John “Rocky” Barrett
Tribal Chairman
Bozho, nikan, (Hello, my friend),
It’s an exciting time at Citizen Potawatomi Nation. In June, we opened the doors to a brand-new casino and hotel at FireLake. This project has been years in the making, and it represents more than just a new entertainment space. It is another step forward in our Nation’s long tradition of self-reliance and enterprise.
Potawatomi people have always been entrepreneurs. Long before removal, our ancestors operated as fur traders, forming powerful alliances with French traders throughout the Great Lakes region. Potawatomi families controlled key travel corridors and used their deep knowledge of the land and waterways to build trade networks. We bartered goods, maintained trading posts and played a central role in commerce across the region. These trade relationships weren’t just economic — they were also cultural. Trade was tied to diplomacy, ceremony and kinship. Building relationships through exchange has always been part of our traditional ways, and that connection between culture and commerce continues today.
That spirit continued through every relocation. When we were forced to Kansas, our people farmed large tracts of land, shipped grain by rail, and ran blacksmith shops, general stores, and cattle operations. Some even took part in Oregon Trail commerce, operating ferries, cutting timber and running supply stops along migration routes. These weren’t just survival strategies, they were businesses, and they were successful.
Today, that same mindset continues. The new FireLake Casino and FireLake Hotel are not just about revenue. They are about creating jobs, welcoming visitors and offering more opportunities to invest in services for our people. It joins a growing list of tribally-owned enterprises that include Sovereign Bank, FireLake Discount Foods, Sovereign Pipe Technologies and more.
These businesses fund health care, scholarships, housing programs and cultural preservation. They help us serve members wherever they live, and they keep our Nation on firm financial footing. Now, with the hotel and expanded casino, we’ll be able to host larger events, offer new job opportunities, and bring more economic activity to our community.
We’ve never seen business and culture as separate. They work best when they support one another. That connection was clear at this year’s Family Reunion Festival. More than 4,000 Citizen Potawatomi members attended. We had one of the largest Grand Entries in recent memory. There is something powerful about watching our people celebrate in regalia on land that reflects their history, their contributions and their connection to everything the Nation has built. It’s just as powerful to see that celebration alongside our business success, because every part of it, every program, every enterprise, belongs to you.
This kind of progress takes time, patience and steady work. It happens because our Nation remains focused and disciplined. From new businesses to expanded health services, from youth programs to legislative representation across the country, we continue to build a government and economy that serves all our people.
I want to thank you, the Tribal members, for your trust and for re-electing me to continue this work. It is an honor to serve, and I remain committed to building a strong future that reflects who we are and where we come from.
Migwetch (Thank you),
John “Rocky” Barrett | Keweoge (He Leads Them Home) | Tribal Chairman
Linda Capps
Vice-Chairman
Bozho (Hello),
Like so many other CPN Tribal members, I appreciate the vote of confidence for John “Rocky” Barrett for his impressive win for CPN chairman and for Steve Livingston, CPN Legislator of District 1. Our Nation continues to grow in population, facilities and economic wellness. In addition, the importance of our heritage and cultural activities increasingly spreads throughout our membership with each season. We are truly a blessed Tribe, one of the 39 federally recognized tribes in the state of Oklahoma. Indian Country is well and alive, and the Citizen Potawatomi Nation is among the top progressive tribes throughout the USA.
Planning for the 2025 Family Festival and now planning for the Gathering of the Potawatomi Nations and then the Balloon Festival takes a toll on our employees. Believe me, they “step to the plate” repeatedly. I have always called them the “best of the best” and that has not changed one bit. I cannot begin to tell you exactly how many compliments that I received on our employees at the Family Festival. With no exaggeration, it was at least two dozen. Every time that I turned around someone was complimenting our staff members. It brings tears to my eyes as I write this article to think how hard our employees work during Festival weekend.
One thing that I noticed during Festival is that we need to advertise some kind of scheduling for those that plan to be part of a naming ceremony. The legislators usually plan their scheduling, but we are having more Tribal members that wish to name their loved ones during the weekend. It makes for somewhat of an overrun on the prayer circles if there is no previous plan. This will be the first mention of the situation. We can organize the prayer circle scheduling during the coming year and make sure that word gets out to our members during registration next year. It is a wonderful problem to have because we want our family members to name their own relatives.
