HOWNIKAN Mkogisos | February 2021

Top photo: Potawatomi birchwood basket on display at CPN’s Cultural Heritage Center. Keeping it ultra-cold: CPNHS

A LOOK INSIDE Page 6 rolls out COVID-19 vaccines One arm at a time. One shot at a time. Within days of emergency use authorization from the Food and Drug Administration, Citizen Potawatomi Nation Health Services began receiving Golfers label FireLake and administering vaccines to combat “a hidden gem” the coronavirus in central Oklahoma. Along with the other self-governance Page 9 tribes across Oklahoma, CPNHS opted to get its primary vaccine doses through the Indian Health Service rather than through the Oklahoma State Department of Health. CPNHS Chief Medical Officer Dr. Adam Vascellaro said the decision to go Gary Jeffers gets his first shot during a COVID-19 vaccine drive. Remembering the 1887 through IHS was deliberate. This move Dawes Act’s impact increases the chances of both the Tribe clinics are also serving a distribution CPNHS has been a key component and its pandemic vaccination partner, hub for several other Oklahoma in IHS’ vaccine rollout efforts. the Pottawatomie County Health tribes and some in Kansas and Texas. Page 11 “The robust capacity within this health Department, having dual distributor The two clinics began receiving the system for ultra-cold vaccine storage Cultural Heritage Center access to the COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine vaccine in mid-December, with an allows us to have greater flexibility among develops traditional Potawatomi for the populations they serve. initial 2,000 doses passing through games into online experiences on their way to other tribal facilities. our sites,” said Brian Wren, Doctor of “There’s twice the chance we’d get the pharmacy, CHC Area Pharmacy & Lab vaccine out in our rural locations versus Although both the Pfizer-BioNTech and consultant/AVPOC, OCA IHS. “It Pages 14-18 us all relying on the same supply chain.” Moderna vaccines require two doses, allows us to move vaccine to our other Tribal Executive and they are not interchangeable. Someone sites from the central hub. So essentially Legislative updates “Plus, with both ourselves and the state who receives an initial dose of the Pfizer- this collaboration has allowed us to be health department using the same BioNTech vaccine has to receive a second more efficient with our distribution Pfizer ultra-cold vaccine, if someone dose of the same medication in order processes and reach more individuals Pages 19-20 got their first dose here and we ran for it to be as effective as advertised. with vaccine much more quickly.” Walking on out, they could get their second dose from the state’s lot or vice versa. First to receive Food and Drug Health care providers and Tribal Our stocks are complementary.” Administration approval, Pfizer- elders were among the first to receive

NON-PROFIT vaccinations from the doses allocated FIRST CLASS BioNTech’s vaccine presents an

STANDARD MAIL STANDARD For the initial phase, IHS received additional logistical challenge. To to CPNHS. Senior housing residents 46,000 doses of the Moderna vaccine remain potent, it requires storage at and long-term care and senior housing and 22,400 doses of the Pfizer vaccine around -70 degrees below 0 Fahrenheit residents also obtained priority nationwide. Originally, IHS was not or lower and should not be thawed consideration for vaccine access. slated to receive additional funds to and kept in a refrigerator for more Additionally, the Nation spread cover costs associated with administering than five days before administering.

PR SRT STD PR SRT early doses across multiple essential US POSTAGE PAID US POSTAGE PERMIT NO 49 PERMIT PAID PAID PERMIT NO 49 PERMIT NO 49 PERMIT U.S. POSTAGE them. However, as part of a $900 billion Doses are not given at sub-freezing NON-PROFIT ORG NON-PROFIT STIGLER, OK 74462 STIGLER, OK 74462 STIGLER, OK 74462 PR SRT FIRST CLASS FIRST PR SRT departments within the Tribe in order CARES Act bill signed into law in late temperatures, but they can only stay to maintain operations in the event December, IHS and other entities will reconstitutes at room temperature for of a worsening outbreak or natural share $8 billion specifically earmarked six hours before having to be wasted. disaster. Among the departments for vaccine distribution expenses. An However, for health care providers, that with a handful of employees getting exact money allocation breakdown vaccinated early on include information was not available on deadline. means either procuring plenty of dry ice or expensive ultra-cold freezers in order technology, electrical, emergency The IHS Oklahoma City Service to keep the vaccine sufficiently chilled management, law enforcement, first Area, which along with all of until it is time to administer the doses. responders and Pottawatomie County Oklahoma includes Kansas and part Rural Water District No. 3, which of Texas, received 5,850 doses of the The Tribe used some of its CARES Act the Tribe owns and operates. money to invest in three full-sized and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine and 8,900 “Our clinics are in rural Oklahoma,” Dr. doses of the Moderna vaccine. one portable ultra-cold freezers in order to be among the first in the state to Vascellaro said. “Occasionally the power goes out. Occasionally the water goes Combined, Citizen Potawatomi receive the Pfizer vaccine. Combined, out. Occasionally the heat goes out. Nation’s East and West clinics the four freezers have enough space Occasionally the air conditioning goes received about 400 doses of the for about 400,000 doses — more than out. Occasional the internet goes out. Oklahoma City Service Area’s first enough to meet the needs of CPNHS On top of our augmented work flow but allocation of the Pfizer-BioNTech but also act as a hub for OCA IHS still significant normal clinic functions, vaccine. As of Jan. 29, CPNHS alone and the Pottawatomie County Health I’ve got hard working, dedicated medical has administered approximately Department with storage capacity. providers, nurses, lab techs and others 3,000 first and second doses. Captain Brian Wren is the pharmacy working outside in the COVID-19 tents With IHS relying on a wheel and and lab contact for OCA IHS. He spoke model for distribution, CPN’s said his agency’s partnership with Continued on page 3 2 FEBRUARY 2021 HOWNIKAN Growth through the ashes of disaster By Citizen Potawatomi Community to sit down and listen and guide you Development Corporation through the procedure and get it to make sense, where the numbers all make sense. There is something awe-inspiring about … They make the procedure really easy.” “triumph over tragedy” successes. We all love a gripping story, with spellbinding As the interview came to a close, we turns and twists. Give me a plot that starts asked how things might have been well, almost ends in disaster and suddenly different without the CPCDC to help triumphs overall. This sounds like a fairy out. Dwight said, “I don’t think I’d ever tale, and we all know that fairy tales aren’t left that building over there because banks real. Or are they? Native business owners just will not take the chance on a startup Dwight and Darcee Yancey with Shawnee business. … I just don’t think it ever Cleaners & Linen have such a story. A tale would’ve happened because it was not a so dark and soot-filled that it seemed for a cookie-cutter deal to hand to a bank and moment they might not recover — a tale going, ‘Sure, it’s a gold mine.’ It was really that grows through the ashes of disaster an unusual procedure. This was a nursery, into a remarkable business success. so we had to basically gut the building and made it a cleaners. So other than It all began over 30 years ago in the quaint Dwight Yancey used financial and business planning support from the that, it took a long time. You had to think little city of Shawnee, Oklahoma, with the outside the box to make this a cleaners.” purchase of three laundromats. Dwight CPCDC to expand commercial operations of Shawnee Cleaners. previously worked in the soft drink Dwight purchased a former nursery Since starting over, Shawnee Cleaners Stop by and visit Shawnee Cleaners profession when the opportunity came and remodeled it to fit the needs of a & Linen has reestablished its place & Linen at any of their locations to to purchase a dry cleaner/laundromat dry cleaner and linen plant. As Dwight in the community in a big way. experience excellence dry-cleaning service: business. He jumped at the chance, told his story, he talked of his children changed careers and started his life as who help in the day-to-day operations, “Seeing those faces come again and again, Shawnee North an entrepreneur. Things went pretty how he depends on his employees and it makes you feel good — you feel like 1049 Vision Blvd. well until about 10 years ago when his how important his business is to him. you’re part of them,” Dwight said. “I’m Shawnee, OK 74804 business caught fire, destroying his hard proud to be in this community. We’re 405-585-2992 work and shutting down his laundromat. “It’s family-owned,” he said. “We’ve been trying to keep everybody here locally Shawnee South doing it a long time. We started with three instead of going to Oklahoma City. We 704 E Independence Street He found himself on a Sunday afternoon employees across the street. We’re now have a nice facility, centrally located, and Shawnee, OK 74804 contemplating what to do when he called up to 18. It’s good for the community. we’ve updated equipment over the last 405-878-8641 the Citizen Potawatomi Community It’s something it needs. I like it, and five or six years. I’d put our plant with any Development Corporation and requested with the help of the Citizen Potawatomi plant in Oklahoma City. We do a great Tecumseh Cleaners for a special meeting that very day. When CDC, we’ve expanded pretty handily in job, and we have a very experienced staff.” 701 N Broadway asked by our staff, “Why on a Sunday?” the last four to five years. And it makes Tecumseh, OK 74873 Dwight replied, “Well if you turn me the process so much easier to expand The CPCDC is honored to be a part 405-878-8641 down on a Sunday, I don’t feel as bad as because (the CPCDC) listen to some of this success story. We have been if you turned me down on Monday.” crazy ideas, which sometimes work out.” delighted to watch Dwight and Darcee’s The Citizen Potawatomi Community business expand through the years. Development Corporation finances He explained all the things that were It took around six to eight months tribal enterprises and Native American- happening at the time with the Citizen for Shawnee Cleaners & Linen to “With the CPCDC, they listen to you and owned businesses like Shawnee Cleaners Potawatomi Nation expanding its hotel reopen their doors after the disastrous make sense out of my wild ideas, and they & Linen across Oklahoma and the U.S. and other enterprises and the need for his event. Throughout the last few years, don’t mind if things don’t make sense,” he The CPCDC is here to help plant seeds services in that process. One thing led things have begun looking up for the said. “They’ll listen to some wild ideas as for a brighter future. To find out more to another, and soon he found himself Yancey family, and in December of long as it makes sense in the long term. A about how we can assist your Native- in a meeting with lenders and those in 2019, they opened two new locations, regular bank, they would probably throw owned business, call us today 405- positions to help him rebuild his business. expanding to three across two cities. you out. So (the CPCDC) are willing 878-4697, or visit us at cpcdc.org. 40 Under 40 award recipient continues to expand industry during pandemic

Some college friends taking a wine think that’s made everyone get more have some opportunities in the future tasting class eventually led to a creative and think of other ways to that we might not have had before.” Citizen Potawatomi woman earning make those personal connections.” national recognition for her work Vencl fell in love with the hospitality in the hospitality industry. In her role as the national sales industry while an undergraduate at manager for the Tulsa Convention Oklahoma State University. Initially an The Connect Association, which and Visitors Bureau, Vencl helped accounting major, she did not know hotel recognizes event and meeting figure out ways to show professional and restaurant management was a degree planners nationwide, recently named organizations and associations from option until some friends mentioned CPN member and Anderson family all over the world why they should they were taking a wine tasting class. descendant Kristen Vencl as one bring their events to northeastern of its 40 Under 40 for 2020. “I like people too much to be behind a Oklahoma once the pandemic is over desk,” she said with a chuckle. “When Thanks to the pandemic, the Connect and mass gatherings are safe again. some friends said they were taking a Association postponed its awards With in-person meals, trips to Tulsa wine tasting class, I was intrigued.” ceremony scheduled to be held in Orlando, landmarks and other pre-coronavirus Florida, and instead moved the event In the 15 years since completing promotional standards not safe or her degree, Vencl has worked across online. However, that did not diminish feasible for most of 2020, Vencl the importance of the accolade to Vencl. Oklahoma, including stops in the Enid turned to the web instead. Working and Tulsa areas, building connections in conjunction with local hotel Kristen Vencl receives prestigious “Receiving the award was an honor accolade for her professional career. throughout the hospitality industry and just based on the amount of time, managers and restauranteurs, she put (Photo provided by Adam Murphy) with professional organizations looking relationship building I’ve done since together virtual tours and condensed for convention sites. She credits those being in the industry,” she said. “This what would normally be a three experience it and might have a better relationships with making it easier whole hospitality business is all about or four day trip into an hour. idea of what they want to go and do. not only to move among markets but people. When you can’t see or meet with to stay in it during tough times like people, it makes it more challenging. “Obviously, they don’t get the full “It (virtual tours) has given us the chance those brought on by the pandemic. aspect of getting to see, smell, taste the to get in front of some planners who “It’s been an interesting year to be food … but they get an idea,” Vencl wouldn’t normally consider Tulsa or “It’s been such a fun group in the hospitality industry, and I said. “When it’s safe, they can come Oklahoma, for that matter. We might to be with,” she said. HOWNIKAN FEBRUARY 2021 3 Shop with a Cop brings together community, law enforcement In early December, kids, guardians and play with you all for the evening.’ ... law enforcement gathered at the Shawnee, I’m still just a big ol’ kid at heart.” Oklahoma, Walmart for Christmas cheer at the end of a very long and challenging Many participants buy items strictly year. The annual Shop with a Cop event for fun, but Williams has also noticed gives children in need the chance to pick underwear, socks and toothbrushes out gifts with a member of area police fill some baskets since he took over forces, including Citizen Potawatomi Na- the Shawnee event in 2013. tion officers. The event’s organizer, Kenny Williams, looks forward to it every year. “When you see them actually buying stuff that they need and not want, that’s the “I think it’s a great environment for the ones that you just kind of sit there and kids to get to see the police officers realize how blessed you are that you’ve got in … and get to realize that, ‘Hey, they a roof over your head and food in your really are our friends; they’re here to help belly and clothes on your back,” he said. us.’ And gives them that opportunity to build that bond as well as provide them Williams also makes a point of teaching a Christmas that most of those kids the participants how to “pay it forward.” probably would not get anything had it He awards two shoppers a $25 gift card not been for the community of Shawnee that they pass on to someone else in the pitching in like they do,” he said. store. He started the tradition in 2019. CPN officer Orrin Beckham starts the evening shopping with the Napoleon family. In 2020, Shop with a Cop raised “I always remind them that the “I bet I had at least a dozen or so of more than $13,500 with the help of raise even more funds. ... I know a lot of community was so generous to all of 16 organizations, including Citizen people have gone without,” Williams said. them come up to me and just tell me us to make this event happen, that we how important they feel them being want to make sure that we pay that Potawatomi Nation, the Junior Service Officers in a new light League of Shawnee, Shawnee Community there is. Just because they realize what forward to someone else,” he said. Foundation and many local businesses Two Citizen Potawatomi Nation Tribal environment a lot of times some Throughout the last decade, Shop with a and entrepreneurs. The generous Police Department officers attended, of these children see them in, and Cop went from helping approximately 35 donations provided enough to give along with 26 others across seven local it kind of puts them in a negative children in 2009 to celebrating Christmas more than 130 participants from various departments. Officer Orrin Beckham view in that child’s eyes,” he said. with 136 in 2020. Williams hopes the local community organizations a $100 joined the Tribe’s force in January Lining the aisles Walmart gift card to spend as they wished. 2020. He and his family previously substantial growth continues while he fundraises and organizes the event. lived in Texas, and his sons received the As everyone waited patiently for their “We’re grateful for what (CPN) did,” opportunity to shop as participants. turn to look at toys with an officer, Williams said. “They helped a lot of “If we can grow 10, 20, 25 percent each Williams took his megaphone and kids. … They were one of the very biggest “It’s close to home,” Beckham said. year, then that’s that many more kids in asked, “Who’s ready to shop with a cop?” contributors, so we appreciate that greatly.” the community that we can help when “Just to get out and help families followed by a round of applause and they need the help,” he said. “I think that The event collected more money than ever do some shopping for Christmas, cheering. He makes a point of meeting benefits that child now, and it can benefit before, which allowed it to help a record helping the younger generations everyone, usually as groups check out, them in the long run — maybe if one number of families since Shop with a Cop is always enjoyable for me.” and ensures they had a good time. of these kids eventually want to be part began in the area more than 10 years ago. of the program on the other side of it.” Many officers immediately thanked “There’s a lot of toys I want to just “I thought it was going to be just the oppo- Williams for hosting Shop with a hop right in and play with them,” he Contact Kenny Williams at kwilliams@ site — there’d be more kids in need, and Cop as they picked out toys or went said. “I seen the Nerf gun, and I seen yaffeco.net for more information about I’d have less funds available. And it was to the register. He also woke up to a Wii come through, and I was like, Shop with a Cop. Visit the CPN Police just the opposite this year. We were able to emails of gratitude the next day. ‘Shoot. I think I want to go home and Department online at cpn.news/police. FAQs about fostering and adopting Potawatomi children

