John “Rocky” Barrett
Tribal Chairman
Bozho, nikan, (Hello, my friend),
Each June, we gather to celebrate who we are, not just as individuals, but as one Nation of related families. Our Family Reunion Festival is a reminder of everything we’ve built together: not just buildings and businesses, but relationships, memories, culture and a sense of belonging.
It’s also a time to take pride in what we’ve built. Festival weekend gives us a chance to show off the progress we’ve made: new clinics, administrative buildings, business developments and housing initiatives. These are investments in our future and our ability to serve every member of this Nation, no matter where they live.
Everything we’ve built as a Nation, every clinic, every business, every community program, has been built with one purpose: to support Citizen Potawatomi people in ways that reflect who we are and where we come from. This doesn’t happen by accident. It takes effort to build something that brings people home. And just as we’ve come together culturally, we’ve grown stronger as a Nation, expanding our services, strengthening our economy and increasing opportunities for Citizen Potawatomi members across the country. The Federal government is withdrawing funds from tribes all over the United States. We have anticipated that and reduced our dependence on federal money. We are, with some “belt tightening,” no longer dependent on federal money. Few tribes can say that.
Our progress isn’t just economic or cultural or social, it’s all those things working together. We’ve invested in infrastructure and services, not to grow for growth’s sake, but to ensure that our people, no matter where they live, are supported and represented. That commitment is built into our very form of government. Through constitutional reform, we established nationwide legislature with representatives elected by and for citizens in every district. Our members have a voice, and through regular district meetings and direct outreach, that voice is heard and reflected in the decisions we make.
Culturally, we continue to strengthen the ties that bind us as a Nation. Our Family Reunion Festival is one of the largest tribal gatherings in the country. Each year, we see more of our people in regalia, reconnecting with family, learning our language and taking part in traditions that were nearly lost just a few generations ago. That kind of cultural revival takes work, but it also takes resources, space and leadership. I am thankful to our Tribal members and employees who help to make this happen each year.
All of this is possible because we’ve taken a long-term, disciplined approach to economic development. Our tribally-owned enterprises — including gaming, Sovereign Bank, FireLake Discount Foods, Sovereign Pipe Technologies, and others — now generate most of our revenue. That gives us more freedom to make decisions based on what’s best for our people. When you see new buildings going up across our reservation, you see the results of that planning.
We haven’t separated culture from services or economy, they’ve grown together. A strong economy allows us to fund cultural preservation. Solid services help people stay connected to their community. Cultural pride strengthens our identity, which reinforces the value of everything we’re working to build.
So, when you come to Festival this year, I hope you’ll see the full picture. We’re not just preserving who we are. We’re actively building a future that reflects our values, honors our ancestors and meets the needs of our people today.
Migwetch (Thank you),
John “Rocky” Barrett | Keweoge (He Leads Them Home) | Tribal Chairman
Linda Capps
Vice-Chairman
Bozho (Hello),
Greetings from CPN for the beginning of a great summer! The CPN Festival is on everyone’s mind for the end of June. Our employees are trying to get projects completed and plans in place for the event. The legislature met on Thursday, May 29, and enrolled approximately 160 new Tribal members, which brings our enrollment to 39,392 members. Wow! I never believed we would witness such numbers. It is very exciting to see that we have grown so much. The most breathtaking part is that we have that many people of Potawatomi blood that are interested in being a member of the Tribe. Some will take an active role and want to participate in the cultural activities and learn the language. Others are satisfied to be members by name only but are very proud of the fact that they are enrolled CPN members. It is the responsibility of the Tribal organization to honor both mindsets. It is also the responsibility of Tribal leaders to provide on-going programs, enterprises and services to our membership. With our numbers growing, it is a huge obligation to maintain the status quo.
The same benefits that we provide today — academic and vocational scholarships, the pharmaceutical program for those 62 years of age or older, closing expenses for housing, health aids, the burial policy, and tele-medicine subscriptions — grow in cost alongside our enrollment. The Tribe must continue to advance both financially and economically. Financially is in reference to the management of money and assets, while economically relates to efficiency, cost-effectiveness and overall financial health of CPN.
