HOWNIKAN Nmébnegises | March 2021

Top photo: Mnokme (spring) makes an early appearance at CPN headquarters. Remembering impactful Potawatomi A LOOK INSIDE women during Women’s History Month Page 5 Throughout Potawatomi history, going to do what she needed to help “Because these Potawatomi women were women have contributed to Nishnabé herself, her family and her Tribe.” the ones who were eligible for land communities in innumerable ways. allotments, not their white husbands, Some prominent female leaders While women have always held equal im- they understood that they needed to have since the 1800s include Massaw, portance in Potawatomi society, the cultur- a seat at the table,” Dr. Mosteller said. Watseka, Mary Ann Benache, Joyce al customs did not always translate to po- Able, Beverly Hughes and more. litical and legal dealings with other coun- Although their requests did not tries and entities. But, her cunningness make it into the 1861 treaty, they “Women have always had a central role in and economic approaches opened the door continued pushing for their rights. Natural, sweet gifts of the Maple our life. … Our societies are structured for her to receive political standings other Sugar Moon differently than most Euro-American women at the time could not achieve. Because of these efforts, “we had the cultures historically were. Our society did amendment of 1866 that came back Pages 8-9 not have the same Western understanding “It’s just speculation, but this may be in and changed the treaty to say that that men are at the top. While women why she was noted as a man on the Potawatomi women could be the head 2021 Tribal Election Candidates may have different roles, it doesn’t mean first two treaties she signed,” Norton of the household and that she should be they had to be subservient,” said Dr. Kelli said. “Women did sign treaties, but this able to get a full allotment — not the Page 10 Mosteller, Citizen Potawatomi Nation’s would come a couple of years later as 80 acres or 40 acres, whatever it may Cultural Heritage Center director. more land was being sold and reserved.” be, as a dependent,” she said. “She is not dependent of anybody. She is the head of Massaw Massaw presented herself in fine her household, and her relationship to her clothing. In English artist George white husband had nothing to do with it.” Winter’s diaries, he noted her dark, smooth hair and bright-colored clothes Although not all of the five women had adorned with ribbon applique and officially signed treaties in the past, they silver brooches and stately earrings. had experience with prior negotiations. KGFF serves central Oklahoma with programming and news “The appointment of her dress were “They understood what this process for 90 years expensive, including her moccasins, was about, and they understood that which were neatly made and making this decision to change their handsomely checkered,” Winter wrote. Tribe’s relationship with the federal Pages 18-22 government was one that was going Tribal Executive and She also enjoyed playing card games, to impact them just as much as it Legislative updates and many knew of her expertise. was the men,” Dr. Mosteller said. “She understood the person who she Because of their standings and Pages 23-24 was doing business with, whether Potawatomi cultural traditions, men that was at the card table, doing across the community supported the Walking on a transaction for goods or getting women and their requests. The five George Winter’s sketch of Massaw somebody to pay up. She was not a female signatories’ tenacity forever features her signature fashion. shrinking violet, ” Dr. Mosteller said. impacted Potawatomi women’s ability to NON-PROFIT FIRST CLASS receive the same recognition and power Fight for representation

STANDARD MAIL STANDARD As the daughter of Potawatomi Chief as men through the federal government. Wassato and wife of a French fur trader, Massaw’s keen mind and understanding Massaw Watseka was a respected individual of Tribal affairs made her an important within Potawatomi communities. signatory during the Treaty of 1861 “She may have been from an esteemed and its 1866 amendments. Although she had signed treaties in the past, PR SRT STD PR SRT US POSTAGE PAID family, but she was the one who secured US POSTAGE PERMIT NO 49 PERMIT PAID PAID PERMIT NO 49 PERMIT NO 49 PERMIT U.S. POSTAGE NON-PROFIT ORG NON-PROFIT STIGLER, OK 74462 STIGLER, OK 74462 STIGLER, OK 74462 PR SRT FIRST CLASS FIRST PR SRT her place within powerful circles,” said four other women also had a role, Blake Norton, Citizen Potawatomi including Totoquah, Otter Woman, Nation’s Cultural Heritage Center’s curator. Mary Jutions and Pnah-zuea. She had a reputation as Tribal “For the 1861 treaty, I think it’s critical ogema (headman or headwoman) that women were signatories because and prominent entrepreneur near it was such a shift with land ownership Lake Keewawnay in Indiana. becoming the new basis for authority and power,” Dr. Mosteller said. “She was a woman of her time,” Dr. Mosteller said. “She absolutely saw the The Treaty of 1861 laid the groundwork world around her and understood the kind for Potawatomi to receive allotments of business that would make her successful. and the opportunity to become U.S. … She understood what the people and citizens or remain living communally the circumstances of her time and place on 11-square-miles. It separated the needed, and she made the most of that.” 2,170 Kansas Potawatomi into two distinct groups, with 1,400 choosing Before the Potawatomi forced removal on allotments. Each Tribal member The City of Middleport’s name the Trail of Death, Massaw ran a successful received parcels of land based upon change to Watseka continues her business out of her two-story home and their community and family standings. legacy for generations to come. had the same ranking as men during numerous treaty negotiations and signings. During this time, Potawatomi women, Watseka — Watchekee — (Overseer) was represented by Massaw, Totoquah, Otter a prominent Potawatomi woman during “Massaw could read a room,” Dr. Woman, Mary Jutions and Pnah-zuea, the 19th century. She was the daughter Mosteller explained. “She could read petitioned for the ability to receive the writing on the wall, and she was head of household recognition. Continued on page 3 2 MARCH 2021 HOWNIKAN Oklahoma middle schoolers’ work lifts off into outer space As sixth graders, Citizen Potawatomi Nation tribal member Addison Taylor and her science partner Mayzie Burke won the chance to send their experiment to the International Space Station. The two became friends after teaming up in class at Summit Christian Academy in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. Their STEAM teacher Stephanie Bradley focuses on curriculum that brings together science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. She encouraged her students to enter the annual Tulsa Research Kids competition. In 2019, the Tulsa Regional STEM Alliance worked with the DreamUp organization to offer three Oklahoma teams the opportunity to send their projects to the ISS. “It was the chance of a lifetime,” Bradley said. “Not many times can you watch students release something into Burke (left) and Taylor prepare their experiment for its trip to space. We do projects all the time, and the International Space Station. (Photo provided) sometimes you’re like, ‘OK, put it in the trash.’ And this time, we get to say, NASA initially scheduled the flight Bradley and both girls’ parents helped ‘OK, put it on a rocket. We’re going to for the summer of 2020; however, the them prepare for each competition, shoot it to space,’ and I’m so glad.” pandemic delayed it several times which included repetition of their throughout the year. On Dec. 6, 2020, presentations to improve their public Port to port the experiment launched on a Falcon speaking skills. Six judges oversaw 9 rocket as part of a service mission to the final round and decided whose Taylor and Burke both share interests in the International Space Station — a full experiments went to space. science and outer space and decided to year after the Tulsa Research Kids event. enter the contest. Taylor’s father works “Whenever we first got up there, at Aerospace engineer and NASA astronaut at the Port of Muskogee off the Arkansas “When we first found out we’re actually first (I) was nervous,” Burke said. Col. Paul Lockhart presents Tribal River in Muskogee, Oklahoma, where going to space, we were so excited. “And then once you just get into member Addison Taylor (right) and semi-trucks, barges and trains load and And then over time, we just got more it, and then everyone is just used to Mayzie Burke medals for winning the unload. One day, they were discussing excited to finally go,” Taylor said. you. You are used to just talking.” Tulsa Research Kids competition in a product he often uses called WearFlex January 2020. (Photo provided) — a synthetic rubber compound. She, Burke, their families and Bradley Practicing helped Taylor as well. all saw the rocket launch at the Kennedy think outside the box,” Taylor said. “If something goes wrong, he uses Space Center outside of Orlando, Florida. “It felt more calm, like I know “You can do it, no matter what.” WearFlex, and it helps fix cracks, what I’m doing and won’t get The girls received their experiment leaks and holes, and tires and belts “As soon as it actually happened, I was stumbled up, and … I have Mayzie back at the end of January 2021, and and all sorts of stuff,” Taylor, a like, ‘Wow, we’re really going!’ because to help support me,” she said. it showed positive results for how the Bertrand family descendant, said. as soon as we drove to the airport, it was hard to believe that we were Both Bradley and Taylor’s mom, substance performed at the space station. The students spoke with the company actually going because of all of the Chanda, felt they watched the duo “We hope WearFlex will be a product that produces WearFlex to learn times it got pushed back,” Burke said. become more outspoken throughout the year. Taylor somewhat overcame NASA will purchase and be able the product’s chemical makeup and her shyness while learning how to use in the future,” they said. more. Company representatives Now in seventh grade, the students enjoy their success but to present in front of a panel. supported the duo by attending remember the bigger picture. As they continue their project, their eyes some of their demonstrations, and “To see how much these girls have grown, remain on the skies. Taylor hopes to they remain in contact today. “We mostly want our project to help even how their faces have changed. ... contribute to discoveries in outer space. astronauts in space,” Taylor said. You can just tell they’re more mature, She and Burke chose WearFlex for the way that they speak from beginning “We haven’t explored all of it, and you its potential practical application in Growth on earth to end. They have grown so much. never know what’s out there,” she said. space. They won several competitions It’s amazing to see,” Bradley said. in a row with their idea and advanced The trip to Florida also marked To view footage of the rocket to the finals in their age group. After Burke’s first time on an airplane, a Taylor and Burke believe in launch from Kennedy Space Center presenting their project for the final trip to Universal Studios, time at the hard work and positivity. from Summit Christian Academy, time on Dec. 6, 2019, the girls found beach and much more. Due to the visit cpn.news/falcon9. out they won in January 2020. launch’s numerous postponements, the “You have to use your critical thinking group became better acquainted. skills to figure out stuff that you can put Burke looks forward to the chance together that is helpful,” Burke said. to see “how (WearFlex) formed in “I thought our families kind of (became) space compared to how it formed like one big family kind of together, “You can do it anywhere, and even down here, to see even if it dried.” even Miss Bradley,” Taylor said. how old you are; you can always