By Kendra Lowden, Foster Our department offers individualized private adoption and adoption placed with a relative. Many families Care/Adoption Manager support and training for foster families. through foster care? successfully adopt their foster children. Our team includes experienced Foster care is a temporary living situation child welfare advocates focused Private adoption occurs when birth What assistance is available for children whose parents are not on providing excellent customer parents voluntarily place their child to adoptive families? currently able to care for them due service and emotional support to for adoption with a family of their Adoption assistance exists to remove the to abuse and neglect. With support the families we serve. FireLodge choice. Children available for adoption financial and other barriers that may from FireLodge Children & Family also provides foster families essential through foster care are placed into care prevent a family from adopting from items needed to care for children involuntarily. The goal in foster care Services, many Citizen Potawatomi foster care. Services available for adopted Nation foster children successfully and including cribs, beds and car seats. cases is normally to reunify children with their families. When this cannot children may include daycare assistance, safely return to their families. Some medical assistance, monthly maintenance children may be placed for adoption What qualities are needed happen, typically the relative or non- in a foster parent? related foster family will adopt the payments and adoption attorney fees. should reunification not be possible. children when it becomes legal to do so. We answered some of the questions Successful foster parents are generally Although each and every situation is we are frequently asked by prospective patient and understanding to the Can I adopt a unique in child welfare, this is some families interested in fostering and unique needs of children placed into Potawatomi foster child? basic information you can use to guide adopting Potawatomi children. foster care. They are willing to be you through the process of deciding to flexible, tolerant and dependable while The goal of our department is to open your home to children in need. For Why should I become a working closely with child welfare staff. reunite families. Foster parents may more information, contact FireLodge foster parent for FireLodge be able to adopt their foster children Children & Family Services at 405-878- Children & Family Services? What is the difference between if they cannot be returned home or 4831 or on Facebook @CPNFireLodge.

Vaccine continued... come to a halt operationally from Neither vaccine has microchips, and no dose. However, almost all side effect COVID exposures and cases.” formal studies have documented any link symptoms Dr. Vascellaro has seen resolve in the ever-changing Oklahoma weather between either medication and fertility within one to two days from onset. ranging from 100 degrees this summer With many people initially skittish issues. As per the Mayo Clinic, neither to 20 degrees or less. The they must have about taking the COVID-19 vaccine, vaccine is made with fetal tissue or egg. “I chose to lead by example and take air conditioning and heat to function inoculating Tribal officials and leaders in The vaccine also does not integrate into the vaccine early. My arm was a little for long hours in a consistent manner various departments has also provided your DNA, according to the CDC website. sorer than a flu shot, but less sore than especially when COVID-19 patient an opportunity for tenured, respected a tetanus shot,” Dr. Vascellaro said. testing and evaluation needs are high. However, at least for a day or two, the employees to give testimonials to muscle pain at the injection site is For more information about the “If the water goes out, we can’t keep debunk rumors and be an up-close- real, and people can have side effects vaccine and Citizen Potawatomi Nation the clinic open. We’ve had a few and-personal demonstration of the including fever, chills, body aches, fatigue, Health Services, visit potawatomi.org/ departments that have been almost Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine’s efficacy. dizziness, etc. especially after the second COVID-19 or cpn.news/health. 4 FEBRUARY 2021 HOWNIKAN New, virtual technology removes court system’s barriers While many court systems pushed back everything going on. So they didn’t have cases indefinitely or shut down during to miss out on that special day for this the coronavirus pandemic, Citizen family and that child,” Lowden said. Potawatomi Nation Tribal Court and other departments welcomed changes Additional challenges, changes and additional responsibilities. CPN’s District Court maintained operations The requirements limit the volume throughout 2020 with no major pauses. of cases heard in a given day, but the staff tries their best to serve CPN Court Clerks Andrea Gabel and everyone as quickly as possible. Toni Sears learned that “each day can produce a completely different set of “Our number of cases has almost challenges and to be flexible and work dropped in half compared to the last through them the best that can be done.” couple of years. Due to the restricted number of cases we can see each court CPN Child Prosecutor Lisa Herbert setting, resetting cases for those who works in many different courts miss court gets difficult,” Gabel said. throughout Oklahoma. She recognizes the clerks’ hard work and efficiency Herbert’s decades in law have taught to maintain organization in the her such changes are not always a midst of implementing new rules. The Citizen Potawatomi Nation District Court uses modern solutions to adhere bad thing, even though they come to coronavirus restrictions while continuing to function uninterrupted. from distressing conditions. “It’s really a lot more than just filing things in and setting court dates for The court has incorporated a smartboard maintain services to her clients and “I think we’re all going to learn, and I people,” Herbert said. “They really for Zoom and video calls. While this knows time is of the essence when think we’re just going to keep moving have to deal with people who are in adds extra processes when preparing for moving children between homes. forward,” she said. “And it’s kind crisis, and they do such a beautiful job hearings and sending out information, of an exciting time when you think of that. … I don’t think people really Gabel believes it has worked well. “If court hearings are delayed, that means about what we’ve had to do to adapt realize how difficult their job is.” sometimes permanency is delayed for and the things that we’ve been willing “In order for the court to hear a case by children, whether that be reunification to do to commit to keep going. In Like many other businesses and virtual appearances and appearances by to their families or adoption to another a way, some of this is good for us.” offices, the court has increased its use phone, attorneys must be granted the family. If the court system doesn’t of video calls and teleconferencing. It accommodations in advance,” she said. continue to operate and function during Gabel reminds everyone to follow adds another step in the already hectic a pandemic, then things are stalled for the new coronavirus stipulations process of running a proficient court. “IT (information technology children, and that’s not necessarily a and that everyone’s well-being However, it provides convenience department) has truly been an asset good thing for them,” Lowden said. remains a priority — both staff and for witnesses and lawyers while in setting up our smartboard and our those required for proceedings. prioritizing social distancing practices. other equipment. They also assist in The new technology also created running it for us for court so we can options never before available to her “Please make your court hearings if you “It’s just as if the person is there. Those focus on the hearing and/or trial.” clients. With a restricted number of are well and healthy! If you are sick, are some new skills that are really individuals allowed in the building to we want you to stay home so you can having to come into the courtroom Practical application prevent the spread of the coronavirus, get healthy. Just let us know as soon as practice, and our girls have been up to using Zoom allowed more people to possible so we can get the changes in it. … They’ve been wonderful about FireLodge Children & Family Services witness an adoption case last May. motion. We can start working then to get trying to accommodate some of the Foster Care/Adoption Manager the case back on the docket,” she said. changes and some of the things we’re Kendra Lowden frequently appears “The adoptive families’ relatives were doing in our courtroom just to try in court for foster care and adoption able to attend by just logging onto the For more information on the CPN to make things safe,” Herbert said. cases. She appreciates the ability to Zoom, and they could hear and see District Court, visit cpn.news/judicial. Haaland’s Interior nomination heralds change in cabinet appointments

The National Congress of American citizenship since Charles Curtis. Vice Indians typically passes resolutions president under Herbert Hoover, intended to shape policy for the millions Curtis was a citizen of the Kaw of Indigenous people and more than 500 Nation, originally from Kansas. tribal governments in the United States. At this year’s NCAI Gathering, held just While the Trump Administration days after the U.S. presidential election, focused on rolling back restrictions NCAI passed a resolution calling on on energy development on public and the incoming Biden administration tribal lands, the incoming Democratic to name the “first American Indian or administration is charting a demonstrably Alaska Native in our nation’s history to different course. One of President Joe serve as the Secretary of the Interior.” Biden’s first executive actions halted the Keystone Pipeline Project, which was The administration’s choice of the site of major Indigenous rights and Congresswoman Deb Haaland (D-NM) environmental protests from 2016-17. was historic in terms of nominating an Haaland has identified the restoration enrolled tribal citizen to a full cabinet of public lands protections for Bear Ears position. If confirmed by the Senate, the and Grand Staircase-Escalante in Utah Laguna Pueblo citizen would be the that the Trump administration removed first Native American to lead the U.S. to support energy projects. Several tribes Department of the Interior. As head of in southern Utah view the sites as sacred Interior, Haaland will manage a wide and claim the previous administration From the halls of Congress to the Cabinet of the United States, Deb portfolio over numerous agencies. The ignored tribal consultation procedures Haaland gives hope to Native Nations across America. approximately 70,000 staff under the before trimming back protections. In DOI oversee one-fifth of all the land addition to the nomination, President leadership. In mid-January, 25 nations and one of the highest Native in the United States. This includes Biden pledged to reinstate the White tribal leaders, including CPN Tribal populations in the United States, you managing national parks, wildlife refuges House Tribal Nations Conference — a Chairman John “Rocky” Barrett, fully recognize the importance of and natural resources such as gas, oil convening of tribal and federal leaders signed a letter to senators James including Native representation at the and water in addition to 574 federally- begun during the Obama Administration. Lankford (R-OK) and Jim Inhofe (R- highest levels of government. Native recognized tribal nations across 35 states. It was not held the previous four years. OK) supporting her nomination. voices bring unique perspectives to vital discussions, and more often than not Haaland would be the highest- Haaland was overwhelmingly endorsed The letter stated, “As senators for a state ranking federal official with tribal by Oklahoma’s Indian Country with 39 federally recognized Tribal Continued on page 9 HOWNIKAN FEBRUARY 2021 5 Nationwide surge in housing market creates opportunity for buyers, sellers Among the big surprises of 2020 got some, but not as much as there has was a nationwide surge in housing been on either coast and various other sales. It seemed to be both a buyer places. So I don’t know if it will trend like and seller’s market with low interest everything else does and eventually fall rates pushing those looking to snap back to the middle of the country and up available properties at a breakneck we’ll wind up doing a lot here or not.” speed. This mostly affected metropolitan areas, and the Citizen Potawatomi Applying for the Housing and Urban Nation Housing Department noticed Development and CPN-funded the change across the country. one-time grant requires effort from several departments, both within “Whenever the pandemic hit us, I kind the housing office and the Tribe of expected everything to just kind as a whole, including accounting, of go flat. When the unemployment environmental and Tribal rolls. rates were rising, we didn’t expect people to venture out there and do “We have so many people that have lost a lot of home buying,” said Housing their Tribal cards, or they say they never Department Director Scott George. got a Tribal card. So, I’m in constant contact with Tribal Rolls. Accounting U.S. Census Bureau data showed has been wonderful with their treasury new home sales increased 43 percent accountant on helping in requesting the in August 2020 compared to the checks and everything from FNB. It’s a same month in 2019. According to mixture of departments to get all of this the National Association of Home “It was surprising that people would “We can do the grant anywhere in the done, but it originates here,” Byers said. Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market take that big of a chance, and United States, one time only, and there Index, national sales-adjusted inventory maybe it was just too good of a are no income limits. So pretty much as She and George encourage Tribal decreased to its lowest level since at chance to pass up,” George said. long as you fit the criteria of the program, members across the United States least 1963 at the end of the summer. you’re pretty much eligible, if you submit to contact the housing department One-time grant program all the required paperwork,” Byers said. when purchasing a home to discuss “I guess you could attribute that to people their options, especially the one-time that maintain their jobs throughout The housing department processed one She judged the shift in the market by grant, regardless of the market. this pandemic were usually white collar of the highest numbers of applications the piles of applications on her desk workers that had some sort of stability in per fiscal year for the Tribe’s down and stepped up to meet the time “There’s so many people just even in this their (jobs) and were able to work from payment and closing cost assistance restraints that come with closing dates. immediate area that did not seem to home — things of that nature,” George grant since it began in 1998. Byers know about the program. And when I say, said. “That’s the only thing I could receives approximately 100 plus “It’s very hard for me to leave the office ‘Well, we’ve had it for almost 22 years,’ think it was, and they took advantage of applications annually; however, she or take off because I have a lot of work they’re just flabbergasted,” Byers said. those (low interest) rates because of it.” passed 230 requests before Oct. 1, that’s either waiting on me, or I work despite an initial decrease in the spring. a lot from home or during odd office The 2021 fiscal year was off to a busy start Dropping down to two percent at times, hours because we have laptops at home on Oct. 1, 2020, with plenty of requests the rates drove the market and allowed The program provides a maximum of just to try to keep up,” Byers said. continuing to pour in by the end of some homeowners to refinance for a $2,125 toward a down payment and/ December. She and George look forward lower monthly payment. Many first-time or closing costs to CPN members While many Tribal members in Oklahoma to watching the housing market in 2021 homebuyers also made purchases, which across the country. The department applied for the grant in 2020, others from and helping Tribal members everywhere. recommends Oklahomans mortgage across the country took advantage of it contributed to the competitiveness. Find out more about the down payment with the CPN-owned First National more. George explained this reflects the and closing cost assistance grant “They could buy more of a house Bank & Trust Co., and the Tribal housing market in rural Oklahoma, and program at cpn.news/onetimegrant than maybe what they thought they member’s name must be on the loan. in particular, Pottawatomie County. could have at a previous time with The funding may not be used toward a and cpn.news/housing. the previous interest rates,” said mobile home, and the structure must “We don’t really see a lot of people buying homeownership manager Sherry Byers. be the applicant’s primary residence. in this area right now,” he said. “We’ve 6 FEBRUARY 2021 HOWNIKAN Golfers label FireLake “a hidden gem”