One highlight of the summer is the presence of the Potawatomi Leadership Program (PLP) students. As with each PLP group, this year’s students are young people of excellent character who will definitely be contenders for future leaders of the Nation. The students are from several states across the USA, including Arkansas, California, Indiana, Maine, Oklahoma and Wyoming. Our outstanding counselor is Hayley Abella from Tacoma, Washington. The students are easy-going with a unique sense of humor that has created an uplifting environment at the Sharp property, where they reside for the duration of their stay. Their intelligence and knowledge of technology is amazing! Thanks goes out to the 2025 PLP students for their congenial attitudes and winning ways! A hearty “thank you” also is extended to Margaret Zientek, who serves as the PLP house parent, and Rachel Watson, CPN director of education.
We, as Potawatomi people, have many good things in store for the future. Chairman Barrett has pledged to begin the process of building more homes for our membership. It is something much needed in our immediate area to satisfy the demand for affordable housing. I look forward to the coming year and the unforeseen accomplishments. Thank you for allowing me to serve as your vice chairman. I cherish the opportunity that has been afforded me all these years.
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),
Graduation Announcement
I am excited to share news of CPN citizen Grafton Thomas Gazaway’s high school graduation in May. Grafton was diagnosed with autism at age 2 and was immediately enrolled in Sooner Start (Oklahoma’s early intervention program designed to meet the needs of families with infants or toddlers with developmental delays and/or disabilities). His and his family’s commitment to his learning and growth are seen in the fact that, during his last three years of high school, Grafton earned straight As, worked part time, participated in his church youth group and pursued his talents for art and drawing. I cannot wait to see where his future leads him! Grafton proudly celebrated his CPN citizenship by adding an eagle feather, gifted by me and wrapped by Lyle Simmons, to his graduation cap. He also was awarded a graduation cord for volunteering over 75 hours to his community over his last three years of high school. And how about that bow tie? He knows how to dress to impress. Congratulations, Grafton!
Upcoming District 2 Meetings
Please hold Saturday, Oct. 4 for a museum tour, lunch and meeting at the Etowah Indian Museum in Cartersville, Georgia. We will be on the site of the Etowah Mounds, the most intact Mississippian culture site in the Southeast. Learn more at cpn.news/Etowah. I will provide entrance tickets in advance and lunch. Children are welcome. Postcard invitations will be mailed to folks living within driving distance of the museum. If you or your loved one has a mobility impairment that might limit attendance, please check out reserving a free, high mobility all-terrain wheelchair at cpn.news/atg, available to Etowah Mounds visitors who reserve in advance.
I also have confirmed Saturday, Nov. 8 for our Annual District 2 Fall Feast, 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. We will gather in the Social Hall, 6025 Little Falls Road, Arlington, VA 22207. We will visit, work on a cultural craft together (this year we will return to a favorite – pucker-toe moccasin-making), and share a family meal.
Native Nation Class Action Against U.S. for Boarding School Horrors
In late May 2025, the first major lawsuit against the U.S. government’s system of Indian boarding schools was filed in federal court in central Pennsylvania, a symbolically significant location as it was the home to the Carlisle School, which operated from 1879-1918. Carlisle included students from more than 100 Native Nations and served as the model for the boarding school program. Plaintiffs are the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California and the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes of Oklahoma, on behalf of the Native Nations whose children attended boarding schools; defendants are the Department of Interior, its Bureau of Indian Affairs, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum.
According to the complaint, the U.S. Government misappropriated Native Nations’ own funds to finance a program of prisonlike boarding schools, spread throughout the U.S. The complaint details the extensive harm caused by the boarding school program, including physical and sexual abuse, forced labor, and the loss of life, language and culture. The complaint references reports released by the Department of the Interior, based on the department’s investigation of the boarding school program. It requests an accounting of the funds used to support the program. You can read the complaint at cpn.news/complaint (scroll down to the end of the press release). I have signed up for case updates and will update you as this important suit progresses.
Please Keep in Touch and Continue to Share Family News
Please keep in touch and reach out as you can 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)
Bob Whistler
District 3
Bozho ginwa (Hello everyone),
I am writing this article about four weeks before the annual election. Depending upon the results, I could remain as the District 3 representative for another month or two if a runoff election is required. If the election was won by one of the three candidates, then my term is up. Either way, it has been an honor to serve you and be your voice to the legislature.
