John “Rocky” Barrett
Tribal Chairman
Bozho, nikan, (Hello, my friend),
For over 40 years here at the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, we have made it a priority to invest in our people. Education and training are the foundation of our success, and we have worked hard to ensure that more and more Citizen Potawatomi members have access to the resources they need to build a strong future. We hope that means working here.
Our government is very large and complex, with 46 departments with directors who manage 2,308 employees. Our operating budget is $679,000,000. It is the largest business in Pottawatomie County, Oklahoma. It is vital that our employees and our elected officials have the experience, knowledge and skills necessary to successfully grow our Nation by capably managing your businesses and funds. Our Nation’s business has nearly 40,000 owners: all of you, the members of our Tribe. We never forget that here. You have entrusted us to enhance your children’s future opportunities and meet your needs as you age. We have to grow our earnings as fast as our population. And, we have to turn those earnings into efficient delivery of services through skilled jobs.
Our goal is not just to help members gain skills and degrees, but to provide them with opportunities to bring their knowledge back home and work for their Nation. When our people succeed, our Nation succeeds.
One of the ways we identify future leaders is through the Potawatomi Leadership Program (PLP). This six-week program brings young Citizen Potawatomi members to live here for a summer and learn about our government, culture and economic development firsthand. I have always said that we can hire technical experts, but we cannot hire leaders — our leaders must come from within, and it is our responsibility to prepare them. Through PLP, we give our youth the goals to shape the future of our Nation. Many past participants have returned to work for Citizen Potawatomi Nation. We hope many more will apply as we expand employment opportunity.
Education is a vital element in our success as a Tribe. Beyond leadership development, we have made it a priority to support our members in their academic pursuits. Our scholarship programs provide financial assistance for tuition and housing, helping to remove barriers that might otherwise prevent students from completing their education.
In 2024 alone, we awarded $5.7 million in scholarships, supporting 1,939 Citizen Potawatomi students. These scholarships help students pursue careers in business, healthcare, education, engineering and other fields that directly contribute to the future of our Nation. Many of these graduates bring their expertise back to serving our community, working in our health clinics, banks, businesses and government offices.
We have also focused on expanding workforce development programs, ensuring that members have access to training, career placement and job opportunities. Over the years, we have seen the number of Citizen Potawatomi members employed by the Nation steadily increase. Many of our employees began their careers through CPN-supported education and training programs, allowing them to develop skills that directly benefit our Nation.
At the same time, we recognize that our success depends on assembling the most qualified workforce possible. While we always prioritize hiring Citizen Potawatomi members first, we also regularly employ citizens of other tribes who bring valuable skills and perspectives to our Nation. There are also times when the expertise of a non-tribal member exceeds the other applicants for a given job. In those instances, we must manage your Tribal funds in the most efficient way and hire the most qualified individual to ensure the best possible outcomes for our businesses, services and government.
What matters most is that we continue to build a strong, capable workforce that is committed to the success of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. Our investment in education, training and career development has paid off, and I am proud of the many talented individuals who have chosen to dedicate their skills to our Nation. By continuing to support our members in their education and careers, we are securing a future where the Citizen Potawatomi Nation remains strong, self-sufficient and led by our own people.
When you cast your votes in this next election, please bear in mind the weight of responsibility that the person you select will have to carry. Experience and education are essential, but dedication to the job is the key element to our success.
Thank you for the opportunity to lead the Citizen Potawatomi Nation for the last 40 years. It is the honor of my life. I hope to continue to serve you.
Migwetch (Thank you),
John “Rocky” Barrett | Keweoge (He Leads Them Home) | Tribal Chairman
Linda Capps
Vice-Chairman
Bozho (Hello),
My column this month covers two different events. The first is an Inaugural Tribal Education Summit that was held at the Citizen Potawatomi Nation Cultural Heritage Center on April 3. It was hosted by CPN, the Seminole Nation, and Sac and Fox Nation. Tribal leaders representing each of the three tribes welcomed the audience to the meeting, which lasted from 9:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. The program highlighted interesting and pertinent education information. Rachel Watson, director of CPN Department of Education, and Margaret Zientek, director of Workforce and Social Services, and their staff members planned the summit.