According to the National Golf Hotel & Resort, FireLake Entertainment Foundation, more people played rounds Center, convenience stores and more. of golf in 2020 than the year before, despite the coronavirus pandemic and After months of implementing the the initial decrease it caused in the safety measures, including a mask spring. FireLake Golf Course saw its mandate in the clubhouse and other numbers increase and celebrated its indoor facilities, the requirements best year ever since opening in 1983. currently remain in effect with customers complying. FireLake offers masks to “It all started whenever the Oklahoma players that do not have one. However, City courses closed, unfortunately, due to most quickly head for the course. COVID-19. ... And we got a lot of new customers because we were one of the “They don’t really hang out in the few facilities close to Oklahoma City that building like they used to,” Chesser said. was still open because we never closed,” “They may come in and get a sandwich after consulting with Citizen Potawatomi or something, but they pay for their Nation Health Services and implementing stuff, and they get out the door, and they best practices to reduce the spread of the get in the fresh air and go play golf.” coronavirus, said Director Chris Chesser. The course provides the perfect place for outdoor, socially distanced fun. With plenty of to-go options such as Compared to 2019, FireLake saw an hot dogs, hamburgers and daily lunch increase of 4,000 rounds in fiscal year After a renovation in 2016, the course throughout the course as well as trimmed specials, patrons can grab a bite to eat 2020. Golf carts became a hot commodity reopened in summer 2017. Many cart paths, pushing the experience to at the clubhouse grill before hitting on the weekends, with patrons utilizing all returning customers commented on the next level. Course superintendent the back nine. The kitchen also hosted of the course’s offerings Thursdays through the changes and called it a “hidden Derron Day and the rest of the several carryout-only dinners for two Sundays. The clientele also diversified. gem,” located 45-minutes from staff practice meticulous upkeep. throughout 2020, serving Italian, More women visited than ever before, the Oklahoma City metro. German, comfort food and other cuisines, and the senior men’s league continued “Our greens are really good,” Chesser which will continue throughout 2021. every Thursday from April to September. “They hadn’t been here in 10 or 15 said. “We have Champion Bermuda years, and they had no idea we had greens, and they’re very fast. They’re The golf course’s website offers the daily Accommodating the growth and renovated, and they just fell in love very slick. Golfers like putting surfaces weather, contact information to book a tee changes while maintaining smooth with the place, and we’re continuing to that are fast, and … Derron and his time, a downloadable course map, digital operations remained the staff’s goal. get play from Oklahoma City — more guys really maintain the golf course. course tour, grill menu, and directions. than we ever have,” Chesser said. They really are detailed at their work.” “Well, it’s been a crazy year with COVID, Visit FireLake Golf Course of course,” Chesser said. “We have The course boasts water hazards on 13 Many new patrons have added FireLake online at firelakegolf.com and handled it actually pretty good, in of 18 holes, more than 6,300 yardage to their list of favorite courses for the on Facebook @firelakegolf. my opinion, as busy as we’ve been.” of greens, fairways and roughage value and location near the Grand Casino HOWNIKAN FEBRUARY 2021 7

Michelle Abiri Larry O. Cook John C. Gillmore Charles G. LaReau Charles E. Pierce III Benjamin T. Acre Jr. Wayne E. Cook Glen A. Goodwin Roger Lazelle Annabelle Pittman Hubert L. Adams Roy L. Coon Rolan J. Goyer Alfred LeClair Thomas K. Pyeatt James T. Anderson Thomas E. Cooper Dustin M. Gross Earl E. Lehman Timothy K. Pyeatt Ronald Anderson Albert W. Copeland David H. Guinn Jr. George A. Lehman Gregory L. Quinn Cecil Baird Michael S. Cory Clenard O. Haas Leo F. Lehman Stephen L. Quinn Walter L. Baker Daniel Crumbo Marion L. Haas Leonard G. Lehman Everett J. Rachels Robert W. Barrett David A. Cryer Mickey E. Haas Charles L. Lewis John A. Reynolds Bruce I. Bazhaw Harvey J.L. Curtis James M. Hale Cli‘ ord E. Lewis Leonard P. Rhodd Ingram H. Bazhaw Dan Dansenburg John Hall Jr. Francis L. Lewis Stephen E. Rhodd Ralph H. Bazhaw/Bergeron George Dansenburg Larry E. Hammack Russell L. Lewis William J. Rhodd John T. Bergeron Lloyd B. Denton Richard L. Hammack Benjamin Lucas Jr. Henry B. Richard Jr. Thomas M. Bess Lloyd C. Denton Jack E. Hancock Jackie L. Lucy Raymond U. Roberts William B. Bivens Jr. Marvin Derryberry Leon L. Hancock Michael S. Maha‘ ey Thomas L. Roberts Charles D. Blair Forrest J. Desmit Michael S. Hardesty Philip R. Marquis Alexander Rhodd Robert G. Bogle Charles E. Dewitt Daniel L. Harvey Albert F. Mars William M. Roberts Jr. Douglas E. Bourassa Gary E. Dewitt Gary L. Helberg Warren G. Mars William M. Roberts III Freeman Bourassa J.B. Dewitt Henry P Hernandez Timothy Q. McCauley Cili‘ ord Robison Jerry D. Bourassa Travis G. Dick Edward T. Hey Jr. Samuel H. McCollum Paul R. Rosewitz John A. Bourbonnais Jimmy R. Dike Averett W. Higbee David C. McEvers Marvin E. Savory Joshua J. Bourbonnais Richard G. Dike Marvin L. Holeman Vernon W. Meade Larry K. Schoemann Edmund F. Bowles Dennis D. Dockery William H. Holeman Stephen C. Negahnquet James J. Schroepfer Andrew E. Bradford Beverly L. Dodd Daniel L. Hollingsworth Adam A. Nocktonick Sr. Homer C. Schwartz Emery A. Bradford Lawrence A. Dodd Tony P. Hollingsworth Ralph E.B. Nocktonick John H. Seedorf Charles R. Bromley Willie O. Dodson Edwin A. Howard Ronald K. Nocktonick Dennis M. Sexton James F. Bromley Thomas N. Doyle Kevin M. Hubble Robert J. Nourie Jesse Slavin Carolyn S. Brown John W. Edwards Arville L. Hull Albion L. Ogee Dale E. Smith Andrea L. Broyles Charles M. Ellis Johnny I. Hull Phillip S. Ogee Jr. Jesse A. Smith Sr. Everett D. Brunt John E. Feliciano Davina C. Hyers John B. Olsen Robert G. Smits David A. Burnett Sharold N. Ferris John Immenshuh Randall W. Olsen Richard D. Soelter Leo Burnett Jr. James B. Fisher Je‘ rey D. Johnson Wilbur C. Osborne Michael D. Stone Stephen R. Burnett Jerry L. Fitzgerald Larry S. Johnson Donnie R. Owens Brenda J. Tamashiro Joseph H. Burns Mary J. Foster (Spaulding) Frank Kennedy John R. Paine Jerry L. Tarter Tilden J. Byler Michael D. Fox Mark W. Ketterman Gary D. Pambogo Elton B. Tinney Michael D. Cavender Christina D. Franklin William G. Ketterman Cloyd D. Parrish Jack R. Tipton Mary-Ellen Clinton (Vieux) Murray S. Frapp Charles B. Kimes David J. Parr Joshua Tipton Eugene Albert Coder Russell W. Frizzell James T. Kirk Kenneth W. Paslay Clarence J. Trousdale Adam B. Coe James M. Gardom Darrin D. Lambert Vernon D. Peery Joseph C. Trousdale Michael E. Conner Jr. Horace D. Gillespie Charles E. Lamirand Stephen C. Penniston Tommy Upton

The Hownikan is published by the Citizen Potawatomi Nation and is Hownikan mailed free to enrolled Tribal members. Subscriptions for nonmembers 1601 S. Gordon Cooper Drive, Shawnee, Oklahoma are $10 a year in the United States and $12 in foreign countries. The Hownikan is a member of the Native American Journalists Association. CPN Executive Committee Reprint permission is granted with publication credit to the Hownikan. Tribal Chairman: John “Rocky” Barrett Vice-Chairman: Linda Capps Editorials/letters are subject to editing and must contain a traceable address. Secretary/Treasurer: D. Wayne Trousdale All correspondence should be directed to Hownikan, Editorial staff 1601 S. Gordon Cooper Drive, Shawnee, OK 74801 Editor: Jennifer Bell Page/graphic designer: Trey DeLonais Questions: [email protected] or 800-880-9880 Editor: John VanPool Graphic designer: Emily Guleserian Writer: Mary Belle Zook Address changes should be sent to Tribal Rolls, Writer: Paige Willett Photographer: Garett Fisbeck Writer: Lenzy Krehbiel-Burton Submissions coordinator: Mindee Duffell 1601 S. Gordon Cooper Drive, Shawnee, OK 74801 8 FEBRUARY 2021 HOWNIKAN Dating violence education means more than healthy relationships February is Teen Dating Violence and 1 in 15 male high school students Awareness Month, and bringing the reported experiencing physical dating issues that often remain in the dark violence in the last year, possibly into the light provides the opportunity leading to depression, anxiety and to stop cycles of harm. Citizen other unhealthy behaviors. Without Potawatomi Nation House of Hope education, physical and emotional Prevention Specialist Kayla Woody abuse can span generations. believes education is the best tool. “It continues because young people are “We as a society have normalized it,” she brought up in these abusive homes. They said. “We have got to get the information tend to see this abuse as normalized. out there to our communities. We’ve So when they start dating at a young got to get it out there to our parents, age, they tend to think that physical to our teens, our teachers, youth violence, emotional violence, sexual pastors and community leaders so violence, is what is normal,” she said. they can start showing our children what healthy relationships look like.” CPN’s House of Hope domestic violence program works to start a new cycle Woody teaches and reminds of healthy relationships and positivity people, including youth, that for teens by holding events with the not all abuse is physical. Community Renewal of Pottawatomie County. The programs focus on how “We see a lot of physical violence in to spot warning signs and good traits, teen dating relationships, but we also successfully and safely end a relationship see emotional violence,” she said. “We as well as approach a friend or loved see a lot of manipulation. As far as one who is in a bad relationship. financial violence, (perpetrators are) telling (the victims) what they can “It’s hard to leave that relationship when do, what they can buy, where they it started off so well, and it went so well can go eat at, who they can hang out for so long, and then it just slowly turned with. There is such a wide variety when bad,” Woody said. “I kind of look at it it comes to abuse, even with teens.” as a frog in hot water. If you turn the heat on slowly, the frog will stay there.” The cycle Some of the “red flags” the HOH focuses According to the National Domestic on include control, manipulation, physical Violence Hotline, 1.5 million high school harm, cheating, a short temper and students nationwide reported physical constant contact to the point of stalking. violence in their relationship in the past 12 “Green flags” include open dialogue about months. Women ages 16 to 24 have the feelings, respect of both bodily autonomy highest rate of intimate partner violence and opinions, trust and equality. in the United States, according to Woody. “We want to catch those kids when “Those are really those crucial ages they’re young, teach them those skills, where it’s beginning to start, around those signs so that the cycle really 16 years old, so we really want to try stops with them,” Woody said. to focus on the teens, teaching them about healthy relationships, showing LoveIsRespect.org is a project of the them those red flags. Showing them National Domestic Violence Hotline those green flags as well,” she said. aimed at ages 13 to 26. It offers a safety hotline and online chat platform Providing examples of healthy to talk with advocates. StrongHearts relationships and having educational Native Helpline is a confidential, conversations about dating at an early easy-to-use resource on the web at age prepares youths for a partner strongheartshelpline.org and on Facebook, and to spot problematic behavior. is explaining that to them,” Woody it’s OK to do this, it’s OK to do that,’ Twitter and Instagram @strongheartsdv. said. “They’re just kind of having to and they don’t know any better.” “They don’t really know what to expect figure it out on their own. So, when Find House of Hope and its resources if they are not sat down with a trusted they get into a heavy relationship, and According to the Centers for Disease at cpnhouseofhope.com and on adult, like a parent or guardian, who they have a partner telling them, ‘Oh, Control and Prevention, 1 in 11 female Facebook at @cpnhouseofhope. Language update

By Justin Neely, Language Potawatomi Gifts: Wedasewen, Bravery; Make sure to check out our many Department Director Edbesendowen, Humility; Debanawen, resources available. We have a video Love; Wdetanmowen, Respect; and we that describes some of the many tools Bozho jayék just finished Gwekwadzewen, Honesty. available for learning the language such (Hello everyone), Order them online at cpn.news/posters. as our online dictionary, online self-paced classes, Quizlet, and Memrise program. It’s been an active time in the language We also just wrapped up our first Check out this promo video to see department. If you haven’t already semester of high school classes. This year, what’s available: cpn.news/langpromo. checked out our two YouTube channels we are offering the language in Maud, — one for kids and one geared toward Wanette, Shawnee and Tecumseh. We We are going to be adding to and adults — check them out. Also, we share hope to partner with more districts in updating our 9,500-word online a lot of content on our Potawatomi the coming months. We are able to offer dictionary in the coming months. We language Facebook page, cpn.news/langfb. the language anywhere in Oklahoma, will be adding additional videos and audio files. Our IT department, which Kids channel: cpn.news/JN and it counts toward a student’s high school graduation credit for language. created our dictionary, is going to be Adult-geared channel: cpn.news/langyt adding some cool features such as a We are still going to be doing our annual game that will quiz you on various words, We just wrapped up another Popeye winter storytelling event on Friday, Feb. adding a fun element to the dictionary. cartoon that is about 20 minutes 26. The stories will be pre-recorded and long. We also are wrapping up a available on that date. We will put them The IT department along with Tribal number of video books that have been on our YouTube channel and include passed. Traditionally, we only tell certain archives is finishing adding audio to really popular. Our staff is working links in our Facebook group as well as stories in the wintertime, preferably the language kiosk on the Cultural hard on a new project to develop a the Tribe’s website. We are planning on when there is snow on the ground. We Heritage Center’s floor, so now series of books for Level 1 and Level each staff member telling two stories believe that in the wintertime the spirits visitors will be able to hear the words 2 readers. We also now have some of and plan to have 10-12 stories. We and the earth are asleep. The snow when they tap on the kiosk. our 7 Grandfathers posters available in will remove the stories once winter has covering the earth is like a blanket. HOWNIKAN FEBRUARY 2021 9 Remembering the 1887 Dawes Act’s impact

