John “Rocky” Barrett
Tribal Chairman
Bozho, nikan, (Hello, my friend),
This summer, we cut the ribbon on a major addition to FireLake. It wasn’t just a ceremony, it marked the beginning of a new phase of growth for our Nation. This new development represents more than bricks and mortar. It represents planning, partnership and the ongoing commitment to build a future worthy of our citizens and pride in our accomplishments as a Tribe of blood kin.
Many hands brought this project to life, but I want to especially recognize Jackie Gamble, who put in countless hours, early mornings, late nights and weekends, to make sure every detail came together. Projects like this don’t happen by chance. They require dedication and a belief in what we are building together. To Jackie and everyone who worked behind the scenes to make David Oman’s design a reality, I extend my heartfelt thanks.
This new project is just the start. In the immediate area surrounding the site, you will soon see new restaurants, a food court, businesses and more facilities for softball teams. Eventually, we will also add a large-scale housing development. These additions will enhance our services, support our businesses and create more opportunities for Citizen Potawatomi people to improve their lives, whether they live nearby or are visiting or moving here from across the country.
The administration building we will soon retire was constructed in 1980. To be honest, I never thought it would last more than 30 years, but it has served us well for over 40. Now, it is time to move forward with new infrastructure and new energy. Taking down this old building opens space for even more possibilities, better marketing, stronger visibility for our businesses and a modern environment for our employees to better serve our citizens and the public. As our new Tribal Administration building rises, every day brings us a new sense of pride and anticipation to move in with renewed dedication to accomplish our Nation’s goals.
Across the street, our newest enterprise shines. Since day one, the new FireLake Casino has been booming. The old casino, built in 1982, was tired and a burdensome expense to maintain. The new casino has already demonstrated its superior value to our Nation and a superior value to our clientele. It is already setting records for daily revenue and foot traffic, bringing in more guests than we’ve ever seen at this location. That kind of performance shows that our investment is paying off, not just in dollars, but in jobs, visibility and long-term opportunity for our people.
None of this progress stands alone. It’s part of the same vision that brought us Sovereign Bank, Sovereign Pipe Technologies and our new FireLake Casino and Hotel. It’s the same vision that has expanded our health care services, child development programs and housing initiatives. All of it is designed to make sure Citizen Potawatomi people have what they need to thrive, now and for generations to come.
As always, I want to thank our Tribal citizens, our Legislators, our leadership, our employees and all of our community members who continue to show up and support the work we’re doing. Your involvement matters. Your presence matters. This is your Nation, and these new developments belong to you.
Finally, I want to thank you for the trust you have placed in me by re-electing me as your Tribal Chairman. It is the greatest honor of my life to be elected to serve you. I remain committed to working every day for the good of our people and the success of our Nation.
Migwetch (Thank you),
John “Rocky” Barrett | Keweoge (He Leads Them Home) | Tribal Chairman
Linda Capps
Vice-Chairman
Bozho (Hello),
Childcare and Community
Childcare plays a vital role in workforce stability. Statistics show that 53 percent of U.S. workers are parents and 37 percent of them have young children. These figures validate the need for access to quality, affordable childcare. According to a 2020 U.S. Chamber of Commerce report, 76 percent of businesses have seen employees leave due to childcare challenges. These challenges create reduced productivity and increased absenteeism for the workforce.
Difficulty in hiring and retaining talent also can be attributed to the lack of access to acceptable childcare. In addition, inadequate childcare can increase employee turnover by forcing parents to leave the workforce. The impact is felt by both the employer and the employee. Lost economic output that stems from childcare-related work interruptions costs the national economy billions of dollars each year.
The Citizen Potawatomi Nation (CPN) is fortunate to have a Child Development Program with three locations that are considered excellent by professionals in the field. It is monitored by the Indian Health Service, in-house certified personnel, and occasionally by Tribal Child Care & Development Fund program (CCDF). The three centers are located at the east (Administration), west (Grand area), and After School (gymnasium building). In total, the centers are licensed for 496 children. Among these centers, programming is offered for ages 8 weeks through 12 years. The goal of our Child Development Centers is to educate children through play while instilling confidence, responsibility and a sense of cultural identity.