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Potawatomi Women continued... divorced McCartney and eventually Bourbonnais and other leaders Beverly Hughes married a Potawatomi warrior named during this time pressed forward. of Monashki and Potawatomi/Odawa Peashwah. After Segnak passed away, Chief Shabonna. During the War of Mary Ann inherited his land and became “She is a good example of this 1812, Shabonna (Built Like a Bear) was one of the most prominent landowners unwillingness to take the answers they an ally of Tecumseh and Tenskwatawa. He in Kosciusko County, Indiana. don’t want to hear at face value,” she said. joined Potawatomi leaders Waubansee, “And her descendants — you had other Winamac, Main Poc and others. “She inherited a lot of her gumption Andersons — who would eventually from her dad, who was a fierce warrior hire attorneys and go to Washington Watchekee was born around 1810. and brilliantly negotiated the politics and argue on behalf of the Tribe.” Records indicate her birth happened of his time,” Dr. Mosteller said. “Of- during a bright star. Chief Shabonna ten women, if they inherited land The Bourbonnais family eventually raised her in a Potawatomi village, and and they married, then the ownership moved further north, and their cabin she held a reputation for both her brains transferred into their husband’s name. remains standing today next to the and looks. After the Potawatomi signed That did not happen in this case.” Cultural Heritage Center. It serves as the 1833 Treaty of Chicago, she removed a reminder of the lasting impact she to Council Bluffs, Iowa, in 1837. Mary Ann employed numerous had on the Nation, which continues efforts to ensure her family’s land to uphold her legacy by petitioning for Once she moved west of the Mississippi, remained under her domain. sovereignty and Tribal rights through Watchekee continued yearning for her Congress, courtrooms and more. Beverly Hughes’ lifetime of service to CPN homelands, and she often traveled by “I think she adopted a lot of things lives on today through the Nation’s name, foot back and forth to the Great Lakes from her father, including his warrior “We don’t sue because we love to the Hownikan, Tribal seal and more. region. Some estimate she walked more spirit,” she said. “He was feared on sue,” Dr. Mosteller explained. “We than 6,000 miles during this time. the battlefield, and I think she is an are litigious, and we file lawsuits and At one point in the Nation’s not so distant example of how you can be absolutely a participate in lawsuits because we have history, the Tribe operated out of a small Watchekee was one of the very few to woman of your time but also refuse to learned that if you don’t fight for every trailer, and volunteers oversaw daily live in the Great Lakes, experience let those things that have been handed bit of sovereignty you are due, it will be operations, including Bruno-Rhodd- removal and eventually settle on the down to you pass into other hands.” seized. And, they will keep coming.” Bourbonnais descendant Beverly Hughes. reservation in Indian Territory. Her influence in the Great Lakes region Mary Anderson Bourbonnais Joyce Abel Hughes served as the Secretary-Treasurer remains today with the city of Watseka, on the Nation’s Business Council in 1970. Illinois, near the Indiana border derived During this time, tribal self-governance from her name. According to Daily provided Native nations greater Journal, community leaders renamed independence. As part of this, Hughes the city in 1865 from Middleport to received the duty of designing a Tribal seal Watseka to honor her kindness toward and had a role in selecting an official name. settlers. Today, a large mural in town “They said they were going to spell it features Watchekee, serving as a visual the same as the county, but I told them reminder of the community’s past. that we were separate from the county. Mary Ann Benache We were an entity unto ourselves, so we made it Potawatomi,” Hughes said in a 2013 Hownikan article. “That was absolutely Beverly, as she would look at the circumstances and say, ‘We need this.’ And she would just do it. Did Joyce Abel’s work provides greater access she always have the training? No, but she to medical care for all CPN members. would get it done,” Dr. Mosteller said. Seeing the need to inform CPN tribal Mary Anderson Bourbonnais’ lasting Bourbonnais descendant Joyce Abel impact on the Nation remains today. was born on Nov. 1, 1936, and members about federal funds, Beverly passed away Sept. 5, 2011, but Hughes created the Hownikan. During the late 19th and early 20th her mark on CPN continues. “All I was trying to do was give people centuries, the Citizen Potawatomi She had a profound impact on Citizen an update on what we were doing and overcame many obstacles, including Potawatomi Nation Health Services. what services we provided,” Hughes relocating to Indian Territory and Abel’s CPN career spanned more than explained. “It seemed pretty popular, so maneuvering the ever-changing relations 30 years, during which she designed from then on we tried to produce it every with the federal government. One of the and directed the first health clinic and quarter to keep our members informed.” leaders who rose to the challenge at this FireLake Wellness Center. She also time was Mary Anderson Bourbonnais. TheHownikan remains today and reaches established the Health Aids Program. thousands of Tribal members every month. Bourbonnais understood the Potawatomi “I look at our health clinics and the battles were no longer in the hills, forests “As I go through the archives, her advancements that have come from those and fields surrounding the Great Lakes signatures are all over everything. She endeavors — the Wellness Center and but rather in the halls of government. was where we needed her to be. She took the Health Aids program — and see She began letter-writing campaign on things that the community needed, lasting programs that do exactly what she efforts that formed a foundation and when a call was put out for help, she wanted them to do in helping people,” for how the Citizen Potawatomi was always there,” Dr. Mosteller said. said CPN Information Technology Nation continues operating today. English artist George Winter’s 1842 Director and Joyce’s grandson Chris Abel. Hughes had a resilient spirit, like “She worked the system,” Dr. Mosteller so many Potawatomi women who drawing of Mary Ann Benache. “I cannot help but smile when I use said. “First, she went to the Indian came before, but she also approached the services that I am allowed that she Mary Ann (Anne) was the daughter agent, and if he didn’t give her the life filled with love and hope. had a hand in creating or improving.” of the fierce warrior and leader answer she wanted, she would go to the “I don’t think I would have felt confi- Segnak or Benache. Segnak held a commissioner of Indian affairs. And Many remember her contagious high standing in the Milwaukee if he didn’t give her the answer she dent making a lot of the decisions and energy and ability to make work feeling like I deserved the position I’m Potawatomi villages as a headman, and wanted, she brought it to the president.” enjoyable, no matter the task. he was invited to discuss tribal affairs in without (Beverly) and women like with President Thomas Jefferson. Bourbonnais and her husband Antoine “She made me believe that as a her,” Dr. Mosteller explained. “She were among one of the first Potawatomi Tribal member, I could come back loved her Tribe deeply, but she was He fought alongside Potawatomi and families to make the trek from Kansas and do something positive for my not hesitant to be critical when she other Native Americans during the to the Pleasant Prairie community in community,” Dr. Mosteller said. felt criticism would make us better.” War of 1812 and signed eight treaties. present-day southern Pottawatomie He assisted fellow Potawatomi with County, Oklahoma. After arriving, she Abel understood in the importance of While each of the women mentioned left receiving claim to land and developed became involved in the Quaker church service to community as well as encour- lasting marks on the Citizen Potawatomi real estate businesses through partner- and eventually served as the first Sunday aging future generations of Potawatomi people, throughout time, countless ships with important traders like Alexis school superintendent. Most knew her as to find their role in the Nation. Potawatomi women have risen to the Coquillard, who became the found- “Aunt Mary,” and she also helped others challenges and kept the Nation strong er of South Bend, Indiana. Segnak’s in the territory as a midwife and doctor. “She had that sort of healing spirit, and I and prosperous. Learn more about these daughter Mary Ann wed Coquillard’s think for those of us wondering if all the leaders as well as others by visiting the business partner Edward McCartney. Although Bourbonnais had a caring years of school and efforts to become a Cultural Heritage Center or researching touch, this did not undermine her professional can be used to help my com- online records, including the archives Due to these connections, Segnak and tenaciousness. Instead of backing munity, she is a shining example of that and encyclopedia featured on the CHC’s his family avoided removal. Mary Ann down in the face of adversity, absolutely, yes I can,” Dr. Mosteller added. website, at potawatomiheritage.com. 4 MARCH 2021 HOWNIKAN Protecting the world’s most valuable resource Across the globe, people recognize March throughout phase I of the wetland 22 as World Water Day. It began in 1993 enhancement project were analyzed. as a celebration and raises awareness of E.coli and total dissolved solids those living without access to clean, safe exceedances have decreased, and now water. The Citizen Potawatomi Nation Squirrel Creek at the outlet to the North employs efforts within its jurisdiction Canadian River is considered ‘fully and incorporates traditional methods supporting’ for the designated uses of to remove contaminates, clean and primary body contact recreation and restore Tribal waterways to benefit the agriculture. In previous years, these Nation and community at large. designated uses were not considered Lexi Freeman, CPN environmental supporting at that area,” she said. coordinator, oversees much of the Since beginning the wetlands project, Nation’s work to monitor local water CPN Eagle Aviary staff have noticed systems. As a Tribal member and the return of wildlife, which they Rhodd descendant, Freeman sees deem as a key indicator of success. her work as necessary to upholding CPN traditions and safeguarding “The eagle aviary is very important them for generations to come. and sacred to us, so protecting that “I think it’s one of those things that from flooding and improving the every Native American community water quality so that ceremonies can Regular water monitoring determines trends and helps the Nation prioritize happen is critical,” Freeman said. can relate to — that water is life,” she conservation projects, like the wetlands project north of the CPN Eagle Aviary. said. “Even in Oklahoma, it’s important CPN is currently working toward the for the tribes to protect what’s ours monitoring equipment with multiple from a sewage plant, and occasional final phase, which will help further and what we have jurisdiction over.” sensors — and collects water samples, leaks cause contamination. control flooding, and the goal is to to test for dissolved oxygen, nutrients, eventually incorporate walking trails According to the United Nations, 2.2 “That tributary feeds into Squirrel and other water-related factors. to teach the public about native plants, billion people have contaminated Creek, which then feeds into drinking water, which increases the risk the North Canadian, and that’s wildlife and the importance of protecting “I sample 19 parameters at each water quality for generations to come. of contracting diseases. The U.N. World sampling location monthly to establish what runs by the aviary and then Water Development Report released a baseline. It helps us figure out down to the river,” she said. in 2015 said, “Water is at the core of “I think what we’re doing is really changes; for example, is our water sustainable development. Water resources, Because of this, the Nation decided important, and I think it’s nice to see quality improving or declining? Then and the range of services they provide, to use grant funds to create a our self-governance working to improve we report that to the EPA every year. underpin poverty reduction, economic wetland enhancement project what’s around us,” she said. “Definitely, growth and environmental sustainability. Based on those results, we decide north of the CPN Eagle Aviary. seeing improvements is really gratifying From food and energy security to what we want to do,” Freeman said. and shows we’re making progress.” human and environmental health, “The stream runs through the wetland, Her research indicates whether the water contributes to improvements in which works as a sponge. It works to Freeman said everyone can play a role waterways meet designated use, social wellbeing and inclusive growth, filter through the increased E. coli, in protecting our water systems. For affecting the livelihoods of billions.” such as agriculture and primary nitrogen and phosphorus and total those working in agriculture, extension body contact recreation. dissolved solids exceedances (that) we agents can offer resources and best CPN efforts typically see at Squirrel Creek and management practices to decrease “The waterways around the Tribe are allows it to settle and filter through the farm and ranch-related runoff. typically high in nutrients, which As a Great Lakes tribe, the Citizen natural vegetation before it joins the isn’t the best thing but (is) common Potawatomi have always relied on North Canadian,” Freeman explained. “Also, pick up your trash, and make sure waterways to procure food, travel and for rural, agricultural and livestock- you’re not dumping into creeks and more. After removal west to the Great heavy operations,” Freeman said. The two-phase project utilizes rivers,” Freeman said. “Doing things like Plains, access to freshwater decreased, native plants to help remove that make a difference, too. I think it’s but the resource’s importance remains. In addition to the runoff from farming toxins, and engineered channels just educating yourself and being aware Because of this, CPN monitors 10 sites and ranching operations, she has decrease flooding and erosion. of what your impacts are to the water.” across Pottawatomie County using a noticed municipal-related pollution multiparameter water quality sonde as well. An unnamed tributary near “Using water data gathered at Squirrel Find more information on CPN’s — a small, easy to transport piece of CPN headquarters is downstream Creek, exceedances to designated uses efforts at potawatomi.org. House of Hope connects online to combat stalking

By Kayla Woody, House of Hope much-needed information about signs to incorporate them monthly at these DVPI Prevention Specialist of stalking and ways to prevent stalking. schools and also other schools and This information is extremely important organizations around the community. The House of Hope hit the ground because 1 in 6 women and 1 in 17 men running in 2021, getting great will experience stalking in their lifetimes. To set up a webinar for your classroom, information out to our communities organization or business, please feel free despite the drawbacks of the coronavirus It is so important to speak to teens to reach out to our prevention specialist pandemic. Prevention education looks because stalking normally affects those Kayla Woody at 405-275-3176 or by quite a bit different this year due to under the age of 25, according to the email at [email protected]. concerns about spreading the virus, National Intimate Partner and Sexual This is a free service that can provide which means staff have to get creative. Violence Survey. It is important that we education and resources to your students educate these kids at a young age before and co-workers, and possibly safe lives. January was National Stalking Awareness they encounter this type of situation. If you or someone you know is Month, and prevention specialist Kayla Without education on the matter, the Woody hosted three different webinars experiencing stalking, intimate outcome would be far worse for them. partner violence, and/or sexual assault to both Pleasant Grove Middle School high school classes to provide other and would like more information, and Shawnee High School classes. The Not only is the prevention information types of prevention topics like teen please contact the House of Hope House of Hope partnered with the about stalking important to these dating violence, domestic violence, at 405-275-3176 or visit us online at Stalking Prevention Awareness Resource classes but the webinars also provided sexual assault, bullying and tech safety. facebook.com/cpnhouseofhope. Center and Community Renewal a way for the organization to build The House of Hope is planning more of Pottawatomie County to provide relationships with middle school and webinars on these topics and hopes HOWNIKAN MARCH 2021 5 Natural, sweet gifts of the Maple Sugar Moon The plink plink, plink plink of maple sap dripping into metal buckets every spring sings a sweet song to Barbara Wall’s ears. “It’s just one of those feelings, you know?” Wall asked. “After a long winter, you’ve got the warm sun on your face, and you can hear the sap drip into the buckets. It just makes me want to dance.” Wall is a descendant of the Vieux family and is currently finishing her Ph.D. in Indigenous studies, while holding a tenure-track position in the Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies at Trent University Maple sap drips into a container in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada. before it’s heated into syrup or maple sugar. (Photo provided) Late winter into early spring during the Maple Sugar Moon is one of her favorite times of the year. Wall bundles up and heads to the bush to tap maple trees, collect sap and transform it into ziwagmedé (syrup) and zisbakwet (maple sugar). The Nishnabé people use the thirteen moons of the seasonal cycle as guideposts, yet because of the varied ecosystems and weather conditions across Nishnabé communities, some may recognize each moon at a different time. For many, the Zisbakwtoke Gises (Maple Sugar Moon) begins on February or March’s new moon. “From my teachings, when the sap runs, that’s the beginning of the new cycle of the seasons and the Nishnabé new year,” Wall said during a phone interview with the Hownikan. ran from the trees in the spring, not sap. back, they start to gather; that’s when Wall grew up in northern New York TheNishnabé people were not tending you start to pay attention to the maple A wood-fired stove helps transform sap into and has enjoyed maple trees throughout to their duties, rather spending all their trees,” Wall said. Squirrels will also break golden maple sugar. (Photo provided) her life. She often spent her youth time under the maple trees, consuming off small branches, and woodpeckers in the woods behind her family’s the rich, sweet syrup. Seeing this, a pierce the trees to ingest the sap. home, letting the maples provide powerful spirit — Nanabozho — decided guidance to her adolescent woes. to pour water into the trees, which Wzhek’ge (to tap a tree) diluted the sap and required hard work “I’ve always had a connection to maple Before tapping a tree, it is an important to enjoy its sugary bounty once more. trees and appreciated their beauty,” she practice to ask for permission and place said. “As a teenager, I’d go out, and sit, “The story has varying teachings inside, sema (tobacco) down as an offering. and even lay on my back on the ground when you think about it,” Neely and look up through the maple trees, explained. “It’s telling you that you have “Some people will do this at every tree and they’d kind of bring me peace.” to take care of your priorities. You can’t they tap,” Wall explained in a video just fixate on one thing. You have to do produced at Trent University for the For the past 10 years, Wall has called these things when the time arrives.” National Centre for Collaboration in Ontario home, and the sugar bush season Indigenous Education. “Others will just has been a mainstay for her every spring. In some Nishnabé communities, women do it at the first tree that they tap. But are the ones who oversee the sugar bush it’s a small gesture of reciprocity — of “You really get to know the trees. And because of maple sap’s connection to giving thanks to the tree for all that you get to understand their cycle, their it’s giving to us as Anishinaabeg.” seasonal cycle, and how they look. And water. Care and protection of water are key responsibilities for Nishnabé not just the leaves, but how the bark looks. Many use their left hands in making After heating the sap, stirring and cooling And how the bark looks just before the sap women, yet harvest and processing with wood spatulas turns the liquid into requires everyone’s involvement. sema offerings, as the left arm and hand runs is different from what the bark looks connect directly to the heart. “This is maple sugar crystals. (Photo provided) like in the deep part of winter,” Wall said. “Having maple sugar camps is very where you speak the truth — your left said. “Also, people who work in sugar side and through your heart,” she said. Maple’s gifts common where everyone kind of comes bushes have shared with me that the together, and always, as a community, we Tapping a maple tree in a traditional sugar concentration of the sap is higher According to Wall, as winter comes to a believe in sharing and helping those that manner requires using an axe or another closer to the outer bark of the tree close, maple sap is the first nutritional are maybe less fortunate,” Neely added. similar tool to make shallow cuts into the than towards the inside of the tree.” gift from the earth, and it is used as bark of the tree trunk. The initial cuts cre- a sacred medicine and cleanser. Before colonization, Nishnabé families Filtering the sap before placing it in returned to specific sugar bushes ate a V shape before crafting a horizontal another container more suitable for “Thinking back to when we really lived off annually, and for those who are indentation at or near the bottom of the V. travel eliminates contaminants. Wall the land rather than living out of grocery able, the traditions continue today. The last cut is “parallel to the ground, said harvesting birch bark to create stores, toward the end of the winter, the maple sap-carrying buckets happens “And it was also a time when the but it’s at an angle so that the sap will supplies might be running low,” she said. during the winter when the dormant community would start to come together, run down,” Wall said. “The size of trees’ bark becomes thicker. During winter, Nishnabé diets were whether it’s extended family that’s working the cut isn’t necessarily as important, comprised mostly of meat and mnomen the sugar bush or several families getting in my opinion, as the angle.” After filtering the zisbakwtabo (maple (wild rice) in wild ricing communities. together,” Wall said. “It’s a time of coming sap), some then utilize a yoke placed After making the three cuts, harvesters back from the isolation of winter to being around their necks to carry the birch bark place a cedar spile; the spile directs the “So, the sap would clean us out and back in more of a social environment.” buckets full of maple sap out of the bush. prepare our bodies to start eating more flowingzisbakwtabo (maple sap), letting it plant-based foods,” Wall explained. While the moons provide guidance or run down into a folded wigwas (birchbark) Modern tapping utilizes a power instruction for when to begin tapping, container — wigwas nagen. This method tool to drill, which creates a hole According to Justin Neely, Citizen Wall also looks for signs from the usually results in debris like twigs and to hammer a metal spigot into. Potawatomi Nation Language Department animals and the maple trees themselves. leaves entering the sap, but the outcome director, oral traditions surrounding maple is sweeter than using modern techniques. “The tree will heal, but the old style vary from community to community. One “The crows fly south in the winter — tapping is a more sustainable type of in particular, Nanabozho and the Maple ravens are here all winter, but the “It’s gentler on the tree because it doesn’t Trees, notes that a long time ago, syrup crows leave — and when they come go as deep as the metal spigots,” Wall Continued on page 7 6 MARCH 2021 HOWNIKAN CPN Language Department receives $200k grant