Feb. 8, 2021, marks 134 years since Native Americans individual plots of “The Organic Act of 1890 set up President Grover Cleveland signed The land to then open the remaining acres this whole concept of non-Natives Dawes General Allotment Act. This for non-Native settlement. However, moving in and that it wasn’t going to policy divided tribal land into individual within a few short years after signing be this ‘Indian Territory’ that we were holdings, and it included provisions the treaty, a great number of Tribal fighting for,” Dr. Mosteller explained. for opening the leftover plots to non- members soon found themselves Native settlement. As a result, tribes landless due to the federal government’s Land runs began in 1889. Hopeful across the United States lost 62 percent refusal to fulfill agreements. landowners lined up to stake their claim of their land, or approximately 86 to the un-allotted reservation properties. million acres, which included large Through the Treaty of 1867, many The Citizen Potawatomi and many swaths of the Citizen Potawatomi Citizen Potawatomi members that other tribes witnessed large portions reservation in present-day Oklahoma. still possessed their properties sold of their reservations officially change them to purchase a new reservation in possession within a matter of hours. “It served the larger purpose because the present-day Oklahoma. In 1872, the larger purpose was twofold: to make Tribe went through another round “The Dawes Act solidified once again us more like white people or destroy us of allotments on the new reservation. the distrust that has settled in about and get large amounts of land out of Although some Citizen Potawatomi dealing with the government. Every Native control and into the hands of received plots of land in 1872, the time the government comes in and individual, non-Native citizens,” said Nation owned the surplus acres. asks for something, there is always Dr. Kelli Mosteller, Citizen Potawatomi that ulterior motive,” she said. Nation Cultural Heritage Center director. “By 1887, this was our third allotment for the Citizen Potawatomi,” Dr. “But also, I think another impact it had Mosteller explained. “We had done While the Dawes Act did not impact on us was the whole concept of ‘what this. We knew what we were getting every tribe in the United States, it doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.’ into, but with the Dawes Act, there Learn about Citizen Potawatomi allotments affected a tremendous number of It made us very tough, and all of the was nothing we could do.” through the 1887 Dawes Act by visiting Native Nations within the central the Cultural Heritage Center in-person things we went through before this Plains region, including most that call The 1861 and 1872 allotment processes or online at potawatomiheritage.com. was building toward this moment.” Oklahoma home. Settlers wished to provided opportunities for the Citizen hold property and establish farming Potawatomi to voice their concerns to Dawes Act was brought here to make Tribal members used past experience and ranching enterprises on the the federal government, but the Dawes that possible,” Dr. Mosteller said. to work with the federal government fertile lands between the Rocky and Act did not. Approximately 1,600 to receive as much money as possible Appalachian Mountain ranges. The After the Dawes Act, the Citizen from the surplus, or unassigned, Citizen Potawatomi received plots of Potawatomi owned only one-third of Dawes Act provided the groundwork land through the 1887 legislation. land. Although the returns were still needed to meet these requests and the original reservation its members far below actual value, the Citizen encouraged agricultural development. “It was not a panacea — a cure- purchased outright through the Treaty Potawatomi never stopped fighting all — for the ‘Indian problems’ that of 1867. The federal government for the Nation’s sovereignty. Through the act, Citizen Potawatomi the federal government touted it to deemed the remaining two-thirds received allotments based upon age be, and they absolutely knew that,” surplus land that non-Native settlers “They had to bear down and make and family standing: 160 acres for Dr. Mosteller said. “They argued that eventually had a chance at owning. the best out of an often not only bad heads of households, 80 for unwed this would make life better for Native situation but an uncertain situation — adults and 40 for those under 18. The people, but they knew that was very Three years after the Dawes Act, the an uncertain future. There was a lot of Potawatomi reservation included likely not going to be the case.” Organic Act of 1890 opened up resilience and that spirit of ‘push on to portions of present-day Pottawatomie, “Unassigned Lands” and established the next day.’ … A lot of people refer Cleveland and Oklahoma counties, and Oklahoma statehood boundaries for the formation of to it as a ‘pioneer spirit,’ but I think many Tribal members chose plots in the Oklahoma Territory, which included more accurately, it’s a spirit of people southern and northern-most portions Although originally touted as Indian almost all of present-day Lincoln, Payne, Territory — lands set aside for only who understand that they don’t know of the 900-square-mile reservation. Logan, Oklahoma, Canadian, Cleveland, Native Nations for as long as the grass what tomorrow brings and to make the Kingfisher and Pottawatomie counties. Not the first “rodeo” grew and the water flowed —the most of today,” Dr. Mosteller said. It also opened up the panhandle — Dawes Act laid the groundwork for The Dawes Act was not the Nation’s Oklahoma to become an official state. known as the Public Land Strip or Learn more about The Dawes Act and initial experience with the allotment No Man’s Land — and the Kiowa- its impact on the CPN by visiting the process. The Treaty of 1861 served “Opening up land in Oklahoma for Comanche-Apache, Cheyenne-Arapaho, Cultural Heritage Center’s gallery Indian as one of the federal government’s non-Native settlement and the Dawes Osage, Otoe, Kaw, Ponca, Pawnee Territory: A Place to Call Our Own or earliest experiments with providing Act were happening in tandem. The and Wichita-Caddo reservations. online at potawatomiheritage.com.

Haaland continued... Haaland’s nomination financial The importance of savings disclosure forms indicate a background humbler than many of By Payton Moody arises. In today’s society, mishaps have a deeper understanding of the her contemporaries in Washington First National Bank & Trust Co. and emergencies are inevitable. Be way federal initiatives impact Tribal D.C.’s halls of power. According to prepared with a savings account. citizens and Tribal governments. Politico, while cabinet officials are Do you ever come up short on cash or bills often among the richest 1 percent of when you need it the most? One route Each month, a portion of your “Rep. Haaland is not only a historic pick Americans, Haaland is a mold breaker to financial stability is a savings account. paycheck can be put into your — she is the right pick for this position.” in another way. She does not have savings account — even an a checking account with more than Since we were old enough to open our first amount as little as $10. A different background bank account, our parents, grandparents $5,000 and carries between $15,001 and various family members have harped At First National Bank & Trust Co., and $50,000 in student loan debt. Haaland was raised in Pueblo Laguna, She also has no income beyond her on the subject of a savings account. They we are here to make sure you are never located about 50 miles west of told us 10 percent of our paycheck left unprepared. With our friendly and $174,000 congressional salary and $175 Albuquerque, New Mexico. Like many in annual payments from her tribe. each month should go into our savings, welcoming staff, opening a savings tribal lands rich in mineral deposits just in case something went wrong. account is quick and easy, not to tied to uranium mining, Pueblo In an interview with Roll Call in 2019, mention a necessity for everyone. There Laguna is located near the Jackpile- Haaland recalled struggling to afford Little did we know, they is no such thing as starting too early. were actually correct. Paguate Uranium Mine superfund site. housing and holiday meals as a single Come open your savings account The high rates of cancer and health care mother. Her difficulties qualifying for For example, you go to get in your car with us today, and be prepared issues tied to sites like it throughout government assistance programs and in the morning for work, and it doesn’t for life’s many surprises. the southwest influenced Haaland’s accruing student debt drove her to want start. You don’t have any savings, and view on environmental stewardship. to improve the livelihood of others. all the money in your bank account is The First National Bank and In 2016, she traveled to the Standing Many in Indian Country hope going toward upcoming bills. You are Trust Co. is here to help. Rock, where tribal and environmental late for work, which is also losing money. that Haaland can represent the activists set up camps to protest the This is a prime situation when a savings Find us on the web at fnbokla.bank experiences many Americans far account is an excellent thing to have. and on social media at facebook.com/ Dakota Access Pipeline’s path through outside the beltway endure while FNBoklahoma. Reach our Shawnee Sioux territory in South Dakota. She shaping policy in Washington. It can prove to be a vital tool when an home office at 405-275-8830. stayed at the camp for nearly a week, emergency or unexpected payment helping cook and feed the protestors. 10 FEBRUARY 2021 HOWNIKAN Melott descendant’s Legal Aid Society training teaches the intricacies of ICWA Noticing the lack of materials available should actually do this as a training “This is a way — and has been a really regarding the Indian Child Welfare Act, and develop it more,’’’ he said. positive experience for me — to be able Citizen Potawatomi Nation tribal member to show this part of my heritage and Omar Rana set out to make a change. Rana served as the keynote for Legal show that I’m really proud of it,” he said. He crafted an educational presentation Aid’s meeting during November as on ICWA in fall 2020 that eventually a part of Native American Heritage Future became an official continuing education month, and has since led three separate continuing education courses. Due to The U.S. court system has the ability to program for his fellow colleagues at the overturn ICWA, but Rana said everyone Legal Aid Society of New York City. the coronavirus, the virtual sessions have provided an opportunity for more people can make a difference by voting for elected officials and judges that support As a staff attorney at the organization, to attend than might have otherwise. Rana represents children in the court the federal law. Additionally, he wants systems. After taking the job, he realized “It’s gotten really positive feedback, and lawyers and others working in child the nonprofit had limited knowledge I’m glad. I feel like I’ve helped fix an welfare to utilize the resources provided available for its workforce regarding issue that we’ve had because I think it through the Bureau of Indian Affairs Native American children and ICWA. He was a really big problem that we didn’t that list the best contacts for each tribe. believes the protections provided through have a training for ICWA,” Rana said. Find the database at cpn.news/biaicwa. ICWA “is important to the survival of Inspiration “One thing I try to impress upon in so many Indigenous communities.” my training is when you say call the office of the chief of the Cherokee According to the U.S. Office of Indian Rana grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Nation about an ICWA-indicated Services, “The purpose of the Indian has both Pakistani and Potawatomi Omar Rana leads an educational case … it would be like if you called Child Welfare Act (ICWA) is ‘ …to heritage. He felt studying law could session during Native American the governor of Alaska and you were protect the best interest of Indian help lend a voice and uplift fellow Heritage month. (Photo provided) asking about this one person who could Children and to promote the stability South Asians and Native Americans be a citizen of that state,” Rana said. and security of Indian tribes and families trying to break our culture,” Rana as well as other minorities. by the establishment of minimum said. “Our culture is very alive and “I always had an interest in politics, When a Native American child enters Federal standards for the removal of very well, and this is something that is and … this is something I could the welfare system, ICWA requires Indian children and placement of such protecting it for future generations. have talents in but also something I reaching out to the Native Nation children in homes which will reflect could be achieving the goal of helping from which they belong. Utilizing the the unique values of Indian culture.’” “It’s is a safeguard for not only children other marginalized people,” he said. BIA’s database saves precious time by to be connected to their culture increasing the likelihood of reaching Before 1978, removing Native children and be proud of who they are but the correct individual(s) within tribes. from their families and placing Before attending Rutgers University’s also for tribal sovereignty and the law program, Rana studied at Kansas them within non-Native homes was Although ICWA establishes a foundation legitimacy of the tribal system.” University and participated in the commonplace and served as a form of for protecting Native American children institution’s partnership with Haskell forced assimilation. ICWA sets standards When an ICWA-indicated case came from forced assimilation through the Indian Nations University. Through this for states to work with tribes when Native across Rana’s desk, he researched child welfare system, he said a tremendous American children become involved in resources within his organization to experience, he became more acquainted amount of work lies ahead given the over- child abuse, neglect and adoption cases. provide guidance. After utilizing all with his Native American heritage. Living representation of Native American chil- It also encourages the placement of these internal materials tied to ICWA, he in the New York metropolitan area, Rana dren in foster care. Rana hopes by educat- children with tribal foster families. began looking externally to learn as has a sense of connection to his South ing others, he’s helping provide solutions much as possible, and he compiled his Asian background, but he felt like it that will continue to move efforts forward. “ICWA is so important in the fact findings to pass onto to his colleagues. has become harder to remain associated that it’s helping preserve our culture with his Potawatomi roots. The training Find more information on The and its helping (overturn) centuries “I wanted to start by doing a presentation, assists with building a bridge between Legal Aid Society – New York of degradation and centuries of but then my supervisors were like, ‘You his Indigeneity and career as a lawyer. City, visit legalaidnyc.org. CPN celebrates 25th anniversary of name change In February 1996, Citizen Potawatomi “We are a tribal Nation that signs treaties A three-person election board made from across the United States cast and agreements as a sovereign with the up of Shawnee Area Bureau of Indian their votes during a special secretarial United States government. To be called Affairs Supervisor Robert W. Jones, Joe election to reflect the Tribe’s sovereignty a ‘band’ is an insult to the hard work LaReau and Tribal Vice-Chairman as a tribal nation by officially changing and dedication of the many people Linda Capps counted the ballots, its name from the Citizen Band over the last 130 years who have put and the local BIA agency posted the Potawatomi Tribe of Oklahoma to a part of their lives into making us a results before forwarding to officials at the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. tribal Nation. … We must retain the Washington D.C. for final approval. unique aspect of our history in our The U.S. Secretary of the Interior name ‘Citizen Potawatomi’ as the first More than 1,500 were in favor authorized the special election, which Tribe to take U.S. citizenship. That of the name change, and 1,813 differed from the Nation’s annual we are a ‘nation’ there is no doubt.” approved removing age restrictions election because members voted to on scholarship funds. revise the Tribal constitution with Merriam-Webster dictionary two separate amendments. First defines nation as “a tribe of Native CPN’s seal prior to 1996 featured a included the name change. Americans or a group of Native black circle and included the words American tribes that share the same Standardized in 2003, the CPN seal “Great Seal of the Citizen Band of CPN Tribal Chairman John “Rocky” reflects the Tribe’s efforts to receive history, traditions or language.” Potawatomi Indians of Oklahoma.” Barrett wrote in his January 1996 recognition as a sovereign tribal nation Hownikan column, “The first issue Chairman Barrett’s column continued, and continue its culture, heritage and After the renaming, a new seal was is very basic: correct the name given “That describes us exactly. That is why we traditions for generations to come. created with colored pencil, pen our Tribe by the War Department in are asking you to vote for this change.” and ink by hand. Designers crafted particularly concerned about middle- 1867 when we split from the Prairie a digital version, which became the Potawatomi and came to Oklahoma. The second constitutional amendment class students who aren’t eligible official symbol of CPN in 2003 and is When a group of Indians split off from of the secretarial election decided for Pell Grants.” Changing the still in use today. It serves to visually the main group and have no organized whether all members could apply for constitution would allow more students represent the Nation’s sovereignty and government, the U.S. Government Tribal scholarships, regardless of age. to receive educational assistance. strong, rich history and culture that calls them a ‘band.’ The word used to According to an article published in will continue for generations to come. Out of the 13,969 mailing notices mean ‘renegade’ in common usage.” the February 1996 Hownikan, “While there aren’t enough funds to award sent to members, approximately Learn more about the Citizen Chairman Barrett noted that the Citizen all eligible applicants money, the 4,000 Potawatomi returned their Potawatomi Nation and read Potawatomi were and never will be Business Committee said at their registration forms to become eligible previous versions of the Hownikan a group of unorganized deserters. November meeting that they are to vote in the special election. at potawatomi.org. HOWNIKAN FEBRUARY 2021 11 Cultural Heritage Center develops traditional Potawatomi games into online experiences Since time immemorial, Potawatomi involves gambling and is similar to the have come together to build community shell game with a hider and seeker. Two through traditional games such as teams sit opposite of each other and hide zhoshke’nayabo (snow snake), gwzege’wen bullets under moccasins. The object is (bowl and dice) and mamkeznéwen to distract and deceive the other side (moccasin). The Citizen Potawatomi from guessing the correct moccasin. Nation’s Cultural Heritage Center Only women played gwzege’wen at one plans to release these games spring time, using a wood bowl and eight dice. 2021 on a free, online format. Six are painted, thin discs, and two are small, carved animals that represents the “The goal was to provide our members gwzege’wen owner’s dodem (clan). Players and visitors with a realistic virtual and use the bowl to flip the dice, earning cultural experience that creates a personal points based upon how the pieces land. link from past to present. The various elements presented in this updated To help preserve some of the games’ platform, from cultural lessons and intricacies, Barfield intertwined gameplay to interacting with a period deception that is common while appropriate landscape, all enhance the playing in their traditional format. educational value of the new program,” Citizen Potawatomi Nation tribal members can soon learn about said Blake Norton, CHC curator. their culture and customs through three digital online games. “If you move over a certain moccasin to find the bullet or the ball underneath, CPN Information Technology the character’s face will change. They Department staff member Nathan them to the online gaming platform through it and actually solving the might look sad or they might look Hawkins, CHC Studio Manager Shawn STEAM and within the gallery itself. problem right then and there.” happy, and that’s kind of a tell. You Barfield and Norton began developing “We feel that they were a success but Moyer helped develop the character don’t know for sure if that tell is fake zhoshke’nayabo digital concepts for (snow didn’t provide a true virtual experience models, and Barfield focused on overall or a real showing, so there is some snake), gwzege’wen (bowl and dice) and psychology involved,” he said. for our members,” Norton said. design and other 3D models while mamkeznéwen (moccasin) in 2017. They “Understanding our technical limitations Scarbrough programmed. Rather worked together to create an interactive Incorporating layered elements also at that time, we knew we wanted to than meeting in-person, the trio display for visitors to learn about helps provide the most authentic readdress our original goals for the games brainstormed and worked over the traditional games within the CHC’s user experience possible. at a future date and exceed them with a phone and video chat platforms. gallery, Gete Neshnabek Zhechgéwn. “Music has always been a big part of Wanting to expand access and finesse the 2.0 version. That is what we have done.” “Video games are like films in which gaming and emotionally convincing graphic experience, they plan to release Creation process you basically hire an army to take the enemy that you’re strong, so that care of all the little tidbits required to was an interesting thing for me to Barfield headed the project, working with create a world,” Barfield said. “So with think about — that music can play a two Oklahoma-based industry experts, just three of us … I’m pretty proud of big part in deceiving the opponent or Dano Scarbrough and Dan Moyer. what we’ve accomplished visually.” discouraging the opponent,” Barfield said. They took the initial games developed for the CHC and crafted the highest The Potawatomi homelands of the Great This project furthers the Cultural quality graphic experience possible. Lakes region often have long, bitter cold Heritage Center’s mission to winters. Several of the competitions connect the Citizen Potawatomi to “The original one was just a drawing,” featured are traditionally played during their history and culture through Barfield explained. “So it serves the this season as a way to remain connected. fun, educational platforms. function, but this is now a full, 3D game that you might see on your “We had to make this decision: OK, “These games allow the user(s) to step phone or on a home console.” this is a big game that can take hours back in time and really feel what it if you want it to, how do we make it is like to engage in these important Launching the updates required a two-minute experience? It’s a weird social gatherings,” Norton said. overcoming many obstacles, including a mix to try and retain that community small team and the coronavirus pandemic. feel in a timely manner,” he explained. The Cultural Heritage Center plans to release the games online as well “I think just not being able to get so Gameplay as within its gallery Gete Neshnabek hands-on with the developers during Zhechgéwn spring 2021. For more COVID has been probably the Zhoshke’nayabo includes throwing a stick information on the CHC and its High-quality graphics and incorporating biggest challenge,” Barfield said. “It’s down a snow-packed passageway to see educational programming, visit traditional elements help maintain so easy to forget steps during calls who can launch it the furthest. Once potawatomiheritage.com. key aspects of in-person play. versus sitting down and working exclusive to men, mamkeznéwen usually A rising tide lifts all boats

