Butterfly Woman Potawatomi Nation). Let’s either would be devastating. of them, an expert in the law, break down eventually. Representative, District 5 not forget about the love tested him with this question: 270 E Hunt Highway, Ste 229 you have for yourself as it is You never know the cross each Respect is another form of love ‘Teacher, which is the greatest San Tan Valley, AZ 85143 person bears or the overwhelmed and caring. Some consider this important to know and love commandment in the Law?’ 480-228-6569 you before you can love others. existence they live in. a lost art. I have heard people “Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your say, “They have to earn my [email protected] In mythology, Cupid is God with all your heart and Maybe you are the one respect.” No! They are here in responsible for shooting arrows with all your soul and with all overwhelmed and just don’t have front of you; therefore, you owe to make people fall in love your mind.’ This is the first and a place for them in your thoughts. them respect as another human

District 6 – Rande K. Payne 3-year-old grandchildren Spirit will lead you in how to vating future leaders in the Tribe. to Oklahoma. For more fuss and fight over just about gift that person, he concluded. For more information and to information in case you missed every toy in the toy box. apply, visit plp.potawatomi.org. it, refer to page 3 of last month’s With all that said, I have taken Hownikan, or read online at I’m not sure why, but this has steps to try to slow things down District 6 Gathering cpn.news/leasepurchase. been on my mind lately. Chief a little and devote more time Tabobondung from Wasauksing to talk and listen to people Please join me at the Potawatomi Word of the Month: First Nation recently assisted around me. But it is a little next District 6 Gathering Nibwaakawin – Wisdom me in obtaining my long form bit of a struggle, as I’m usually from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Words of Wisdom: “The Canadian birth certificate. focused on getting things on Saturday, April 4, at white man knows how to Thinking about an appropriate done, and fighting that urge to the Ronald H. Roberts make everything, but he does gift for him, I think, is what keep moving instead of being Public Library in Temecula, not know how to distribute sparked the desire to better present and engaged is difficult. California. The meeting will be informative, interactive it.” — Sitting Bull understand the Potawatomi However, I would much rather be remembered as someone who and a great opportunity to get concept of gift-giving. Wisdom from the Word: “Each cared about his fellow man than to know other Potawatomi. one must do just as he has Bozho nikanek A Potawatomi elder once told someone who got things done. Invitations will be going out (Hello friends), soon, the registration page purposed in his heart, not me that true gift-giving is an grudgingly or under compulsion, act of love. It is not an occasion. Potawatomi is at cpn.news/D62004. hen we think of birthdays Leadership Program for God loves a cheerful That would be tradition. It Wand Christmas, we Benefits and services giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7 usually associate gift-giving would not be because someone For those college students who with those events. But how first did something for you or might be interested, or if you Because of the high cost of Migwetch! Bama pi often do we thoughtfully give gave you something. That would know a college student who housing and the dream of (Thanks! See you later), be repayment. He said it’s about might be interested, it’s time owning a home in California of ourselves or monetarily to Rande K. Payne relationship. Taking the time to to start thinking about the six- is more elusive than ever, provide someone else joy? Mnedo Gabo observe and understand another week Potawatomi Leadership and because so many people Representative, District 6 I am the first to admit; I am a person is the secret, he said. Program for this summer. The are choosing to move out 31150 Road 180 lousy gift giver at any occasion. Developing awareness of need PLP is designed to immerse of California, I thought it Visalia, CA 93292-9585 I think it is most likely that I and what brings happiness to high-achieving Potawatomi might make sense for some 559-999-3525 office just haven’t been wired that another person takes time and college students in our culture, to consider the new CPN 559-999-5411 cell way. Maybe it’s just human effort. Once you have done this, government and economic de- Housing Department program [email protected] nature as I watch my 2 and and if your heart is right, the velopment with the goal of culti- if they are considering moving 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. 