Those who believe that cultural enrichment and language instruction comes without a cost do not comprehend the entire operations of our Tribal entity. Our cultural ceremonies and activities that are tied to our heritage are vitally important to our Tribal members. The maintenance of CPN Cultural Heritage Center is a top priority at CPN. Unfortunately, it all comes with a price tag. Thus far, we have prepared for the financial obligations of the demand, for which I am thankful. It is the future with the present economic environment for our entire country that is somewhat worrisome.
I look forward to seeing many of you at the end of the month. I plan to be more visible on the Festival grounds this year because I will not be tied to individual events. If you do not see me and need to ask me questions, please feel free to call me on my cell, 405-650-1238. I will have it close at hand. My prayer is for fair weather, which means it is not overly hot for the time of year. Blessings to each of you and please be careful during your trip to Shawnee.
Thank you for allowing me to be your vice-chairman since 1990. I cherish the years that I have had serving my Tribal members.
Migwetch (Thank you),
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),
Family Festival!
I cannot wait to see old friends and make new friends at our Family Festival — if I do not see you first, please come say bozho (hello).
It’s tough to highlight which activities I’m most looking forward to, but here’s my list: visiting with my brother Dave and sister-in-law Nicole; reuniting with our young golden eagle, Kishko, who was just five weeks old at last year’s Festival (see photo of our first visit); taking the oath of office to serve another term as District 2’s Legislator; participating in Grand Entry; cheering on District 2’s 2025 hand games team; and attending “The Trail of Death” presentation by my friends Sharon Hoogstraten, Matt Biel, George Godfrey and Rich Meyer. I missed their presentation at the Western History Association conference in Kansas City in the fall, so I am excited to hear it during Festival, where I will also be able to buy the reprint of Sharon’s book, Dancing for Our Tribe. Sharon’s book is filled with Potawatomi history and photographs of contemporary Potawatomi regalia. Her first printing sold out and Tony Roberts, director of Oklahoma University Press, encouraged her to produce the reprint so her work remains available. You can order the book at cpn.news/dancingforourtribe or buy your signed copy at Festival.
Graduation Announcements/Teacher Recognition
Lewis family descendants — and sisters — Emily and Anna Korzeniewski are celebrating academic milestones. Anna is graduating from Grove City College with a B.A. degree in middle level math and history education, with a minor in studio art, and Emily is graduating from Yale University with a Ph.D. in musicology, specializing in medieval music. Emily has accepted a position with Cambridge University as a research associate. Congratulations to you both!
I also congratulate Nancy Sheble Rogers (Navarre family descendant), who was selected in February for a Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. This is the highest recognition that a kindergarten through 12th grade science, technology, engineering, or mathematics teacher may receive for outstanding teaching in the U.S. Awardees receive a trip to Washington, D.C. to attend recognition events and professional development opportunities and a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation. Nancy teaches mathematics at Rota Middle High School, in Rota, Spain, which serves military connected students in grades 6-12. Migwetch (Thank you) for your work, Nancy!
Recommendation for Netflix Series North of North and Illustrated Picture Book Fierce Aunties
If you haven’t seen it yet, you might enjoy “North of North.” It is Netflix’s first Canadian original series, starring a young Inuk woman in a fictional Arctic village. It’s filled with Native humor and got a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Two Inuit women from Iqaluit, Nunavut, created the series. A review notes that “this Netflix comedy shows abundant tenderness for its characters but also surprising depth and edge.” (North of North Is a Warm Arctic Comedy, New York Times, April 23, 2025.) If you watch it, let me know your thoughts!
I also recommend a new picture book, “Fierce Aunties,” by Indigenous author Lauren Goodluck and Indigenous illustrator Steph Littlebird. Readers learn that aunties come in different shapes, sizes and ages, with different laughs, skills and stories. They might be your parents’ sisters, your older cousins, or even family friends. There is something they all have in common: they are fierce, they love you, and they will help make everything better. I know I need more aunties in my life, and you might too. This book will give you a warm, yet fierce, auntie hug.
Please keep in touch and continue to share family 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),
Final monthly article
Depending on the outcome of the election on June 28, this is most likely my last article in the Hownikan. However, if no candidate receives a 50% plus 1 vote, there will be a run-off and my term will continue until the run-off election is held and a replacement for me is determined. If so, I may have the opportunity for another month or so. I have been proud and honored to have been the District 3 Legislator for the last 17 years and 3 months. Igwien (heartfelt thanks) for giving me this privilege to be your representative to our great Nation!