I found the presentation on the National Indian Education Association (NIEA) for state and national levels extremely interesting. During the federal policy update, the presenter detailed each executive order that had been signed by President Trump regarding Indian Education. The one thing that went through my mind during the morning session is how Title 25 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) governs government-to-government relations with Native American tribes within the U.S. Most of the information given during the summit has a connection to the 25 CFR.
Another subject for the meeting was the Johnson-O’Malley Program. This program, authorized by the Johnson-O’Malley Act of 1934 with regulations provided in part 273 of 25 CFR, contains educational objectives to address the needs of eligible American Indian and Alaska Native students. Programs vary and may include cultural, language, academics and dropout prevention plans.
Also included in the meeting was information on the Office for Civil Rights, which enforces Title VI of the U.S. Department of Education (ED). The mandate is to ensure that recipients of financial assistance from ED comply with Title VI, which covers pre-K through grade 12 public schools. In addition, it includes charter schools, state educational agencies, local education agencies, colleges and universities, and other institutions that receive ED financial assistance.
No doubt, this meeting was the beginning for local tribes to hold tribal education summits for many years. The program was tremendously successful. There was a perfect balance of local presentations and those from national educators and professionals. The agenda allowed the day to conclude with a discussion on additional pressing issues in Indian education, which fostered final thoughts on how to move forward.
On a completely different occasion, Chairman Barrett and I attended Gene Lambert’s District 5 meeting on March 22 at the Heard Museum in Phoenix, Arizona. Gene had arranged for a great meeting with approximately 100 attendees. She always has a first-class meeting and there was no difference in this one. She had beautiful potted flower gifts at each of the 15 tables for door prizes. The food buffet was well-presented and tasted even better than it looked.
It was delightful to see the many people we knew from that district. I have known some of the Tribal members for so long that they seem like relatives. I have included a few pictures from the meeting. I must mention 8-year-old Jackson Roedl, who introduced himself to the audience in fluent Potawatomi. I have included a picture of him and Chairman Barrett. The meeting was informative, pleasant and rewarding. Gene Lambert is an esteemed legislator that has served CPN in that capacity since 2008 and served as a coordinator in the region since the late ’90s. Sadly, it was Gene’s last meeting as a representative of CPN. Gene will be retiring before the end of her elected office date. She is loved by her constituents, she is admired by her many friends and relatives, and she is respected by her co-legislators. She will be truly missed.
Thank you for allowing me to serve as your Vice-Chairman since 1990.
Linda Capps | Segenakwe (Black Bird Woman) | Vice-Chairman | Work: 405-275-3121 | Cell: 405-650-1238 | [email protected]
Eva Marie Carney
District 2
Bozho, nikanek (Hello, friends),
Note of Gratitude
There is no better way to start out a Legislative column than to thank a citizen who contributes in many ways to keeping our traditions lively and alive. I am writing today about District 2’s Lyle Simmons. Lyle wraps the eagle feathers I use and gift in family namings. He does a beautiful job of this, using fishing line! He also prepared and shared photo-illustrated instructions for making traditional pucker-toe mkesinen (moccasins). These are posted to the Heritage portion of my website, evamariecarney.com. The instructions can also be viewed here (cpn.news/moccasinguide). Lyle helps provide citizens with quality, Potawatomi-produced items intended for dance, ceremony or everyday use through raffles he manages through a private Facebook page. All proceeds from these go directly to the artist unless otherwise noted in the posting for the item. He has helped fellow Potawatomi offer lovely beadwork, ribbon skirts, rattles, hats, medicine bags and more, allowing many to support fellow Potawatomi and giving Potawatomi artists a way to highlight their work. If you would like to participate, you can ask Lyle to add you to the private Facebook group or, if you message me on Facebook, I will make that request for you.
I am grateful to Lyle for the gifts of his time and talents, year after year. Igwien (heartfelt thanks), Lyle.
Library Holdings; New Books
Periodically I write to remind folks that I maintain a collection of books on Indigenous subjects and Potawatomi history. Here is a link (cpn.news/emclibrary) to an alphabetical-by-author listing of the books; I updated it in early March 2025. The listing also is posted to my website, under “Services.”