May 29
We held our quarterly legislative meeting and there were just a couple of resolutions to be handled. It was a good meeting, although shorter than most. Earlier in the day, I had lunch with the elders; visited the Aviary, where I was able to see a couple of new eagles; and finally stopped to see Czarina Thompson, family history specialist, and Justin Neely, who was teaching a six-week language class. It was a very productive day.
PAC
During the legislative meeting, I asked how many absentee ballots for the election had been requested. Since over two-thirds of our Tribal members live outside Oklahoma, they represent a larger percentage of eligible voters. Yes, some living in Oklahoma may also vote on an absentee basis. The number of absentee ballots sent out was very low versus our number of eligible voters. This reminded me of when I ran for the city council seat where I live. I lost the first election and determined I was not really connected with a group that in government elections is called a political action committee (PAC). I ran a second time with the aid of having a PAC’s help and support and was elected.
Currently and historically, CPN has elected very effective Ogema (leaders) with our governing council consisting of 16 members. Each year we have an election, and usually four or five of that group may be up for election. Our Constitution is crafted so at least a majority is needed to pass any resolutions and a quorum of nine members are needed to hold a legislative meeting. Normally, we tend to have full attendance and, in that situation, at least nine of the 16 members present are needed to pass a resolution. In summary, at this time a negative PAC risk is a shadow that may never materialize. However, as an elder leader, I see our younger Tribal members’ interest waning. In time they will be the ones doing the voting for their future leaders. These leaders will hold the authority for what services and benefits will be offered in the future.
I bring this up because I see lots of negative social media on CPN on Facebook, and to me it is similar to a PAC. While they may be a few, I am certain each and all vote in our elections, some by absentee ballot and others on election day at Family Festival. This is their right and privilege and I am happy that they vote. Looking at the total actual voters, hopefully there will be enough votes to elect who may best represent us. My intent in writing about a PAC is not to be critical of anyone or any group. It is meant to tell you that your vote is very important and could be the decisive vote in an election. I do believe we will have a run-off election for the District 3 legislative representative, and the vote here tends to be even less than in the original election. So please vote in that election as well as all in the future.
Nagech (Later),
Bob Whistler | Bmashi (He Soars) | [email protected] | 817-229-6271
Jon Boursaw
District 4
FREE Kansas Hunting, Fishing & Trapping License
The following was announced by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks:
Kansas Law (K.S.A. 32-929) directs the secretary of the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, upon submission of satisfactory proof thereof, shall issue free licenses to hunt, fish and trap to any person residing in the state who is enrolled as an American Indian on a Tribal membership roll which is federally recognized by the United States Department of Interior.
The American Indian licenses issued by the State of Kansas apply to hunting, fishing, and trapping in Kansas only, and are not recognized by any other state.
Applicants must provide acceptable proof of tribal enrollment number in the form of a legal document issued by the tribal office certifying the named person’s enrollment number. (Added: The CPN Enrollment Card should suffice.)
How to apply for an American Indian hunting, fishing, and trapping license
Apply online at: license.gooutdoorskansas.com.
- Log in or sign up for an account
- Select Customer Applications (under the picture of a deer)
- Click Apply next to the American Indian Hunting, Fishing and Trapping Application
- Go to your cart and check out
- Upload the required documents and click submit
- Print your license (your license will remain null and void until the required hunter or fur harvester education is completed.)
- You can also complete a paper application at any KDWP office or call 620-672-5911.
Upcoming CPN Elders’ Potlucks
Dates for the Elder Potlucks held in Rossville at noon are:
September 12 | Ham and cheese sliders | RSVP by the 9th
Bring your favorite side dish or dessert. Please RSVP to Tracy at 785-584-6171.
Two More Naming Ceremonies
At the time I submitted this article, my cousin Joe Wulfkhule and I were preparing to perform two naming ceremonies during the Festival in Shawnee, Oklahoma. Both namings are unique, but in different aspects. One naming was for three descendants of Jude Bourassa, who was the brother of our great-great-grandfather, Joseph N. Bourassa. Jude had been removed to the Sugar Creek Reservation two years after the Trail of Death and eventually operated grist mills on Mill Creek near Maple Hill, Kansas, after the Tribe had been relocated to the reservation on the Kansas River.