Our Nation’s future
In order for CPN to survive into the next seven generations, there are two areas that must be sustained. You have control in both. First, although we are a sovereign Nation, we must be successful in raising money to pay for the services and benefits the Nation offers. Your responsibility here is to vote for the best representatives that will find and incorporate new business opportunities and grant funds. Current voter turnout over the years is very poor, and less than 10% of our Tribal members eligible to vote do so. Fortunately, the votes cast have given us a great team that has driven us to success in these areas year after year. This must continue. So please vote.
Second, our language, culture and your heritage need to be continued. Loss of our language is the end of our really being a sovereign Nation and, ultimately, we would disappear. We are almost 40,000 strong and, yes, about two-thirds of our citizens live somewhere other than in Oklahoma. The Oklahomans do have greater access to these areas since they are close enough for various events and they have the Cultural Heritage Center for language, etc. If you are one of the others, you have online and Zoom programs for a whole set of opportunities. In addition, I urge you to read. There are many books out there that will help give you background on our culture and history. “Braiding Sweetgrass” by Robin Wall Kimmerer and “Potawatomi Trail of Death 1838 Removal from Indiana to Kansas” by Shirley Willard and Susan Campbell are great and cover two completely different areas. The second one gives a lot on events and history.
For those of you who are parents, get your children involved at an early age. Take them to our programs, meetings and to other Native American events and powwows. It will expose them to the different ceremonies and regalia of other nations. For example, at the April powwow in Cleburne there were ceremonial dances performed by two different nations: an Aztec group from Mexico and an Apache Crown group from New Mexico. Photos are attached so you can see how different and varied their movements and regalia are. Notice the Apache group have their eyes partially covered with a red eye covering.
Also get your adult children to vote and spend time reading Native American articles and books, as well as attending our programs, etc. We need you in order to survive. If you aren’t active at this time in any of the areas mentioned above, I urge you to get involved. This will ensure the benefits and services you may qualify for or need will be there when you need them.
For your first two steps, I ask that you vote in the June 28 election and attend Family Festival this year.
In closing, thank you again for allowing me to represent you.
Nagech (Later),
Bob Whistler | Bmashi (He Soars) | [email protected] | 817-229-6271
Jon Boursaw
District 4
2025 CPN Family Reunion Festival
The dates for this year’s Citizen Potawatomi Nation Family Reunion Festival are June 27 to 29. There are several Festival activities, such as the powwow, cultural classes, a dance contest and General Council. Tribal elections are decided during the Family Reunion Festival. This year’s honored families are: Bourassa, Burnett, Melot, Navarre, Peltier, Wamego, Willmet and Vieux. This year, I would like to have a casual gathering of Bourassa/Boursaw family members at 11 a.m. on Saturday morning under the BOURASSA banner in the Round House adjacent to the Dance Arena.
Upcoming CPN Elders’ Potlucks
Dates for the Elder Potlucks held in Rossville at noon are:
June 13 | Hot Dogs & Hamburgers | RSVP by the 10th
July 11 | Fried Chicken RSVP | by the 8th
Bring your favorite side dish or dessert. Please RSVP to Tracy at 785-584-6171.
Affordable Rental Housing in Rossville
The Tribe has 10 rental duplexes (20 units) in Rossville, Kansas, for enrolled CPN Elders and physically handicapped members. Eligibility for housing is extended to enrolled members of any federally recognized Native American tribe. At the time this article was written there were a few units available, but that could change quickly. All units are two bedrooms with washer and dryer, stove and refrigerator included. But what has changed: There is currently a project underway to replace the existing tub and showers with walk-in showers and other improvements to the bathroom included. For more information on availability or submission of an application, contact the following: CPN Rossville Housing Office, 785-584-6401, or the CPN Housing Office in Shawnee, Oklahoma, 405-273-2833.
Recent Naming Ceremony
We recently held a Naming Ceremony in the Prayer Circle in Rossville for several members of the Boursaw family, primarily the grandchildren of my cousins. What made this ceremony significantly different than normal was the naming of a 5-year-old adopted son of a Tribal member. He was adopted when he was five days old. But more significant is that his birth mother was a member of the Blackfeet Indian Nation. I normally decline a request to name a child that young, but I made an exception in this case.