The United States Department of “It’s nice to be able to have that Interior’s Office of Indian Energy and physical (piece), where a parent Economic Development awarded $3 can have a book that they can million as part of its Living Languages sit down, and they can read Grant Program. Eighteen tribes across to their kid in the language as the country received funding, including they’re learning it, as their kid’s approximately $200,000 to the Citizen learning it with them,” he said. Potawatomi Nation, which will extend its language learning resources. But Neely said learning the language serves a larger purpose. “We got the top amount awarded, which is pretty exciting,” said CPN “I think it has a positive impact Language Department Director on Indian communities,” he Justin Neely. “So, it’ll help fund the said. “It helps with societal department as a whole, and it’ll help problems. Having that sense fund staff to create these books. … We of identity helps with things have a pretty talented crew right now like domestic violence, drug of folks, which I’m really pleased by.” use. There are so many things that having a sense of roots and They now have $200,066 to begin writ- cultural connections can really ing Potawatomi children’s books. The help within Native communities.” one-year grant will assist in the creation and publication of two series for use and The grant lasts through the distribution in the CPN Child Devel- With the help of a large federal grant, the language department creates content to end of November, and the opment Center classrooms and beyond. better serve the students they teach in the CPN Child Development Center. department hopes to distribute Staff teach infants through fifth graders the books through the CDC in the daycare and after school programs. Neely believes in the department’s do seven years ago or five years ago and to additional families at no talent and abilities. Their ideas include just because we didn’t really have the cost after design and publication. “I think that when it comes to kids, I large easel pieces, a series based around right people in place to make it happen. mean, they’re obviously our next specific characters and ones that focus The timing is right now,” he said. “I’m a big advocate of giving the language generation of speakers. If you can get on vocabulary sets. The funds will away, if at all possible, especially to our to kids early on and really light that allow them to purchase materials able While the department has focused on Tribal members,” Neely said. “It’s our fire, light that desire, to have more of an to withstand time and frequent use. digital content and online learning language, and … it’s nice to be able to interest in our culture and our language, tools, books remain unchartered give those or make those available.” it’s definitely something that’s going to “This particular crew is very creative territory. Neely recognizes the carry them through in life,” Neely said. and good with art and creating importance of having reading materials Learn more about the language content, videos as well. And I think available for schools and families, department and online tools at Language staff plans to write 12 books, that because of the nature of this crew which meets the grant’s requirement potawatomiheritage.com. Visit six for infants to 3-year-olds and six for that I have, (this project) has become a of awarding a program that “would the Potawatomi Gifts for other 4 to 6-year-olds. While the characters possibility. I don’t think it’s something revitalize the language by preventing books, craft supplies and cultural and storylines remain up in the air, that I would have necessarily tried to intergenerational disruption.” art at potawatomigifts.com. HOWNIKAN MARCH 2021 7 Potawatomi Leadership Program alumna explores her Indigenous identity with installation exhibits

Citizen Potawatomi Nation member naming ceremony, and Foster was given Christina Foster’s artist portfolio shows her the name Yabwe Kwé or Dreamer Woman. growth and self-discovery gained through- out her education. Much of her work cen- While she knew about her Potawatomi ters around self-exploration and displays ancestry and tried to participate in both her artistic process and final results. Tribal culture as much as possible in her youth, the program opened up a door to The Schrepfor family descendant a new set of knowledge and experiences. graduated with her Bachelor of Arts in Her artistic possibilities also grew and studio art from the University of Central took on a new meaning and message. Missouri in December 2020, working on her final projects and classes from “That was also when I felt like I could home amid a global pandemic. Most actually start making work about art emanates on a physical process (Potawatomi culture) because I felt like dependent on time in a studio, dance I didn’t know enough before. ... And hall or ceramics workshop, and Foster so just continuously educating myself focuses on painting, installation art and and staying in contact with other dancing. Her final studio class provided people from the PLP and just with a more rounded experience by including the Tribe in general and trying to stay in-person portions of instruction. connected has really helped me find my voice, I guess, in my art,” Foster said. “My painting professor would walk around, and he would look at our She presented the Museum of paintings, and then we’d talk about them. Contemporary Mixed-Indigenous And he’d give a little bit of critique or ask Citizen Potawatomi Nation artist Christina Fosters’ Museum of Contemporary Mixed- Experience as a collaboration Indigenous Experience displays work from throughout her collegiate career. (Photo provided) questions about where it’s going to go between Christina Foster and from there or talk about some different and essential part of a Three Sisters The popcorn also invites attendees Yabwe Kwé, representing the two techniques and stylization that I could sides of herself and her art. experiment with. So that was really planting method composed of corn, to explore Indigenous cultures for beans and squash. Foster used the themselves and encourages them to nice, but it’s been weird,” Foster said. “Whenever I’m making pieces that are vegetable to represent Potawatomi gain more knowledge as they move more like Indigenously themed, I’m Symbolism people and their ability to maintain through the installation and look at Yabwe Kwé their culture and overcome obstacles. other displays. Foster believes installation going to use , whereas if it’s She created an imitation art gallery art gives attendees a full experience more like Westernized or not necessarily called Museum of Contemporary “Corn is a very dependent plant,” she with a range of emotions rather than talking about those subjects or it just Mixed-Indigenous Experience for her said. “It’s not going to produce much one piece to view and consider. falls into this more conceptual art senior showcase that highlighted her if you just grow a single stock. It is a realm, then I use Christina Foster. The work from the past several years. It resilient plant, the way that it retains “I’ve had actually a lot of people tell ones where they kind of mix, I like to ran at the end of 2020 at UCM’s water and stuff like that. And it’s a me that I have inspired them to learn make them collaborations,” she said. Gallery 115. The installation piece strong plant, but it’s not going to more about their Native side or learn encouraged people to consider how thrive unless you have a lot of them.” more about just Native cultures or It also started conversations museums present Indigenous cultures, heritage in general, which … means about her multiple identities history and art as they walked through Bags of popcorn painted white lined a lot to me, and I’m really glad and led viewers to consider their Foster’s satirical representation. her project’s walls. They become fuller that I have had that impression and own defining characteristics. and fuller as viewers move deeper into that impact on people,” she said. “The low lighting and the way that they’re the exhibit, showing Foster’s journey “I just feel like I am growing from it, talked about makes the culture seem in finding her Potawatomi heritage. Finding Yabwe Kwé and it just has inspired me to learn like they’re something of the past or more about both sides of everything. something that doesn’t exist anymore, “That is kind of a metaphor for mixed In 2017, Foster attended the Potawatomi ... I’m always thinking about the whereas these cultures are still existing, Indigenousness, because then once Leadership Program, a six-week way things are going to be perceived but they’re just more modernized they’re popped, you can kind of see immersive summer internship at CPN for by other people and the way that and contemporary than they’re often the color of the bag, and their kernels high school seniors and college freshman I’m dealing with appropriation in displayed in the museums,” she said. have been popped and are flourishing with a year or less of post-secondary the opposite way,” Foster said. and stuff like that. But they still class credits. Participants learn about One prominent symbol throughout the have the white front, which is like a the Tribe’s history, culture, government, For more information on the exhibit was mdamen (corn). Nishnabé mixture of different cultures … but businesses and more. It also includes the Potawatomi Leadership Program, people rely on corn as a dietary staple being able to thrive,” she said. annual Family Reunion Festival and a visit plp.potawatomi.org.

Maple Sugar Moon continued... However, Wall prefers to use observation Before the Nishnabé had access to “I know there’s a sugar rush, but it’s rather than a thermometer. “It’ll go glass, plastic and other materials to almost a reconnection rush that tapping,” Wall said. The shenamesh through stages where (the heated syrup) store maple syrup, they primarily happens too,” she explained. (maple tree) heals more quickly from foams up, then it will quiet down. Then created granulated sugar that they However, environmental changes are neg- a shallow axe cut than a drilled hole. the bubbles will get bigger, and it’ll foam placed in naturally-made containers. up again,” Wall explained. “It requires atively impacting sugar maple populations across North America. Sap flows best Process and storage a lot of patience and observation.” “It was a major trade product between communities, but also, once the fur trade when air temperatures reach around 40 F After harvesting, boiling the zisbakwtabo Cooking the syrup evaporates additional started, a lot of maple sugar was shipped during the day and below freezing at night. (maple sap) evaporates the water, water, and once it reaches the optimal over to Europe. It was a source of sugar for concentrating the sap. This also helps the queens and kings in Europe,” Wall said. “As the climate warms, we might not consistency, Wall pours the molten sugar have that specific range of temperatures, develop the deep, rich flavors synonymous into a bis’egéwnagen (sugar trough). Then with ziwagmedé (maple syrup). To make Future of maple so maybe the sap will no longer flow she begins to move the mixture back in the amounts needed for production syrup, often a wood shkode (fire) is kept and forth with wooden sugar paddles going under pans or pots of raw sap. Although colonization has created limited of syrup and sugar,” Wall explained. that help with the cooling process. The access to maple for Nishnabé — especially “Depending on the season, it takes movement and manipulation of the the Citizen Potawatomi whose land base While access is still available, Wall a ratio of 40 gallons of sap to make molten sugar alters its physical form. in Oklahoma does not provide suitable encourages all Citizen Potawatomi to try one gallon of syrup, and then it’s growing conditions for sugar maple — it real maple syrup or sugar themselves. As it cools, “it changes from the molten still serves as an essential connection almost a 1 to 1 ratio on the syrup to Consuming maple syrup and sugar is the sugar,” Wall said. Typically, sugar liquid to more of a runny mud and to Nishnabé culture. Maple sugar is then a fudgy kind of material,” Wall “a move forward, but it’s also a move is larger than the volume of syrup. incorporated into dishes for feasts and is backwards and a reconnecting with said. “And then you keep working it, a key component of many ceremonies. Making zisbakwet (sugar or maple sugar) and then you end up granulating the ancestors. It’s reconnecting to what requires heating the syrup in a mkek sugar. If you do it right, you’ll end up Wall enjoys the ancestral connection our bodies remember,” Wall said. (pot) until it reaches the thread stage, with granulated sugar that’s just as fine as that she finds out in the bush which is approximately 223 F to 235 F. the white sugar that you buy in a store.” while making syrup and sugar. 8 MARCH 2021 HOWNIKAN Tribal election candidates 2021 Chairman candidates John “Rocky” Barrett - Keweoge (He Leads Them Home) My Grandfather was Oliver Peltier, my grandmother was Ozetta Bourassa Peltier Shawnee, Oklahoma Education Princeton University 1962 to 1965, Oklahoma City University 1965 -1967. BS in Business (Marketing and Management), Oklahoma City University Graduate School of Business – 1967-68. Honorary Doctorate of Commercial Sciences – St. Gregory’s University – 2003. Running for Tribal Chairman is important to me to grow and personalize the progress the tribe has made the past 32 years. We have just gone through one of the toughest periods in our history. It is vital that Citizen Potawatomi Nation continue to play its’ role in helping our people to recover and come out of this pandemic with our faith in each other and our belief in our Tribe intact. We have experienced a miracle in growth in the last 32 years in our ability to serve our people – like no other tribe in the United States. We must not fall victim to the negative, especially since the negative it is simply not true. We have accomplished the creation of the most unique tribal governmental form in the United States - a “virtual Tribal Legislature” that provides elected representation for every member, no matter their home location. With this has come an outpouring of help and access to opportunity never seen before in our history. The completion of this development as the leader of a team of experienced, talented, and dedicated servants of the people of our Nation is my dream. It will be my greatest honor to be allowed to continue this for and with you.

Lisa Kraft Shawnee, Oklahoma Education BA in Anthropology, University of Oklahoma, and Masters in History, University of Central Oklahoma. I am running for Chairman because I want to see us better aligned to achieve our potential as a people. With over 26 years of experience in Oklahoma Indian Country, assisting leaders in strategic planning, development projects, and nation building, and after 4 consecutive terms as an elected legislator for the CPN, it is obvious to me that we have an opportunity to rekindle the fire of our great nation. My platform includes a focus on our heritage and culture, revitalizing our connections through language, ceremony, and art. We also need better transparency at leadership levels, and I am putting forward plans for expanding healthcare, education, and economics policies and practices. We need a higher level of integrity as to how we govern, and a stronger vision for how we execute our activities as a nation. Join me, help me unite our nation, and become a part of this historic campaign.

