John “Rocky” Barrett
Tribal Chairman
Bozho, nikan, (Hello, my friend),
As I often do in these end-of-year columns, I want to again encourage you to take in the joy of the holiday season with friends and family. This is what it is all about, having a family and loved ones to spend time with. Cherish these times, break out a family photo album and teach the younger relatives about those who have walked on. Tell their stories so the next generation understands what came before them to better understand the world they will soon be a full part of. Those generations who came before us fought, struggled and planned ahead in hopes of better days for us. We owe it to them to tell their stories.
In that vein, our Tribe is once again facing a rising attack along with many of our fellow Tribal governments. Many of you have likely heard of, or possibly participated in, these so called “prediction markets” that are now simply mobile sports betting in all but name. As many at the recent National Congress of American Indians conference summarized, they are a direct threat to a vital economic tool Tribes have used to build up our economies. We’ve done this despite gaming being one of the most highly regulated industries in this country, exceeding the revenues that were simply unthinkable prior to the passage of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988.
Please know that your Tribe is indeed focused on how to address this threat alongside our allies in Tribal gaming.
Finally, as many have heard, the CPN legislature formally voted to join the Potawatomi Confederation. The Confederation, while in existence for a couple years now, is slowly gathering an organizational structure, currently managed by the host of the previous year’s Gathering of Potawatomi Nations. That means this year, Gun Lake Pottawatomi are helping organize. Next year after the Gathering of Potawatomi Nations, Forest County Potawatomi will take over the organizational duties.
We are still in the initial phases, but I am hopeful of what will come as we partner where we can on shared issues with the other Potawatomi tribal governments and First Nations. I want to thank those who have been patient as your elected officials weighed the decision to join and our staff work with the governmental staff at the other tribes to get it up and running.
As always, it is an honor to serve as your Tribal Chairman.
Migwetch (Thank you),
John “Rocky” Barrett | Keweoge (He Leads Them Home) | Tribal Chairman
Linda Capps
Vice-Chairman
Bozho (Hello),
The Native Children’s Research Exchange (NCRE) brings together scholars, researchers and professionals studying and working with child and adolescent development in American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian communities. The group comes together twice a year to openly exchange information and ideas, build mutual relationships, mentor new scholars, and distribute research information on Native child and adolescent development.
NCRE was founded in 2008 with funding from the Society for Research in Child Development (SRCD). The first conference was held in 2008, and another took place in 2009. Since that time, conferences have been funded by The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). From 2015 to present, NCRE has received additional support from the Tribal Early Childhood Research Center (TRC). The importance of NCRE keeps additional funding alive due to the priorities and development of scientifically and culturally grounded theories for Native child development research from birth through emerging adulthood.
Several months ago, CPN Tribal member Ashley B. Cole, Ph.D., associate professor of department of psychology at Oklahoma State University, invited the Chairman and me to speak at an NCRE meeting in Tulsa in November. We were encouraged to speak about CPN’s programs dealing with children, which include the Child Development Center and After School Program, Indian Child Welfare and the Women Infants and Children Program.
It was an enlightening experience to have the opportunity to talk about the Nation. A bonus to me on that day is Dr. Ashley Cole and a participant for the program, Jessica McCormick (also a Tribal member), are my nieces. It was a lovely experience.
Earlier in November, I was blessed to have the opportunity to attend Mark Johnson and Rande Payne’s District 7 and 8 meeting in Visalia, California. It had been nine long years since I had attended one of their meetings. Over time, I have gotten to know many people from California, and it was so good to go back. A surprise from my past was Danna Barron, who had graduated from Tecumseh (Oklahoma) High School years ago, where my late husband and I taught. I was very pleased to see Danna and to meet her husband.
Mark and Rande always do a great job with their meetings. They are experts at creating an atmosphere where people like to join in the conversation. An attendee whom we have known for many years was Mary Bolland. She attended my church in Bethel, Oklahoma, several months ago and, to my surprise, is the sister of one of our church deacons. It goes to show us that we must not forget that many of our Tribal members have roots in Oklahoma.
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),
Finding Grace and Gratitude in Community
As we move into the holiday season, I want to take a moment to reflect on grace, forgiveness and community. Whether or not you celebrate, this season reminds us what matters most — family, friends and the connections that hold us together.