18 FEBRUARY 2020 HOWNIKAN District 7 – Mark Johnson Once she left office and was re- that Indian nations pay up to 50 pay for the health services, the Once again, I would like to placed by Gov. Kevin Stitt, Indian percent — this is ridiculous. No scholarships for our students and say what an honor it is to nations were hopeful that the Indian nation would survive in many other programs that our serve you as your District 7 relationship with the state would the gaming business if they paid members use on a daily basis. Un- representative. As always, give get back on a fresh footing and 50 percent to the state that they fortunately for the governor, vir- me a call, and I will be happy to level playing field. Unfortunately, had a compact with. The gov- tually no one in Oklahoma stands work with you on any questions that hasn’t been the case. Gov. ernor has also made the hollow on his side, including those who wrote the compacts. The Indian you may have or provide you Stitt is taking the position that threat to allow commercial gam- nations are in a strong position, with additional information the gaming compacts between the ing companies into Oklahoma to and hopefully one of these days, you may need to access Tribal Indian nations and the state have set up business. In a state of less the State of Oklahoma will be- benefits. Please also take the expired. The Indian nations inter- than 4 million people and 140 come a good partner instead of time to give me a call or send pret the gaming compact correctly current casinos, no commercial looking at Indian nations as just me an email with your contact as does most everybody else in company would waste the enor- one more way to boost revenues. information so that I can keep the state of Oklahoma: that the mous amount of money to set Maybe they should focus on tak- you informed of the happenings agreement automatically extended up in the state of Oklahoma to ing the resources they have and within the Nation and district. Bozho nikanek itself after Jan. 1, 2020, because compete with the Indian nations. making the best use out of them. (Hello friends), the required conditions were Migwetch This is a fight that none of the -In Attending the Family Reunion met and in place on that date. Festival is a great way to reconnect (Thank you), t’s funny how the more things dian nations wanted, but one that with your history. If you haven’t Mark Johnson, Ichange, the more they just stay The governor has told the tribes we must all band together and been before or it has been awhile, the same. Oklahoma’s former that the 4 to 10 percent of reve- fight, and we have. All of our na- start planning now and join us Wisk Mtek (Strong as a Tree) governor, Mary Fallin, spent a nues currently paid to the state tions depend on gaming revenues June 26-28 in Shawnee. I am Representative, District 7 good portion of her time in of- are not enough and that Indian to support our people. It is criti- always available to talk and love 1565 Shaw Ave., Suite 202 fice fighting with Indian nations nations in Oklahoma are get- cally important that the Citizen visiting with our members at the Clovis, CA 93611 across Oklahoma in an attempt to ting off too easy. He said that Potawatomi Nation maintain its Festival. There is no better way 559-351-0078 cell gain more revenues for the state. other states’ compacts require gaming revenues; those are what to spend your summer vacation. [email protected]

District 8 – Dave Carney cherishes a family anecdote, a After the ceremony, we shared a long-lost document (marriage feast of east Indian butter chick- or baptism certificate, especial- en and Native American squash ly) or best of all — an old black cooked by Laura and served on and white photo of an ancestor. colorful Christmas linen since it was the day after the holiday. Laura has two children, Susanna and Adam, who both partici- If you have received your pated in the Potawatomi Lead- Potawatomi name and would ership Program in Oklahoma like to name family members, after their respective senior years I’d be happy to assist any way I in high school. During those can. All names are vetted and summer experiences, both chil- checked through CPN’s Lan- dren received their Potawatomi guage Department and Director, names. So, it seemed natural Justin Neely who is gracious and that Laura would give her to- generous with his knowledge. Bohzo nikan bacco, asking her daughter to (Hello friend), As always, it is my pleasure name her when the two of them Left to right, Dave Carney, wife, Nicole, Luke Carney, Sophia Carney, Laura Carney, Susanna Bassappa and Nick Carney. to represent you. Please feel uring the holidays, we spent Christmas vacation in free to contact me at dcar- Dhad lots of festivities Washington State with me. design and sew Laura’s regalia, eagle fan adorned with portraits [email protected]. with family and friends, and which is very beautiful and well of Solomon and Josette Juneau — Susanna is a gentle soul and an amidst the Christmas activi- made! Our sister, Eva Marie Migwetch, impressive young lady. She is sev- some of our earliest ancestors affil- ties, we took time to celebrate Carney, was not present; how- iated with the Citizen Potawatomi (Thank you), our Potawatomi heritage with eral years into an MD-Ph.D. pro- ever, she contributed the eagle Nation. After sharing Potawatomi Dave Carney a backyard naming ceremony. gram at the Mayo Clinic in Min- feather used in the naming and history and Potawatomi stories, Kagasghi (Raven) nesota. During her time in the provided to Laura with her name. For my sister, Laura Carney, this Potawatomi Leadership Program, Sussanna named Laura. Her Representative, District 8 had been a long journey. Laura she had the pleasure of interacting A fire was made, cedar was spread name is Kyenmewat Yatsokan 520 Lilly Road, Building 1 has always had a great deal of in- with Margaret Zientek, who — and a prayer circle was created (The one who holds stories for Olympia, WA 98506 terest in genealogy and all things among other things — manages under an outdoor gazebo built for others). Laura was flanked by 360-259-4027 related to family history. She, the living situation of participants. the Pacific Northwest rain. Family Luke and Sophia, her nephew [email protected] more than anyone I’ve known, She commissioned Margaret to members were smudged using an and niece who were her sponsors.