Steve Castaneda - EConOush (Little Leader) Shawnee, Oklahoma My name is Steve Castaneda, I am running for Chairmen so I can give the people of the tribe their voice back. That way all members can feel that their input matters in all tribal endeavors. The tribe should be about all members not just the select few that rise above all. All tribal endeavors should be paid back to the members since they have paid for these to become what they are today. Things such as the casino, store, and resort would not be if it were not for the members. It is my mission to increase Senior Housing, expand medical care and education benefits for all members.

District 1 candidates Drew (Jon) Boursaw Topsham, Maine Education BA Communications/Public Relations: California State University, San Bernardino MA Education: University of Southern California I am running for Region One’s legislator for one reason: help my fellow Potawatomi tribal members. I have been fortunate to receive support and assistance from Citizen Potawatomi Nation and I want to be able to offer that same support and assistance to the tribal members of Region One. As a member of Citizen Potawatomi Nation there is so much to be proud of. We are a tribe that truly looks after its members. Whether that support is thought scholarships, health benefits, or housing assistance, our members come first. I want to advance these benefits and help the tribe grow.

David Slavin - Gzhiptot (He’s Fast) Kansas City, Missouri Education Park Collage, Bachelor of Arts Communication Arts

Military US Navy, honorable discharge 1973-1977 My great, great grandmother Theresa survived the trail of death as a child. She was raised and educated by the Sisters of St. Mary’s. She married James Slavin an Irish immigrant. Roy Slavin my dad gave me my Potawatomi name, Gzhiptot meaning He’s Fast. My dad gave me that name because I was a fast runner for both my high school and collage track teams. As a lead electrician, a teacher and first responder for a hazmat team on the railroad. Communication has always been very important for all these skills. As a legislator I will bring these skills to the constituency of district 1. I will listen to their concerns, Ideas as well as share mine. To help build, protect and secure our sovereign nation. HOWNIKAN MARCH 2021 9 District 1 candidates continued Kevin Roberts - Kakingeshi (Grizzly Bear) Justin Neely gave me my Neshnabe name Normal, Illinois Education I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Central Methodist University, Fayette, Missouri. I also earned & hold the following professional designations; • CPCU - Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter • ChFC - Chartered Financial Consultant • CLU - Charter Life Underwriter • CIPP/ US - Certified Information Privacy Professional - United States • FLMI - Fellow Life Management Institute My grandfather was directly impacted by assimilation, which in-turn limited the family & cultural information that was passed down. My mother always reminded us that we were Potawatomi however she was never able to provide broader detail to our questions. From a very young age, I hungered to learn more. I have been fortunate in my lifetime to have lived in Kansas, Missouri, and Illinois. This afforded me the opportunity to be near ancestral lands, family, and tribal history which has aided in my ongoing research and studies. Over that past 30 years, I have also developed a heartfelt appreciation for the resources, services, and spirit of community CPN has provided to me & my family. I aspire to be a better, altruistic CPN tribal member & leader. I am a candidate because I want to contribute to our Nation’s continued success and progress while strengthening our community connection & Spirit.

Alan Melot I am a descendant of the Melot and Bergeron families. Joplin, Missouri Education I graduated from the Bossier Parish Community College with an Associate of Applied Science in Business Administration in 1997. I was a store manager for Fastenal Company for nearly 15 years and completed coursework at the Fastenal School of Business. I transitioned back to university in 2015 and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Sociology with minors in Psychology and Cultural Anthropology from the Missouri Southern State University in Joplin, MO. I recently completed my Master of Science in Clinical Psychology at the Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, KS. I am running for office to be a servant of the people and to lead with the purpose of empowering our people. I will advocate for my district, will host events to build relationships with those in my district, will cultivate cultural leadership and support cultural leaders, and will learn about Tribal programs and services so I can help those in need. This is a difficult time for many of our people, with the COVID-19 pandemic disrupting incomes, lifestyles, and relationships. As we move out of this crisis, I want to maximize connection to each other and to Tribal resources. I have a heart for service and am uniquely equipped to serve my district. I would enjoy connecting with you on Facebook or email at [email protected]. I look forward to hearing your concerns, interests, and ideas. Please keep me in your prayers, and I would appreciate your vote. District 4 candidates Jon E. Boursaw - Wetase Mkoh (Brave Bear) Topeka, Kansas Education • Bachelor of Business Administration, Washburn Univ • Air Force Command & Staff College, Maxwell AFB, AL • Air War College, Maxwell AFB, AL • Numerous other Executive Leadership/Management Courses & Seminars It has been my pleasure serving as your Legislative Representative for the past eight years. I have had the unique opportunity to meet and assist many of you personally. I have enjoyed the association I have had with those of you who have attended the numerous District meetings I have held. I estimate I have participated in over a hundred namings, each giving me a feeling of esteem honor for being asked to create and give an individual their Indian name. As I our enrollment continues to grow, I am committed to work with my fellow Legislators to maintain a strong financial position to protect your benefits, including the scholarship program, mail order pharmacy, health aids and burial fund,. It would be with my sincere appreciation to be selected as your Representative for another four years. I cannot do that without your support. Please encourage eligible family members to vote.

Elexa “Amo” Dawson Chandler, Oklahoma ndoch bya, Kansas mshkode ndeda Education Current student of Johnson County Community College, Sustainable Agriculture Bozho, I’m Elexa “Amo” Dawson. I’m descended from the Ogee and Beaubien families. I was born at Mission Hill and raised in Chandler, Oklahoma. I moved to Chase County, Kansas in 2005 where I’ve worked as a musician, teacher, and bartender. As a musician, I have honorably represented our people internationally. I have prioritized Potawatomi identity in my work and life. If elected District 4 legislator, I will host multi-generational cultural events on a monthly basis. It is only through our language and culture, which is practiced in community, that we can identify ourselves as Potawatomi. Financially, I believe we should be seeking full transparency from our companies, and investing in the success of all our people. I believe we can be simultaneously prosperous and strong in our values. Photo by Dave Leiker I love Kansas and our Nation. It is time for us to walk forward in a way that is unmistakably Potawatomi. 10 MARCH 2021 HOWNIKAN KGFF serves central Oklahoma with programming, news for 90 years Classic Hits KGFF’s long history or different organizations, all these spans from the Golden Age of Radio different things that they do in the to the present day. Since 1930, it has way of giving money to programs. We broadcast music, news, community also are here to give voice again to events, sports, extreme weather those programs and as a voice for the coverage and more. Citizen Potawatomi Nation and a voice for the other folks Nation purchased the station on Jan. in the community,” Askins said. 1, 1999, and now houses the studios inside FireLake Discount Foods. During Mike the in Morning, he honors a “Working Person of the Day,” someone “They maintain that community standard nominated for a gift card and other and that sense of public service that I find small presents from local businesses. really important,” said general manager It started as “Working Girl of the Mike Askins. “That’s one of the things Day” in the 1970s to pay tribute to that when (Chairman John “Rocky” secretaries and other women who kept Barrett and Vice-Chairman Linda Capps) offices and businesses running. Askins made me manager, we talked about that. expanded the program, and during the I said, ‘My first service will be to serve pandemic in 2020, the calls increased the community and the city of license.’ dramatically to honor frontline workers. And they said, ‘That’s what we want.’” “At one point, I think we had about Askins is a staple of local radio in Pottawatomie County. He first took a three or four-month waiting to the KGFF airwaves as a 16-year- old in 1976, making him a part of station programming and staff for 45 years. In addition to general manager, Askins serves as program director, Dennis Ladd hosts KGFF’s The chief operator, director of engineering, Morning Company in 1977. producer and host of Mike in the Morning, the weekday drive-time show. made up an entire fictitious series of places,” Askins said. As he got older, his Beginnings part-time comedy routine turned into a full-time disc jockey job in 1979. Changes in pop culture, multiple owners and the dawn of television resulted in “The joke is that I’ve stayed in radio many iterations of the station throughout because I can’t get a real job,” he said the last century. Its first studio was at the and laughed. “So that’s what I tell top of the Hotel Aldridge in Shawnee, people. But the truth is, I’ve always Oklahoma. Programming premiered with enjoyed the creativity in radio. There’s the KGFF Devotional Hour on Dec. 10, a lot of theater of the mind going on 1930, at 9 a.m. The day also included there, and I enjoy that level of theater.” Shopping Suggestions to highlight local merchants and Luncheon Music live with In the early 1990s, Askins began Chic Haynes and His Hotel Aldridge hosting the drive-time program KGFF general manager Mike Askins celebrates 45 years with the station in 2021. Orchestra — to name only a few shows. Mike in the Morning, bringing his sense of humor, news and music to airwaves. It carried Oklahoma Baptist list … because of the number of Much of the music, news, and dramatic Shawnee and the surrounding area. University’s first Oklahoma Collegiate people who were just (saying), ‘Hey, and comedic programming were live and Conference football championship don’t forget to salute my friend local for decades. Radio was the dominant “I enjoy comedy. I like a good laugh, in 1940, St. Gregory’s University’s here, my friend there.’ And we just source of information and entertainment and I think the world gets too serious first state junior college basketball had a deluge of them,” he said. in the early and mid-20th century. KGFF sometimes. And people throw on the tournament finals in 1964, and the records from general manager Maxine radio, and all they hear is bad news, and Shawnee High School Wolves’ first KGFF also provides local weather Eddy recount plans for covering D-Day I want to make them giggle,” he said. state football championship in 1973. coverage. The station reports on the during World War II in June 1944. rural areas in CPN’s jurisdiction, which Localism Askins enjoys working for a smaller Oklahoma City metro stations often skip. “To give listeners and readers warning that station. He believes KGFF provides During spring 2012, a tornado touched the news for which we are all waiting has “The original charter by the (Federal resources and information to people come, KGFF has made arrangements down in Tecumseh near many of the Communications Commission) for radio and businesses that remain unavailable Tribe’s businesses. While sirens wailed as with the O. G. Harp Poultry and Egg stations was to serve the public interest,” anywhere else. CPN’s purchase in the Company and the Rock Island Railroad the storm approached, Askins remained Askins said. “It wasn’t to play the best late 1990s matched the Tribe’s desire on the air and kept track of its movement. Company for a whistle signal to extend music or have the biggest contest or have to focus on the surrounding towns. for three minutes. This simultaneous the biggest ratings. It was to serve the “I got a phone call three days later from whistle blast will be notice to Shawnee community you’re licensed to, and we’ve “Citizen Potawatomi Nation, in a lady who said, ‘I didn’t know what residents that KGFF will return to the air been licensed to Shawnee since 1930.” addition to being the largest employer was going on, turned my radio on, and immediately,” Eddy’s station memo stated. in the county, they still maintain I heard you tell me where the tornado that community service, whether The station began broadcasting was.’ She says, ‘I literally stepped into Askins went to the KGFF studio with his local sports when it took to the it’s giving to schools or program father for the first time in the mid-1960s. my cellar the second it hit my house He was an ordained minister, English because you said, go to your cellar teacher and disc jockey at the station. now.’ She goes, ‘You saved my life, thank you,’” Askins said, tearing up. “To me, it was magic and, you know, electric lights and sparkly everything, and She hung up before he got the … it was just so cool. And so listening to chance to ask her name. him on the radio, I just found something fascinating about that,” Askins said. “That made 40-something years telling bad jokes worth it, right there.” Inspired by Saturday Night Live- style sketch comedy, he and a friend KGFF has proved itself an asset and an began performing routines at local essential part of the larger Pottawatomie open mic nights, where the KGFF County community for nearly 100 program director heard them. years, and shows no signs of slowing. “We were just pretending to be two Tune in to KGFF at 1450 AM and news anchors, and we were doing corny, 100.9 FM or listen online at kgff.com. silly, strange, dumb jokes about local The station broadcasts music, local shows and news from Find the station on Facebook, Twitter personalities and places, and … we the Shawnee Country Club in 1964. @1450kgff, and Instagram @kgffradio. HOWNIKAN MARCH 2021 11 Election committee upholds mission for an accurate, secure Tribal election Every year, five Citizen Potawatomi laws of the Tribe or “ever found civilly Nation tribal members work diligently or criminally liable for breaching a to uphold fair and precise Tribal fiduciary or contractual duty to the Tribe.” elections along with maintaining the election ordinance throughout Candidates must turn in their poll each of the committee’s processes. watcher selection to the committee in writing, no less than one week Adopted in August of 2007, the ordinance prior to Election Day. The ordinance is a part of the CPN Constitution and states, “Poll Watchers may not interfere establishes the official rules and procedures in any way with the conduct of the for conducting Tribal elections. The election, but may observe only. Any poll committee includes a chairman, vice- watcher interfering with the election chairman, secretary, assistant secretary or attempting to electioneer in any way and marshal. Each member takes an may be ejected from the poll area by a oath to protect and “defend the Nation’s marshal or law enforcement officer.” Constitution and Laws of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, and will cause the Any voters in line at the polling place elections of the Citizen Potawatomi at 2 p.m. on June 26 will still have the Nation to be conducted fairly, impartially, chance to cast their vote. To receive and in accordance with the laws of a ballot, the ordinance requires CPN the Citizen Potawatomi Nation.” members to present an official Tribal ID and sign the voter register acknowledging CPN member Gary Bourbonnais holds they received an unused ballot. the title of chairman, and although he has served on the committee for For those who are physically unable 35 years, his passion to uphold the to cast their vote, the committee can Nation’s Constitution remains. approve that they obtain assistance. “It’s very important to me that we can The ordinance outlines that committee offer our services to help ensure that every members transport all election materials voter gets to vote,” Bourbonnais said. to a designated counting room where they unlock the ballot box, remove ballots and Duties and responsibilities count the votes. Electronic votes made via a machine are tabulated as soon as Bourbonnais’s role as chairman requires Voting and absentee ballots Day are eligible to vote, and can request an individual inserts their ballot “or as him to preside over each member an absentee ballot by mailing their soon as reasonable possibly thereafter.” and holds responsibility for all of the This year, Tribal members nationwide correct address, roll number, birthdate Election Committee’s activities. have an opportunity to cast their votes and legal signature of the requestor to: To close the election process, each for Chairman and the annual budget as committee member ensures no ballots David Bourbonnais has served on the well as confirm CPN Supreme Court CPN Election Committee remain in the ballot boxes. They also committee for 34 years and currently justice nominees for 3 and 7, and those PO Box 310 check the total votes for absentee ballots serves as its vice-chairman. In this role, residing in Districts 1 and 4 will select Tecumseh, OK 74873 for each candidate; transcribe the he assists the chairman with conducting legislative representation. To ensure each totals, including rejected, spoiled and elections and presiding in his absence. legislator has approximately the same Procedures unused ballots as well as total ballots number of constituents, the population printed; provide written signatures to With 20 years of serving on the committee, Requests for absentee ballots must be post- of Citizen Potawatomi within an area certify the election results; present the secretary Carrie Kieffer records and marked no less than 20 days prior to the determines jurisdictional boundaries. certified abstract to the public; and maintains minutes for all meetings and election. Additionally, the election com- When deemed necessary, legislators deliver copies of the certified abstracts discussions pertaining to an election mittee must receive the absentee ballots vote on redistricting. The most recent to the CPN Business Committee, Tribal as well as files records with the CPN before 10 a.m. on the last Saturday of June. changes occurred in March 2017. court clerk, and election committee Secretary-Treasurer within two days of a file in the CPN Secretary’s office. committee meeting. The assistant secretary, The committee partners with the CPN If a CPN member did not complete their absentee ballot and wishes to vote in- Jenny Affentranger, has volunteered for 14 Tribal Rolls Department to access Tribal The committee presents election results person on Election Day, they must bring years. She maintains Kieffer’s duties in her member information, including addresses, during General Council, which begins absence and helps conduct the elections. and then sends out voting information their unused ballot to the polling place. at 3 p.m. the last Saturday of June. to every eligible Citizen Potawatomi Officials will then confirm no ballots As marshal, Julia Floyd’s role includes member. For details on updating have been received and issue a new one “Our main goal it to make sure everybody preserving order at the polls as well addresses and contact information, for the voter to fill out in-person. has a chance to vote, and we maintain as enforcing all election laws. On visit potawatomi.org/citizenship. everything we can to make sure Election Day, specially-appointed Additionally, candidates can designate everything is up to date and that elections clerks keep separate records of the In-person voting occurs on the last one poll watcher. According to the are conducted fairly,” Bourbonnais said. CPN members voting, which the Saturday of June from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., ordinance, each poll watcher must be a committee’s chairman frequently cross- as detailed in the CPN Constitution. CPN member and at least 21 years old, To learn more about the checks. This year, she celebrates 13 This year’s Election Day is June 26. CPN and they cannot be a convicted felon, committee and CPN elections, years of service on the committee. members 18 years and older by Election tied to any crimes involving election visit cpn.news/ordinance. 12 MARCH 2021 HOWNIKAN COVID-19 uncertainty leads to Family Reunion Festival cancellation The 2021 Family Reunion Festival will late summer or early fall,” said CPNHS not be held the last Saturday in June for Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Adam the second straight year. The cancellation Vascellaro. “When you consider that comes on the advice of CPN Medical people will be traveling from other states, officials as the coronavirus pandemic most of which have lower COVID-19 continues across the United States. vaccination rates than Oklahoma, that there will be times when social “When we had to make the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 festival, I distancing isn’t feasible, and that we never imagined that this pandemic will have partially vaccinated elderly would cause us to cancel another,” and unvaccinated youth populations Tribal Chairman John “Rocky” Barrett in attendance, it becomes clear that it said. “We have shared the same is still too risky to host a large event.” experience of distancing from family and friends and canceling travel plans In-person voting will take place from for more than a year now. While 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on June 26, 2021. we are beginning to see hope with Citizens will be required to wear a mask the vaccines, there is still too much and maintain social distancing while uncertainty to host a large gathering.” voting. Citizens can also vote absentee.