Many people reached out after reading the Chairman’s October update, and I want to address those concerns. I know that when something like that is written, it can leave people wondering what’s really going on. What I can say is this: I’ve always tried to approach this role with honesty, humility and respect. I care deeply about our Nation and the people who make it all possible every day. We might not always agree, but I believe disagreement doesn’t have to mean disrespect.
The way the Chairman described me and my time in Shawnee doesn’t quite reflect what took place, but I’d rather not use this space to go back and forth. If you’d like to know more or get to know me better, I welcome the conversation. Understanding comes through listening and dialogue, and I’ve always tried to be open and accessible. You can find my vote record here: cpndistrict1.com/vote-record.
I trust our community to decide what kind of person I am. If you ever have doubts, I encourage you to call and get to know me. The person you see in public is the same person I am in private — someone who truly cares about our people, wants the best for our Nation and tries to lead with integrity. Despite the personal attacks, I forgive the Chairman and wish him good health, peace and continued success. Extending that grace feels like the right thing to do — and it’s something I hope we all carry into this season.
Now, I’d like to shift to something positive — because there’s a lot of good happening in our community. By the time this is published, we’ll have held our first District 1 meeting at Harvard’s Peabody Museum. In October, we also launched a community-led beading project with about 20 Tribal citizens creating a panel to gift to the Cultural Heritage Center next June. You can read more about it here: cpndistrict1.com/beading-project.
On Oct. 17, District 1 citizen Kevin Roberts organized a wonderful gathering at the Illinois State Museum, and I thank him for taking the lead in bringing people together. I also want to thank his friend and curator, Brooke Morgan, for spending the day with us.
We started with a behind-the-scenes tour of the ISM Research & Collections Center, seeing Great Lakes tribal artifacts, taxidermied animals and other collections up close. We ate lunch at Café Moxo, shared stories and got to know one another. We wrapped up the afternoon visiting a beautiful beadwork exhibit and, more importantly, District 1 citizen Sharon Hoogstraten’s “Dancing for Our Tribe” photography exhibit, which brilliantly captures the spirit and pride of Potawatomi people across all our communities.
That day reminded me what community truly is — coming together, sharing stories and finding joy in our shared identity as Bodwéwadmik. I’ll keep working to create opportunities for us to gather, but real community happens when citizens like Kevin take the lead and make it happen.
As we close out the year, my hope for all of us is that we continue finding grace and gratitude — in our families, our friendships and one another. Thank you for letting me serve you and for the opportunity to get to know you and your families. I wish you all a blessed and joyful new year.
(View more photos: guestcam.co/guest/0kWNwGSyXN / Access Code: CPND1-1017)
Steve Livingston | Legislator, District 1 | [email protected]
Eva Marie Carney
District 2
Bozho, nikanek (Hello, friends),
Celebrating Recent Golden Eagles’ Montana Release and Flight. I cannot be any prouder of our Nation, my friends Jennifer Randell and Bree Dunham (who direct our Eagle Aviary), and all who supported their raising of golden eagles Nëmkis (Little Thunder) and Mnotagwzékwé (She Brings the Good News). Their efforts culminated in October 2025 with the release into the wild of these two golden eagles. I love how our Nation is working every day to preserve the sacred bond between eagles and our people. You can watch a beautiful video of the eagles’ release at cpn.news/eaglerelease.
Migwetch (Thank you) to everyone who attended our 2025 District 2 Fall Feast. We began with a CPN history presentation by District 4 Legislator Jon Boursaw (Bourassa and Ogee families). Lyle Simmons (Peltier family) then provided expert instruction on making soft-sole, center-seam mkesinen (moccasin). The basic pattern Lyle taught from is available at cpn.news/moccasin; our hides came from Centralia Fur and Hide at cpn.news/centralfurhide. Other materials used were felt, a Sharpie pen and chalk (for making the pattern), scissors (for cutting the felt and leather), an awl or ice pick (to make holes for stitching), and sinew and a leather needle (for stitching using whip and running stitches). I have posted to Facebook many photos of attendees at work on their mkesinen. For those who attended, please share photos of your finished moccasins!