Shawnee Forward (Shawnee Chamber of Commerce organization) has recognized the need to improve and grow childcare in Pottawatomie County. They have created an Employer Childcare Toolkit booklet, and they plan to engage a professional to help increase childcare capacity for the county’s workforce. This is a great idea with forward-thinking members of the community involved. Some community leaders have toured our Childcare Development Center; others plan to soon.
I am excited for the community to take the initiative to improve and grow childcare for Pottawatomie County. CPN Childcare Development program has a waiting list of many children. Our program tries to help secure placement for the children on the list, but sometimes that is difficult to do. We have a childcare voucher program to help Native Americans with childcare outside of the CPN facility. Qualifying residents of Pottawatomie, Oklahoma and Cleveland counties are eligible for childcare assistance. These vouchers are very near full capacity for the year 2025.
Our Child Development Center strives to:
- Foster exploration, inquiry and discovery
- Encourage a positive disposition toward learning
- Focus on curriculum themes and units that lead to interdisciplinary experiences
- Involve students to use skills acquired through the curriculum through connections with school personnel
- Involve students in areas of enrichment activities such as art, vocal and instrumental music, dance, sports, camps, cultural arts performances, visiting community workers, reading/literacy reinforcement, homework helpers, a snack shack for junior enterprise, computer labs, etc.
As a former local educator, I love it when I have school personnel tell me that CPN Child Development students are sufficiently ready to begin first grade at their respective area schools. It is like music to my ears! Thank you for allowing me to share this topic with you. CPN is fortunate to have the funding that allows our Native children added financial assistance to experience such a wonderful program as our Child Development Center.
Migwetch (Thank you),
Linda Capps | Segenakwe (Black Bird Woman) | Vice-Chairman | Work: 405-275-3121 | Cell: 405-650-1238 | [email protected]
Steve Livingston
District 1
Bozho, (Hello),
Potawatomi Gathering
As I write this, it’s been a week since the Potawatomi Gathering, and my heart is still full. I enjoyed being surrounded by friends, family and fellow bodwéwadmik (Potawatomis). I spent the week with my nikan (friend) and mentor, Thomas Loftis, and visited with my cousins Denise Allman and her husband Doug, Amy and Bill Hones, and many more zhishibéniyêk from across our district and beyond.
It was truly a joy to meet, sit and talk with so many of you from District 1 at this year’s Gathering. I began writing out the names of everyone I got to visit with — people I shared meals with or simply caught up with between events — but quickly realized I was going to burn through my word limit just listing names!
Please know that if we talked, even briefly, it meant a lot to me. Seeing familiar faces and meeting new ones reminded me why this work matters — a sense of community.
District 1 really showed up in the art contest, with Peggy Kinder, Alychia Murdock, Samantha Thompson, Anna Johnson and two-time winner Cindy Jarrar all placing, and Jeremy Seeley won first place in the lacrosse throw — congratulations to each of you!
Gun Lake was a terrific host with a very beautiful powwow grounds. It takes an incredible amount of work to pull off a Gathering, and they did so successfully. Next year, we’ll gather at the Forest County Potawatomi Community in Crandon, Wisconsin. If you’ve never attended, I strongly encourage it. It’s a week of learning, ceremony, dance and community.
District 1 Events
I’m still finalizing the schedule for upcoming District 1 gatherings. My goal is to host four each year, along with informal meetups and Zoom sessions. I’ll keep everyone updated through our website and Facebook group.
One event already confirmed is being organized by Kevin Roberts for Friday, Oct. 17 at the Illinois State Museum & Research Center in Springfield, Illinois. I want to thank Kevin for taking the initiative to create this community-led event. Community is strongest when shaped by its people, and I’m grateful for his efforts. Full details are available on our District 1 Facebook Page (facebook.com/groups/cpndistrict1) and at cpndistrict1.com.