The most recent additions are “Becoming Kin: An Indigenous Call to Unforgetting the Past and Reimagining Our Future,” by Patty Krawec; “My Heart is a Chainsaw,” a horror novel by Stephen Graham Jones; “By the Fire We Carry: The Generations-Long Fight for Justice on Native Land,” by Rebecca Nagle; and “When the Pine Needles Fall: Indigenous Acts of Resistance,” by Katsi’Tsakwas Ellen Gabriel with Sean Carleton. In March I was able to Zoom in on the conversation Ms. Gabriel had with a Columbia University Professor as part of the Shirley Greenberg Annual Lecture at the University of Ottawa, speaking about how Indigenous peoples continue to fight for the preservation of our lands, cultures and identities in a world still shaped by the lasting impacts of colonialism. I have not read her book yet — I have moved it to the top of my always-growing to-read pile.
Please give me a call or send me an email if there is a particular book on this list that you would like to borrow. I can check it out to you and mail it to you on your promise that you will return it after reading!
Condolences
One of our elders, Leroy Copeland, recently walked on. I enjoyed his kindness during several of our District 2 meetings. I am sending heartfelt condolences to his family and particularly to his daughter Sarah Copeland, a dear person. May his memory be a blessing forever. I have included a photo of the Copeland family taken during a District 2 meeting in Florida in 2011.
Upcoming Graduation or Other Good News to Share?
I appreciate getting news of graduations, weddings and other celebrations to share in this column. Please reach out to me if you are willing to share your good news. My family’s happy news is that we officially added a member in October 2024, when our son Marshall married Emily. What is your good news?
Migwetch (Thank you),
Eva Marie Carney | Ojindiskwe (Bluebird Woman) | [email protected] | [email protected] | evamariecarney.com | PO Box 5595 | Arlington, VA 22205 | Toll Free: 888-849-1484 (voicemail)
Bob Whistler
District 3
Bozho ginwa (Hello everyone),
UTA POW WOW
On March 1, I attended the annual University of Texas Arlington (UTA) powwow hosted by their Native American student body group in the Maverick Activity Center. There were well over 600 who attended, which included members of the Native American tribal citizens from various Nations throughout the U.S. This year as last year in Grand Entry they honored MMIW with a female holding a bright red dress at the rear of the color guard. A number of students at the school are members of the MMIW-TX and support local Native American community members who have relatives that have been victimized. If anyone wishes to help them, let me know and I will put you in contact with Stephen Silva-Brave. They hold regular meetings at the Texas Native Health Care facility in Dallas. This year the group that participated in Grand Entry was larger than last. I have included a photo of them.
I always enjoy this event since it keeps me in contact with the various groups and members of other Nations that I have worked with over the years, along with seeing members of our own Nation. I had the fortune to visit with Donna Coffee and her family, Susanne Zunker and her husband, along with Laura Badonski. The next scheduled powwow in this area is on April 5, which is the same date as our planned District 3 meeting at Texas Motor Speedway. So, I won’t be attending the Indigenous Institute of America powwow in Cleburne, Texas, that day.
AARP
For those of you who are elders and don’t belong to AARP, you may want to consider joining. Yes, there is a $20 annual cost. I joined and found that they send out a monthly magazine that offers excellent information on health, the current types of scams out there and how to avoid them, and other issues that affect us as we age. The February/March issue carried an article about the benefits of including nuts and seeds in your diet. The final benefit is that just reading this small magazine is another good exercise for your eyes and your brain!
This email address consists of the email addresses I use to send my own emails out to the members of District 3 for whom I have an address. Neither myself nor any of the other elected representatives are provided with your email contact. I have created this over the years from email you have sent to me. Of the well over 2,500 Tribal members in District 3, I have about 300 contacts. As you know, I am not running for re-election in the forthcoming election in June. I will be transferring this email address to whoever replaces me. It will help you get information from them in the future, so I urge you to send me your contact and I will add you to this information vehicle.
