Editor’s Note – Responses from candidates appear exactly as they were submitted without editing for content or style.
Chairman Candidates
John “Rocky” Barrett
Incumbent
My Friends,
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 is not just economic or cultural or social, it’s all those things working together. We have 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, which I had the honor of writing, 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, and 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.
I respectfully ask for your vote for re-election to the office of Tribal Chairman.
John “Rocky” Barrett
Keweoge – “He Leads Them Home”
Tribal Chairman
Charles Scott
Challenger
Bozho Jayek,
Many of you have reached out and offered to support my campaign, I thank you and ask only for your vote and bring your family to vote as well. At Festival, we reunite with friends and family, we sing, drum, dance, play games. eat brats n burgers…and VOTE.
Our elected leadership has written about our lack of participation. Apathy runs rampant. We have done many things right, yet this problem has affected our tribe for years. We can fix it.
I have talked with many younger members; they are very apathetic. They don’t relate to our elected leadership. They communicate via social media. They want jobs that are meaningful. They want to identify and learn to be Potawatomi. They want Culture. They want education. I have heard you.
I have talked with many older tribal members; they feel their voice isn’t being heard. They want change. They want more elder housing and access to assisted living housing. They want to see more Potawatomi employed by our Tribe. They want the next generation to step up, participate, lead and care for them. I have Listened.
I have talked with several veterans; we would like to see our veterans group reorganize and focus more on our cultural identity as Native veterans. I agree.
We want District meetings for Oklahoma members with our Legislators. We want to communicate. We want jobs and We want to see Potawatomi in those jobs. We want more access to Language and Cultural Classes. We want accountability and transparency. We want change in small increments. I want what you want.
I promise, I will bridge the generational gap, be a mentor, be a teacher, be a Leader you relate to and can communicate with, and your voice will be heard.
I will serve you with Love, Respect, Bravery, Truth, Honesty, Humility and Wisdom.
Migwetch, please vote.
Charles Scott
District 1 candidates
Anna Johnson
Challenger
Bozho, I am Anna Johnson, and I am asking for your vote for District 1 Legislator.
The past few months have been such a blessing for me and my family. I am forever thankful to friends and family who encouraged me to run, and believe in my abilities to be an unwavering force for District 1.
From all of our conversations, messages, phone calls and emails; here is a summary of what you all would want to see happen within the district:
- More chances to be together. Yes, we have the opportunity to connect virtually, however, we crave to be with each other, sharing stories, sharing meals, sharing teachings. I will work diligently to host meetings in varying places to better accommodate those in more remote areas.
- Better understanding of available services. Living outside of Oklahoma comes with limitations. There is a great need for help (not just financially) in D1 and I am committed to helping find solutions to hardships members may experience.
- More timely and concise information. Many have lamented that you wish information was more freely shared, and the lack of accurate information brings forth frustrating and divisive discourse. I will be forthcoming with information and push for agendas, and other pertinent information to be published timely; keeping us united and on the same page.
MY PROMISES TO DISTRICT 1
- Visit members in every state in the district within the first 2 years.
- Have a consistent presence in the monthly Hownikan.
- I will be available – being your legislator would be my full-time job.
- Foster connections to make reconnecting less intimidating.
- Be open to respectful critiques and criticisms.
- Orchestrate cultural learning opportunities on a regular basis (virtually and in-person) throughout District 1.
- Utilize the yearly District 1 Legislative budget to the best of my ability in order to reach/teach/help as many members throughout the district as I can.
- Introduce proposals and use my vote at council for the betterment of Tribal Members.
- Regularly check in with members and verify that my intentions still align with the thoughts, feelings and desires of District 1 as a whole.
We are currently living in the 7th Fire, where the desire for our culture and traditions is spreading like wildfire. I am eager to learn, hungry for culture and ready to roll my sleeves up and get to work. Leading with love and walking with integrity.
Igwiyen (heartfelt thanks),
-Anna
Steve Livingston
Challenger
What is community?