Heidi Stone (Melott family) planned and oversaw the bustling children’s craft table. I provided our four medicines (cedar, sage, sweetgrass and tobacco), and tobacco ties were gifted to everyone, thanks to Brent Korzeniewski (Lewis family) and his parents George and Kathleen. We honored Kathy Upchurch (Toupin family) as our wisest attendee, four-month-old Winona “Nona” (Pettifer family) as our youngest attendee, and Lyle Simmons for travelling over 1,100 miles to the meeting. I awarded gift cards to artists Kathryn Javins (Pettifer family), Mars Pursley (Tescier family), and Kimbery Pratt (Lewis family) and ended the day with a giveaway, to which Kim Pratt added her lovely pottery gifts.
Lyle, along with the always hardworking Bob and Karen Richey (LaFramboise and Hardin families), Steve Klein (Tescier family) and his grandchildren Leland, Zoey, Archer and Alistair, and my terrific husband Alan Cohen, all helped with set up and clean up. College student Leland Klein was able to troubleshoot some initial IT tics so that Jon could present his slides. Migwetch (Thank you), Leland! Everyone brought dishes to share, making for a delicious family lunch.
Our Fall Feasts are always terrific gatherings — and that is because so many folks contribute in so many ways. Migwetch to all — I am already looking forward to and planning for next year!
Resource sharing: Potawatomi Feasting and Winter Stories. Please remember that many useful resources are posted to my website, under the Heritage tab, including the cookbook I compiled in 2018, “Potawatomi Feasting.” You can view it at cpn.news/potawatomifeasting. To set the tone, the cookbook begins with the Thanksgiving prayer we say during District 2 Fall Feasts – perhaps you can use it at your family gatherings.
Also posted is the book “Winter Stories 2015.” This book (cpn.news/winterstories2015) is filled with stories gathered from fellow Potawatomi, along with traditional stories I researched and included. Please note that our teaching is that our traditional stories that involve Nanabozho or Wiske are told only in the wintertime. This is the time when the earth and the spirits are asleep.
Migwetch (Thank you), for the honor of representing you. Happy holidays and New Year to all!
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 jayek (Greetings all)!
As this issue of the Hownikan will be distributed during the holiday season, I wanted to
ask us to look around for some small things we can do for others. It could be a specific kindness or an action. It could be daily, weekly or only on a specific occasion. Feeling a genuine act of kindness can completely change the trajectory of another person’s day.
Specific health concerns also go hand-in-hand with the holidays. If you can, invite someone to share time with you to let them know you care — it can alleviate stress and give joy! Check on a loved one or friend who lives alone. Drop by to see that friend who won’t be able to go home to see family. Even a phone call or message can bring a smile. You can be a blessing. Sending holiday cards is a practice of the past for most of us. I still display holiday cards on my window blinds each year and say a brief prayer for each friend/family/acquaintance who took the time to send them years ago. They really dress up the place!
I can’t let an issue go by without reminding District 3 members of the upcoming Meet-and-Greet in Corpus Christi on Jan. 10, 2026, at the YMCA. Address for the YMCA is 417 S. Upper Broadway Street. The room is reserved from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (program starts at 10:30 a.m.). This is the first of five meet-and-greet meetings through June, with a larger regional meeting in Waco on April 18. The save-the-date calendar for each of the monthly planned meetings in District 3 is also published in this issue of the Hownikan. Please RSVP and come one, come all!
Next, I’m passing along a short list of potential support resources for those that may need a helping hand during the holidays or at any time. Local food pantries, churches, Meals on Wheels, Interfaith Ministries, United Way, St. Vincent de Paul and several websites such as catholiccharitiesusa.org, feedingamerica.org, modestneeds.org, operationhomefront.org (for military), 211.org and familypromise.org (for jobs) are found not only in District 3 but most are also across the country.
I give thanks to the Creator for each of you! May 2026 be happy and healthy!
Chi migwetch (Many thanks)!
Brenda Trevino | Mkedewankwetkwe (Black Cloud Woman) | [email protected] | 281-466-7427
Jon Boursaw
District 4
Holiday Greeting
Peggy and I would like to sincerely wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We hope that your holiday season is safe and only filled with joy and happiness. I look forward to 2026 with great expectations and enthusiasm as I continue to foster awareness of the history and presence of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation in Kansas, and my endeavor to connect with and serve CPN members throughout the state.