Tribal officials and medical professionals Source: Vanguard, cpn.news/vanguard As required by the CPN constitution, from Citizen Potawatomi Nation there will also be a General Council Health Services met to discuss what traveling from out of state, the ability “Based on the current number of meeting on June 26, 2021. The meeting hosting Festival in 2021 could look to social distance and wear masks, and COVID-19 cases and the vaccination will begin at 3 p.m. There will be like. Considerations for canceling the the likelihood of the United States rollout, we don’t believe that the United limited seating and social distancing event included the number of people reaching herd immunity by that time. States will reach herd immunity until and masks required for the meeting. HOWNIKAN MARCH 2021 13 14 MARCH 2021 HOWNIKAN HOWNIKAN MARCH 2021 15

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Seasonal, Multi-Generational Cultural Events in Kansas Investment in Potawatomi Language, Community Values Expanded Services in District 4 Transparency & Accountability

Facebook.com/DawsonCPN4 18 MARCH 2021 HOWNIKAN Tribal Chairman – John “Rocky” Barrett was the second year hosting we have learned to do when the This is the often-unrecognized of last year. Don’t forget to such an event. It was a good federal government falls short of impact that tribes bring to request your absentee ballot opportunity to hear from our its stated purposes of supporting the non-Native communities forms and vote in our upcoming fellow tribal governments in us as “dependent sovereigns of inside our tribal jurisdictions. Tribal elections. Remember: it the local community. They the United States.” We adapted, is our responsibility to exercise described a tumultuous year, innovated, and got the funds The forum was a welcome our right to vote and govern much like what we experienced out to help our people. reminder that things in ourselves as a sovereign nation. ourselves. We discussed our Pottawatomie County are It is vital we continue this shared experiences of trying to It was useful to discuss this changing for the better. In with your active participation distribute CARES Act money to with leaders from Shawnee Shawnee, a new day has as a Citizen Potawatomi. our members while being aimed and discuss the contributions dawned in civic leadership toward failure by regulations tribes made to our shared that understands the positive As always, it is an honor to we had to follow from the U.S. communities throughout the role Indian tribes play as job serve as your Tribal Chairman. Department of the Treasury. past year. For every COVID test creators, service providers and we’ve run, every vaccine we’ve Migwetch Those who spoke at the event partners on projects benefitting (Thank you), Bozho nikan recounted the challenges of administered, every patient our everyone who lives and works (Hello, my friend), getting the funds out the door health services has treated, that here. It was so gratifying John “Rocky” Barrett by the end of 2020, only to is one less test, vaccine or patient to have the opportunity to Keweoge t the end of February, I have Congress easily change the utilizing services in our county’s share the microphone with (He Leads Them Home) Ajoined elected officials deadline as part of an end of the rural health care facilities. my fellow tribal leaders and Tribal Chairman from the Sac & Fox Nation year piece of legislation. What If you thought the hospitals tell that story to a receptive and Kickapoo Tribe for a I took away from the remarks and urgent care clinics were audience. I look forward to tribal leadership forum with from my fellow elected tribal overwhelmed at the height of continuing this in the future. Shawnee Forward and the leaders was that while the deck the outbreak, imagine the chaos Chamber of Commerce of was largely stacked against us, if tribal health care services We continue to make progress Shawnee, our nearest town. It most tribal nations did what were removed from that mix. and recover from the hardships

Vice-Chairman – Linda Capps with the arctic chill, thousands supply communities with water of public and/or private schools, CPN scholarship program of homes and businesses across for various reasons, including the pressing needs for those has begun to diminish the state experienced water providing help to fight fires. in higher education, the dire scholarship allocation for pipes freezing and bursting. needs of our general population, advanced degrees. I believe as In addition to water woes, our Recently, there have been several food, shelter, clothing and we look at the numbers of our state also experienced power internal requests of Tribal rolls transportation — the list goes on. Tribal population, it is easy to blackouts in various locations, for demographic information of understand. We want to make including Pottawatomie our Tribal membership, especially As Tribal leaders, we consider sure that we have scholarship County. The arctic blast resulted the breakdown of ages. Many ways to help our membership. funding for those members 18 in financial loss, property of our grant applications need We know that we cannot be years of age and older, while damage and anguish to those this information, and I believe everything to everyone. Even keeping an eye out for the that were without water and/ it is quite informative for all to though we provide several 17-year-old students and under know. Presently, we have 36,001 or heat for several days. important services to Tribal that will emerge on the horizon. Tribal members enrolled. We members outside of our In my belief, it is quite fair. With I am proud to say that the water have 7,415 under 17 years of jurisdiction, we cannot provide few exceptions, we promise our district and our emergency age and 28,586 over the age of the same services that our Tribal regular scholarship funding for management team came to 18. Just by glance, I can think Bozho members within our jurisdiction at least a bachelor’s degree. (Hello), the rescue of many people and of several issues with these appreciate. This is a daunting several organizations within our numbers. Many Tribal members dilemma for our legislative It is a great pleasure to serve rom Feb. 9 to Feb. 19, jurisdictional area during the of 18 years and over are possible members. We would like to give you as Vice-Chairman. By Fthe management of frigid spell. Thankfully, CPN candidates for higher education across the board, but that is an the time you read this article, Pottawatomie County Rural owns several tanker trucks and scholarships and/or vocational impossibility due to services I hope you have some fine Water District 3 became trailers that can carry non- scholarships. Many members designated for government March weather to enjoy. somewhat of a nightmare. The potable water. Altogether, we 17 years of age and under are grants, compacts and contracts problem was not necessarily have the capability to supply attending pre-kindergarten on eligible trust lands. We Migwetch retrieving water from the about 16,000 gallons of through high school. Those constantly are thinking about (Thank you), source; it was customers losing non-potable water by about under pre-kindergarten include ways to help all Tribal members. water as pipe breaks occurred seven different methods. In children that are either home Our legislators have continual Linda Capps on private land throughout addition, there are a couple with a parent during the day questions on how to help Segenakwe southern Pottawatomie County. of tanks that can be sterilized or are in childcare facility while members of their district. It (Black Bird Woman) Oklahoma’s infrastructure is not inside to provide potable (or their parent or guardian works. I is forever on our minds. Vice-Chairman designed to endure extremely drinking) water. The water am reminded of the tremendous 405-275-3121 work low and subzero temperatures district and our emergency needs of Tribal members of all Our education department 405-650-1238 cell for long periods of time. Along management department ages. The price of daycare, the cost was recently asked why the [email protected] HOWNIKAN MARCH 2021 19 District 2 – Eva Marie Carney at cpn.news/D2tools shared by Robin’s lecture will be broadcast District 2 citizen Dennis Johnson live at 7 p.m. CST on April 1, (Clardy family). Dennis will 2021, and can be seen via this have the floor during part of the link: cpn.news/RWKatKU meeting to share practical tips on how to use genealogy as a If you have not read Robin’s book, tool to capture one’s family story. Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Meetings on Zoom are as close as Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and we can get to being together right the Teaching of Plants, published now, and I hope you can join us. in 2015, I strongly encourage you to buy or borrow a copy and Winter story get to it! An audio download of her first book, Gathering Moss: CPN citizen Ralph Bazhaw was A Natural and Cultural History a great friend and storyteller and of Mosses, accompanied me an advisor to me until he walked during gardening work this past Bozho nikanek on in 2018. Ralph would summer and also is a delight — (Hello friends), travel from North Carolina especially the last chapter, Straw each year with many Bergeron into Gold. Robin has received Election update family members for the District Walterene Scarborough being honored during numerous teaching awards, 2 Fall Feasts; he shared this the 2018 District 2 Fall Feast. ecause I did not draw a and I am so looking forward story during one of our Fall challenger, I will take the to tuning in to her lecture. B Feasts, and it’s included in the while they were gone a great Even to this day, if you look up into oath in June 2021 and serve bear came into the village and that part of the sky in the summer Condolences as the District 2 legislator compilation of Winter Stories you can find at cpn.news/emcws. killed several children. So the you will see Hokshilah and the for another four years, God warriors picked up fresh weapons bear facing each other. As the sum- Perhaps our wisest Potawatomi willing. I am excited about Hokshilah and began to track the bear. mer wanes Hokshilah gets closer in District 2, Walterene “Rene” the opportunity to continue and closer to the bear until the bear Brant Scarborough, 97, of Ar- my work for District 2 and for When the Great Spirit looked down After several days the warriors lies down and Hokshilah is stand- lington, Virginia (but born in Citizen Potawatomi Nation as on His creation, He saw that He could not find the bear and some ing over him and again their blood Pottawatomie County, Oklaho- a whole. There’s still much to had created the mountain lion who warriors began to talk among will flow to the earth and change ma), died of complications of do to continue building our must work at night and the owl themselves. They said that maybe the colors of the leaves of the trees. COVID-19 in late January 2021. District 2 community, and I who must work at night and the they should go back to the village I’m writing this after reading this am eager to get back out to two-legged one who must sleep at and wait for the bear and kill In our stories and in our songs accomplished woman’s obituary visit fellow Potawatomi on their night but He had created no night. him there. But Hokshilah knew and even in the written pages in The Washington Post at cpn. home turf! While there won’t be that if they did not track down the of history there are many stories news/rene. I extend condolences a vote for District 2 legislator, So He took a giant buffalo robe bear and kill it now that the bear of people who lived their lives to her family members. It was al- the position of Chairman is on and He spread it over us and He could come back to the village for their people, who gave their ways a treat to have Mrs. Scarbor- the ballot. I encourage everyone took a sharp stick and punched again and kill more children. lives for their people. Sitting Bull, ough with us, surrounded by car- to request your absent ballot holes in the buffalo robe. Our Crazy Horse, Martin Luther King ing family, at District 2 meetings. once the request form is mailed brother the sun peeks through the So Hokshilah continued after the and John F. Kennedy are only a to you and/or printed in the holes in the buffalo robe, they bear. For you see Hokshilah had a few. But there is one story that was Please stay safe and well, Hownikan, and then to mark are what we call the stars. And true warrior’s heart — he would told before the beginning of time, and reach out to me to visit and return the ballot in time for the way the Great Spirit made live his life for his people, and he and that is the story of Hokshilah. or if I can be of help. it to be counted in June. I hope the holes in the buffalo robe would give his life for his people. you will agree that voting is a key they tell stories and one of those After several days Hokshilah found Robin Wall Eva Marie Carney responsibility for CPN members. stories is about Hokshilah. the bear where he was living. Kimmerer lecture Ojindiskwe (Blue Bird Woman) Hokshilah and the bear engaged in Representative, District 2 Reminder about Now when Hokshilah was born battle and during the battle both CPN citizen Robin Wall Kim- 5877 Washington Boulevard upcoming Zoom meeting there was something wrong with Hokshilah and the bear were both merer, an acclaimed writer, pro- PO Box 5591 his leg and he could not run and killed. And as their spirits rose to fessor, scientist and dear person, Arlington, VA 22205 Please take note of the date play as the other boys and girls walk among the stars their blood will give the 2021 Kenneth A. 866-961-6988 toll-free and time for our upcoming could. But Hokshilah grew up to flowed back to earth and changed Spencer Lecture, hosted by The [email protected] meeting — and the Zoom link be a warrior and a great warrior. the colors of the leaves of the trees. Commons, University of Kansas. evamariecarney.com — in the invitation included here. Even if you can’t make the One day when the warriors were meeting, you may find useful the returning from a hunting party, following genealogy resources: they found the women of the a family history research tools village weeping. The warriors and reference guide, an ancestral asked the women what was wrong chart, and a family group record and the women told them that