District 9 – Paul Wesselhöft President Trump said in An article by Grace Segers of CBS “The plan also allows tribal or According to the National signing an executive order, “My News provided more context to local law enforcement to seek Institute of Justice, 97 percent administration has heard the the concrete actions being taken. help from the FBI, and the Justice of Native American women ongoing and serious concerns Department is committing to who have experienced violence of tribal governments regarding “The order created an interagency conducting an in-depth review were victimized by non-Native missing and murdered members task force which will be led by of federal databases to determine American perpetrators.” of American Indian and the Department of Justice and best practices for collecting data Alaska Native communities, Department of the Interior. on missing indigenous persons.” There is some work in Congress particularly women and girls.” along bi-partisan lines to craft “(Attorney General William) Violence against Native American a law that would require the The Department of Justice is Barr announced the Missing and women is not just a problem for Justice Department to create hiring missing and murdered Murdered Indigenous Persons our neighbors on reservations. specific guidelines in responding Indigenous persons coordinators Initiative during a visit with trib- According to the article, “A to such cases. The legislation in Oklahoma and 10 other states. al leaders and law enforcement November report by the Urban — called Savanna’s Act — is It is a good sign that the federal officials on the Flathead Reserva- Indian Health Institute found on the Senate calendar for the government is taking Indigenous tion in Montana. The initiative that there have been 506 cases year and should be voted on. will invest $1.5 million in hiring issues seriously. It behooves all of missing and murdered Native Migwetch task force has been formed tribes to encourage and support specialized coordinators in the American women and girls in 71 (Thank you), Ato develop a strategy Native American candidates to offices of 11 U.S. attorneys who cities across the U.S. since 2010. across government agencies for run for local and national offices. will be responsible for coming However, this data is almost Paul Wesselhöft dealing with the high rate of It is important to increase our up with protocols for a more certainly an undercount — UIHI Naganit (Leader) missing and murdered Native representation across all levels of coordinated response to violence identified 153 cases that did not Representative, District 9 American women and girls. state and national government. against indigenous people. exist in law enforcement records. [email protected] WALKING ON FEBRUARY 2020 19 Marjorie Jean (Nadeau) Christmas Eve family gathering, She was very proud of her Indian his last years living in Shawnee, (Bob), Robert Gibson (Carly), Holzmeister with grandkids looking forward ancestors and regretted living so Oklahoma, working part-time and Gretchen Aragon (Chris); to a new set of her hand-sewn far from Shawnee, Oklahoma, for the CPN at the FireLake 14 great-grandchildren, Joseph pajamas and a unique tree since it prevented her from more Mini-Putt. Known for his good Williams, Cassie Davis (Jonny), ornament she had selected participation in the Nation’s nature and generous spirit, Pete Jessica Williams, Madison especially for each of them. activities. Pauline lived 65 happy was loved by everyone. He Hunstad, Makenzie Stewart, Lily years with her husband who was preceded in death by his Stewart, Drake Bourbon, Ronan In addition to the love and passed away July 4, 2016. He maternal grandparents, Pat Gibson, Rhys Gibson, Lorelei adoration she shared with her had worked internationally and Viola Petifer; paternal Gibson, Georgette Woodman, family, Jean exemplified the with IBM many years, and she grandmother, Versey Wheat; Josephine Woodman, Vince meaning of unconditional love and the family accompanied his father, Robert Pittman; and Aragon and Jake Aragon; four and respect throughout her 59 him. It was possible for her to sisters, Priscilla “Penny” Weaver great-great-grandchildren, years of blissful marriage to her work as an