Incumbent | Mark Johnson
Potawatomi name: Wisk Mtek (Strong as a Tree)
Residence: Prather, California
Education: California State University in Fresno, Agricultural Science; Fresno City College, Fire Science; University of Arizona, Native Nation Building certificate course; National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland, fire officer training
Employment: Retired, formerly Chief for the Fresno-Kings Unit of CAL FIRE and Chief of the Fresno County Fire Protection District after a 41-year career.
Potawatomi family: Vieux, Johnson
Statement: I was honored and humbled to first be elected in 2010, and then re-elected in 2014 and 2018 to represent and serve our members as your District 7 Legislative Representative. I am running for re-election again this year to continue the good work we have done as a Legislature on behalf of the members. When I originally ran, I promised to protect and grow the financial base of the Nation and protect and expand the benefits that so many of our members depend on. Over the last two years, the Citizen Potawatomi Nation has faced unprecedented challenges and amazing opportunities, we have been able to provide over $84 million dollars in direct economic support to our members impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in various programs, first through the 2020 Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) and then the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), including the $1,400 direct payment to every eligible member. As your Representative, I have fought to expand benefits for our members outside of Oklahoma, and I am especially proud of the CPN Care program that has been launched this year to provide our members and their families with 24/7/365 access to quality health care, over the phone or online. I have also fought to protect our cultural resources. Our Nation now has a world class Cultural Heritage Center, Language Department and Tribal Archives, much of which can be accessed via the internet. I hope that I have earned your trust and your vote. Migwetch.
Challenger | Browning Neddeau, M.A., Ed.D.
Potawatomi name: P-Nos-Wah/Pnaswa
Residence: Chico, California
Education: Doctor of Education-Learning and Instruction, University of San Francisco; Master of Arts-Teaching, University of San Francisco; Bachelor of Arts-Child & Adolescent Development, San Jose State University; Certificate of Eligibility Administrative Services; California Clear Teaching Credential: Multiple Subject
Employment: California State University, Chico
Potawatomi family: Neddeau, Toupin, Lasley
Statement: On October 15, 2021, my father, Donald LeRoy Neddeau (Pos-so), walked on from pancreatic cancer. My paternal grandparents, Marjorie Battese Neddeau (Te-Quah) and LeRoy Bernard Neddeau, walked on before him. Browning Neddeau ndezhnekas. P-Nos-Wah/Pnaswa nin neshnabe noswen. My name is Browning Neddeau. P-Nos-Wah/Pnaswa is my Potawatomi name. I introduce my father and paternal grandparents first to honor them as I am what my ancestors dreamed. I honor and thank our elders before introducing myself. I feel privileged that they passed the responsibility on to me to keep the fire burning. I invite you to visit my website: browningneddeaucpnd7.com to learn more about me, including my lineage, accomplishments, and commitment to serving our Tribal citizens. I ask for your vote to keep the fire burning, so the next seven generations will know our Potawatomi ways.
Culture and community are central to my campaign promises. When elected, I will continue to serve our Tribal citizens. I promise to:
– organize two district gatherings per year located in District 7 (one in the Fall and one in the Spring)
– continue to build community within our district
– continue to expand a resources hub to serve Tribal citizens
– be responsive to constituents’ questions and concerns
I am a Jointly Appointed Assistant Professor of Elementary Teacher Education and American Indian Studies at California State University, Chico. I hold a doctoral degree in my field of study. My personal and professional lived experiences invest in the future. Let us keep the fire going together. Migwetch.