Ralph Bazhaw with his wife, Lois, and grandson, Randy Bazhaw, at the 2017 District 2 Fall Feast. 20 MARCH 2021 HOWNIKAN District 3 – Bob Whistler does have the vaccine, and you Second language entirely in Spanish. It would be If you do, and reply yes, they need to register as a patient very easy for you to turn one of will advise you there is a new in order to get the vaccine. Several months ago, I recall writing those on for an hour or two each special rate. The rate offered about the difference in ethnic birth day to pick up the language. A will be in the $88 per month Listed below is the link for the rates. In 2010, the U.S. Census very easy way to learn is to look range. When you decide to new patient intake that will need Bureau listed the Latino popula- for an old movie that you saw take it and ask to be charged, to be filled out before you can be tion in Texas at about 38 percent. years ago and then see it shown they will say it comes with a added to their schedule. Please Through 2017 alone, it has grown in Spanish. Since you already three-month prepayment. Be upload your CDIB or Tribal by an estimated 18 percent or to know the story, it will be easier on guard! AT&T is not offering membership ID, driver’s license roughly 45 percent of our popula- to pick up the language. I offer the rate, and these scammers or social security card, and if tion. For those of us that speak a this suggestion to learn Spanish are simply wanting your credit single language, we will find that you have any insurance, the since you will find others around card number to make excessive not speaking a second language front and back of the card. For you more frequently speaking charges. So, simply hang up. anyone under 18, they will need will be a severe disadvantage. In Spanish, and it would be nice to a birth certificate, shot record 1996 when I needed to leave where understand what is being said. Before closing for this month, I and parent ID also. If you have I was located before deciding am again asking for your email Bozho nikan any questions or concerns, call upon the Dallas area, I had several Potawatomi address. At the beginning of this (Hello friend), 214-941-1050 and then press 9. members of my own staff at that article, I mentioned I was able Along the same line in learning time inquire about transferring to to get vaccine information for our Miami, Florida, location. In Spanish, our CPN Language y now you have read that New patient packet: COVID-19 out to District 3 checking with personnel at that Department Director Justin Neely the period to register to cpn.news/txnewpatient members whose email address B time, anyone transferring to Mi- has a whole variety of choices to run for office for our June 2021 I had. I do not send out many Eligibility documents: ami had to either speak Spanish as learn our language. As already election has closed. I will be emails. However, if you wish cpn.news/txeligibility a second language or become pro- mentioned, there is a program running unopposed. So those to get this kind of information of you in Texas need to focus on ficient within 18 months, and the on Memrise. There are several as soon as it is known, please candidates that you are eligible If you live close to the Oklahoma company would pay for instruc- adult and child programs on our send me your email address at to vote for and the budget item. border and have been a patient tion. Based upon what I see on the Tribal website, potawatomi.org. [email protected]. I may provide my thoughts in with either the Choctaw or TV, our government is planning Justin has also created a number Chickasaw hospitals in Durant or to allow for unlimited crossing of of short YouTube videos that those areas as we get closer to I am proud, honored and Ada, you may call them to see if our borders. No doubt there will make language learning very the election. For now, I have a humbled in being allowed to they will offer you a vaccine. For be an even larger growth of Span- easy, and most last from about few other things to address. be your elected representative. other areas of Texas that are too ish-speaking citizens in the U.S. a minute and a half to four Please either email me or call COVID-19 vaccine far away from either the Dallas minutes. Check them out at my cellphone for any help Urban Inter-Tribal Center of There are a number of programs cpn.news/langyt or cpn.news/JN. with CPN matters or for CPN For Texas CPN members, here Texas or Oklahoma, you may out there to learn Spanish. For information. I am your voice! is the latest I have regarding want to call your local health children in school, they need to These are just examples of some COVID-19 vaccine. CPN has department to see if they can consider taking the course. For of the techniques Justin is using no vaccine facility in Texas. It is Bama mine refer you to a location for the those out of school, you can to help address learning our limited to administering vaccines purchase numerous programs for (Later), vaccine. For those of you for language. It becomes much easier through our clinics near CPN your computer. Memrise, a website whom I had an email address, I if you have several members Bob Whistler Tribal headquarters. Occasion- and phone application, offers was able to send this information in your family wanting to Bmashi (He Soars) ally, CPN Health Services has many languages including Spanish out the week of Jan. 25. For learn the language. Speaking Representative, District 3 had the capability of opening as well as our own, Potawatomi. back and forth reinforces the any of you that hear of any 112 Bedford Road, Suite 116 up vaccine distribution to CPN learning and retention. members. Watch CPN’s Facebook other Native American program Another way to learn the lan- Bedford, TX 76022 page at facebook.com/citizen- here in District 3 that will guage is to do what many Span- Scams 817-282-0868 office potawatomination for updates. vaccinate our members with the ish-speaking people did to learn 817-229-6271 cell COVID-19 vaccine, please send English: they watched TV pro- Just a quick note on a new 817-545-1507 home However, the Dallas Urban me an email, and I will forward grams in English. We have several scam. They will call and ask [email protected] Inter-Tribal Center of Texas that information out by email. TV channels that offer programs if you use AT&T as a bundle. [email protected] District 4 – Jon Boursaw were disbursed to District 4 mem- into a barn. The state of Kansas at that email address, and I will brief description of the business, bers, with $1.1 million from the purchased the property consisting add you to my distribution list. member’s name, location of the Related Expenses Program and of the Mission and 81 acres in business and contact information. $694,600 from the Elders Food 1974. The purpose of the purchase Closing costs/down Please support our own. Program. I want to thank all was to restore the historic building payment/mortgage those who helped in getting the and use the grounds for the con- refinancing assistance Email addresses word out, and in particular, Tracy struction of the new Kansas Muse- With the extremely low interest Recently, I have sent out several Kinderknecht, the Senior Support um of History. I will let you know rates currently on home loans, it very important emails. If you are Network staff RN in Rossville. when the reopening of Mission appears to be a favorable time to not receiving my emails, either I will be, and you can come hear the Update on the purchase a home or to refinance do not have your email address, or Potawatomi Baptist full story and enjoy the renovated an existing mortgage. The CPN what I have entered is incorrect or Mission reopening Potawatomi Baptist Mission. Housing Department can assist has been changed. If you would Social media you in obtaining a financial grant like to be added to my email I recently with met the director of of up to $2,125 to assist Tribal list, simply send me an email at the Museum and Education Di- I thought a clarification of a members in either making a [email protected] vision for the Kansas Museum of recently established Facebook down payment, covering their or [email protected]. Bozho History to discuss my recommend- closing costs, or refinancing their (Hello), group was needed. A private ed changes to the script for the vid- group of Tribal members was existing mortgage to a lower Finally, it has been my pleasure eo that will be available for viewing created called “CPN District 4” interest rate. This is a one-time- to serve as your legislative COVID financial upon entering the Potawatomi to communicate their thoughts only grant. Mobile homes are representative, and I am looking assistance report Baptist Mission after it reopens and opinions. I just wanted to be not eligible, and felons cannot forward to continuing to serve later this spring or early summer. n late January the CPN Legis- clear, this private Facebook group reside in the home. Applications with enthusiasm. Please don’t lature was provided the sum- A significant portion of the video must be submitted at least three hesitate to contact me with I tells the early history of Citizen has no official connection with mary report of the final overall weeks prior to closing or no later questions, concerns or requests. Potawatomi Nation, including the Nation, nor to me as your expenditures of the CARES relief District 4 legislative representative. that 30 days after the closing date. our forced removal to Kansas. The For more information on this Migwetch funds. Over $40 million dollars video will then depict the establish- I am not opposed to the creation (Thank you), were disbursed to Tribal members of groups or pages where CPN program, contact Sherry Byers in ment of the Mission by the Baptist the CPN Housing Department though this program. I am pleased members can interact, but the only Jon Boursaw, Church. This occurred shortly after at 405-272-2833 or 1-800-880- to report that the members of official government Facebook page Wetase Mkoh (Brave Bear) the Tribe’s relocation from the 9880. You can also email her District 4 responded very well for the Nation is facebook.com/ Representative, District 4 Sugar Creek Reservation in Linn at [email protected]. to various announcements and County to the new Pottawatomie citizenpotawatomination, and as 2007 SW Gage Blvd. submitted 3,487 applications for Reservation on the Kansas River for District 4, we do not have an Member- Topeka, KS 66604 assistance from the various pro- in 1847. It will describe what hap- official Facebook page or group at owned businesses 785-861-7272 office grams. District 4 had the highest pened to the building following this time. Any communication I 785-608-1982 cell percentage of individuals over 18 the closure of the Mission shortly have with you will be either in my If you own a business or know [email protected] served with 62.2 percent, which after the beginning of the Civil monthly Hownikan article or by of a Tribal member who does, Office hours: is the highest of the districts out- War. Basically, it was first pur- email from [email protected]. I would like to highlight that 9-11 a.m. Tuesdays side of Oklahoma by 8 percent. A chased by a private individual and If you are not receiving my business in one of my Hownikan 3-5 p.m. Thursdays total of over $3.5 million dollars converted into a stable and later emails, simply send me an email articles. Please furnish me with a Other times: please call HOWNIKAN MARCH 2021 21 District 5 – Gene Lambert Legislation and laws can be • Invest in education and • Increase Native health data There is a double assist here passed subject to interpretation youth engagement collection and sharing since the appointments are not of the administration. to improve health only Native — they are women. • Meet obligations to and Love it, love it, and love it. Have you ever noticed laws being commemorate Native veterans • Issue an executive order to con- passed and active legislation serve 30 percent of America’s Congresswoman Deb Haaland will being voted on again and • Ensure Native Americans can lands and waters by 2030, fo- be the first Native American to again with each governmental exercise their right to vote cusing on the most ecologically be appointed as Interior Secretary, administrative change? important lands and waters which governs public land. She • Nominate judges who is, of course, pleased to serve as understand federal Indian law We wouldn’t need more laws if • Reauthorize the Violence the first Native American in the what has been established were Against Women Act of 2013 • Appoint Native cabinet. Ms. Haaland has not yet followed or enforced. For instance, and recognize for the first time Americans to high-level been confirmed. She is a citizen women and equal pay. We know tribes’ inherent power to exercise government positions of the Pueblo of Laguna and that has been addressed again and special criminal jurisdiction was the second Native American again. It is simply not enforced. • Strengthen self-governance over non-Indian offenders who woman to be elected to Congress. commit domestic violence, Bozho I recall the Obama recognition • Immediately reinstate dating violence, or violate a Ms. Heather Dawn Thompson (Hello), of the aforementioned legislation the annual White House protection order on tribal lands was appointed director of the as if it has never been discussed. ope everyone out there Tribal Nations Conference Office of Tribal Relations at the His ready for spring. This Each administration does the and strengthen the White • Build and repair roads, U.S. Department of Agriculture. is the time of new beginnings. same and everyone goes ‘YEA,’ House Council on Native highways, and bridges Her home state is South Dakota, We can plant our gardens, our seemingly not recognizing American Affairs in Indian Country and she belongs to Cheyenne flowers and trees knowing it has been voted on many • Expand broadband, or wireless River Sioux Tribe. In addition to new life is on the way. It just times for generations. • Ensure fulfillment of federal her many qualifications, she is takes a little nurturing, and trust and treaty obligations broadband via 5G, to every I think this statement covers it all: Native American household. a Harvard Law School graduate Kokopelli is on his way. You do including by working to and specialized in tribal law. Her remember Kokopelli, right? “All men are created equal.” Where address chronic underfunding • Increase access to capital for credentials are extensive and do you need to go from there? of unmet federal obligations Apparently, this is a new time Native-owned businesses impressive. I cannot imagine in politics. I hope that we can On the lighter side, I have to Indian Country she wouldn’t be confirmed. • Expand housing benefits have some new life as well. summarized the Biden/Harris • Defend the Indian Administration plan from their Wahleah Johns is a citizen of the Child Welfare Act • Helping families with Now that we have a new website going forward for the Navajo Nation and has been administration, you can’t their first home with up appointed as the director of the 574 federally recognized tribes. • Increase and ensure help but wonder what that to $15,000 refundable Office of Indian Energy. She It looks like this, according to stable funding for the means to Indian Country. advance able tax credit said she knew what it was like their posted commitment on Indian Health Service joebiden.com/tribalnations: to not have electricity and is Given that concern, I started • (Not sure, but this might be excited to be in a position to researching the Biden/Harris • Deploy telehealth throughout like the 2008 initiative and • Strengthen the Nation- help Native people under the platform for Native Americans. Indian Country the $8,000 given to people to-Nation relationship Biden/Harris Administration. • Make it easier to place who bought homes in advance. Should the promise hold true to The first advance you had to the actions, will we carry forward • Provide reliable, affordable, land into trust All we can do at this point pay back after 5 years, but the as a successful existence without quality health care and is work toward ensuring overbearing governmental address health disparities • Restore Tribal Lands, Address second advance they forgave.) it all comes about. climate change, and safeguard controls? Now notice I did not • Promote Native history say without government controls. • Restore tribal lands, address Natural and Cultural Resource In the meantime, please stay safe and culture in schools That has always been there since climate change, and safeguard and healthy because we love you. natural and cultural resources • Protect natural and time immemorial. However, Given that this has been made cultural treasures Your Legislator, District 5 we have made some major public and a promise to the breakthroughs as we progress. • Ensure Native communities are safer and tackle the crisis of • Respect Land Sovereignty Native people in the United Eunice Imogene Lambert The present attitude of violence against Native women, and Tribal Rights. States of America, it is our job Butterfly Woman acceptance has been long children, and the elderly to hold them to it. It looks good Representative, District 5 overdue and welcomed. • Increase safety on tribal on paper, and it appears we have 270 E Hunt Highway, Ste 229 • Expand economic opportunity lands and tackle the crisis of started off with the assurance of San Tan Valley, AZ 85143 The self-governance should and community development violence against Native Women, Native American appointments 480-228-6569 be stronger than ever. in Native communities Children, and the Elderly to the leadership of our country. [email protected]