New Project: Locating the Burial Sites at Sugar Creek
We have initiated a new project, which is to identify the location of the 600-plus graves of those who died at the Sugar Creek Mission, which was the final stop on the Tribe’s Trail of Death from Indiana. There have been recent discussions about making improvements to the property, but we cannot proceed until we have determined where the graves are located, or clearly not located. The initial search is to begin in mid-June.
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
Dave Carney
District 8
Bozho, jayek (Hello, everyone),
If you are reading this column, there’s a good chance you are in the throes of summer heat. I am writing this on my back deck on a sunny May afternoon, enjoying a balmy 62-degree spring day. I always say that the weather in the Northwest is ideal for folks with poor memory. When the rhododendrons are blooming and the snowcapped mountains are in the background, it is easy to forget about our long, wet winter that makes all of this beauty possible.
I was recently contacted by a family member of fellow District 8 citizen, Angel Arasmith, who walked on in April. Many of us had the pleasure of interacting with Angel over the years and as recently as last October at our Fall Feast in Portland, where she was honored with a Pendleton blanket for being the wisest in attendance. She almost never missed a gathering and was passionately proud of her Citizen Potawatomi roots. She will be missed.
As I write today (first week of May), absentee ballots are being sent out by the election committee to those eligible members who have requested one. Please be sure to vote! Your request for absentee ballot must be postmarked by June 8. If you receive one but end up in Oklahoma for an in-person vote, you must bring your absentee ballot with you to be able to vote.
We should all wish the legislators who are stepping away or retiring from their positions well, and thank them for their service to the Nation. Migwetch (Thank you) to Alan Melot, Bob Whistler and Gene Lambert. I’ve interacted a bit with several candidates in the contested races District 1 and District 3. I think there are some good candidates running and that the successful candidates will make valuable contributions through their roles in the legislature.
As for the Chairman’s race, I strongly recommend voting for Chairman Barrett. His many years of vision, leadership and energy are a huge part of why the Citizen Potawatomi Nation is where it is today. He has earned our respect and votes.
A fond memory that illustrates my statement was an afternoon I spent with him and some workmen in a dusty construction zone pacing off what would be The Grand Casino Hotel and Resort. There was nothing but dirt, but he saw it clearly and discussed (in great detail) elevations, power needs, etc., etc. A year or so later, finishing touches were being put on our first-class enterprise.
I am planning to host two Potawatomi events in Alaska in August. We will be having a meeting at the Sealaska Heritage Institute in downtown Juneau from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 9. There will be presentations, prizes and lunch. If you live in Juneau or can reasonably travel there, I’d love to see you there.
On the following day, Aug. 10, we will gather at Lake Lucile Park (pavilion B) in Wasilla from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for presentations, prizes, a Potawatomi art contest and lunch. There will be a private Naming at the home of one of our Wasilla elders that morning. If you are planning on attending the Wasilla event and are interested in receiving your Potawatomi name, please reach out to me at [email protected]. Please connect as soon as possible as this process often requires the expertise of the language department.
Our annual Fall Feast will be Oct. 11 at the Duwamish Longhouse in Seattle, and frybread tacos are on the menu.
As always, it is my pleasure to serve as your legislator,
Dave Carney | Kagashgi (Raven) | [email protected] | 360-259-4027
Paul Wesselhöft
District 9
Bozho, nikan (Hello, friend),
The Old Man on the Curb
— Paul Chrisstarlon Wesselhöft
A gray-bearded Native American man, wearing a dingy cap with “Korean War 1950-1953” embroidered on it, sat on a crushed cardboard box by the curb. Wrapped in a soiled, tattered blanket, his face was carved with the lines of time, and his nose rose from the cold. In one hand, he held a cardboard sign that read, “Please help us out,” while in his arm, he cradled a shivering, emaciated mongrel dog.
A recently widowed woman and her young daughter cautiously walked by. The woman stepped closer to the man and tossed some coins into a basket and quickly retreated. The old man looked up, his breath expelled vapors in the cold air as he spoke, “Ma’am, can I ask you a favor?”
With her voice composed with regret, the woman said, “Sorry, I don’t have more coins for you.”
The man said, “Thank you for the money, but can I ask you something?” Hesitantly, she said, “Yes, go ahead.”
“My dog’s name is Missy,” he said in a quivering voice, “and she’s cold, hungry. I don’t have food for her. She was a street dog and I have had her since she was a pup. I love this dog. She’s all I have. But I can’t take care of her anymore. I can’t even take care of myself. She deserves a home, a warm home with food, food every day. Will you take my dog? Give her a home?”