The other naming was for three descendants of Abram Burnett. A couple months ago I was approached by Barbara Bowers, a fifth member of that family, whom I had previously named a few years ago. She told me what makes this group unique is that, at very early age, all five were adopted out to different families. All five are now enrolled CPN members. For the first time in several years, their attendance at the Festival is a reunion for the family.
It is an honor for me to be asked to be part of both naming ceremonies.
Proud Grandfather
At the end of May, it was my pleasure to attend my granddaughter’s graduation from Bennington College in Bennington, Vermont. Sidney (Night Sky Watcher) received her Bachelor of Arts degree. I’ve included a photo of Sidney, her father, Jon Andrew, and the proud grandfather.
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
Rande K. Payne
District 6
Bozho nikanek (Hello friends),
This month’s edition is about family. One of the things that stuck out to me at the southern Utah gathering back in April is the fact that every Tribal member in attendance had their spouse with them.
While it isn’t out of the ordinary for non-Potawatomi family members to attend, this group was very engaged, including non-Potawatomi family members. It was a little challenging for me to be sure who was Potawatomi and who wasn’t.
One of the things on the agenda was a presentation on Potawatomi in Kansas history. As I was talking about the Potawatomi Trail of Death, Tribal member Becky Fortie’s husband asked if he could share some history about an encounter the Mormons and the Potawatomi had during that time.
The state of Missouri had recently ordered all Mormons to leave the state. Fleeing persecution, a group crossed the Mississippi River into Illinois near Quincy and set up camp there. The Potawatomi arrived and also set up camp, as they were about to make their Mississippi River crossing into Missouri on their march to Kansas. Both groups had been displaced and came in contact with each other at Quincy, Illinois. It was a turbulent and difficult time for the Mormons and the Potawatomi.
I thoroughly enjoyed the interaction with everyone. With it being a smaller group, everyone had an opportunity to share and ask questions. It felt like I was sitting with my family. I look forward to visiting again soon.
Becky Fortie, from Midway, Utah, was our wisest Tribal member in attendance. Becky and her husband spend the cooler months in St. George and the hotter months in Midway. Becky is a Crumbo descendant.
Representing the future of our Tribe was Rowan Jay Graf. Rowan is the son of Tribal member John Tyler Graf and his wife, Kimberly. The Graf family are Navarre descendants and reside in Cedar City.
The farthest traveled Tribal member in attendance was Dan Trousdale. Dan came up from Las Vegas and is a Toupin descendant. Dan believes he is a distant cousin to Secretary Treasurer D. Wayne Trousdale, though he’s not entirely sure of all the connections. Dan’s wife is quite the crafter and brought a medicine pouch and some other things she had made. They were all beautiful.
By the time you read this, another Family Reunion Festival will have come and gone. I am traveling by car again this year with my two sisters and three grandsons. It should be quite a trip. From the time we leave to the time we get home, memories will be made.
My wife recently took a trip to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, for a much-needed vacation with her mother and sister. She left me behind to tend to the restaurant and the farm, which I was more than happy to do as we rarely have the ability to get away. As I get older, I’m starting to develop a greater appreciation for time spent with family. It can be challenging to make time for family, but it’s worth every minute.
I realize it’s summer, but fall will be here before you know it. Our District 6 and 7 Heritage Festival will be held on Saturday, Oct. 25. Please plan to attend with your families and enjoy a relaxing fall day with family and friends. You’ll be glad you did.
Wisdom from the Word: “So resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brothers and sisters who are in the world.” 1 Peter 5:9
Jagenagenan (All my relations)…
Migwetch, Nagetch! (Thank you, Later)!
Rande K. Payne | Mnedo Gabo | [email protected] | 31150 Road 180 | Visalia, CA 93292-9585 | 559-999-5411
Dave Carney
District 8
Bozho, jayek (Hello, everyone),
The most common quote related to death is: “In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.”
I can’t remember the date, but over 10 years ago I was in Shawnee, Oklahoma, for an all-day meeting with the chairman and vicechairman and was informed that there was a mid-day obligation they had to attend to and that I was invited to come along. It was a Potawatomi funeral.