Is it a place? A feeling? Is it the relationships we build through shared meals, laughter, and ceremony – the language we speak and the values we pass on?
What is culture?
Is it learning to bead, make regalia, or attending a powwow or annual festival? Or is it the stories we share, the language we carry, and the values we live when no one is watching?
Many of us feel it – that sense that we’ve been standing still. Despite our size, our resources, and our potential, we’ve stagnated in some of the most important ways: culturally, spiritually, communally. Too many of us feel disconnected – not just from Shawnee, but from each other, from our language, and from what it truly means to be bodwéwadmi in today’s world.
Our community is fragmented and has drifted apart. We have political dissidents tired of empty words. Reconnecting Natives trying to find their way back. Cardholders who don’t yet feel Potawatomi in spirit – or don’t care to. And those who live deeply bodwéwadmi lives, carrying it quietly, wanting nothing to do with tribal politics.
But I believe we can come back to each other through servant leadership, transparency, and inclusive governance that focuses on access to healthcare, quality housing, education, and real cultural investment.
Electing a representative is a serious responsibility. This role carries the opportunity to shape how we govern, how we serve, and how we protect our sovereignty for the next seven generations. Government alone can’t create culture, but it can create the conditions where community and culture thrive.
If you’ve ever felt like your voice doesn’t matter, like you’re on the outside looking in, I want you to know: I hear you. I’ve felt it too. And I want to change that.
I’m not interested inmaintaining the status quo. This role is not symbolic to me. I’m running to speak for those who’ve long felt unheard. To ask the hard questions, open the doors, and build something rooted in both tradition and action.
Ask yourself: What kind of community do we want in 10 years? What does being bodwéwadmi mean to you – and how can our government help make that something we live, not just something we claim?
This is our chance to do things differently.
I humbly ask for your vote in June. Let’s rebuild trust, ask the hard questions, and create a community worthy of our descendants.
District 3 candidates
Brenda Trevino
Challenger
Bozho, jagenagenan!
(Hello, all my relatives)
At the time of this article, most will have already voted absentee. So, I want to thank you for exercising your right to vote. And for those who plan to vote at the festival, I hope to see you there.
Any of the District 3 candidates currently running for office could perform the duties of Legislator. From the replies to the Hownikan questions over the last 4 months, as well as the campaign advertisements, it is easy to see the thoughtfulness and dedication with which we are approaching this opportunity. Of course, I believe I am the best candidate for the job.
I am primarily interested in meeting each of you face to face and bringing information TO YOU multiple times throughout the year in rural settings as well as urban ones. Whether it is our benefits, language, art, food, dance, music, government or history, I want to help us feel more connected and for Shawnee to feel more connected to us. Knowing you, your stories and what you want from your Legislator will strengthen our district and will allow me, to best represent you. I aim to represent and serve both our district and the tribe.
Remember, I am the only candidate that is retired and has the time to perform the role without competing priorities.
Candidate Brian Walker has stated he is primarily interested in utilizing his background in law to focus on tribal policy and zoom calls to bring people together.
Candidate Jennifer Bertelesen has stated she is primarily interested in tribal business and in connecting those that know our culture with those who want to know more.
It takes courage and a vision for the future to run for tribal office. Each of the District 3 candidates have demonstrated this courage and vision…. They believe in a strong future for our people.
As the election season ends, I want to thank you for your engaging in the process. And to those who have called, emailed or texted me, know you are truly appreciated. I listened. I am very proud of my Potawatomi heritage and look forward to working with each of you throughout the next legislative term, as the D3 Legislator or as a member of District 3. Migwetch!
Brenda Trevino, Mkedewankwetkwe (Black Cloud Woman)
[email protected], 281-466-7427
Brian Walker
Challenger
I am Judge Brian Walker, and I would appreciate your vote for District 3 Legislator. I am a proud Potawatomi, a proud American, a proud husband and father, and I am a proud Seventh-Generation Texan from my mother’s side. With the exception of overseas and out of state military duty, I have been a Texas resident my entire life.