In a couple of months, CPN Family Reunion Festival will be here again and I look forward to seeing many of you there. In the meantime if you have any questions where I may be of assistance, please give me a call or email me.
I have been honored and proud to represent District 3. Migwetch (Thank you) for giving me this opportunity.
Nagech (Later),
Bob Whistler | Bmashi (He Soars) | [email protected] | [email protected] | 1516 Wimberly Ct. | Bedford, TX 76021 | 817-229-6271 | cpndistrict3.com
Jon Boursaw
District 4
Presentation at Johnson County Junior High
Remember I mentioned in last month’s Hownikan that I had been asked to give my presentation on the removal of the Potawatomi from Indiana to Kansas in 1838 at a Junior High School in Overland Park, Kansas. Well, it turned out to be bigger than I expected. I was expecting four classes of 25-30 students, two in the morning and two in the afternoon. Instead, the class sizes were 65-70 in each session, totaling approximately 270 students. Needless to say, the question and answer sessions were full of good questions, which generated even more questions. I was not surprised that the students did not have an understanding of the significance of the Trail of Death and the information that I presented gave them a better appreciation of what the Potawatomi people experienced. After each session the class instructors took the opportunity to express their appreciation for having had the opportunity to better understand the Potawatomi removal from Indiana to Indian Territory, now Kansas.
Upcoming CPN Elders’ Potlucks
Dates for the Elder Potlucks held in Rossville at noon are:
May 9 Breakfast: Fry Bread Nuggets & Gravy RSVP by the 6th
Bring your favorite side dish or dessert. Please RSVP to Tracy at 785-584-6171.
CPN Haskell student recognized by the University of Kansas
The following appeared on the University of Kansas Facebook (KUHawkLink) in late February.
“We wanted to shine some positive energy on a tough time right now for our Haskell family and highlight another one of our amazing Haskell students participating in the Haskell/KU Exchange Program.
Meet Issak Decker. His Potawatomi name is Waswaskone. He is a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation and he lives in Topeka, KS. Issak is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science and hopes to one day pursue a career in nursing. After completing his degree at Haskell, Issak has plans of pursuing Nursing School at KU. Through the Exchange Program, Issak is taking several pre-requisite courses for KU’s nursing program like Principles of Nutrition and lectures and labs in Microbiology.
Issak loves being a student at Haskell because it allows him to dive deep into the rich culture of not only his tribe but of the many tribal nations represented on that storied campus. Issak said of his time in the Exchange Program, “Before taking classes at KU, I was told how big the campus is and how hard the courses would be, and almost made to feel like it would be too overwhelming. However, the constant support and guidance of our Exchange Coordinator gave me the reassurance I needed and I quickly adjusted to the pace and rhythm of KU. Being in the Exchange Program has been a wonderful experience and I would highly recommend it to every student!”
Thanks, Issak, for being an awesome representation of your tribe, Haskell, and the Exchange Program. ONWARD, HASKELL! ROCK CHALK!”
I first encountered Issak when he was a PLP student in 2023 during which time he received his Indian name, Waswaskone, which translates to Quick Flash of Light, from Margaret Zientek. Issak is a descendant of the Ogee family.
Megwetch (Thank you),
Jon Boursaw | Wetase Mkoh (Brave Bear) | [email protected] | 785-608-1982 | 2007 SW Gage Blvd. | Topeka, KS 66604 | Office Hours: Tuesday 9-11 a.m. | Thursdays 3-5 p.m. | Other times as requested
Gene Lambert
District 5
Bozho (Hello),
The blame game is alive and well. We are where we are. How we got there isn’t as important as how we handle the issue of fixing it.
It is my opinion we could all take a look at what the word TRUTH really means. I see families, friends and partners separating over a differing ideology creating more obstacles than need be. So, let’s take a look at what Google says first. “The quality or state of being true.” “That which is true or in accordance with fact or reality.” “There are four categories of truths; objective truths, subjective truth, normative truth and positive truth.”
Now, there’s the key, “reality.” Your reality or vision might differ one from the other. You are both good people telling “your” truth.
We come by this honestly through our different life experiences and opinions of who, what, where or when.