Confederation Update
Many of you have asked about the Bodéwadmi Confederation. Once again, CPN chose not to join this year. I remain one of only three legislators in support, and I continue to advocate for joining because I believe in our shared future.
At a time when tribal sovereignty faces growing challenges from state and local governments, building coalitions is one of the best ways to protect and strengthen our position. Beyond political leverage, we also have an opportunity to build a Potawatomi economy alongside our relatives in the north. Many of our Nations have investments in banking, healthcare, real estate, federal contracting and tech — we should be working together.
Due to space limits, I will share more on the website, including the Articles of Confederation, Points of Order and my thoughts on this important topic.
District 1 Website and Digital Outreach
The Hownikan is a great tool for sharing reflections and updates with the community, but it’s not ideal for time-sensitive information. For the most current news in District 1, I encourage you to visit cpndistrict1.com.
There you’ll find upcoming events, my voting record, a community map, highlights of District 1 artists and entrepreneurs, and information on services and benefits. We’re active in the District 1 Facebook group as well. We have about 3,000 members in our district, but I only have contact info for around 185 — help me close that gap so I can keep you connected.
Steve Livingston | Legislator, District 1 | [email protected]
Eva Marie Carney
District 2
Bozho, nikanek (Hello, friends),
Gathering Memories
Igwien (heartfelt thanks) to all who made the 2025 Potawatomi Gathering so memorable. As a fan girl of Robin Wall Kimmerer (botanist, fellow Citizen Potawatomi kwe (woman), writer of “Braiding Sweetgrass” and “Gathering Moss,” included in the 2025 Time 100 list of influential people), I enjoyed brief visiting time with her. I was able to have longer visits with a lot of other special folks. Our Nation contributed to the traditional giveaway multiple pallets of Blue Bird flour and many boxes of portable microscopes for kids. I was delighted to participate in the giveaway by lugging and handing out the five-pound bags of flour, and to dance in the Grand Entries with fellow Potawatomi. I posted photos to Facebook daily, if you are interested. (If we are not “friends” yet, please invite me so you can see them.)
Bodéwadmi Confederation of Tribal Nations– Articles Signing
A ceremonial signing ceremony took place during the Gathering’s annual Tribal Leaders meeting. The preamble to the Bodéwadmi Articles of Confederation declares: “The Nations of the Confederation represent a diverse network of Bodéwadmi that share the desire to work collectively toward furthering principles and policies that promote, defend, and enhance tribal sovereignty.” You can read coverage of it at cpn.news/confederation. Our Nation did not sign because the Legislature as a body is not in favor of joining.
I continue to believe we should join the Confederation. But I am in the minority. Various Tribal members have asked me to explain the basis for “no” votes. I haven’t done this, as I think it is best for folks to hear directly from their representatives. If we have the votes, I am ready to revise and recirculate the draft resolution that we adopt the Confederation Articles. I first proposed the resolution in August 2023 and again in August 2024. I am hopeful that we will join in time for the next Gathering, which will be hosted by the Forest County Potawatomi Community in Crandon, Wisconsin, or the 2027 Gathering, which our Nation is scheduled to host.
Bandolier Bag Sighting
During our 2024 Fall Feast, attendees started crafting bandolier bags. During the Gathering, I spotted college arts major Mars Pursley wearing regalia that included her finished bag. I just love it! Please continue to work on your bags and share photos of them when completed. Next month, I will include with my column a photo of Bob Shaweno Richey’s completed bag.
Upcoming Meetings
Please send RSVPs for our Oct. 4 meeting at Etowah Indian Museum and Etowah Mounds (see postcard invitation for details) and our Nov. 8 Fall Feast. Full meeting details are at evamariecarney.com/calendar.php.