English-speaking and Paula Rose. His is survived Matthew Williams, Arianna husband, Dick. During the counselor in Hong Kong; by his mother, Patsy Vawter, of Davis, Liam Davis and Mason many happy years they shared Singapore; Jakarta, Indonesia; San Diego, California; his sisters, Baybayan; an assortment of together, she set a wonderful and Bangkok, Thailand. Phyllis Hurlock (Jim) and Peggy nieces and nephews; and two and important example of a Hurlock (Gary) of Richardsville, sisters-in-law. He was preceded true partnership and a loving Upon her husband’s retirement, Virginia, and Jane Hoyle (David) in death by his parents; sister, relationship for her children and they moved to his 150-year- of Accrington, Lancashire, Norma Thompson; brother, Dr. grandchildren to aspire to. This old ancestral home in Tionesta. England; nieces, Sassy Cooke, James Pierson; wife, Marjorie; Memorial Mass for Marjorie environment of warmth and They were both active in Cheree Hogan, Penelope and grandson, Matthew Stewart. Jean (Nadeau) Holzmeister, love she created and lived by community and church affairs, Kocsis, Lindsay Hurlock, 80, of Lawrence, Kansas, was will be carried on by her loved and found time for a yearlong Cheyenne Hurlock and Paris A funeral service was held Dec. held July 23, 2019, at Corpus ones for generations to come. car/trailer trip through Mexico, Simmons; and nephews, Jeremy 12, at the First United Methodist Christi Catholic Church in Jean will be greatly missed. Central America and South Pittman, JJ Vogltanz, Gary Church in Arroyo Grande. Lawrence. Inurnment is at the America. She wrote a book Hurlock and Joshua Hurlock. Corpus Christi Columbarium Other survivors include her about the trip: A Snail’s Journey. Travis Michael Coulter & Prayer Garden. Jean passed daughter Jill (Steve) Patton, She also wrote a second book, William Robert Pierson away July 16, 2019, at Lawrence Lawrence; three sons, Jeffery Down the Rivers of Time, about a Memorial Hospital after a (Lea Ann) Holzmeister, Tempe, boat trip made to experience the long battle with cancer. Arizona, Scott (Deborah) yearly travels of her husband’s Holzmeister, Gilbert, Arizona, ancestors in the early 1800s by Jean was born May 8, 1939, in and Jon (Michelle) Holzmeister, packet boat down the Allegheny, Silver Lake, Kansas, the daughter Overland Park, Kansas; 15 Ohio and Mississippi rivers. of Paul Edward and Roxie grandchildren; three sisters, Marjorie (Mitchell) Nadeau. Jeanette Lister, Edmond, Pauline Weingard is buried She was enrolled as a member Oklahoma, Sally Carnevale, San next to her husband in the of the Citizen Potawatomi Mateo, California, and Susan Mt. Zion Lutheran Church Nation, where she was aptly Nadeau, Shawnee, Kansas; and cemetery on German Hill named Wishkose (Walking three brothers Michael Nadeau, in Tionesta, Pennsylvania. A Strong), a name that exemplified Silver Lake, Kansas, David summer memorial to celebrate her strong-willed personality Nadeau, Rossville, Kansas, and Pauline’s life is being planned. throughout her life and her Dennis Nadeau, Rossville. strength in battling her illness. Memorial contributions Robert “Pete” Pittman She attended Rossville High may be made in her name School and Washburn University to Corpus Christi Catholic William Robert Pierson went where she was a member of Zeta School and may be sent in to heaven to be with Jesus and Travis Michael Coulter, 41, of Tau Alpha sorority. She married care of Warren-McElwain his beloved Margie on Nov. 30, Little Rock, Arkansas, passed Richard James Holzmeister on Mortuary, 120 W. 13th 2019. He was known by some away Dec. 15, 2017. He was Oct. 8, 1960, in Topeka, Kansas. Street, Lawrence, KS 66044. as “Bill” and others as “Bob.” the son of Wayman Coulter, He survives of the home. He was born in Bakersfield deceased, and is survived by his mother, Tracy Schroepfer; his Jean was a homemaker, a Pauline Houser (Oildale), California, on Oct. uncles, Terry (Connie) and Ted faithful and loving wife, and a 1, 1925, where he lived until Weingard Schroepfer (Teresa); his cousins, proud mother and grandmother moving to Arroyo Grande in 1955. His parents were P.F. Matt, Chris, Tim, Tiffany and whose devotion to her family Tori; and many loving friends. was