District 6 – Rande K. Payne said that the CARES program As a young lad, I remember my When I reflect on the history of Lastly, I would encourage any- prompted her family to enroll fam- grandmother being very frugal. our country during the colonial- one with family members that ily members who would otherwise She routinely complained about ization period, survival for tribes are not enrolled to get the pro- probably still not be enrolled. how expensive things were. Even ultimately ended with complete cess started sooner than later. though she had the money, if she government dependence. We’re all There were a few hiccups that thought something was unfairly aware of the promises of food and Potawatomi word of the have been noted and will con- priced, she wouldn’t buy it. My shelter that were frequently broken. month: mbwakawnene tribute to better communication dad bought a new car once, and Not many would argue that mov- To find the meaning of during the application pro- we went to my grandmother’s ing from a life of self-determina- the word simply go to cess, should another round of house to show her. The first thing tion into a life of being totally con- potawatomidictionary.com. CARES funds become available. she asked my dad was, “What was trolled by the government worked wrong with your old car?” Then out good for Native Americans. As a Tribal legislator, I was exempt Wisdom from the Word: “Using she said, “I hope you paid cash a dull ax requires great strength, from participating, and rightfully for it.” I was excited about the So here I am, believing like my so. Most of my family members so sharpen the blade. That’s the new car and didn’t understand grandmother believed, that it value of wisdom; it helps you felt like they were fortunate to why my grandmother wasn’t. I could happen again. Maybe not Bozho nikanek succeed.” Ecclesiastes 10:10 have not been impacted financial- understand it now. She had lived in the same way as the Great (Hello friends), ly by the pandemic. While they through the Spanish Flu pandemic Depression, but in govern- Migwetch could have applied for assistance, ment having too much control (Thank you)! would like to start by thanking and raised her family during the they said they opted not to. One of our lives. History and the everyone that responded with Great Depression. The life les- I Tribal member said she wasn’t go- wisdom of our elders are our Rande K. Payne their experience participating in sons of her day taught her to be ing to apply because her income self-reliant and prepared for the best teachers, in my opinion. Mnedo Gabo the various CARES Act programs had not been affected. But after rainy days. All the way up to her Representative, District 6 administered by CPN. The ma- talking to a CPN representative, passing, she believed our coun- My hope and prayer is that el- 31150 Road 180 jority of the feedback was positive. she decided to apply; however, try was on the verge of another ders would understand their Visalia, CA 93292-9585 Most were appreciative of the she waited too long, and the Great Depression if we didn’t get role with regards to wisdom and 559-999-3525 office measures taken by CPN to get program had ended. She wasn’t our financial house in order. that younger generations would 559-999-5411 cell information out to Tribal mem- upset and said that hopefully value the wisdom of their elders. [email protected] bers and assist with navigating the someone who really needed the I share this because I believe there This is the way we have survived application process. One person assistance was able to receive it. is wisdom in how she lived her life. since time immemorial. Aho! 22 MARCH 2021 HOWNIKAN District 7 – Mark Johnson ith the coronavirus available to our elders and first request your ballot and return to receive. Please also take the Wpandemic now in its responders and health care it when you get it. Again, I time to give me a call or send second year, all of us are workers. Many other groups are urge you to examine the growth me an email with your contact starting to look for a return of starting to open, so please take and stability our Nation has information so that I can keep something we can call normal. the time to make this small step enjoyed in recent years. Let’s you informed of the happenings One of the quickest ways to get in order to help us get past this. not step off the solid path within the Nation and district. there is to get vaccinated as soon that’s gotten us to where we as you are eligible, under your I know there is a lot of are as Citizen Potawatomi. Migwetch state’s COVID-19 vaccination apprehension about the vaccine, (Thank you), plan. One great place to start just like the smallpox vaccine, Once again, I would like to say what an honor it is to Mark Johnson, is with a visit to the federal and every other vaccine since. I Wisk Mtek serve you as your District 7 (Strong as a Tree) Indian Health Service website, was blessed with both doses of Representative, District 7 representative. As always, give ihs.gov/coronavirus. You can the vaccine and can tell you from 1565 Shaw Ave., Suite 202 me a call, and I will be happy to check your area offices to check my experience, it was no different Clovis, CA 93611 work with you on any questions on vaccine availability. Another than getting any other vaccine. 559-351-0078 cell you may have, or provide you great resource would be your Please do it when you can. [email protected] county health department’s with additional information Bozho nikanek website. Most are going to great Election season is here for the you may need to access Tribal (Hello my friends), lengths to make the vaccine Tribe. Please take the time to benefits that you may be able District 8 – Dave Carney transaction went very well, and experienced before. I guess accepted or giving up. My main shared in the Hownikan. District of course, I gave the seller a this is a hyper-seller’s market. advice for anyone looking to 8 members accessed these funds discount on the commission. engage in buying or selling at a good rate, and I have been This allowed me to get to know The usual trends of people real estate would be to find an super happy that this money has this member very well, and moving up from a smaller starter experienced local agent who can helped so many of our members. I consider him a good friend home to a larger home or empty guide individuals through the after the experience of working nesters downsizing to smaller process. If you are a buyer, you There is a strong indication together through the process. homes has been thwarted generally pay your real estate that there may be more by the justifiable fear that a agent nothing to represent you, CARES funds available in I worked as a real estate broker new home cannot be easily as their commission comes from 2021. I will keep the district in the 1980s in California found. It’s a cyclical problem. the seller’s proceeds. I strongly informed through email and and then took a 25+ year discourage anyone from selling the district’s Facebook group break to work in various other In the area that I live and work, their home themselves. Beside as soon as details are available. industries before returning to which is about halfway between potential scams, missteps and the industry about 10 years Seattle and Portland, there are There will be an election this liability, the average person year. Please be sure to request an ago in Washington. In my time, buyers relocating from more who does this (in my area) Bohzo nikan absentee ballot and participate. I have learned that markets urban areas because of the new loses $40,000 to $50,000, (Hello friend), change continually. Almost normal of telecommuting. This even after paying realtor fees. As always, it is my honor to everyone is familiar with the trend, along with record-low any of you know that I am I have a friend who just did serve as your legislator, terms “buyer’s market” or interest rates and the Veteran’s a realtor as my full-time this, and he managed to lose M “seller’s market.” Currently, we Administration cap on home Dave Carney job. I enjoy my work, and it out on even more — but that’s are in a very unusual market values they will finance, are Kagasghi (Raven) has allowed me the flexibility to a story for another time. that is very counterintuitive. further fueling the hot market. Representative, District 8 do my work as a legislator with While the coronavirus rages Last week, the CPN legislature 520 Lilly Road, Building 1 very few time conflicts. While I on, masked buyers tour the few I really feel bad for first-time met to discuss the distribution Olympia, WA 98506 have given lots of free real estate homes that are available and bid homebuyers because prices have of CARES Act funds. I have 360-259-4027 advice to CPN members over them over the already healthy climbed so much, and there received preliminary reports by [email protected] the years, I have only had one asking price. Somehow, even is just so much competition region and by program, but they member I actually represented as prices are going crazy, there that it is very possible to make are preliminary. When numbers in the sale of a home. That are more cash buyers than I’ve many offers before getting one are final, the report will be