By John “Rocky” Barrett, even as revenues dried up. In fact, job of our CARES Act funds directly to CARES Act funds to purchase the Tribal Chairman numbers grew for some tribal employers. our members for a myriad of uses, ultra-cold storage equipment necessary Many unemployed Oklahomans outside including online education, eviction to house the Pfizer vaccines. We are In recent years, tribal governments the major metropolitan areas found prevention and income loss. housing these cold storage units for across this state have developed jobs and health insurance thanks to our own Tribal health services but also sophisticated operations from once- their new status as tribal employees. The public health work of Indian for our partners at the county health modest organizations. Whether it’s nations will help propel our state department and Indian Health Service. employing tens of thousands of The 38 federally recognized tribes in toward the end of this pandemic. Tribal Oklahomans, providing law enforcement Oklahoma received funding as part of providers are rolling out concurrent Too often in Oklahoma’s halls of power, in rural communities, or bringing in the federal CARES Act. Tribes used that vaccination efforts that county public tribal governments are portrayed as federal funds to pay for road paving, money to support tribal citizens as well health departments are implementing casino operations and little else. That Oklahoma’s tribal nations contribute as government operations and businesses. in rural parts of the state. could not be further from the truth. greatly to our shared communities. Almost all members are dual citizens If you look to any part of rural Oklahoma Citizen Potawatomi Nation Health The value of tribes grew even more within a tribal nation’s jurisdiction, Services administered 3,000 doses of Oklahoma and our Indian nations. evident in 2020. Native nations across you will find countless stories about of the Pfizer vaccine in less than one They are people who look out for rural the state voluntarily adhered to the how these governments used their month. This isn’t as simple as just Oklahoma because that is where their spring shutdown of non-essential resources to keep Oklahomans afloat and sticking a person with an injection. It homes and businesses are. Our employees, businesses, focusing on keeping our healthy during this challenging year. takes months of planning and millions relatives and friends may not all be tribal food distribution and public safety of dollars that wouldn’t be in the members, but what unites us is our belief operations open. Many tribes kept At Citizen Potawatomi Nation, we state without the presence of tribes. that a rising tide lifts all boats, whether in furloughed workers on the payroll, distributed more than 65 percent In Pottawatomie County, CPN used the public health or economic realm. 12 FEBRUARY 2021 HOWNIKAN Darling family history Each month leading up to June, the Hownikan will feature the history and background of each scheduled honored family selected for the 2021 Family Reunion Festival, including the Bruno, Darling, Hardin, Higbee, Lewis, Nadeau, Slavin and Smith families. The second in this series is the Darling family.

Ouilmette-Darling connections The Darling family’s Potawatomi ties began with the marriage of Elizabeth Ouilmette and Lucius (Louis) Ripley Darling. Darling was of Scottish and Irish descent and operated a ferry. He married Elizabeth on July 15, 1936. She was the daughter of Antoine, known as one of the first residents of Chicago, and Archange Chevalier Ouilmette. Archange’s mother, Chopa, was the daughter of Potawatomi warrior and headman named Naunongee from the Calumet River Potawatomi. Chopa is related to other famous Potawatomi leaders through marriage including Nuscotomeg (Mad Sturgeon), Wabinewa (White Sturgeon) and Main Poc. Chopa married Francois Chevalier, and the Chevalier family Elizabeth Willmette and Lucis Ripley Darling held a reputation as one of the main French-Canadian fur trading families The Weekly Wisconsin newspaper in The Treaty of 1861 was not successful according to family records, due to the in St. Joseph, Michigan, in the 1700s. Milwaukee, Wisconsin, published on for many Citizen Potawatomi. The fact that Fannie never officially divorced July 21, 1836, “In this Town on Friday government refused to uphold all the her husband prior to Francis L, some Antoine built a home near the Chicago morning last by rev. S. W. Beardsley, Mr. provision’s agreements, and numerous never legally recognized the marriage. River, and because of Archange’s Lucius R. Darling, of Racine, to Miss members lost their lands. The Tribe Potawatomi heritage, they did not flee Elizabeth Ouilmette of this place.” decided to sign another treaty in Eliza Mariah married William Henry during the Battle of Fort Dearborn in 1867 with the federal government Smith and had five children: William 1812. They protected William Wells’ He removed to Council Bluffs, Iowa, that allowed Citizen Potawatomi to Elsworth, Alice May, George B., Fedrick daughter Margaret Helm as the conflict with Elizabeth in 1837 and joined sell land in Kansas to purchase a new W. and John William. Through her ensued by hiding her under a feather Waubansee’s Potawatomi band, serving reservation in present-day Oklahoma. second marriage to Daniel A Bressman, bed. Wells and approximately 30 Miami as a trader. Their son William was she had one child, Daniel Oliver. warriors traveled from Ft. Wayne, Indiana, baptized there on June 9, 1838. They Indian Territory to present-day Chicago to assist Ft. had thirteen children total: William, Although Louis Oliver lived in Hoyt, Dearborn residents as they left the garrison. Francis L., Eliza, Lucius, Louis Oliver, In 1872, an initial set of families Kansas, he received an allotment One year later, the Ouilmettes had a girl, Charles Nathan, and the remaining made their way to the new reservation. near Macomb, Oklahoma, in 1887. Elizabeth, who was one of eight children. children died while infants. Later that same year, a second group He and his wife Maggie had seven of families traveled from Kansas to children: Frances, Anna, Louis O. Jr., Elizabeth first married Michael P. Arrival in Kansas present-day Oklahoma, including George, Ernest, Louisa and Lucius. Welch on May 11, 1830, and they the some of the Darlings. Lucius and had two children: Catherine Welch The Treaty of 1846 required all the While most of Elizabeth and Lucius’s Potawatomi removed west to relocate on Elizabeth’s children began crafting lives and Joseph Welch. She then married of their own on the prairies of Kansas children helped grow and establish Lucius Ripley Darling in 1836. one reservation in Kansas, and the Darling the Potawatomi connections in family made their way there in 1847. Their and Oklahoma, while others looked for new opportunities on the West Coast. Oklahoma, Charles Nathan moved children attended the Baptist Mission West, settling in Paloosa City, School for a year before a Catholic school Lucius A. Darling never married Washington. He and his wife had opened nearby in St. Marys, Kansas. and received his allotment just three children: Frank, Otis and Bina. On July 10, 1850, Lucius established north of present-day St. Louis, Oklahoma, in 1887. He passed Since the late 19th century, Darling a contract to begin operating the descendants have gone on to serve Potawatomi Nation Ferry 1.5 miles away from pneumonia in February in the military, establish businesses, from Uniontown for $650 a year. 1892 in Red Rock, Oklahoma. become talented athletes and more. Due to pressure from incoming William also never married, according The Citizen Potawatomi Nation Cultural settlers and business, the Potawatomi to his sister Eliza Bressman’s testimony, Heritage Center provides resources signed a treaty in 1861 that offered an and received an allotment in 1872 near opportunity to become U.S. citizens Highway 62 and Indian Meridian Road, to keep the Tribe’s history safe and and receive land allotments. Although east of present-day Choctaw, Oklahoma. accessible for generations to come. One Elizabeth passed away before the key way the Nation does this is through process was finalized, Lucius and their Francis L. “Frank” received his allotment the CHC’s archives. If interested in children chose to receive individual in 1887, which included 320 total assisting preservation efforts by providing plots of land and became members acres and portions of present-day Lake copies of Citizen Potawatomi family of the Citizen Potawatomi. Thunderbird State Park. He married photographs, documents and more, three different times. First was to Mary please contact the CHC at 405-878- Lucius then married Theresa Hardin Sharrai, and they had three children: 5830. Learn more about the Family and had one child who passed away Rose, Carrie and Edward. After Mary Reunion Festival at cpn.news/festival, Eliza M.Darling Smith at a young age. With his third wife, passed away, he married Jennie Baunta and find research resources online Eldridge Meloch Bressman Esther Hartwell, he had three children. and finally, Fannie Sutherland. However, at potawatomiheritage.com. HOWNIKAN FEBRUARY 2021 13 Greemore descendant studies arctic sea ice as global warming intensifies

Born and raised in North Carolina, as possible to find trends affecting Citizen Potawatomi Nation member local fish populations and benthic Jacob Pratt decided to attend the (deep sea) communities. University of Alaska Fairbanks to obtain his master’s degree in geophysics before “A lot of these things are big concerns for visiting the campus or the state. the food population, food availability up there, because subsistence hunting “I ended up packing everything I is still a large part of the Native owned into my truck,” and spent communities’ everyday life,” he said. two weeks driving across the United States and through Canada, he said. As part of a 10-year study looking at changes in the local ecosystems, Pratt He studied geology at Appalachian and other scientists frequently talk State University in North Carolina after with the Indigenous populations. His serving in the Marine Corps and living advisor views their insight into the in Japan for three years. While working area as an invaluable resource. on his bachelor’s degree, Pratt focused his research on glacial sediment in Alaska. “We like to sit down with the elders and ask them, ‘What have you seen going “It was the … biggest challenge I had on with the ice?’ or ‘Can you describe Jacob Pratt’s graduate research takes him to the northernmost points of in undergrad, and so if I was going this weird process that we’re seeing with North America to study rapidly declining sea ice. (Photo provided) to do something at that next level, I the ice?’ And sometimes, they have “What I’m using now is a method “I will write a thesis detailing the wanted it to be something that I ideas that I wouldn’t have even known that’s looks at microscale motion at interactions of bottomfast sea ice in already felt challenged in at the level I to think of. It’s due to thousands of the surface level to determine whether Arctic lagoons and the surrounding was currently working,” he said. “And years’ experience around the ice, and or not the ice is stable — bottomfast ecosystem.” Pratt said. “And so it still so, I just wanted to see what the their knowledge is endless,” Pratt said. ice — or whether it still has a dynamic craziest, harshest conditions, toughest needs to be fleshed out a little bit, but component to it, which would mean coursework — what’s it got to offer?” Working with the Inuit peoples made a lot of it comes from the ecosystem the Greemore descendant eager to learn that there’s water flowing underneath it responses. These studies will help to That desire led him to studying something more about his Potawatomi ancestry or it’s susceptible to motion by wind or understand which systems will be affected called bottomfast sea ice in Utqiagvik, the from his maternal grandfather. While changes the in-ocean current,” Pratt said. most as ice thickness and extent continue northern most city in the United States, he has spent some time in Oklahoma, to decrease at an unprecedented rate.” While remote sensing data is a located in the Alaskan Arctic. Bottomfast he hopes to attend the Family Reunion valuable tool, there still needs to be ice can grow up to 8 feet thick during Festival and visit more in the future. He gave a virtual presentation a ground component to verify lab the winter, and in shallow areas near the in December 2020 as part of the results. Part of his work includes coast, the entire water column can freeze. Running out of time annual American Geophysical Union developing easier and faster methods It gains stabilization when the ice sheet conference about his work mapping Based on current climate models, Pratt for collecting the information, freezes to the floor and anchors in place. the locations of bottomfast sea ice estimates sea ice in the arctic will see particularly ones more accessible to and its importance. Always up for “Sea ice is a valuable resource for ice-free summers by 2035 due to rising local populations. He started using a challenge, Pratt hopes to get out coastal communities along the global temperatures. That leaves less his creation last winter. The pandemic into the field one or two more times Beaufort Sea, especially,” including than two decades to study bottomfast prevented Pratt and other members before he graduates with his master’s. transportation, Pratt said. ice, if trends continue. With advances of the research team from traveling in remote sensing data, he is working back out into the field, and they lost Find the American Geophysical Union Scientists take as many ecological on new methods to identify bottomfast their data. However, the importance online at agu.org or on Facebook and environmental measurements sea ice using interferometry. of the work carries him forward. @AmericanGeophysicalUnion. Communication, routine key to healthy families