unmatched. She showed (Frank) and Laura Pierson. her support for her loved ones He served in the U.S. Navy Travis was a gifted young whenever the opportunity from 1943-1946. He married man, both professionally and arose, attending countless Marjorie Kurth on Valentine’s personally. He was the proud sporting events, celebrations Robert “Pete” Pittman was born Day 1946. He retired from owner of his own successful and other life milestones for all Aug. 15, 1945, in DeQueen, Pacific Telephone Company business, Tailor Made 15 of her grandchildren. She Arkansas, to Robert “Cotton” after 35 years of service in Promotions. He loved the hands- never missed a high school or Pittman and Patsy Petifer Pitt- Bakersfield, San Luis Obispo, on work the business required college graduation ceremony. man. Pete passed away on April 7, as well as the interactions with 2019, from complications from San Francisco, and Teheran, Iran (1976 and 1977 with his customers and workers. She was an active member of a stroke he suffered in July 2016. Travis was very intelligent and American Bell International). Corpus Christi Catholic Church Being a Navy brat, Pete moved sought to absorb as much and a volunteer for various often as a child; from Arkansas He was an active member of information about anything and Catholic charities. A true Kansas to Newport, Rhode Island; Pen- the Arroyo Grande Lions Club everything. He loved technology, sports fan, she was a Kansas City sacola, Florida; Norfolk, Virginia; Pauline Houser Weingard, for as long as his health allowed. music, documentaries, trying Royals supporter and devoted and Bladensburg, Maryland. As Mno Keeno Magwe (She Who He was Past Master of Arroyo new foods and traveling. Most follower of Kansas University a teenager, he decided there was Writes Upon the Ground) Masonic Lodge No. 274 F&AM. importantly, though, Travis was basketball. Jean was an active nowhere he wanted to be more — named because of her He was also a faithful member of generous, kind, caring and loyal racquetball and later pickleball profession as family and than Murfreesboro, Arkansas, so to those he loved. He was gifted player, enjoying the fellowship he went to live with his grand- the Arroyo Grande First United marriage counselor — walked Methodist Church. He attended at building and maintaining as much as the games. She was on at her home in Tionesta, parents, Pat and Viola Petifer. relationships, as evidenced by also a talented seamstress who After graduating high school Standard Elementary School in Pennsylvania, on Dec. 17, 2019. Oildale, Kern County Union the many lifelong friendships lovingly crafted quilts, clothes, in 1963, he worked for a time, he had. He always looked out pajamas and detailed Halloween She was the sixth generation then enlisted in the U.S. Navy High School (now known as Bakersfield High School) in for others, particularly when costumes for her grandchildren. descendant of the French citizen, in May 1964. He served as an he knew they were struggling. Bakersfield, Princeton University Francoise LaFramboise, who aviation boatswain’s mate on the Travis loved his mother deeply, and College of Pacific. He is A warm-hearted matriarch, married her Indian ancestor, U.S.S. Saratoga (CVN 60). After and that love was returned a survived by three daughters; she fostered a supportive and Shaw-we-no-quah, around his tour of duty was complete hundred fold. For the many, Lynn (George) Stewart of Arroyo close-knit family environment 1758. Pauline’s grandfather was in June 1968, he returned to Ar- many people who loved him, the Grande, Barbara (Thomas) filled with love, laughter, and George Bostick, and her mother kansas and settled in El Dorado world will be a sadder place. card games. She regularly was Mildred Bostick Houser. where he was employed by Teris Ralph of Arroyo Grande, and gathered family members and later Clean Harbors for 30- Rebecca (Roy) Gibson of A memorial service was held from near and far around her Pauline married Lewis Weingard plus years until his retirement. Littleton, Colorado; seven Dec. 26, 2019 at the Little home for holidays and special of Erie, Pennsylvania, in 1951. grandchildren, Ken Hunstad Rock Funeral Home. In lieu occasions. Jean especially loved They had two daughters and Pete was a proud member of (Summer), Amy Williams, Jason of flowers, donations can be the Christmas season, which a son, five grandchildren and the Citizen Potawatomi Nation Stewart (Jennifer), Sandra made to the Asthma and Allergy always included her annual two great-grandchildren. (Pettifer descendant). He spent Bourbon, Jeanine Woodman Foundation of America. 