Bozho nikanek
(Hello my friends),

I hope this month’s column finds you well. The dog days of summer linger but early signs of seasonal change are starting to emerge. The days are definitely getting shorter. The sun seems to be sleeping in a little and getting ready for bed earlier. Evening temperatures are comparable to late spring temperatures, but daytime highs could still reach the low 100s. Relief from the heat is a welcome change.

I failed to mention in last month’s column just how impressive Grand Entry was at this year’s Family Reunion Festival. I believe the participation rate might have been the highest I’ve ever seen. If it continues to grow, we may be looking at having to enlarge the arena. By the time everyone entered the arena, it was completely full!

Another observation was the increase in the number of people wearing regalia. Many have made their regalia a high priority for Grand Entry. Noticeably absent were shorts and flip flops! A great deal of progress has been made learning dance arena etiquette over the last few years. This is really awesome to see.

It is also noteworthy how well Judge Phil Lujan kept things moving from up in the tower as the arena announcer. Tim Tallchief has been the announcer for as long as I can remember and has always done a great job. His booming voice and style gave one the impression that he was a full-time professional arena announcer. Judge Lujan certainly had some big shoes to fill and in my humble opinion did just that. As usual arena director Coby Lehman did a great job of keeping things organized down on the arena floor.

There is a long list of people who make Family Reunion Festival so enjoyable for everyone, but I want to thank Judge Lujan, Coby Lehman and everyone that participated for helping make Grand Entry quite possibly the best it’s been thus far!

There was an article in last month’s Hownikan regarding tribal members’ current address information. In summary, except for those who may have an address on file with one of the health clinics, there are two lists maintained by the tribe: the master list and the Hownikan subscription list. If you are receiving absentee ballot requests, district meeting announcements, etc., but not the Hownikan newspaper or vice versa, then the master list and Hownikan subscription list are not in sync with each other. Or if you receive neither but may be reading my column from a family member’s copy of the Hownikan, I would strongly encourage to contact tribal rolls to update your personal information on both lists. You will need your tribal ID number when you call for identification purposes and please be sure to tell the tribal rolls contact person to update both the master list and Hownikan subscription list. Their phone number is 1-800-880-9880. The Tribal Rolls office is open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. Please remember that Oklahoma is two hours ahead of California time.

In closing, I would like to remind everyone about our gathering next month in Culver City, California. If you are planning to attend, please register soon and thank you if you already have. I’m looking forward to seeing you there.

I would also like you to know that it is my honor and that I consider it a privilege and great responsibility to serve our great Nation as your District Representative.

Wisdom from the Word: “And in the same way — by our faith — the Holy Spirit helps us with our daily problems and in our praying…” Romans 8:26 (TLB)

Migwetch
(Thank you)!

Rande K. Payne
Mnedo Gabo
Legislator District 6
31150 Road 180
Visalia, CA 93292-9585
559-999-3525 office
559-999-5411 cell
rande.payne@potawatomi.org