By Darian Young, Family boundaries can manifest in teaching they need help. Additionally, teaching it, and ensure you are committed Preservation Coordinator children that their body is their own, children to stand up for themselves to enforcing the boundary. Then, and if they are not comfortable giving when others attempt to disrespect or slowly begin implementing it one Appropriate boundaries promote healthy an individual a hug or kiss, then they take advantage of them can strengthen day at a time, working toward development in children and are a do not have to do so. Simultaneously, a child’s emotional boundaries. the new expectation. Model the necessity, alongside love and support. it is teaching children that same level boundary yourself as well, or model They allow children and adults to feel safe, of physical respect and consent for our Strong and healthy boundaries present a similar boundary to show that have clear expectations and know what bodies should be shown to others. We throughout an individual’s childhood as a family everyone can work is acceptable. Some boundaries are easier follow routines such as bedtime and bath typically will lead to an adult with towards the improvement. than others to develop and enforce, while time each day, which are examples that secure ones as well. That is not to say others will need updated over the course provide children security and can lessen one cannot develop healthy boundaries Strengthening your family’s of time as children grow and mature. the fear or anxiety that comes from the on their own if they were absent during communication skills will simultaneously unknown or unexpected. Boundaries childhood, but it will make it more assist you in creating healthy These invisible lines and zones mark boundaries. Carve out 10 minutes a in the form of discipline occur when difficult to establish them after one’s the direct point when something turns day to intentionally talk to each child parents consistently enforce healthy self-identity is forged in adolescence. from comfortable to uncomfortable, about their day, any issues they may consequences when rules are broken or from allowable to unallowable and Where to start if boundaries do not be having, something that has made not respected. For example, if a child is from healthy to unhealthy. Visualize already exist within your family: them happy recently, something they’re told not to do something such as throw a property line or a sports field/ looking forward to, something you as court. Typically, people know these a toy at a sibling, if the behavior repeats, • Create simple routines for your a parent could do better for your child, borders and the consequences that the guardian implements consequence children and family to follow each etc. Strengthening communication can follow crossing or breaking them. such as putting the child or toy in time day. If routines are also a new strengthen bonds and increase empathy, out instead of only threatening and then concept to your family, start small, making both creating and implementing As with physical boundaries in the world, ignoring the negative act. Emotional and choose one area or routine to steady boundaries much easier. our personal ones are likewise important. boundaries are similarly vital and can work on first such as a set bedtime Healthy boundaries should exist in begin by prioritizing communication. or curfew, or limited screen time. If you or someone you know are involved several forms within our homes. When it Encouraging communication within with the child welfare system or are comes to safety, we teach things like: we a home makes children more aware • Announce the new routine or interested in the services FireLodge cannot play in the street because of traffic, of trusted individuals to talk to when boundary through conversations Children & Family Services Family and we don’t use our hands to hurt strong feelings such as stress, anxiety, with children, and consider posting Preservation Program can provide, give others when we are angry. When it comes fear, sadness or anger bubble below the the new expectation visibly as well. us a call at 405-878-4831 or visit us to children’s bodies, healthy physical surface, or if something happens and Be clear and exact when explaining on Facebook @CPNFirelodge. 14 FEBRUARY 2021 HOWNIKAN Tribal Chairman – John “Rocky” Barrett the effort and expertise of our for two more years. In order change the filing dates by before, and Mr. Walters, who clinic management and our to follow the Tribal Code statute, but only before the was a great help to the Tribe investment in ultra-cold storage and the Constitution (Article deadline, not after the fact. during his career as a police chief equipment, we have become a 12, Section 4), Lisa Kraft is in Texas before he moved to leading distribution point for required to resign her seat as After the deadline expired, Mr. Oklahoma, the very best. When the Pfizer vaccine. As a matter a Legislator to run for Tribal Jay Laughlin filed a protest the court rules, I will follow of urgency, our frontline health Chairman. She did this by letter with the Election Committee the judge’s orders, as I must. As workers and most vulnerable dated Jan. 5, which I received that the seat was not advertised for the accusations, I have been elder populations are given on the 6th. The deadline for as being open and he couldn’t through 10 elections with my priority. I urge all of you to seek filing for election was Jan. 13. run. Of course, with Lisa Kraft Tribe. I expect some political this life-saving vaccination by waiting until just a few days maneuvering. But if you read contacting the CPN clinics. Since the Hownikan for January before the deadline to resign, something that someone says I was already going in the mail as required by law, knowing did was against the law, please The 2021 Tribal legislative and was out to the printer, the Hownikan was out, the best let me know. I welcome a trip election has exhibited some the Election Committee was that the Election Committee to the Tribal Court to see justice Bozho nikan surprises and has ended only able to put notice of her could do for notice was the done and have them repeat (Hello, my friend), up in CPN District Court seat being vacant on the Tribal website and a public posting. it under oath. I’m not old or already. This may seem a little website and publically post it The Jan. 13 filing deadline had tired, and as most of you know, want to offer my most complicated, but not so hard at the Tribal offices. One of our been posted in the Hownikan it won’t be my first rodeo. Iheartfelt condolences to to do if one follows the law, Tribal members, Andy Walters, many times, for months. Legislator Bob Whistler from which we have done and will noticed the vacancy on the Thank you for the privilege of Texas for the passing of his continue to do. If you are being Tribal website and contacted The Election Committee serving as your Tribal Chairman. beloved wife, Linda. We will Representative Bob Whistler, rejected Mr. Laughlin’s protest, told differently on the internet Migwetch all miss her and our prayers go his friend, about the vacancy on and he appealed it to Tribal or Facebook, check the facts. Call (Thank you), with Bob in his time of sorrow. the Tribal office, and seek the Jan. 8. Since five days remained Court. The outcome of that appeal is pending at the time truth. I will be glad to talk to in the filing period, Mr. John “Rocky” Barrett of writing this in late January. I hope all of you are well and you or refer you to a resource. Walters filed for election for the Keweoge Lisa Kraft and her supporters taking every precaution with remaining term of office. The (He Leads Them Home) have accused me of “packing the coronavirus pandemic. Here are the facts on the Tribal Code does not establish Tribal Chairman Our medical staff is doing District 11 legislative seat that either the Tribal Chairman the legislature.” This is baffling. a heroic job in working to election, up to today: or the independent Election There is absolutely nothing provide vaccinations for all of Committee has the legal ability I could have legally done our fellow Citizen Potawatomi Normally, the District 11 seat to extend or change the filing differently. I wish both Mr. and their spouses. Because of would not be up for election deadline. The Legislature can Laughlin, who has run for office

Vice-Chairman – Linda Capps counties and cities, more have employees quarantined. participated in a CPN election Many of you have contacted and more people are being We are in hopes that the well- to cast your vote this year. I feel the Tribe to inquire about vaccinated each day. We must known phrase “This too shall certain there are many CARES additional funding. CPN be patient, but we can surely pass” is appropriate for CPN’s funding recipients that have not Public Information Director do so after our trials in 2020. employment situation. had the opportunity to vote in Jennifer Bell and her Assistant the past. I am pleading with Director John VanPool will Our Tribe has challenges for We also have an election to look those who received funding to get the message out to our the year 2021, but we must forward to on June 26, 2021. please vote in this upcoming people as quickly as possible go forward with an attitude It is a very important one, just election. This is one way to truly if we should receive more of perseverance. Last year, the like all CPN elections of the feel connected to your Tribe. funding from Congress. Tribe was left with lost time, lost past, present and future. There Of course, all Tribal members earnings and lost opportunity. will definitely be a walk-in should vote, but it is always a It is my utmost pleasure Regardless of the setbacks, our election on that last Saturday special occasion for those who to work with you, and for Tribe has many blessings for of June, even if we do not have have not voted in the past. you, all these years as your which to be thankful. God is the Family Reunion Festival. Tribal Vice Chairman. ultimately in control, just like all Tribal members 18 years of age I want to extend a heartfelt Migwetch Bozho the previous years, which is why and older will get to cast their “thank you” to those who have (Thank you), (Hello), we have grown this great Nation vote, whether it is by absentee shown appreciation for the to what it is today. We have vote or by walk-in vote. This is CARES funding by sending Linda Capps merica has had a tough many tasks before us, including an exciting time for first-time notes through the mail, email, Segenakwe Ayear in 2020. To make it economic development, voters. I had three grandsons by calling — some even (Black Bird Woman) worse, 2021 is not starting out infrastructure improvements, who turned 18 before our texted. I am sure that most Vice-Chairman so well either. Despite the trend, acquisition expansion and last election, and they were of the recipients are thankful 405-275-3121 work I believe we are targeted to see continued quality enhancement elated to finally get to vote. for the funding. It was a true 405-650-1238 cell a decline in COVID-19 soon. of all our programs and blessing for those in need to [email protected] As COVID-19 vaccinations enterprises. We must stay I would like to encourage all receive such a wonderful gift continue to reach states, busy, even though we still Tribal members who have never during a frightening pandemic. HOWNIKAN FEBRUARY 2021 15 District 2 – Eva Marie Carney vaccinated and continue to con- duct yourselves safely, consistent with the sound recommenda- tions of nonprofit organizations such as the Johns Hopkins Cen- ter for American Indian Health, which created this helpful graphic featured in this column.