Closing Out 2025
Since I was first elected to my position as the District 4 Legislator, I have remained rather busy, but nothing like the past couple of months in 2025. Here is what was on my calendar:
Oct. 10 – Attended the monthly potluck in Rossville. Not unusual as I regularly attend.
Oct. 12 – Invited to give my CPN History Presentation as part of the Sunday morning service at the St. David’s Episcopal Church in Topeka. It appeared to be well received.
Oct. 21 – I met with four students at the Topeka West High School, at their invitation, for almost two hours discussing the removal of the Potawatomi from Indiana to Indian Territory (now Kansas), and the Potawatomi Trail of Death in particular. They are entering a nation-wide competition of historic events on video media. Only one student was Native American, and he was Prairie Band Potawatomi.
Oct. 26 – I hosted a District 4 meeting in Wichita at the Mid-America All Indian Center. Chairman Barrett and Vice-Chairman Capps attended. CPN Director of Public Information Kent Bush gave a presentation with slides on the latest Tribal construction projects in Shawnee, OK. Close to 50 attended.
Nov. 1 – I held another District 4 meeting in the CPN Community Center in Rossville with over 90 attendees. CPN Director of Education Rachel Watson gave a comprehensive presentation of the activities and programs that department offers.
Nov. 4 – I gave my CPN History Presentation to a Men’s Dinner Club in Topeka, of which I am a member. It was an excellent opportunity to recognize Native American Heritage Month. Approximately 45 were in attendance.
Nov. 7/8 – At the invitation of Eva Carney, the District 2 Legislator, I flew to Washington, D.C., to give my CPN History Presentation at her district meeting in Arlington, VA.
Nov. 13 – Represented the Nation at a function at the Topeka Center for Advanced
Learning & Careers attended by seniors from the local high schools.
Nov. 14 – Attended the November Elder’s Potluck, a Thanksgiving Feast.
Nov. 18 – Attended the Olathe City Council Meeting to accept a proclamation from
the Olathe Mayor acknowledging Native American Heritage Month.
Nov. 23 – The Best One!! I was invited to represent the CPN at the Kansas City Chiefs football game where they recognized Native American Heritage Month and the two Native American players on their team. One of those players is their center, Creed Humphrey, a CPN member from Shawnee, OK.
That is my schedule for October and November, I have no idea what December’s schedule will have.
Upcoming CPN Elders’ Potlucks
Dates for the Elder Potlucks held in Rossville at noon are:
Jan. 9 | Soups | RSVP by the 6th
Bring your favorite side dish or dessert. Please RSVP to Tracy at 785-584-6171.
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.
Migwetch (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
Rande K. Payne
District 6
Bozho nikanek (Hello friends),
The annual District 6 and 7 Heritage Festival is always enjoyable for me but is a lot of work. I couldn’t do it by myself, so I would like to thank District 7 Representative Mark Johnson, my sisters Sharon Welch and Karen Walker, and my brother Terry Payne. Because we hold the event at my residence, it’s a lot more involved than just showing up at a venue with everything set up, then driving away when it’s over. It was a team effort!
Congratulations to our wisest in attendance, Mary Boland, from Visalia, California; farthest traveler, Danna Barron, from Spring Valley, California; and the future of our Tribe, Allora Allison, from Bakersfield, California. Mary and Danna are from the Melott family and Allora is from the Scully family. Allora’s mother is Amy Allison. Mary and Danna discovered they were related while attending the Festival several years ago. Now Danna stays with Mary when she comes up for Festival, and they make a weekend of it. A close second for farthest traveler was Sabrina Rodia from Gardnerville, Nevada. Sabrina and her husband Archie have made the trip several times.
We were so happy that Chairman Rocky Barrett and Vice-Chairman Linda Capps were able to attend. Because of the government shutdown, flights were delayed or cancelled, so I contacted Ms. Capps to make sure they were going to be able to come. To my astonishment, she replied, “Yes, we just left Albuquerque, and we’ll be there. We’re driving out.” If that’s not determination, I don’t know what is! It’s a testament to their commitment to serving the people of our Tribe. Mark and I had planned on honoring them for their years of service with plaques of appreciation well before we knew they were driving out. Presenting them with their plaques was one of the most joyful experiences I’ve had as a representative of the Tribe. I greatly appreciate all they have done for our Nation. I also want to thank everyone who came to the Festival for expressing their appreciation as well. I know it meant a lot to them. I hope you enjoyed the question-and-answer time with Rocky and Linda as much as I did. I just want to say that I’m proud of how well everyone did playing Potawatomi trivia.