20 FEBRUARY 2020 WALKING ON Mary Darlene starred Rita Hayworth. She Maureen moved back to Kan- and William (Sarah) Benak; sure no one left his home with- Cossey Dayton loved her family in a special way. sas and worked as an RN and many nieces and nephews; and out trying his delicious cooking. If she had not seen you, Darlene as a private duty nurse until beloved dogs, Max and Angus. would tell you how much she retirement. In retirement, she He was preceded in death by Throughout his illness, he missed you. She was a fun- enjoyed seniors’ programs, gar- his father, John Benak, Sr. possessed a strong and loving, straight-shooting person dening, her friends and family. courageous attitude. His bravery whose friends adored her. She Her church community was Dennis Eugene Gibson and spirit were a testament to contacted them regularly despite very much a part of her life. She all. Even in his final days, Dennis leaving Arizona and living in was a member of the Daughters inspired those around him. Oklahoma for the past 16 years. of Isabella Little Flower Circle He was preceded in death by and the Holy Name Catholic his parents, Betty Gibson and Darlene was preceded in death by Church in Topeka, Kansas. her father, Roy, and her mother, William Gibson. Dennis is Helen. She is survived by her Maureen was proud to be a survived by his wife, Cheryl husband, Jerry of McLoud; her member of the Slavin family Gibson; three brothers, Gary son, Phill of Chandler, Arizona; and of her Potawatomi Gibson (Livermore, California), and her cousins, Troy Graham name, heritage and culture. Randy Gibson (Aurora, and Robert Saunders of Shawnee, California) and Charles Gibson and Ann Willett of Yukon. In 1999, she married Charles (San Diego, California); and W. Harris at Council Grove, three sisters, Debra Sepulveda Mary Darlene Cossey Dayton, Darlene was a proud member Kansas. Maureen and Charlie (Castro Valley, California), Judy 78, passed away, Wednesday, of the Citizen Potawatomi spent time attending veterans’ Kohler and Denise Counts, Nov. 20, 2019, in Shawnee, Nation and very grateful for programs, travelling and playing both of Topeka; numerous Oklahoma. She was born Nov. all of the Tribe’s support. bingo. She loved planting and Dennis Gibson, 62, of Topeka, nephews and nieces, many family 7, 1941, in Shawnee, daughter attending to the flowers around Kansas, passed peacefully at his members, and countless friends. of Roy “Tommy” and Helen Maureen T. their home each year. Charles home on Dec. 10, 2019. He Camp Cossey. Although she was preceded her in death in 2009. was born in Corpus Christi, Reciting of the rosary will an only child, she was very close (Pearl) Harris Maureen was also preceded in Texas, to Betty Martin Gibson begin at 7 p.m. on Friday, to extended family and friends death by her parents; a brother, and William Gibson. April 24, 2020, at Mater Dei she met throughout her life. James B. (JB) Pearl; a sister, Parish-Assumption Catholic In 1983, he met the love of his Church at 204 SW 8th in She attended St Benedict’s Marjorie Guerich; and sons, life, Cheryl Baker, and married in Topeka, Kansas. A celebration Catholic School and Shawnee Kevin and Michael Howes. 1997. Dennis built the house that of his life will be held Saturday, High School until her senior the couple farmed on and lived April 25, 2020, at the Citizen year, which she spent in Fresno, John C. Benak, Jr. in, which continues to be a gath- Potawatomi Nation Community California. Darlene moved back ering place for family and friends. Center at 806 Nishnabe Trail in to Oklahoma and worked as a Rossville, Kansas, at 1 p.m. A nurse’s aide at Shawnee Hospital He attended Topeka High barbecue will follow, and side following graduation. She soon School before receiving his dishes would be appreciated. attended nursing school at Mis- vocational training. Dennis Memorial donations