District 9 – Paul Wesselhöft ’m publishing just a few of the “I’m amazed at how well the don’t stand in the cold for health care workers are probably Imany positive comments on vaccines were administered. hours. Thank you Dr. V.” the most effective COVID-19 Facebook concerning the local Thank you Dr. V and CPN!” vaccine administrators in Citizen Potawatomi Nation “So very proud that our tribe Oklahoma. I wish those living COVID-19 vaccine program: “I’m so proud of our tribe! We has a caring & dedicated people outside of Oklahoma had the step up and get the job done.” working to care for our people. opportunity we were given by “Thank you so much for Migwetch , Dr. V and all our these dedicated doctors, nurses “Great job, Dr. V.” all you guys do for us. The Health Care Workers. Y’all and their staffs. On behalf our vaccine as well as the Care “Dr. V is a hero.” have done a wonderful job.” legislature and the Nation, money was a blessing to us!!” we commend you for a job, “I got my second injection. “I can’t say enough about Dr. sometimes dangerous, well done! “I love my tribe!” CPN did a great job.” V and everyone at the CPN clinic. They saved my life. I Migwetch “Dr. V is fantastic and our tribe “I’m amazed at how well have found everyone at all the is phenomenally amazing!!! the shots were administered. tribal offices have always went (Thank you), We are blessed indeed!!!” the extra mile to answer any Thank you Dr. V and CPN.” Paul Wesselhöft questions and help. Lori Beth “Well done Dr. Vascellaro!!” Naganit (Leader) Bozho nikan “Proud to have a great Dr. V. Williams saved my life because Representative, District 9 (Hello friend), “Very proud of CPN!” He has added so much to our of going the extra mile.” health care. The Drive through [email protected] CPN COVID-19 vaccine “Great job Dr. V & CPN! This COVID vaccine was very And I will add that our Citizen [email protected] program is a great success! is absolutely wonderful.” organized and quick. Indians Potawatomi Nation and its WALKING ON MARCH 2021 23 Jean S. Doty instrumental in setting up the St. and Billy Joe Bruno of North AFB in Great Falls, Montana, Slick, Oklahoma. In 1979, the Vincent Thrift Store, served as Carolina; sisters, Francis Daniels and then sent to serve at Tan family moved to Ponca City. past president of St. Vincent De of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Edwina Son Nhut Air Base, Saigon. Mary and David returned to Paul and Fourth Degree Member Harper of Euless, Texas and Jo After five months in wartime Slick in 2005. Mary worked of Knights of Columbus. Keith Ellen Reid of Brandon, Missis- Vietnam, Dan volunteered for many years as an administrative also was a past commander of sippi; grandchildren, Dusty Jack- a transfer to Thailand for eight assistant in the medical industry. the Citizen Potawatomi Veterans son, Crystal Jackson, Rouchelle months. He was also stationed She loved her family dearly. Association. His Potawatomi Mantell, Dakota Bell, Michael for a year in Merced, California, She loved her Lord and Savior, name was White Eagle, meaning Brown, Amber Jones, Michelle and three and a half years in attending Slick First Baptist “flying over the earth gathering Larrison, Candy Hokett, Harlie Zweibrucken and Ramstein, Church for many years. Mary prayers to take to God.” Dawn Martin and Piper Dale Germany. His daughter was enjoyed painting and was an Martin; fifteen great-grand- born in Landstuhl, Germany, avid reader. She was also an Along with being a great OU children; and a host of other and two years later his son was amazing cook. Most of all, she Sooner football fan, he enjoyed family, friends and loved ones. born in Seattle, Washington. enjoyed spending time with golfing, going out to eat, having family, especially her grandkids. a root beer float, and most of Dan Dansenburg Dan left the Air Force after serv- all, his family and church. ing seven and a half years in order Mary is survived by her husband, Jean Schmechel Doty was to complete his college education. David of the Slick home; four born on April 26, 1929, the Keith was preceded in death After earning a B.A. and M.A. in children, Angie Courtney and eldest child of Julius and Ruth by his parents: I.B and Lillie business from the University of husband Larry, David Mudgett Schmechel. She grew up in St. Belle (Joyce); his first wife, Washington, Dan’s work life was and wife Candyce, Brett Mudgett Joseph, Missouri. She was called Georgeann Warlow; and three primarily human resources for and Alecia Mudgett Perciful; thir- to the Lord on Aug. 23, 2020, siblings: Betty Collins, I.B PACCAR, Inc., Duninger Engi- teen grandchildren, Bron Over- after a long battle with dementia. Wendell and Joe Wayne. neering and The Boeing Compa- bey and wife April, Brittney Bo- ny. His leisure activities included stick and husband Josh, Ashlyn He is survived by his wife, San- She married Charles Stewart genealogy, computing, traveling, McNamara-Ewy, Max Courtney, dy Cagle; step-children, Danny Doty on June 5, 1954. After racquetball and bicycling. Dan Alyssa Rowell and husband Cody, Carroll and wife Angel, Paul completing her master’s degree enjoyed watching his children Ian Mudgett, Mia Courtney, Vincent Riggie, Veranda Shaw in library science from Kent at their various activities: piano, Amanda Mudgett, Evan Mud- and husband Eric, Via Hlad State University in 1970, she choral, dance, band, magic and gett, Brody Perciful, Brendon and husband Bobby, and Vin- became a librarian at the Eastern acting. He especially loved taking Mudgett, Braily Perciful, Braden cent Riggie and wife Shela; two Maine Medical Center in the kids waterskiing, camping, Perciful and Aiden Mudgett; and siblings, Linda Teal, and Carol Bangor, Maine. She raised three hiking and playing in the ocean. eight great-grandchildren, Ethan Kuestler and her husband Oscar; At the age of 72, Dan sons, David, Ted and Peter. The Overbey, Emma Bostick, Bren- and step-grandchildren, Victoria Dansenburg passed away on Jan. winters in Maine were hard, Both his parents and brother- nan Bostick, Carter Courtney Herman and husband Mark, 29, 2021, due to complications and she missed spring there, in-law, Eric Campbell, preceded Pagano, Maddex Ewy, Waylon Robby Hlad, Mia Shaw, and Ke- of the COVID-19 virus. He which doesn’t come until May. Dan in their transition to the Rowell, Nolan Bostick and Whit- cin Carroll. Keith is also survived always loved sunshine and afterlife. He is survived by many ten Rowell. She was preceded in She and Stewart retired to Albu- by numerous other beloved fam- spent the last 13 years of his life relatives including sister, Susan death by her parents, Wayne Mil- querque, New Mexico, in 1995 ily members and friends. Keith relaxing in retirement in sunny Lake Havasu City, Arizona. (Dansenburg) Campbell; former ligan and Flora Sneed; stepfather, where she became interested Ellis Cagle leaves a big void down wife, Donna (Sedenquist) Dan- in genealogy. This led her to Eddie Sneed; in-laws, Francis here, but the angels in Heaven When he was born Jan. 6, 1949, senburg; and their children, Gary Potawatomi ancestor Solomon Mudgett and Nola Mudgett; have truly welcomed him. in Wichita, Kansas, Dan was Dansenburg, and Heidi (Dan- Bertrand, and she was enrolled and grandson, Max Courtney. welcomed by his sister, Susan, senburg) North; son-in-law, Matt in the Citizen Potawatomi Patricia Ann Jackson and his parents, George Lee North; three incredible grand- Nation. She was very proud Shelia Darlene Norman Dansenburg and Betty Colleen children, Tyler, Kyle and Rose; of her Potawatomi heritage. (Kelly) Dansenburg. His and cousins, nieces and nephews. She was diagnosed with dementia nickname from a young age was “Danny,” although his given name Dan will be interred at Tahoma in 2011 after Stew died, and National Cemetery in Kent, it has been a long fading into was George Lee Dansenburg, Jr., which he legally changed to Dan. Washington, near his parents’ the twilight. Survivors include final resting place. Thoughts and three sons, three grandsons As a child, Dan participated condolences can be sent to the and two granddaughters. in church, Boy Scouts, and family at lietz-frazefuneralhome. especially liked fishing, camping com. To send a free card, go to Keith Ellis Cagle and being outdoors. He loved sendoutcards.com/lietzfraze. dogs, excelled in practical jokes and was always very fun-loving. Dan was proud of being At age 16, he attended a square a member of the Citizen dance exhibition in Seattle, Potawatomi Nation from Washington, where he met some early childhood; he was a Shelia Darlene Norman, age Patricia Ann (Patty) Jackson teenage dancers. The chance member of the Vieux family. 61, entered her eternal home was born on Aug. 17, 1950, encounter was the impetus Sunday, Jan. 17, 2021. in Great Bend, Kansas, to for him to join The Mavericks. Mary Alice Mudgett Mose Bruno, Jr. and Christie Because Dan’s parents were avid She was preceded in death by her Marie (Clark) Bruno. She square dancers, they were thrilled father, Wendell Fincher, and her was preceded in death by her when Dan participated in several brother, James Fincher. Surviv- parents; her brothers, Jimmy international dance competitions. ing her is her husband, Tommy Bruno, M.C. Bruno; and Norman; daughter, Chasity Nor- sister, Sue Lynn Renfrow. Upon graduation from Renton man; mother, Berldean Fincher; High School, Dan enlisted in sister, Sherri See; aunts, Georgia Patty was a graduate of Grant the U.S. Air Force. He spent Williams and Deb Weatherbee; High School’s class of 1968. She nine months at the Defense Lan- uncle, Larry Fincher; two neph- Keith Ellis Cagle, age 74, was married Donald Jackson on Aug. guage Institute at the Presidio ews, four nieces, four great-neph- born Nov. 16, 1946, to I.B. 18, 1968, in Goodland, Okla- of Monterey, California. The ews, one great-niece, many Ellis and Lillie Belle Cagle in homa. Patty was a homemaker program for which he became cousins and countless friends. Shawnee, Oklahoma. Keith and loved the country life. She fluent in Indonesian was dis- was the sixth and last child in spent time with Donald driving banded, so he was sent to Per- Shelia was a caring wife, the family. He was called to his her four-wheeler and helping sonnel Training School at Keesler Mary Alice Mudgett was born mother, sister and daughter. Heavenly home on Jan. 2, 2021. him take care of their cattle. Patty AFB in Biloxi, Mississippi. to Flora and Wayne Milligan on loved the outdoors and enjoyed November 12, 1947, in Bristow, She was active in her home Keith had a very full and active swimming and fishing. Above On June 24, 1969, he married Oklahoma. She departed this life church, Pathway of Life, life. He graduated from John all, Patty loved her family and Donna Sedenquist, and they on Jan. 15, 2021, at the age of teaching Sunday school, Marshall High in Oklahoma enjoyed spending time with moved to an apartment halfway 73 years, 2 months and 3 days. working with the children and City, served his country in them. She will be missed by between Gulfport and Biloxi. the Bible Life Study Course. A Slick High School graduate, the Air Force, was successful all who knew and loved her. Six weeks later, they survived She was a caregiver for as an insurance salesman and hurricane Camille, the worst Mary attended college at Patty is survived by her husband, Northern Oklahoma College her family and others was always jovial, bringing hurricane to hit the continental throughout her life. joy and laughter to others. Donald; son, Dale Edward Jack- United States. The wind where she received an associate son and wife Wanda of Soper, gauge broke at 200 mph. degree. In 1963, she married She was a bus monitor for Sandy Wachtel and Keith Oklahoma; daughter, Angie David Mudgett; to this union MISD Special Education. married in 2005 and had a Martin and husband Donald of After receiving his credentials were born four children, Angie, very strong, devout and loving Soper, Oklahoma; brothers, Bob- as a human resources specialist, David, Brett and Alecia. David She was loved and will be missed Catholic marriage. Keith was by Bruno of Rattan, Oklahoma Dan was stationed at Malmstrom and Mary made their home in by all her family and friends. 24 MARCH 2021 WALKING ON Delores Higbee Russell Straub Higbee. She is survived He had a successful career in IT side of Tecumseh where he County, Oklahoma, on June and will be deeply missed by for 25 years in system analysis, raised cattle and built and 20, 1923, the sixth of seven her children, Mike Russell and programming computers. improved numerous structures. children of William Walter his wife Madonna, John Russell Brant and Lena Mae (Smith) and his wife Jamie, and D’Anne He was a naturalist and After his retirement, he and Brant. She was a proud Russell Poole and her husband loved all the cosmos. Dolores enjoyed regular jaunts Potawatomi through the Ogee- Chris; her grandchildren, to antique stores and estate Weld-Cummings line. She He purchased a wall tile Megan Russell and her fiancé sales to stock a variety of attended Pottawatomie County memorial to Iva Lou Lazzelle, Chris Baye, Madison Russell collections, including a large public schools, including his grandmother, and himself Martinez and her husband set of cabinet stereos stored in a two-room elementary at the Smithsonian National Preston, Mckenzie Russell his workshop and employed to school. She then attended the Museum of the American Gregory and her husband play records of such favorites as Blackwood-Davis Business Indian in Washington D.C. Clay, Brooks Russell, Steel Patsy Cline and Glenn Miller. College in Oklahoma City. Russell and his fiancée Devin In his later years, Raymond Glenn is survived by his three McInerney, Stone Russell During WWII, she worked with truly embraced his Potawatomi children, Cindy (Ted) Belshe and Taylor Ross; her great- the Army Corps of Engineers, heritage and donated his of Tecumseh, Tracy (Christy) grandchildren, Poppy Russell in Oklahoma City, then Tulsa, regalia, which was mostly Melot of Shawnee and Derek and Wesley Martinez; her sister, and then Houston. She met handmade by him, to the Melot of Lansing, Michigan; Sharrie Ward and her husband her future husband, Robert CHC. His wishes were to have a brother, Alva Melot of Delores Fay Higbee Russell of Bob; her nieces and nephews, H. Scarborough, Jr., an officer a memorial feast at a later date. Tecumseh; grandchildren, Shawnee, Oklahoma, formerly Pam Huesman and her husband in the Merchant Marine and Dallas Belshe of Tecumseh, Norman, Oklahoma, passed Mark, Gregg Ward and his Navy Reserve, in New Orleans Ted Belshe IV of Tecumseh, away at age 84 on Jan. 7, wife Susan, Mark Ward and Lloyd Glenn Melot in 1945. When the war ended, Matthew (Miracle) Melot 2021. She was born Nov. 11, his wife Carrie; their families; she worked for Braniff Airways of Earlsboro and Stephen 1936, to Verl Pierre Higbee her uncle, Ronnie Higbee; and in Houston. She was married (Hannah) Melot of Lakewood, and Leona Beatrice Thomas numerous other family relatives. at Grace Episcopal Church Higbee in a small house in Colorado; great-grandchildren, in Galveston, Texas, on July Lexington, Oklahoma. Keren Batterton, Linsey 1, 1946, and shortly thereafter Raymond Glenn Batterton, Ryan Batterton, moved with her husband to In 1946, she moved to Goodman Ted Belshe V, Asher Belshe, Longview, Texas, where she Bakersfield, California, and Olivia Seals and Elisabeth worked as a secretary. When returned to Noble, Oklahoma, Melot; nieces and nephews, her husband was recalled to in 1953 after her mother Clarice Melot, Hilton Melot, active duty, she accompanied passed. Delores graduated Pierre Melot, Judi Melot and him on his assignments from Noble High School Michelle Melot Sigman; and until his retirement as a vice in 1954 and graduated numerous extended family. admiral and vice commandant from Draughon’s Business of the Coast Guard in 1982. College in Oklahoma City. Glenn was preceded in death by his wife, Dolores; His career took them to During her 45-year professional a brother, Raymond Melot; California, Virginia, New career, Delores specialized a granddaughter, Chasity York City, New Jersey, Texas, in customer-community Batterton; a son-in-law, Jesse Honolulu, Washington State, Lloyd Glenn Melot of Washington D.C., and Ohio. relations as a communications Tecumseh, Oklahoma, passed Melot; and a grandson-in- relations officer at Security Friday, Oct. 16, 2020, in law, Michael Batterton. She attended William & National Bank and Republic his home. He was 93. Mary college. When they Bank of Norman. Serving as In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the lived in Hawaii, she was a tireless, dedicated volunteer, Born on Main Street in active as a volunteer with Delores also assisted multiple Tecumseh on July 25, 1927, Tecumseh High School Alumni Association. the Junior Army-Navy Guild organizations, ranging from Glenn grew up in the teeth Raymond Glenn Goodman was Organization (JANGO) and Oklahoma four-term Governor of the Great Depression as born in Shawnee, Oklahoma, at Punahou School. Later, George Nigh’s election the son of farmers Vernon Walterene Brant she worked for the US AID campaign to the board of on Sept. 4, 1941, to Thomas Scarborough Samuel (Buster) Goodman and Mary Melot, an in Washington. She was an directors of the Norman Ballet experience that imbued in accomplished amateur painter Company, to name a few. and Hazel Lorene Weathers Goodman. He passed away him a lifelong commitment and master gardener and Delores enjoyed time with on Dec. 18, 2020, from to the value of hard work and enjoyed Bible Study. In 2018, her family and many friends. complications of COVID-19 providing for his family. Rene was awarded the “Wisest As a proud member of the in Midwest City, Oklahoma. Member” by Eva Marie Carney He met his best friend, Dolores at the District 2 Fall Feast. Citizen Potawatomi Nation, Ann Sparkman, in the late she enjoyed sharing stories of He is survived by two sisters, She is survived by her two Darla Wells and Shirley 1940s, and they were married sons, Robert Henry III (Dee her family ancestors, attending on April 6, 1951. They made annual Tribal festivals and Laster. He is also survived by Dee) of New York City and their home in Tecumseh and Higbee family reunions. She brother, Thomas Goodman. James Burton of Arlington; were fixtures at the academic lived in Norman, Oklahoma, four grandchildren, Julia of He lived his younger years in and athletic events of their the majority of her adult life. Northampton, Massachusetts, Shawnee and spent a lot of three children. A graduate of After retirement, she moved and Dorothy, Helen and time with his grandparents to Camargo, Oklahoma, to Tecumseh High School, Glenn Henry, all of New York at the Bourbonnais Cabin, be near her sister, Sharrie and attended Oklahoma Baptist City; and her younger sister, which is now part of the then to Arlington, Texas, to University in Shawnee before Juanelle Beauford of Shawnee, Citizen Potawatomi Nation’s be near her daughter, D’Anne. embarking on a long career Oklahoma. She is also survived Cultural Heritage Center. He Delores then moved to CPN in the federal government in by many nieces and nephews, later moved to California housing in Shawnee, Oklahoma. surplus property disposal at Walterene “Rene” Brant including Patrick Brant of where he graduated from Tinker Air Force Base. He was Scarborough, 97, of Arlington, Houston, who was particularly Preceded in death by her South Gate Senior High never happier than during Virginia, died of complications close. She will be buried parents, Verl and Leona, and School and attended Long the long hours traversing the of COVID-19 on Jan. 26, 2021. alongside her late husband at stepmother, Helen Velma Beach State College. family’s acreage on the west She was born in Pottawatomie Arlington National Cemetery. Submitting CPN burial assistance through Tribal Rolls obituaries The $2,000 CPN Burial Assistance Fund is automatically available to all enrolled CPN members. You may fill out

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

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