Winter storytelling With winter here, it’s time to share some of our traditional stories. You can find on evamariecarney.com the book Winter Stories that I put together Bozho nikanek in 2015 at cpn.news/emcws. If (Hello friends), you are looking for the stories while browsing my website, it’s Personal thank yous under the “Heritage” tab; if you don’t have the password for t’s important to me that I that protected part of the site, Iopen this column by publicly let me know, and I’ll give it to extending my personal thanks you. (Publishing the password to the many CPN personnel in this column would defeat its involved in distributing the purpose.) The following story CARES Act funding to our shared by a Wasauksing First people. Chi migwetch (many Nations friend is a new one to thanks) for the role each of you me. It is about one of my favorite played in this extraordinary creatures, Mshike (Turtle). She undertaking during extraordinary told me that the story is “as told One day, Turtle wanted to go they watched for Otter to come. a bit of comfort with her feet in times. I also want to thank by Mike Swan, spiritual leader on land to take a walk, but When they saw him coming, some soft mkesinen. I’ll be using everyone in Tribal Rolls for the for the Pine Point community he couldn’t run very fast so he Turtle went out on the path the pattern and instructions extraordinary efforts they put in and Native American Cultural looked around to see if any of and pretended that he didn’t put together by CPN District 2 to enrolling many new citizens Liaison for Detroit Lakes Public the other animals were there. As see Otter coming. When Otter citizen Lyle Simmons available in 2020. I am hopeful that a Schools.” Please note that he looked around, he saw Otter saw Turtle, he jumped on him at cpn.news/mocguide and second round of funding is Potawatomi teaching is that coming. So, Turtle turned around, so he could eat him, but Turtle watching the mkesinen-making forthcoming that will permit the traditional stories I’ve included crawled under a piece of bark drew his head, legs, and tail video featuring CPN citizen Nation to put additional funds that involve Nanabozho or Wiske and drew his head, legs and tail into the new shell and was safe. Lakota Pochedley created by our in the hands of those in need. (or as below Wenebojo) are told in, and Otter didn’t see him. Cultural Heritage Center as a After Otter went away, Wenebojo only in the wintertime. This refresher at cpn.news/mocs. Both COVID-19 vaccine and told Turtle that, “From is the time when the earth When Otter was gone, Turtle went of these instructional tools are personal and public back to the pond where he lived. this day forth, every Turtle also available to you anytime by safety information and the spirits are asleep. But he didn’t know that Wenebojo shall carry his shell, or house, visiting the “Heritage” portion was watching him and saw how along wherever he goes.” of my website. I am cautiously I’ve been getting notes and had he saved himself from Otter. photos from family, Tribal optimistic that I’ll be able to see many of you with your mkesinin members and friends reporting One morning Wenebojo was in Grand Entry during either that they have received the first out fishing, and he asked Turtle the last Saturday in June (Friday, of their COVID-19 vaccinations. where there were lots of fish. He June 25 to Sunday, June 27) for I’ve also been hearing from some said, “If you tell me, I’ll give the CPN Family Festival or the folks who aren’t so sure about you a sturdy house that you last week in July (Monday, July the vaccines. In addition to the can carry on your back.” Centers for Disease Control and 26 to Saturday, Aug. 7) when the Prevention website (cdc.gov), As soon as the Turtle heard this, Hannahville Indian Community hosts Potawatomi Gathering. another comprehensive source Lyle Simmons’ pucker toe he dived down to look for fish and found a lot, and then he of reliable information is the mkesinen (moccasins). D2 family meeting March 13 Urban Indian Health Institute came back and told Wenebojo website at uihi.org. There, you “Long ago, when the world was where they were. Wenebojo I will be hosting another Zoom can find fact sheets on the young, there were only two Turtles. thanked him, and got out of meeting on Saturday, March 13 Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech They didn’t have any shells or his canoe and asked Turtle to at 11 a.m. ET. Among the guests vaccines that provide important houses on their backs as we know come up on land with him. will be CPN Family History information on how and with them today. They were all soft. Specialist Czarina Thompson, There, Wenebojo found a piece whom the vaccines were tested. who will join us to discuss In the woods, the strong animals of bark and put it on Turtle’s researching our Potawatomi Please, for everyone’s protection hunt the weaker animals, and back, and got another piece lineage. I hope many of you and to help end this scourge, get Otter planned on eating Turtle. and put it on his stomach. Then, can join. The Zoom link Eva and Reva Wolf in pucker is cpn.news/d2meeting. If toe mkesinen (moccasins) prompted, the meeting during 2017 Potawatomi ID is 813 1043 6316 and Gathering at Walpole Island passcode: 951681. I will send First Nation, Canada. out the Zoom link by email to all in District 2 for whom Regalia making I have email addresses. I recently pulled out some My best to you and your leather pieces to make a pair of families for the new year, traditional mkesinin (moccasins) and migwetch for the honor for a Diné elder friend, Cathy. of representing you. Cathy has been working Kind regards and bama diligently for her community pi (until later), during the pandemic, securing PPE and cleaning supplies, and Eva Marie Carney coordinating distributions to Ojindiskwe (Blue Bird Woman) individual elders and chapter Representative, District 2 houses within the Navajo Nation. 5877 Washington Boulevard She recently lost her daughter to PO Box 5591 COVID-19. She’s put off knee Arlington, VA 22205 surgery to care for others, so I 866-961-6988 toll-free am hopeful she will get that soon. [email protected] Until then, I hope she can find evamariecarney.com 16 FEBRUARY 2021 HOWNIKAN District 3 – Bob Whistler those 63 and older. For my wife who just recently walked on, we chose to skip basic Medicare and go with a firm called Care N’ Care. They contact Medicare and have the $148.50 transferred to them for part of the cost of their monthly insurance premium. We signed up for their mid-range program, and the monthly cost to us was $55 each. For that program, our co- pay to the doctor was $10 per visit, and Care N’ Care covered the difference. For a specialist, Bozho nikanek the co-pay was $25, and Care N’ (Hello friends), Care pays the agreed to difference. The Care N’ Care plan includes Jim enters fighter aircraft. Medical insurance them covering most of the cost will tell you no there was no of prescription drugs at no fighting or that kind of anger in s a reminder, under the additional premium. This is Jim Spillman names his daughter. our home. Sometimes maybe AAffordable Care Act, as much better than the Medicare a loud voice but nothing more. Native Americans we are not plan where you pay 20 percent. Dallas area and unfortunately us to live by if we married, I give you this story because it obligated to purchase medical is very sick. I was contacted and it began as follows: worked well for me, and it is insurance if we have medical In 2020 due to my wife’s cancer by his daughter, Dr. Monique a primary reason my marriage benefit service either provided treatments for infusion and ra- At about age 5 or 6, I recall that Spillman, inquiring about him lasted so long. If you have small by our tribe or from another diation, the total annual medical my brother and I were arguing receiving a Potawatomi name. children, when they start to service that is funded by either cost was right at $300,000. Our and calling each other names. She worked with her father and argue, take them outside with Indian Health Services or out of pocket for all of that No cursing, but I wore glasses. got the completed paperwork a hammer and nails. Have another Native American tribe. expense was just under $4,500, He may have called me four to me in record time. Lt. Col. them hammer the nails into a plus the $660 for the annual eyes or something else, and I Spillman was a jet fighter pilot fence, then remove them and For those of you that will soon insurance premium. Yes, we called him something he found who served three tours of duty tell them this story. It may help be eligible for Medicare, I suggest had co-pay and some other fees unbecoming. My dad heard us in the Vietnam War. His flying them as adults when they get you look into some type of that came in around another and came out of the house with call sign in the air was Siesta angry to enable them to stop supplement to Medicare. You $2,000. Had we not been using a hammer and some nails. He (meaning “asleep” or “taking a before they say something for can start looking into Medicare Care N’ Care and but instead nap” in Spanish). He received had us accompany him to the 90 days before you turn 65. used basic Medicare, our medi- fence in the backyard. He had which they may regret and many awards during his service, need to apologize for later. Unfortunately, if you carry the cal expense liability would have including the Distinguished Fly- us hammer nails into the fence basic Medicare plan, you may been around $30,000. Care N’ ing Cross. While in his home, I and then had us remove them, As mentioned last month, I find very few primary care Care is not available throughout was able to see a photo of him and then asked us what did we am running for re-election in doctors, let alone specialists, the country or all of Texas, but getting into his jet fighter aircraft, see. I’m not sure of our reply, but June this year, and ads will be willing to accept you as a new if you live in north Texas, you plus his bright yellow helmet and he then said, “Boys, when you forthcoming next month in the patient. The reason being that may want to contact them to a display of his medals. I named live with someone, over time Hownikan. I have been honored Medicare payments to the see if you are eligible for their him Mba Ogechida or Sleeping you will find a weakness that to serve as your representative doctors are so low that they program. Their phone number Warrior. After naming Lt. Col. they have that really bothers in District 3 and would be simply won’t take you. For those is 844-469-4220, or you can go Spillman, I read the script for and hurts them. When you are proud and honored to continue that do, they tend to limit the online at cnchealthplan.com. To him to give a Potawatomi name mad at them, you will use that serving you in the future. Please number of visits by patients with find general information about to his daughter, Dr. Monique weakness. That is the hammering contact me if there are any that medical coverage, and you Medicare, go to medicare.gov Spillman. She is one of roughly of the nails into the fence. You areas involving our Nation will find yourself put on a long or call 1-800-MEDICARE. By 1,000 female doctors in the U.S. may later feel bad and apologize where I may be of assistance. waiting list. In 2021, if you are the way, if you are not eligible certified in gynecologic oncology. to them. That is pulling the nails I’m only a cell call away. on Social Security, your Medicare for Medicare and do not have She is double board certified in out of the fence. They say they deduction for basic primary an insurance plan at work, but obstetrics and gynecology. She will accept your apology, but I have had a few of you forward care will be $148.50 taken out had to get your own medical serves as a Clinical Associate inside they will never forget that me your email address. It of your Social Security benefits. insurance, Care N’ Care may Professor at several medical you used that weakness against would be appreciated if you Under basic Medicare, the so- be an option worth considering. schools, including Texas A&M them. The holes in the fence will are not getting email from me called policy calls for them to And finally, I recently spoke and Baylor University Medical be there literally forever, just as that you send me that contact pay 80 percent, and you pay 20 to the insurance broker who Center in Dallas. In addition to their memory of you using that information, that way you percent of your medical expenses. alerted us to Care N’ Care. He being Citizen Potawatomi, Dr. weakness may last their life time.” will get items that come up in Moreover, basic Medicare does advised there are three new plans Spillman is of Scottish ancestry between issues of the Hownikan. My wife and I tried to live by not cover prescription drugs. For available for everyone in Texas and a member of the Guthrie that story during our marriage. that, you need Part D, which over the age of 65. His contact clan whose motto is “Sto Pro Gwshe gweyen Yes, there were times we didn’t may run you from just a few information is Tai W. Chin. Veritate,” meaning “I stand for (A very sincere thank you), agree on something and one dollars a month to over $100 Phone numbers 888-778-9870 truth.” She exemplifies that mot- of us would leave the room, Bob Whistler per month. The medications or 817-704-3480. I hope this to where she currently chairs the and we didn’t discuss the item Bmashi (He Soars) you need will dictate which firm information helps some of you. American Medical Association again until we were calm and Representative, District 3 you should use, and you are Council on Ethical and Judicial collected. We did finally come 112 Bedford Road, Suite 116 stuck with that added premium. Namings Affairs. We named her Mshkeki- to an agreement that was Bedford, TX 76022 wkwe or Medicine Woman. While you may be a member of On Dec. 19, I had the honor satisfactory to both of us. If you 817-282-0868 office CPN, you may have a spouse of naming one of our veterans Avoid hurting others were to ask my daughters if they 817-229-6271 cell who is not, and they do not and then assisted him in nam- ever saw their parents argue 817-545-1507 home qualify for the CPN mail-order ing his daughter. Retired Lt. When I was dating my wife, I and call one another names or [email protected] prescription drug program for Col. James Spillman lives in the told her of a story I wanted throw things at each other, they [email protected] HOWNIKAN FEBRUARY 2021 17 District 4 – Jon Boursaw The following update regarding thinking about applying for; regardless of which position Tribal Rolls,” and then select Haley Brown, Dok me noj mo however, she is also considering they played. Torrey is one of the “Change of Address form” kwe, was received from her continuing her education to get four quarterbacks selected and located in the lower left corner. parents, Toby and Kourtney her Ph.D. Well done, Haley. is one of four juniors on the Print it, fill it out and mail it Brown. Haley is in her final team. For the season, he had back to tribal rolls. Point to semester at Missouri Western FYI: Missouri Western State is 3,070 yards of total offense remember: without a current State University graduate a member of the Mid-America and 55 touchdowns. Torrey is address on the tribal roll, a program pursuing a Master of Intercollegiate Athletics the son of Wendi and Terry member will not receive a ballot Applied Science in sports and Association conference along Horak. Well done, Torrey. request in the mail for the fitness management. She has with Fort Hays State University, upcoming CPN election in June. maintained a 4.0 GPA, with one Pittsburg State University, Keeping addresses updated course left to complete. Haley is Emporia State University and Finally, it has been a pleasure Washburn University. For those to serve as your legislative currently assigned to volleyball Obviously if you are reading and softball; however, due to you who may not know, Toby representative this past year, and Kourtney own the Brown this article in the Hownikan, and I am looking forward COVID-19 and the recent your mailing address with tribal departure of their head athletic Chevrolet/Buick dealership in to continuing to serve with Bozho Wamego. Remember to support rolls in Shawnee is correct. I enthusiasm. I have filed to (Hello), trainer, the staff will likely be have recently learned that spread across 14 to 16 sports CPN member-owned businesses. run again as your District 4 not all CPN members have Legislator for another term. e have all been through since MWSU is considering CPN member selected notified tribal rolls of address Wa lot over the past 12 playing all sports in the spring, to Kansas All- changes. This applies to several Migwetch months, and it doesn’t look including football. If she does State Football Team young members who have (Thank you), much better for several months get the opportunity to work with moved out on their own and to come. It is usually about baseball team, she will be the In last month’s column, I wrote have not submitted an address Jon Boursaw, this time of year when we are team’s first female grad assistant about Torrey Horak leading the update. Several of us have family Wetase Mkoh (Brave Bear) planning district meetings and athletic trainer. Kourtney said Rossville High School football relatives who have moved and Representative, District 4 scheduling naming ceremonies she is hoping The Griffon News team to a 13-0 season and the not updated their address. If 2007 SW Gage Blvd. to be held in the spring. will write an article about it, as Class 2 State Championship. you know of individuals that are Topeka, KS 66604 Unfortunately, all that is still this is a great accomplishment Just a week after submitting my not receiving the Hownikan, let 785-861-7272 office on hold. Stay safe, stay well for other women who are trying article, it was announced that them know that it is very simple 785-608-1982 cell and we will get though to break into male-dominated Torrey was named to the Topeka to do. The address change can [email protected] this together. areas. At this time, Haley is Capital-Journal 2020 All-State only be done by the individual Office hours: not 100 percent sure what Football Team. This team is involved. The individual can go 9-11 a.m. Tuesdays Another CPN her plans are after graduation. comprised of the Top 11 most online to potawatomi.org, select 3-5 p.m. Thursdays youth recognition There are a few jobs she is outstanding players in the state, “Services,” then “Citizenship/ Other times: please call

District 5 – Gene Lambert The intention is to connect to If there are others, please Native American Calling please remember that is exactly all the commonality that exists let me know as I don’t want is another podcast you what it is — an opinion. within the experiences we share. to offend anyone through a can participate with via lack of acknowledgement. calling and responding to Think of how many generations Potawatomi various subject matters. did not have the opportunity online resources Then we have Eva Marie Carney or the selection of gathering with her nonprofit The Kwek It is all so interesting and really that needed information Our language department has Society serving tribal women helps you to see the successes and entertainment. done a fabulous job of creating in this country. You may want CPN has accomplished by a lot of information about our to take a look and see if there comparison. I think it would If we do nothing else in heritage, traditions and stories is a way you could contribute. be a bit like going to other 2021, let’s have gratitude for for children. I reference it of- She too is a CPN legislator countries and seeing how they who we are, what we have, ten. If you haven’t been on that representing District 2. live to become appreciative of and appreciate the fact we page, please take a look as there what we have here in America are here for another year. is so much there. Find more Paul Wesselhöft is a legislator regardless of our shortcomings. Take the time to tell someone information at potawatomi- and a published author who Bozho you love how important they heritage.org/language. writes about his life experiences You will find unbelievable (Hello), are to you. It wouldn’t hurt growing up Native. His books participation and activities, We also have websites, to tell them why they are ow, after all the political include The Redfeather Pentalogy far too many to name. Each podcasts, Google, YouTube important to you either. turmoil, coronavirus and Eros: Penultimate Love. I podcast has their own areas W and television flooding the and life, we find ourselves believe he has won awards. of focus, so you can choose market with knowledge. As we have seen issues, situations in the month of February things most important to you. and experiences happen Native podcasts 2021. We did make it! continually and expeditiously This is not a social media YouTube and looking promotion, rather an — relish in the moment. Since we are always writing a You would be amazed at how ahead for 2021 acknowledgement of our sources. month ahead, this will be my many Native people serve Create memories you can look first article in the new year. in multi-faceted ways to YouTube is absolutely amazing back at next year with pleasure. You could spend hours, if not contribute to the growth and on Native subjects, and I days, just skipping from tribe Do things you have never done February is often thought of as betterment of our people. know once you start, you before just for the heck of it. the month to recognize loved to tribe, learning their stories, will be there for hours. information and history. ones or embrace the cherished, The Red Nation Podcast is a Contribute in some way to heartfelt emotion itself. You have good resource that covers Then we have all the another who needs help. Think The Citizen Potawatomi energy, spirit and youth. Native music available heard the saying “share the love.” Nation is there also and greatly what the world would be like on YouTube as well. if we all did that? You too have represented throughout most Search online for an article titled Love truly is what makes something to share, so don’t be mediums. You can even find How Osmosis Can Bridge The If you have been isolated, the world go around. afraid and think it’s unimportant. our museum on YouTube Digital Divide Affecting Rural checking out all the resources Sometimes we help others See there, and you thought it and a tour of what has been Tribal Lands. Their focus appears available would be a great without even knowing we are. was your bank account? Money captured within. They have to be on informing you of the project and an interesting way really does make you feel better done a beautiful job preserving less-than-average lifestyle that to spend worthwhile time. Let’s get back to the small temporarily. That doesn’t last our heritage. It would be an exists today on U.S. tribal lands. kindnesses that are an the way it does when you love opportunity to see for yourself In my opinion, this would be expression of love. someone or when someone loves if you haven’t had the chance Check out this article about nine better than Facebook given you. Just knowing they are there to visit personally. Check it Native women with podcasts at “I” cannot be trusted to keep Sending you love. for you through the good, bad out at cpn.news/YTCHC. cpn.news/9podcasts. Each one quiet. Since my last article, I Your legislator, and the ugly gives you a home in allows them to tell their stories really have been trying, but it the heart. We don’t want to test CPN legislators Bob Whistler and educate the public on is going to take a little more Eunice Imogene Lambert it by getting too ugly, by the way. and Dave Carney have also Native issues, customs and more. time. You can’t get to my age Butterfly Woman placed information you may without a few strong opinions. Representative, District 5 I would really like to take want to check out on YouTube. Continue with Player FM app, 270 E Hunt Highway, Ste 229 this time to share the love, Find Bob’s presentation at and use it to follow along with Obviously, there are others out San Tan Valley, AZ 85143 acknowledging our heritage cpn.news/D3TX and Dave’s Indigenous political programs, there with opinions as strong 480-228-6569 and all Native people. page at cpn.news/DAVECYT. social gatherings and powwows. or stronger. Just a side note: [email protected] 18 FEBRUARY 2021 HOWNIKAN District 8 – Dave Carney of heavy rains and flooding in In fact, I only got to know her at the end of June. The Haines, Alaska, a small town from interaction at the CPN candidates are not announced of less than 2,500. One of Family Festivals over the years. (as of the time I am writing our CPN District 8 members Her husband, Robert, was this); however, I do know that is still missing and presumed always super supportive and Chairman Barrett is running for to have walked on, Janae right there, enjoying activities re-election. I have a great deal Larson. Janae is an amazing and tours, like the Nation’s eagle of respect for the Chairman young woman who had just aviary. Beverly was a member and the synergy between him started teaching kindergarten of the Juneau founding family. and Vice-Chairman Capps that at Haines Elementary School. have gotten us the amazing Whenever possible, I am By all accounts, she is respected success we have enjoyed and staying in touch with District and thought highly of by the stability that is lacking in so 8 members, but I can only many other tribal governments. students and staff alike. Our do this if I have your contact hearts go out to her mother information — especially As always, it is my honor to Kim and her family. email. The Nation does not serve as your legislator. Bohzo nikan I learned recently that Beverly (Hello friend), Janae Larson Dave Carney Holly, a second cousin to Kagasghi (Raven) ust as it seems things may be me, and her husband, Robert, provide this information to Representative, District 8 Jgetting a bit more “normal,” were recently diagnosed with legislators, as many members 520 Lilly Road, Building 1 they just get stranger and the coronavirus. Then, very assume. I would especially Olympia, WA 98506 stranger. COVID-19 cases tragically, I was told that she like to hear from members 360-259-4027 (and deaths) continue to take walked on in her home in in Minnesota and Iowa, as I [email protected] their toll as well as what seems Topeka, Kansas, on Dec. 20. have very few connections in like general craziness around Thankfully, her husband is these states. Please email me the world. Sometimes, news making a recovery, I am told. at [email protected]. events hit close to home. Beverly was a hugger with a The status of the Family Festival On Dec. 2, there were huge heart. She loved all things Damage from landslides has not been determined; devastating landslides as a result concerning her Native heritage. in Haines, Alaska. however, there will be elections