We Remain Great
Did you take note of the recent White House push to have two professional sports teams change the names of their mascots back to names referring to Native Americans that many (including me) find offensive? The advocacy for a return to the old names is that “Our great Indian people, in massive numbers, want this to happen.” And the tag line for this campaign is “Make Indians Great Again (MIGA).”
For the record, we have been great. And we remain great. I, for one, am happy that our local team, as of 2020, is called the Washington Commanders, not a racial slur. And I am grateful that, when I watch them play at home this fall, I won’t have to see players trampling the old midfield logo – the head of a stereotyped Native chief.
Please Keep in Touch and Continue to Share Family News
Please keep in touch, reach out, and continue to share family news as you have it!
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)
Brenda Trevino
District 3
Bozho (Hello),
The Hownikan graciously reached out to ask if the District 3 candidates would submit articles for the September edition of the magazine. When the new legislator is announced and is sworn in on Aug. 26, that person’s article will be added as the District 3 article for the month.
So, I am writing this on my way back from the 2025 Potawatomi Gathering in Michigan on the Potawatomi Fire bus with all those who traveled together to be with our extended relatives in Michigan: tired but fulfilled.
Serving the district and CPN as a whole will be my new vocational focus. I have a heart full of thankfulness and gratitude for the journey and the opportunities before us.
In an earlier Hownikan article I mentioned a goal to expand our connectivity through an increased number of face-to-face meetings and events that focus on our culture, benefits, government and services by spotlighting subject matter experts in these areas.
Your time is precious so I want to open up several avenues for you to get information regularly such as: at least one face-to-face meeting every six to eight weeks (recording portions of each meeting for those who cannot attend), posting portions of those meetings on the district Facebook page, setting up a designated hour each week (Tuesdays 8-9 p.m.) to be open for questions/ideas from you. Of course, you can always email me or leave your name and phone number for a call back any day. These are the first steps of many more to come. I want to be as available as possible. If you would like to volunteer to work with me on a particular topic to present at a meeting or a cultural skill you would like to teach others, I would welcome it. I’ll also invite experts from Shawnee to inform the district about benefits and services first-hand. I will post an agenda for each meeting in advance and a potential alternate date if the weather causes us to cancel.
Our heritage is so awe-inspiring and going to Gathering, like going to Family Festival, is a life experience that can connect us to each other and our relatives (as well as our Seven Generations) for the walk ahead.
Migwetch (Thank you) to all who voted in the election and in the runoff. Exercising a vote for your candidate of choice is an important constitutional right. I look forward to working for each and every one of you.
Brenda Trevino (Black Cloud Woman) | [email protected] | Cell: 281-466-7427
Jon Boursaw
District 4
Fire Keepers Circle Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
It has been my honor and pleasure to be involved in the Fire Keepers Circle effort from the beginning to its dedication. In February 2023, I received a phone call from Susan Mong, who was with the Johnson County Park and Recreation District (JCPRD), asking me if I would be willing to come over to Overland Park and discuss with her and her staff the history of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation and its connection to Johnson County. A short time later, I met with Susan and members of the Heritage Park staff near the existing Potawatomi Trail of Death marker in the park to discuss the location of the proposed art exhibit. Then, in September of 2023, Susan arranged for an event in Heritage Park to welcome the travelers on the Trail of Death Caravan as they passed through Johnson County on their way to Sugar Creek, the final destination of the original removal from Indiana. The attendance comprised of the travelers, other Potawatomi members from the area and local community members far exceeded our original estimate. Several other CPN members have been involved in this project. This includes Angela Montgomery, who not only served on the Art Selection Committee; she and her father, Vernon, each submitted a unique feather design which was imprinted by the artist and included in the exhibit, and, finally, Angela gave the opening prayer in Potawatomi at the ceremony. Tammy Mikinski, Kathy McClure, and Director of the CPN Cultural Heritage Center Blake Norton, along with myself, were also involved in the final selection. The actual ribbon cutting ceremony was attended by well over 100 people, again exceeding our expectations. The speakers included Vice-Chairman Capps, comments by Chairman Barrett, the exhibit artist Aaron Squadroni, the Chairman of the Johnson County Board of Commissioners Mike Kelly, and others from the JCPRD board. I can’t close without mentioning my cousins, Joe Wulfkuhle, who smudged the exhibit prior to the ceremony as well as smudging individuals who asked to be smudged, and his sister, Joan Atkins, who spread cedar around the exhibit. If you are interested in seeing the exhibit use this address: 16050 Pflumm Rd, Olathe, Kansas, 66062.