The woman was taken aback and was prepared to tell the man sorry but no. Then her daughter bent down a petted the small dog. The dog, wagging her tail, licked the girl’s fingers. The girl said, “Please Mom. We don’t have a dog. The dog likes me, Missy likes me.” Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she looked up at her mother. The woman hesitated, torn between her daughter’s plea and the old man’s desperate request.
She knew the man was serious and she knew this would be an important decision, which would change their lives, and change the man’s life. “Sir, if this is what you really want to do, if you’re sure, we’ll take the dog. Give her a home.” The daughter clapped her hands, her feet jumped off the ground and tears filled her eyes. The man said, “Yes, I want your daughter to have Missy. She’s a real nice doggy. They will love each other.” The man rubbed the dog’s head. He kissed her and slowly handed the dog to the girl. She squeezed the dog in her arms and kissed her repeatedly. The man smiled. The lady asked, “Sir, what’s your name?” “Ronald Redcloud, I’m an Indian.” he answered.
“Mr. Redcloud, I’m Olivia Owens and my daughter is Penelopie. You’re a good man. Sir, please take care of yourself, okay.” The daughter said, “Thank you so much, Mr. Redcloud. I’ll take good care of Missy.” He couldn’t speak but nodded his head. As mother and daughter walked away, the old man covered his face with his cap.
Migwetch (Thank you),
Paul Wesselhöft | Naganit (Leader) | [email protected] | [email protected]
Andrew Walters
District 11
Bozho (Hello),
Well, here we are again, coming up to the time we must make some critical decisions pertaining to the future of our Tribe. I don’t claim to know all the answers. And even if I did and could back them up with PowerPoint presentations, facts, statistics and surveys, some folks would argue that I was wrong. Seems to be a trait embedded in our DNA. “Don’t confuse me with the facts.”
I’ve found that projections never seem to be right. I’ve also found that surveys never have enough participants to be accurate to any degree and most don’t even ask the right questions. What I judge my decisions by is past performance. There’s an old saying that “past performance is indicative of future behavior.” I agree with that. Whether it’s stocks and investments, people’s actions, elections or governmental BS, I look at what’s been done in the past and then chart my course aligned with that.
For years the Tribe has grown in number and in assets. Our business enterprises are strong. Our governmental functions and practices, although not perfect, are solid. It can be argued that there is always a better way to do something. And I wholeheartedly agree, but I don’t think that we should tear something apart or run somebody off and then “re-vision” it, as has been suggested by some in the past. To do that is being ignorant and unappreciative of our past.
I believe that some mistake governmental functions for cultural endeavors. It is the legislative branch that makes law, reviews budget, applies for grants and those type of things. We also fund programs, as we can, such as language. We don’t generally fight or poke each other in the eye with sticks. Our duties are limited by a constitution. Things are discussed and opinions made in committees prior to meetings. This gives us time to work out the kinks and have a bill that we can live with.
(This is where the old sayings come out.) “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink.” We can fund all sorts of programs and provide all types of improvements that are beneficial to our Tribe, but we can’t make you participate. Short of handing out money, free cars and a 10-day paid vacation in the Bahamas, we have problems getting folks in large numbers to participate in the functioning of our Tribe. Only about 5% of the Tribe votes in our elections, but 95% applied for and received money from the ARPA funds of the COVID era. Sometimes I wonder if we should just pay people to vote. There’s a thought.
Perhaps it’s apathy, perhaps it’s our fault in Legislature. Folks complain on Facebook and social media ad-nauseum about what we should do. And then they pontificate about how they think it should be done. But then again, it’s only less than 2% of the Tribe that is vocally negative. I know that I receive very, very few emails from folks in my District (11). Most of the complaints I hear are from people who moan and gripe online about the Tribe. And surprisingly, most of those have no solution, no constructive comments that are novel in nature. Just noisy wind.
Those are my thoughts, right or wrong. It’s an honor and privilege to work with the Tribe in my capacity as District 11 Legislator. I love this Tribe and its people. My contact info is 1) [email protected] 2) [email protected]. I can also be reached by phone at the admin office, 405-275-3121. They’ll take a message, and I’ll call you back, promise.
Bami pi (Until later),
Andrew Walters | [email protected] | [email protected]