Why am I bringing this up? One’s values, be they political, personal, and professional or spiritual, have an original base within each of us. They have probably been established prior to any conversation you might have defining the people in your life presently.
You cannot change someone else’s belief system. They would have to do that on their own. Their entire existence depends on being right. They can decide but no matter what you present as facts the odds of them changing their minds is little to none.
I have two of my best friends who disagree with my political or spiritual beliefs, yet they light up my life and bring it joy. They treat people well and are very giving with beautiful hearts. Our visits are always uplifting. The respect level does not allow their truth, though different, to interfere with mine.
Because we disagree in those areas, we set boundaries and agree to disagree. Still, their reasoning makes sense from their lives, which differ from mine. It is their truth. Never would I be willing to let them go because of it. You know the old saying if you both always agree, one of you is not necessary. It is what keeps the world interesting and you in the learning process.
No matter the subject, there are always at least four ways to look at it. I have to remind myself sometimes. It is logical to them.
The point here is, don’t allow the passing changes or differences take you away from those you love. Politicians don’t even know who you are and have never given your family a second thought. It is your job.
So, as the ministers and politicians come and go you will always have your family. Respect and treasure their values as your own.
Once you tear down the bridge it is almost impossible to build it back.
Take a look at their gifts not the shortcomings.
My concerns here are of the relationships under stress because of differing opinions due to world affairs. We all need to keep our focus on those things that emotionally feed us every day.
In closing, please take care of each other and realize that everyone is doing their very best. It may not be perfect or how you see it.
Regardless, this is your personal world you are protecting. Keep it safe!
Love you all.
Gene Lambert (Eunice Imogene Lambert) | Butterfly Woman | [email protected] | 672 E Press Road | Queen Creek, AZ 85140 | Cell: 480-228-6569 | Office: 480-668-0509
Mark Johnson
District 9
Bozho nikanek (Hello friends),
On Saturday, Feb. 15, District 7 members gathered in Elk Grove, California, for a District meeting. We were honored to have Tribal Chairman John “Rocky” Barrett attend and address those that gathered with us at the meeting. The meeting provided an overview of Tribal history from our earliest times in the far Northeast to the present day. A discussion of our current direction of enterprise development and their importance to long-term success, and the security of our Tribe, was undertaken, with many questions from those members in attendance answered. It is always a pleasure to have Chairman Barrett in attendance; his knowledge and vision is unmatched, and his leadership has been and will continue to be a blessing to our Tribal government. After the members in attendance enjoyed a hot lunch, many more questions were answered, and as our tradition, we honored our members in attendance. Our wisest member in attendance was Marvin Stites from Willows, California, a Greemore family member. Our youngest member was Alice Weaver from Mariposa, California, a Moore family member. Our furthest traveled member was Bill Lackey from Eureka, California, a Dugger family member.
Have you made your travel arrangements for the Family Reunion Festival in Shawnee from June 27 through the 29? Like I said previously, the 2025 Honored Families will be Bourassa, Burnett, Melot, Navarre, Peltier, Wamego, Willmet and Vieux. If you have never been, you need to add this to your bucket list and come join us, and like I said, it is never too soon to secure rooms and travel for your trip to Shawnee, and our new hotel near Tribal headquarters will be open.
One of the benefits available to members in District 7 we talked about at the meeting was CPN Care (cpn.news/CPNCare). If you haven’t taken the time yet, sign up now for CPN Care. This benefit is available to you and your family. It will take two to three days for your account to become active, so sign up now, before you need it at 2 a.m. It is no cost to you and your family to join or use, and it allows you to talk to a doctor 24/7/365 for general telemedicine, life assistance and pharmacy discount services. Sign up, even if you have good insurance. It may come in handy in the middle of the night when your regular doctor is not available. I have had the opportunity to use this a couple of times; it was quick, easy and professional.
Once again, I would like to say what an honor it is to serve you as your District 7 Legislator. As always, give me a call and I will be happy to work with you on any questions you may have or provide you with additional information you may need to access Tribal benefits that are available to you. Please also take the time to give me a call or send me an email with your contact information so that I can keep you informed of the happenings within the Nation and District.