District 9 – Paul Wesselhöft Bozho nikan Six things Native Americans should say to white people: Migwetch (Hello friend), (Thank you), 1. How much white are you? saw something the other Paul Wesselhöft Iday online, and it got me to 2. I’m part white myself, you know? Naganit (Leader) thinking. Even in Oklahoma, Representative, District 9 3. My great-great-grandmother was a full- there are a lot of people who [email protected] blooded white American princess. misunderstand what a Native [email protected] American is. In hopes of showing 4. Funny — you don’t look white. some of the strange responses I’ve received over the years when I’ve 5. Do you live in a covered wagon? told people of my Potawatomi heritage, I wanted to share 6. Hey, can I take a picture of you? revised versions that highlight the inappropriateness of these statements and questions. WALKING ON FEBRUARY 2021 19 Denise Smith Antonello one of so many to suffer from all over in the early 1960s. Once David is survived by his wife of Imogene will be greatly missed and succumb to COVID-19. out of the service, he met a 76 years, Hazel Holloway; his by friends and family alike. young lady at the local Garfalo’s children, Roy (ReNae) Holloway, Bev was born in Fort Worth, grocery store by the name Danny Holloway, Chris (Terry) A burial for Imogene was Texas, on June 23, 1952, but by of Barbara Ann Hawkinson. Bowman, and Joan (Jim) Pettit; held Nov. 11, 2020, at age 1, she was in Topeka, Kansas, In 1966, he made her his 14 grandchildren; 33 great-grand- Hillcrest Memorial Park and and lived there the rest of her wife, and together, they raised children; and his pet, Sammie. Mortuary in Bakersfield. life. She was the third child born six children and numerous Fond memories and expressions to Melvin Andrew Goodson grandchildren in their Richton He was preceded in death by of sympathy may be shared and Lillian Eileen Schwartz Park, Illinois, home, loving, his parents, Grover and Ophelia at hillcrestmemorial.com for Goodson. Bev is survived by laughing and irritating each Holloway; his siblings, Opal the Huffman/Jones families. her husband of 35 years, Robert other the whole time. Dale Holloway, Leonard Holloway, Kenneth Holly, Jr.; and three was an avid reader, bowler and Corlous Holloway, Carter siblings: brothers, Mark Edward Holloway, Bubb Spurlock, Beck was involved in his community Mary E. Prickett Goodson and his wife Susan (civil defense and charities). He Covington, Jim Holloway of Longview, Texas, and David worked as a machinist most and Bill Holloway; and his Andrew Goodson and his wife of his life for companies like daughter-in-law, Pam Holloway. Connie of Ozawkie, Kansas; Allis-Chalmers and Ardco. Arrangements are under the and sister, Amy Rose Herrick He loved cooking, going for direction of McDougal’s Denise Smith Antonello, 68, and her husband Randy of walks, dancing and watching Caldwell Funeral Chapel & of Belton, Missouri, wife of Christiansted, St. Croix, Virgin all the Chicago teams play. Gila Valley Crematory. Online the late John F. Antonello Jr., Islands. Beverly is also survived condolences may be extended lost her battle with cancer and by her large “bonus” family. To Dale is proceeded in death by at caldwellfuneralchapel.com. passed away peacefully on Dec. Bev, they were never stepchildren. a daughter, Jodi; sister, Gwen; 15, 2020, at Research Medical brothers, Mike, Jerry and Keith; Bev was a proud member of Center in Kansas City, Missouri. and parents, Lester and Dorothy. Imogene Huffman the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. Born Nov. 9, 1952, at Camp Dale is survived by his wife of 54 Her Native American name was Roberts Army base in California, years, Barbara, and their children: Wabenkwe, which means Sun she was the daughter of the Patty (Jerry) Rusthoven of Austin, Rise Woman. She was a direct late Dennis Smith and Wanda Texas; Debbie (Steve) Hillmer of descendant of three Potawatomi Mary E. (Peddicord) Smith of Kingsville, Missouri. Clyman, Wisconsin; Tina (Jerry) honored families through Solo- Lisle of Griffith, Indiana; Dena Prickett passed away on Denise graduated from Van Horn mon Juneau and Josette Vieux Lewis of Mokena, Illinois; Dean Nov. 24, 2020, after a short High School in Independence Juneau; and their son, Narcisse (Melissa) Lewis of Channahon, contest with COVID-19. in 1971. She worked at the Juneau and his wife Madeline Illinois; 11 grandkids, Justin, Municipal Auditorium in Kansas Yott Juneau. She loved every- Alicia, Katelyn, Paige, Kira, Jared, Mary was born on April 28, City until she fell in love with thing about her Native American Corey, Patience, Jacob, Stephanie 1925, and grew up on land that her husband and started a family. heritage. She was ultimately the and Samantha; great-grandkids, her great-grandmother, Mary Denise and John were married driver behind her immediate Olen, Sofie and still growing; Margaret (Bourbonnais) Dike, on April 29, 1972, and she and extended family learning siblings, Bob (Loucinda), Lester chose as her Potawatomi Tribal spent her time as a mother and to love their CPN heritage (Pat), Don, Kay, Maida, Dorothy allotment just after the Civil War. and participating in the CPN’s It’s with great sadness we homemaker until his death on (George), Cheryl, Jeannie, She graduated from Kansas April 29, 2010. She then lived annual festival and powwow Marti and Anita; and many announce the passing of and Potawatomi Gathering. our dear mother, Imogene State University and soon with her two sons and worked cousins, nieces, nephews and after married David Prickett, in the cafeteria at the Belton friends all over the country. Huffman. Imogene was born Beverly’s complete obituary an architecture student who School District. During her time Dec. 1, 1922, in the Township and a video montage are served as a medic in some of the there, she made many friends, of Bales, Pottawatomie available on the Davidson David Oliver Holloway fiercest battles of WWII. David and it made her very happy to County (McLoud), Oklahoma, Funeral Home website at Prickett saw Mary Peddicord be able to work with children. to Samuel J. and Ruby davidsonfuneral.com/obituaries. L. Bryant. Imogene was across the floor at a dance in Denise was preceded in death We will always love you Bev, 97 years old when she died college, and that was it. She was by her father, Dennis Smith of and we will see you in heaven from a stroke in Bakersfield, the one, though he had to work Kingsville; her husband, John someday. Bama pi (Until later). California, on Nov. 1, 2020. to convince her of that fact. F. Antonello Jr. of Kansas City; Mary and David began their life and her grandson, Bryer John Imogene’s father, Samuel, was together in Wamego, Kansas, O’Reilly. She is survived by Dale Richard Lewis born on Oct. 14, 1896, in living above a dry cleaning her mother, Wanda Smith of what was later known as shop. Their daughter, Mary Kingsville; her daughters, Maria Shawnee, Pottawatomie County, Sue, arrived in 1952. Work Antonello Chase of Peculiar and Oklahoma. Samuel’s mother, took them to Topeka, where Angela O’Reilly of Harrisonville; Hannah E. Cummings, was David designed several notable sons, John J. Antonello and born in Alma Township within Anthony Antonello of Belton; Wabaunsee (Potawatomi for public buildings. Over the eight grandchildren and ‘Dawn of the Day’) County, years, David also designed eight three great-grandchildren. Kansas, on Aug. 22, 1860. homes for the family that they David Oliver Holloway of built themselves. Each one was Safford passed away on Dec. 13, Imogene was predeceased by a testament to teamwork. David Beverly Holly 2020, at his home with his family her parents, Samuel and Ruby was the dreamer, and Mary at his side. He was born on April Brant; and her sisters, Lavern made sure the job got done. 10, 1927, in Ada, Oklahoma, to Whiteneck, Helen Butte, Jesse Grover C. Holloway and Ophelia Taylor and Genevieve Minshew. David retired early, and they Lambert Holloway with siblings hit the road in a succession Opal, Leonard, Corlous, Carter, She is survived by her sister, of smaller and smaller RVs, Bubb, Beck, Jim and Bill. Mary Alice Johnson; her traveling all over the United children, Gary Alley (Suzie) States, including several trips David joined the U.S. Army on of Fresno, California, Barbara to Alaska. In the 1980s, they Dale Richard Lewis — June 6, 1945, in Oklahoma City Jones of Bakersfield and landed in Washington State, Meshomes — a proud member of and served during World War Avery Huffman of Canoga where they built two houses for the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, II. He was honorably discharged Park, California; as well as themselves and one for their peacefully passed away in his in 1946 in Houston, Texas, after two grandchildren, Tiffany daughter. At 60-something, sleep Dec. 23, 2020, at the having served in Germany. On Jones (Joe) and Brian Jones Mary was climbing on rafters, age of 77. Like his grandfather Oct. 30, 1944, David married (Lisa); and great-grandchildren out-working most of the crew. Arthur Kirkwood Lewis in 1918, Hazel Emma Muck in Atoka, Juniper, Lily, Ivy, Sierra and Dale succumbed to the flu. Oklahoma, and the couple Kaila. Imogene also leaves Mary was a champion for those was blessed with four children: behind cousins, nephews and in need. She was brave and He was born April 7, 1943, in Roy, Danny, Chris and Joan. nieces that dearly loved her. strong and elegant without On Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, Chicago, Illinois, the seventh of overdoing it. She was practical Beverly Lillian (Goodson) 11 children to Lester and Doro- He was an upholsterer by Imogene was a loving, kind but always had room for art. Holly (Bev) “walked on” to thy (Guy) Lewis. At a young age, trade but enjoyed fishing, woman and mother who be with her Lord for eternity. Dale was a volunteer firefighter hunting, playing pinochle, enjoyed sewing and reading Mary has lived for the last Our hearts are broken, but we for the Homewood Acres Fire attending grandkids’ ball her Bible. Her favorite religious several years at the Potawatomi know she is no longer suffering Department, as was his father. games, birthday parties and song was Amazing Grace. Village in Rossville. She is or in pain and that she is with his Potawatomi reunion Imogene won three blankets at survived by her daughter, her Lord and her Mother, who Dale proudly served as a private powwows. He truly enjoyed various Potawatomi powwows Mary Sue Prickett, and her she sorely missed. Bev was first class in the Army, traveling being with family and friends. for being the eldest attendee. grandson, David Bowman Ross. 20 FEBRUARY 2021 WALKING ON Michael James Dockry dieting ladies) finish their the Bourbonnais Cabin, which Jane Kreeger Jane graduated from Seminole desserts. And of course, he is now part of the Citizen High School in 1975 and loved the Green Bay Packers. Potawatomi Nation’s Cultural completed an associate degree Heritage Center. He later at Seminole State College in Mike’s memorial Mass can be moved to California where he 1976. She married Dan Kreeger, viewed online at Saint Norbert graduated from South Gate her high school sweetheart, on College Parish’s Facebook page. Senior High School and attended July 26, 1975. As a lifelong Long Beach State College. resident of Seminole, Jane Scott Charles Arnett worked as an accountant for He had a successful career in IT various area businesses and for 25 years in system analysis, in the oil industry. Jane’s programming computers. children remember her as a kind and devoted mother He was a naturalist and who worked hard to provide loved all the cosmos. opportunities for her family He purchased a wall tile and encouraged them to memorial to Iva Lou Lazzelle, pursue their dreams and goals. Michael James Dockry, son Jane Kreeger was a caring his grandmother, and himself of the late Dr. Patrick Francis wife, mother, grandmother, Jane loved spending time at at the Smithsonian National Dockry and Genevieve (Doyle) daughter, sister and friend. She the lake, caring for her many Museum of the American Dockry, passed on Dec. 16, 2020, died peacefully in Oklahoma plants and small dogs, and Indian in Washington D.C. surrounded by his wife of 51 City, Oklahoma on Dec. 28, celebrating every holiday with 2020, at the age of 63. years, Eleanor Dockry, and his In his later years, Raymond lots of decorations and fanfare. two sons, Michael John Dockry truly embraced his Potawatomi Jane is survived by her mother, She was a generous person and and William Patrick Dockry. He Born Sept. 7, 1963, Scott heritage and donated his LaVonne Ware, of Seminole, a loyal friend. She spent most deeply loved his late sister, Mary Charles Arnett, age 57, regalia, which was mostly Oklahoma; sons, Kyle Kreeger of her life as a member of the Ann Harty, and brothers, Patrick cellular engineer for Verizon handmade by him, to the and Colt Kreeger along with First Free Will Baptist Church Dockry and Dennis Dockry, Wireless, passed away Dec. 9, CHC. His wishes were to have their wives and children; and one of Seminole where she enjoyed their families, and his cousins 2020. There was no visitation, sister, Teresa Dean of Seminole, volunteering and helping with and relatives. Mike was a beloved a memorial feast at a later date. and funeral services were Oklahoma. She was preceded vacation bible school. Jane spouse, brother, father and held on Dec. 14, at Smith in death by her husband of helped her husband Dan run grandfather. He was proud of Mortuary, in Derby, Kansas. John Ross Greenwalt 40 years, Danny Kreeger, and the local little league football his heritage, both as an Irishman her father Jimmy Ware. program for several years. and a member of the Citizen Scott was preceded in death Potawatomi Nation. Mike was by his parents, George and Pat Born on July 14, 1957, in The family plans to hold a descended from the Slavin Arnett. Survivors include his Seminole, Oklahoma, to celebration of life service at family, and his Potawatomi name wife, Laura; sons, Josh Arnett Jimmy and LaVonne Ware, a later date in safer times. was Nan Zhe Jewen (Reflective (Rachel), of Derby, and Ross Water), given to him by his Arnett, of Wichita; daughter, cousin, Sr. Ginger Pearl, CSJ. Amy Sacket (Dylan), of Wichita; brother, Jason Arnett (Tammie), Mike enlisted in the United of Grand Island, Nebraska; States Marine Corps Reserve and sister, Amy Hellsten (Dag), of achieved the rank of sergeant in Doniphan, Nebraska; grandsons, the early 1960s. Mike obtained Cayden and Logan; niece and his broker’s license and began nephew who called Scott “Uncle Dockry Commercial Real Dad,” Ashley Smidt (Josh) Estate. Business for Mike was and Derek Jones (Rebecca). always about relationships and doing the right thing. He was A memorial has been established devoted to his Catholic faith with the Kansas Humane and was a Norbertine Associate. Society, 3313 N. Hillside, On the afternoon of Christmas He frequently attended Mass Wichita, Kansas 67219. Day 1957 in San Diego, as well as morning and evening California, Reverend A.L. prayer at Saint Norbert Abbey. Greenwalt and Alice Greenwalt received a present they would Mike lived life in service to Randy Glenn Goodman never forget — the birth of their son John Ross Greenwalt. He is others and made everyone feel Raymond Glenn Goodman was the sixth of seven children, six comfortable and welcomed. born in Shawnee, Oklahoma, boys and one girl. In 1979, he Mike served terms as president on Sept. 4, 1941, to Thomas married the love of his life, Cathy of the local chapter of the Samuel (Buster) Goodman Lynn Close. They had three Ancient Order of Hibernians, and Hazel Lorene Weathers children: John Ross II, David distinguished president of a Goodman. He passed away Matthew and Alicia Amber. Green Bay Optimist Club, and on Dec. 18, 2020, from Having given his life to Christ at president of the Norbertine complications of COVID-19 an early age, John surrendered his Associates. He served on in Midwest City, Oklahoma. several boards, including life to preaching the good news Saint John’s Homeless Shelter He is survived by two sisters, of Jesus for a little more than and the American Indian Darla Wells and Shirley 25 years, serving seven churches Center in Green Bay. Laster. He is also survived by throughout California. On brother, Thomas Goodman. Dec. 28, 2020, John was called Mike loved people, sailing, home by his Lord and Savior. long walks and animals. He He lived his younger years in He is survived by his wife, four loved any dessert and could Shawnee and spent a lot of of five brothers, sister, his three help his friends (particularly time with his grandparents at children and eight grandchildren. Submitting CPN burial assistance through Tribal Rolls obituaries The $2,000 CPN Burial Assistance Fund is automatically available to all enrolled CPN members. You may fill out

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