may be sion Hill Hospital in Shawnee, was a proud member of the made to KDWPT’s Habitat and obtained her LPN in 1969. Citizen Potawatomi Nation and Improvement & Restoration Darlene said one of her proudest Carpenters Local 1445, where Fund at cpn.news/kswild. moments and accomplishments Maureen T. (Pearl) Harris, he received his journeyman was receiving her nurse’s cap. certificate. He was a descendant 90, walked on to her Raymond Gene Darlene married Jerry Dayton creator on Monday, Dec. of the Navarre family and from McLoud, Oklahoma, that 23, 2019, at Aldersgate grandson of Edith Burns Martin. Lambotte same year. They celebrated 50 Village in Topeka, Kansas. Dennis excelled at every task years together on Nov. 10, 2019. She was born Dec. 28, 1928, he took on and could repair Darlene, Jerry and their son, on a farm in the Sandy Hook anything. He was a master Phill, moved to Arizona in community of Rossville, Kansas, carpenter, painter, handyman, 1973. They resided there for 31 the daughter of Thomas M. John was born on Dec. 30, 1967, gardener and cook in addition years, and Darlene worked as and Florence G. (Doyle) Pearl. to John Sr. and Shirley (Bruno). to an excellent guitar and a nurse in nursing homes for Maureen graduated from high He graduated from Buchanan harmonica player. Above all, 25 years during that time. She school in St. Marys, Kansas, High School and continued his Dennis devoted his life to those was also a very successful Avon and in 1950, attained a nursing education and love of learning he loved. He was one of the very consultant and held various degree from the College of with several years of college. few who gave more to family jobs in the Tucson and Phoenix St. Teresa, School of Nursing After growing up in Buchanan, and friends than he ever took. John eventually moved to Texas areas. She retired, and they in Kansas City, Missouri. He thrived in the outdoors and returned to Oklahoma in 2003. where he spent most of his After graduation, Maureen life and worked as a computer took numerous hunting and fish- Darlene had many artistic tal- worked as an RN in St. Louis, engineer. His last couple of ing trips throughout the country. ents and enjoyed using them to Missouri, where she met Richard years were spent in Virginia. On these adventures, Dennis al- make people feel special. She J. Howes. They were married, John enjoyed technology, ways managed to bring his cook- Raymond Gene Lambotte, age painted with different mediums and she relocated to his family’s photography and different forms ing gear to ensure no one went 78, of Chicago, Illinois, was and made beautiful, unique area near Boston, Massachusetts, of art. His passion for art was hungry or had to prepare any born on May 6, 1941, and cards for loved ones’ birthdays where they raised four children. intertwined with his love and food. He enjoyed smoking variet- passed away on Dec. 26, 2019. and Christmas. She also made appreciation of nature and being ies of meat for family gatherings Raymond was a husband wreaths for every season and hol- Her home there had hollyhocks outdoors. John was also an avid at his home, and his talents were of over 53 years to Pamela iday. Getting a wreath and card and a large pear tree, reminding Texas Longhorns fan. Most of on full display at various bar- Lambotte, neé Hutchinson; a from her was a forever keepsake. her of her home growing up all, John cherished his family. becue competitions along with beloved father to Jennifer (Peter) in Kansas. She lived in Boston his uncle Jim and cousin Doug Negoski and Marc Lambotte; Darlene absolutely loved for 23 years, where she loved John is survived by his mother, Burris. Dennis loved to prepare and a cherished grandfather watching movies, especially from and enjoyed her family. Richard Shirley Stiles; siblings, Nancy homemade meals and watch to Ryan (fiancée, Bethany), the mid-1900s, and her favorites preceded her in death in 1986. Benak, Lucille Marie Benak cooking shows. He always made Alexander, Noah and Joshua. Submitting CPN burial assistance through Tribal Rolls obituaries The $2,000 CPN Burial Assistance Fund is automatically available to all enrolled CPN members. You may fill out

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