Migwetch (Thank you),
Mark Johnson | Wisk Mtek (Strong as a Tree) | 559-351-0078 | [email protected]
Dave Carney
District 8
Bozho nikan, (Hello friend),
Spring is just around the corner and the daffodils are springing up, reminding us that summer isn’t too far away. However, if you’ve lived in the Northwest any length of time, you are aware of what we call “fake spring” and “fake summer.” We will have an amazing day or two of 60+ degree weather, only to be rudely subjected to a week or so of 40 degrees and rain.
In preparation for more indoor time, I’d like to continue my list of recommended books to pass the time and learn more about the Nation. These books are readily available in the Potawatomi Gift Shop at our Cultural Heritage Center and on Amazon.
“The Potawatomis: Keepers of the Fire” (Volume 145) (The Civilization of the American Indian Series) paperback – 1987 by R. David Edmunds (about $25). This is a serious history book that details the history of the Potawatomi from the fur trade through alliances with the French and English, wars and treaties. A “need to have” for your library.
“The Last Blackrobe of Indiana and the Potawatomi Trail of Death” paperback – 2010 by John William McMullen. (about $25). This is the true story of Benjamin Petit, a French attorney turned missionary priest, and his mission to the Potawatomi People. Petit joined the northern Indiana Potawatomi in 1837, a year before their forced removal west. The author retells the incredible journey of Petit, who traveled with the Potawatomi people and became part of their history.
“Two-Moon Journey: The Potawatomi Trail of Death” paperback – 2018 by Peggy King Anderson. (about $10). You’ve heard me talk or write about this book several times, but it is dear to my heart. It is a work of historical fiction and is written by the widow of a Tribal member. It is the story of a young Potawatomi girl named Simu-quah and her family and tribe who are forced from their village in Indiana, where they have lived for generations, to Kansas.
If you are looking for a really nice gift for a Potawatomi in your life (even possibly yourself) I’d say take a look at “Dancing for Our Tribe: Potawatomi Tradition in the New Millennium” hardcover 2022 by Sharon Hoogstraten (about $80). This very beautiful book was crafted by Citizen Potawatomi Nation photographer Sharon Hoogstraten as she visited nine Potawatomi Nations capturing modern day Natives in their regalia. It contains more than 150 portraits and corresponding handwritten statements.
We are just a few months away from the next Citizen Potawatomi Nation election. This June we will have contested races for Chairman, District 1 and District 3 (Districts 2 and 4 are unchallenged, and incumbents Eva Marie Carney and Jon Boursaw will continue to serve). Please VOTE and make sure your voice is heard.
I am in the process of setting up some meeting dates in our district. Plans will be firming up more but please save the following dates if you live in Alaska:
Aug. 9: 10 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at Sealaska Heritage Institute – Juneau, Alaska – lunch, presentations, etc.
Aug. 10: Possible morning Naming and afternoon meeting at Lake Lucile Park, Pavilion B – Wasilla, Alaska
When more details are finalized, there will be a postcard invitation sent out.
If you live near the coast, please save Oct. 11 for our annual Fall Feast. Alternating between Portland and Seattle has proven to work well, since these are the largest pockets of citizens in our district. The 2025 gathering will be in Seattle and will be a lunchtime meeting. Stay tuned for more details.
It is my honor to serve as your Legislator,
Dave Carney | Kagashgi (Raven) | [email protected] | 360-259-4027
Paul Wesselhöft
District 9
Bozho, nikan (Hello, friend),
CHEROKEE FREEDMAN
— Paul Chrisstarlon Wesselhöft
Cherokee Freedman,
Indian Territory,
A time of stress.
Black skin,
Indian heart,
In a long white dress.
Slaves before the war,
Her kin and kind
Were rejected by the tribe.
A beautiful girl,
Inside, outside,
Perhaps a bride,
But a work of art.
Her hair falls to the floor.
Don’t know her name,
Nor her birth, past, or death.
Cherokee Freedman,
Free at last.
Migwetch (Thank you),
Paul Wesselhöft | Naganit (Leader) | [email protected] | [email protected]