I also had the honor and privilege of naming Tribal member Jack Mitchell. Jack and his family drove from Bakersfield. The morning was beautiful and perfect for a ceremony. Jack is a Tescier descendant, as I am. We discovered that Jack’s great-grandmother, Hattie Mitchell (Tescier), and my great-grandfather, John Tescier, were brother and sister. As we were announcing Jack’s Potawatomi name (Mbwaka-naganit – He leads with Wisdom) to the four directions, I had a strong sense that Hattie and John were looking down on us with warm hearts.
In closing, it has been an honor serving as your representative. It hasn’t always been easy, but I have done my best to serve to the best of my ability. I have enjoyed serving as your representative because I have enjoyed you, the people. I am up for election next year and I want to continue to represent the Potawatomi of District 6. If I am fortunate enough to be re-elected, it would be my last term.
Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season, happy Thanksgiving, merry Christmas and happy New Year!
Wisdom from the Word: “And Mary said: My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.” Luke: 46-47, 50
Igwiyen (Heartfelt thanks), jagenagenan (all my relations), nagech (later),
Rande K. Payne | Mnedo Gabo | [email protected] | 31150 Road 180 | Visalia, CA 93292-9585 | 559-999-5411
Mark Johnson
District 7
Bozho nikanek (Hello friends),
On Nov. 8, several District 7 members gathered at the fall Family Heritage Festival that was co-hosted by Rande Payne with District 6 members in Visalia, California. It was great to be in the company of our members and have a good lunch. Joining Rande and I for the meeting were Chairman Barrett and Vice-Chairman Capps. As always, it was a pleasure to have them join us to share with those gathered the latest news from Shawnee. Chairman Barrett covered topics ranging from the construction projects to the growth of our Tribe. Vice-Chairman Capps spoke in detail about the Tribe’s Columbarium, making sure that everyone knows they will be welcomed home, if they choose to be cremated after they walk on. A good question and answer session followed. As per our custom, blankets and a bag were presented, with the wisest blanket going to Mary Boland from Visalia, California, a Melott descendant, and the farthest traveled to Danna Barron from Spring Valley, California, also a Melott family member.
November is also Native American Heritage Month that was officially designated in 1990, when President George H.W. Bush signed a joint resolution declaring November as a time to recognize the contributions of Native Americans. The Citizen Potawatomi Nation’s history is one of both deep cultural roots and remarkable endurance. Originally located in the Great Lakes region, our Tribe’s way of life was drastically altered in the early 19th century. With the signing of the Indian Removal Act in 1830, the U.S. government initiated a policy of relocating Native tribes from their ancestral lands to make way for American expansion. The Potawatomi were forced to leave their homes in a tragic event known as the Potawatomi Trail of Death. This forced relocation in 1838 led to the deaths of untold numbers of Tribal members as they were marched from the Great Lakes region to what is now Kansas and, later, settled in present-day Shawnee, Oklahoma. Despite these hardships, the Citizen Potawatomi Nation have managed to preserve our culture and rebuild our community over the generations. Today, the Citizen Potawatomi Nation is approaching 40,000 enrolled members.
As we gather this holiday season, make sure you take the time to share your family history and stories. We owe it to our younger generations to keep the fire of our heritage burning brightly. Also, it is never too early to start planning your trip to the Family Festival in Shawnee next year, June 26-28, 2026. The honored families in 2026 will be: Acton, Bergeron, Bruno, Curley, Delonais, Greemore and Slavin.
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 for which you are eligible. 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),
We just wrapped up our 2025 Fall Feast in the Seattle area! This year’s gathering was well attended (approximately 75) and was held at the Duwamish Long House. Our meal was prepared by Off the Rez and consisted of Indian fry bread tacos and kale salad. Desserts were brought by our own citizens and varied from home-made cupcakes with medicine wheel motif icing to Krispy Kreme doughnuts.