Upcoming CPN Elders’ Potlucks
Date for the Elder Potlucks held in Rossville at noon are:
October 10 | Goulash | RSVP by the 7th
Bring your favorite side dish or dessert. Please RSVP to Tracy at 785-584-6171.
Upcoming District 4 Meetings
Wichita: Sunday, October 26 at 12:30 p.m. at the Mid-America All-Indian Center located at 650 N. Seneca St. in Wichita. Lunch will be served. Kent Bush, Director of CPN Public Information, will be the speaker. Please RSVP no later than 5 p.m., Tuesday, October 21 by calling me at 785-608-1982, or email me at [email protected]. Please identify which meeting you will attend. For those KC Chiefs fans, not to worry, their game is Monday night, Nov. 4.
Rossville: Saturday, November 1 at 10 a.m. in the CPN Community Center in Rossville. Lunch will be served. Please RSVP no later than 5 p.m., Tuesday, October 28 by calling me at 785-608-1982, or by email at [email protected]. Please identify which meeting you will attend.
Contact Information
If you are not receiving emails from me, it is because I do not have your current email address or what I have is incorrect. All you need to do is email me your email address.
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
Mark Johnson
District 7
Bozho nikanek (Hello friends),
On Saturday, Nov. 8, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., Rande Payne and I will be hosting a combined District 6 and 7 meeting and Fall Festival in Visalia, California. You should receive your invitation postcard with instructions on how to register for this event. It is always a great time for information sharing and to gather as a Tribal Nation as a run up to Native American Heritage Month in November. You may register at cpn.news/HeritageFestival. If you discover that you cannot attend, please remember to cancel your reservation.
As always, late summer in District 7 brings wildfire to almost all areas of our district. Preparedness is essential in today’s world; one program that has been around for a number of years is the Ready – Set – Go Program, it can be seen at cpn.news/rsgp. While designed for wildfire, its principles can be applied to any emergency.
Being ready — wildfire preparedness
Being ready for wildfire starts with maintaining an adequate defensible space and by hardening your home by using fire resistant building materials. Defensible space is the buffer you create by removing dead plants, grass and weeds. This buffer helps to keep the fire away from your home. Hardening your home means using construction materials that can help your home withstand flying embers finding weak spots in the construction, which can result in your house catching fire. It takes the combination of both defensible space and the hardening of your home to really give your house the best chance of surviving a wildfire.
Getting set
Before wildfire strikes, it is important that you get set. Prepare yourself and your home for the possibility of having to evacuate. There are three main preparation actions that should be completed and familiar to all members of your household long in advance of a wildfire.
Three Steps to Getting Set:
- Create a Wildfire Action Plan that includes evacuation planning for your home, family and pets.
- Assemble an Emergency Supply Kit for each person in your household.
- Fill out a Family Communication Plan that includes important evacuation and contact information.
Go! Evacuation guide
Give your household the best chance of surviving a wildfire by being ready to go and evacuating early. This includes going through pre-evacuation preparation steps (only if time allows) to increase your home’s defenses, as well as creating a Wildfire Action Plan for your family. Being ready to go also means knowing when to evacuate and what to do if you become trapped.
Remember: When immediate evacuation is necessary, follow these steps as soon as possible to get ready to GO!
- Review your Evacuation Plan Checklist.
- Ensure your Emergency Supply Kit is in your vehicle.