I live in Fort Worth and serve at the second highest level in the Texas judiciary. I have been a Justice on the Second Court of Appeals for four and a half years. Our court has jurisdiction over twelve counties in North Texas serving well over four million constituents. In addition to my work as a judge, I also have an ownership interest in a small number of businesses.
I graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.S. from Texas State University in 2000. I later received two master’s degrees. I graduated with an MA in International Relations from OU while earning a perfect 4.0 GPA. And, I have a master’s degree in theology from Dallas Theological Seminary. I graduated “with honors” from DTS. I received my Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University of Houston in 2003.
I served as a Judge Advocate in the U.S. Air Force Reserves for nine years. I was the first JAG in the history of the U.S. Air Force to serve as a Flight Commander/Instructor (drill instructor) at the U.S. Air Force Officer Training School in Alabama. This milestone received international coverage on Air Force Television, The Citizen Airman magazine, and various newspapers. You can watch a video that the Air Force did about my service at OTS by visiting the “video” page at www.voteforwalker.com.
I’m running because I want to do my part in preserving our sovereignty, culture, and heritage. My general legislative platform is simple. I want to create sound policy that reflects the values of my constituents. I want to maximize benefits for all tribal members while making sure that our tribal nation continues to thrive long into the future. And, I hope to use my vast political experience and ties to network with leaders in D.C. – in order to attain the greatest federal benefits possible for the CPN and our members.
Jennifer Bertelsen
Challenger
Bozho,
Sovereignty isn’t just symbolic — it’s sacred. It’s our Nation’s right to govern ourselves, care for our people and land, and shape our future on our own terms. That responsibility doesn’t rest on one person’s shoulders — it belongs to all of us. But those we elect must carry it with clarity, courage, and a heart for service — not just in word, but in action.
The role of a legislator isn’t ceremonial — it’s constitutional. Legislators don’t manage programs or oversee daily operations. They are responsible for writing laws, reviewing budgets, allocating resources, and holding government accountable. They help shape the framework that supports our culture, economy, healthcare, housing, and education. Legislators don’t just represent the people — they are accountable to them.
I have deep respect for the foundation that’s been laid. Our Nation has grown strong through wisdom, strategic investment, and cultural resilience. That progress deserves recognition. But true leadership means not only preserving what works — it also means recognizing where we fall short and having the courage to address it. I’m running to help do just that. I want to expand access to healthcare, housing, education, and cultural resources. I want to invest in youth engagement and ensure our elders receive more than respect — they deserve care, connection, and policies that reflect their value.
I deeply respect everyone who stepped forward in this election. It takes courage to run and a genuine commitment to serve. Each candidate brings a unique perspective, reflecting how much our people care about the future of our Nation. But leadership requires more than availability or name recognition — it takes preparation, consistency, and the ability to lead in today’s world. Simply being available doesn’t guarantee readiness, and holding office in another sovereign government raises fair questions about where one’s focus truly lies. Our people deserve leaders who are fully present, well-informed, and deeply committed to serving and protecting the sovereignty of our Nation.
Our elders and youth are the twin pillars of who we are — one carrying our stories, the other our future. Our elders are the heart of our Nation and should be honored not just in word, but in action. And our youth? They’re not just tomorrow’s leaders — they’re here now. If we want them to lead with pride in the future, we must empower them today.
This isn’t about politics — it’s about purpose. It’s about honoring what our ancestors worked and fought for, and building a future that reflects their strength. I will lead with integrity, guided by the teachings that have shaped us for generations: Wisdom, Love, Respect, Bravery, Honesty, Humility, and Truth. These aren’t just values I speak — they are values I live by, and they will guide every decision I make.
Let’s move forward together — grounded in who we are, guided by those who came before us, and inspired by those rising to lead what’s next.
I would be honored to earn your vote.
Migwetch,
Jennifer Bertelsen
Kno Migwenkwe – Eagle Feather Woman