We started the meeting by reading off the Founding Family names and having attendees raise their hands if they belonged to an announced family (or two). We determined that we had at least ten or so folks that had never attended any CPN tribal gathering in the past — so this was a perfect opportunity to learn about the Nation’s past and present. Teri Schwiethale of Port Angeles, Washington, made an excellent presentation on the Potawatomi Trail of Death. Her passion for the subject was evident and she spoke about the historic forced removal from Indiana to Kansas. She also discussed the caravan and the website that she and other Potawatomi volunteers have been developing.
Veteran Robert White of Coos Bay, Oregon, presented CPN Military Service coins to veteran Marcus Thompson and George Sparks (active duty).
I gave a lengthy PowerPoint presentation about the Nation’s history, government, enterprises, benefits and the Family Festival. Other topics included the Potawatomi Confederation and CPN Care — the Nation’s telehealth program that is free to enrolled members and their spouses.
As is our tradition, we presented our prizes to the wisest, youngest and farthest traveled. Rececca Croy of Pocatello, Idaho, won a Pendleton travel mug for being our citizen who traveled the farthest to be there. Three-year-old Luna Trousdale captured everyone’s heart as she was accompanied by her father to receive her Pendleton blanket. My friend, Joan Retinger, received the “Wisest” Potawatomi Pendleton blanket at age of 82.
A District 8 tradition is our Native themed art contest. There were some excellent pieces of Potawatomi art entered, including a beaver skin traditional headdress, a lodge pole pine hand-carved chair with Native design upholstery and some great beading. However, the winner of the “fine arts” category was Zac Schwiet for some rock concert style poster prints with Anishnabe/Potawatomi themes (think Grateful Dead meets CPN). The winner of the “craft” category was Marcus Thompson with an amazing handcrafted eagle feather prayer fan. Marcus explained how a Lakota friend and mentor had taught him how to put this project together.
For our craft, Natalie Mitchell of Gresham, Oregon, instructed the group on making a paper canoe as a reminder of our historic past as Sheshe-bonak — the duck people who lived on and around the water.
Julie Jackson and Robert White had opened the meeting with a hand drum honor song provided by our language director Justin Neely that was originally written by Don Perrot called, “Creator I Depend on You.” They closed the meeting with another traditional song and were joined by several attendees.
As we head into the holiday season, I am feeling blessed to have such a fine and talented District 8 community.
Merry Christmas,
Dave Carney | Kagashgi (Raven) | [email protected] | 360-259-4027
Paul Wesselhöft
District 9
Bozho, nikan (Hello, friend),
I was fortunate to win first place in poetry at Oklahoma City Writer’s contest.
Appalachian
Deep, dark, dusty, damp dungeons
Are dug through dirt,
Drilled through rock,
Picked through black coal,
Through green mountains.
Mines run miles,
Run deep.
Father, sons with lunch pails
Leave home in the dark,
Return in the dark.
They descend into the bowels of the Earth
For a paycheck and in search of black gold.
Armed guards,
Stationed above ground,
Below the earth, men, boys,
With white, black faces, and black, black faces,
Labor twelve-hour days
Hewing rock in the heat,
Dim light, dust, stifling air,
And methane gases.
Men, boys becoming men,
Wearing tattered overalls squeeze into railcars,
Cap-strapped fire-lit lamps light the way
Through dark damp tunnels.
Carts, railcars roll on, time rolls on.
Laborers with strong backs, strong wills,
Shovel in one hand, blasting powder in the other,
Work hard, fast, to feed a family.
Picks in callused hands,
Aching arms slam steel driven points
Against walls of rock at forty cents
For a long ton, a carload of twenty-two hundred pounds,
Hoping one day they may be buried in the ground,
Not in a cave, not with dark saliva and soot faces.
Their blackened lungs, suffocating, suck air.
These jagged chunks of fuel ran the engines
Of a nation for decades,
Propelling ships, pulling locomotives,
Framing factories, erecting skyscrapers,
Lighting houses, and heating home furnaces.
This black mineral rock kept us warm in winter,
Waxed wealth, won wars, and forged a great industrial power.
I am the beneficiary of the worker’s sweat and breath.
God bless them and the memory
Of too many who coughed to death.
Migwetch (Thank you),
Paul Wesselhöft | Naganit (Leader) | [email protected] | [email protected]