- Cover up to protect against heat and flying embers. Wear long pants, long-sleeve shirt, heavy shoes/boots, cap, dry bandanna for face cover, goggles or glasses. 100% cotton is preferable.
- Locate your pets and take them with you.
Additional information can be found at readyforwildfire.org.
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. 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, jayek (Hello, everyone),
Well, Alaska is always an amazing place and this busy three-event journey didn’t disappoint. Natural beauty is everywhere — mountains, the sea and wildlife! In our time there, we saw eagles, sea lions and humpback whales. Bear and moose were elusive.
We began our journey in Juneau and held a meeting at a beautiful facility built around a clan house in downtown Juneau. This was the Sealaska facility, representing the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian cultures of southeast Alaska. What an amazing place and friendly staff! John, the greeter and docent at the facility, is a Tribal member who relocated to Juneau from my area in Washington state. Totem poles and amazing tribal art abounded.
The group shared a meal, viewed presentations about the Nation’s history, government and Family Festival, had an extensive question and answer period, and shared a taco bar lunch provided by a local caterer. We discussed our founding families and our connection and draw to Alaska. Ginger Blackmon was the recipient of a very nice blanket as the Wisest Potawatomi at the young age of 63.
The following morning, we conducted a Naming ceremony in Palmer, at the home of Barbara Johnson. Barbara had made the offer many years ago to host some activities, and I reached out to her in January. Migwetch (Thank you) to Barbara for hosting, creating a great place for a prayer circle and being so welcoming.
I had the honor of Naming four citizens, representing three different founding families. Our feast afterward had some amazing breakfast food, and one of the most unique contributions I have ever enjoyed: buffalo meatballs with berry sauce and wild rice. If I can get the recipe I will be sharing it — the dish was amazing!
Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate much, and we were a bit soggy going from the Naming to the meeting in the park, but at least we had a pavilion shelter at Lake Lucille Park in Wasilla. Temperatures were in the 50s and 60s. We shared presentations, family stories, Q&A and a lunch buffet. Ninety-year-old Rozann Krimpton received a beautiful blanket as our Wisest at this gathering.
During the two Alaska events, I was able to award four District 8 citizens with Veteran Coins to recognize their service. They were Shawn Mauldin of Juneau for his service in the U.S. Coastguard, Barbara Johnson of Wasilla for her U.S. Air Force service, Steve Penniston of Wasilla for his time in the U.S. Army and Randy Kimpton of Anchorage for his work with the DOD.
Our annual Fall Feast will be on Oct. 11 at the Duwamish Longhouse in Seattle and, as of placing the order this morning, frybread tacos from Off the Reservation are on the menu. I’ll be calling for speakers from throughout the district as we get closer to the event.
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 GHOST TOWN OF BURNETT
Burnett, located within Potawatomi territory, Indian Territory, no longer exists. It was located four miles west and one mile north of Macomb, Oklahoma. The lively town existed from June 8, 1888, to Jan. 2, 1907. The town was named after Catherine Burnett, the daughter of Potawatomi Chief Abram Burnett.
This town is close to my heart because it was the future community where my ancestors claimed land. My great-great grandfather, William Wesselhöft, was a notary public and the postmaster of Burnett. William Wesselhöft, a native German, came to the future Burnett with his friend William Griffenstein. These two men lived in Wichita, Kansas, which was founded by Griffenstein. He was also Wichita’s first mayor, a bank director and a licensed Indian trader. These early pioneers married Potawatomi women and came to Oklahoma Territory to live on their wives’ allotments. Burnett was founded by Griffenstein, who named the town after his wife and father-in-law, Abram Burnett. Chief Abram Burnett was my great-great-great-grandfather. Some sources say that this giant of a man weighed 446 pounds. Burnett, whose Potawatomi name was Nan-Wesh-Mah, was born in 1812 on the north side of the Tippecanoe River near Fulton County, Indiana. His parents were Potawatomi Chief Shau-Uque-Be and Cone-Zo-Quah, the daughter of Chief Chebaas. There is a tall marble monument erected in Abram’s honor on Burnett’s Mound in southwest Topeka, Kansas.
Griffenstein started the first store in Burnett. He and his son ran over 1,000 registered horses on his ranch. The town was the largest one in the county in 1891. It had three saloons, hotels and a mill.
All the people of Burnett moved a few miles away to Macomb and Tribbey when the railroad failed to come to Burnett and instead went through Tecumseh. William Wesselhöft and his wife, Emma Metz, moved to Macomb, and William became the first postmaster of Macomb.
Today, what was Burnett, Indian Territory, is a vast area of nothing but grass and weeds, no roads, no buildings, no houses, no foundations, only ghosts.
Migwetch (Thank you),
Paul Wesselhöft | Naganit (Leader) | [email protected] | [email protected]
David Barrett
District 10
Bozho (Hello),
Allow me to say something about this year’s PLP program: it was fantastic! They were right on with thinking about their generation’s solutions. The individuals presented their projects and their individual reflections. This year the PLP group included: Cadence Barreda, Blaze Corbin, Milly Crump, Evie Gaytan, Juliann Healy, Kaya Kirk, Kathryn Lehman, Robin Loux and Charleigh Schaaf.
After listening and talking with the PLP kids, the outstanding theme was their heartfelt, life-changing chapter in their lives as to learning their identities with experiencing their newfound culture. The presentation ended with all the PLP kids drumming and singing with our own CPN ladies’ drummers (De’wegen Kwek).
Will AI take middle management jobs? Korn Ferry report (on April 29, 2025) states 20% of organizations will use AI to flatten their structure. The report also states that 44 percent of U.S. professionals said that their company has cut back on manager-level roles.
After researching, AI is expected to automate many jobs, particularly those involving repetitive and routine tasks. These includes roles like customer service representatives (AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants can handle many common customer inquiries), data entry clerks (repetitive tasks like data entry and basic bookkeeping are easily automated by AI), telemarketers (AI can automate cold calling and lead generation), retail cashiers (automated checkout systems and inventory management are already impacting retail jobs), and some roles in manufacturing and transportation (AI powered robots and automated systems are increasingly used in factories and warehouses). Additionally, jobs in finance, like bookkeeping and accounting (some financial analysis tasks can be automated), and some roles in the legal field (paralegals and legal assistants who handle research and document review may see their roles impacted).
Here are some of the jobs less likely to be replaced by AI:
Jobs requiring high levels of human interaction and empathy: These include roles like therapists, counselors and social workers. Jobs involving complex problem-solving and creativity: Roles like researchers, artists and high-level managers may be less susceptible to automation. Jobs requiring physical dexterity and adaptability: positions like machine learning engineers and cybersecurity will be crucial for the future of AI.
A McKinsey survey (on March 5, 2025) finds that millennials are the most active generation of AI users. Some 62% of employees aged 35 to 44 report high levels of expertise, compared with 50% of the 18 to 24-year-old Gen Zers and 22% of Baby Boomers over 65.
But we are not all going to be consumed by AI. These “AI-proof” jobs less likely to be automated are the ones that require human abilities, offering stability in a rapidly evolving world are the following: mental health professionals, creative professionals, trades and skilled labor, healthcare workers, educators and teachers, and hospitality and service roles.
AI is here and all we need to know is how are we going to accept it? Bill Gates stated, “The development of AI is as fundamental as the creation of the microprocessor, the personal computer, the Internet and the mobile phone. It will change the way people work, learn, travel, get health care and communicate with each other.”
Take time to thank a veteran, first responder and a person in blue when you have an opportunity.
It goes without saying that it is both a pleasure and an honor to serve you and our great Nation.
Migwetch (Thank you),
David Barrett | Mnedobe (Sits with the Spirits) | [email protected] | 1601 S. Gordon Cooper Dr. | Shawnee, OK 74801 | 405-275-3121