Well, it may sound strange, but I was excited to go. This would be an opportunity to see a Native ceremony, learn some culture — get immersed. I am not sure what I was expecting, but since I was wearing a dark business suit and tie, I thought I was at least respectfully dressed.
To my surprise, the funeral was typical. Folks stood up, said their remembrances, etc. Then Chairman Barrett, wearing a colorful Potawatomi vest with a bright Potawatomi floral design and western bolo tie, took the stage, smudged the room with sage, sweetgrass, cedar and tobacco, and said a few words in English and then a Potawatomi prayer.
The Potawatomi gentleman celebrated that day was wearing a plaid shirt and cowboy boots and was buried with a pack of smokes and a bottle of Jack Daniels. Country music filled the room at the end of the service. And that was a Potawatomi funeral.
Very recently, I helped my wife with her mother who walked on from cancer. She was 85, and the actual process was slow, exhausting and layered with emotion. As the quote above states, it is inevitable for us all.
What I learned from this family member dying is: 1) You should get right with God. If you believe in Jesus Christ, you should have no fear of the next life. 2) You should tell your friends and family you love them. And 3) You should get your affairs in order: have a will, make your finances transparent and clean out your “stuff,” because no one wants to sift through your “treasures.”
On another note, 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. on Saturday, Aug. 9. There will be presentations and prizes, and lunch will be provided. 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 Lucille Park (Pavillion B) in Wasilla from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for presentations, prizes and a Potwatomi art contest. Lunch will also be provided. 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 is a give-and-take process and often requires the expertise of the language department staff.
Our annual Fall Feast will be Oct. 11 at the Duwamish Longhouse in Seattle, and as
of placing the order this morning, 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 shift from white collar to blue collar
American history in the late 20th century and early 21st century has recorded employees moving upward from blue collar jobs to white collar professions. Most parents expect and desire that their children and grandchildren earn more money and enjoy a greater standard of living than they experienced. That positive trend will reverse as we move closer to the mid-21st century.
Futurists, political scientists, sociologists, economists and others are predicting that with the advent of super Artificial Intelligence, quantum computing, super computing, automation, robotics and even humanlike robots, many jobs, perhaps close to half, will disappear. Unemployment will skyrocket necessitating higher tax paying Universal Basic Income, or UBI.
I propose an example: Starbucks employees recently protested because they are being required to wear a type of uniform. Get over it! In a few years there will probably only be a couple of employees working at Starbucks. Starbucks will need one employee to supervise the AI computerized machines preparing coffee and doughnuts, and one employee custodian to clean the place.
Another example are court stenographers. Why would you need a salaried human stenographer when a recorded AI machine can instantly and accurately print out every word? Another example is medical specialist interpretating of X-rays, CT scans, and MREs (magnetic resonance elastography). Why would you need an expensive doctor telling you what AI can with super intelligent precision? Many examples could be cited.
These examples will occur in most jobs throughout America and other advanced nations. This new world order is inevitable and can’t be halted. The genie is out of the bottle as they say. Scientific progress never reverses.
AI is here to stay and will develop exponentially. Some studies are already saying that we now have the first generation of workers who will have a lower standard of living than their parents. They may or may not make more money than their parents, but their dollar will be much lower in actual value. Their dollars will buy much less than their parents.
The inevitable shift from white-collar to blue-collar jobs ought to inspire young people to aspire to higher degreed education or in a technical school achieving a specialty that is highly needed and resistant to super AI.
In other words, young people, achieve a job or profession that is highly needed and that you are an expert in. Then perform that job to the best of your abilities and the word of mouth will garner you customers and financial security. My stepfather, a high school dropout, was a contractor for decades and never once advertised his business. He didn’t need to. He performed an excellent job, people observed and contracted with him. He stayed busy.
Please share this article with a young person to prepare them for the future.
Migwetch (Thank you),
Paul Wesselhöft | Naganit (Leader) | [email protected] | [email protected]
David Barrett
District 10
Bozho (Hello),
There is a lot of discussion about getting to a mature age. In our current era, from having better and more specialty doctors, more unique medicines other than traditional, and with access to better and more health care facilities, a person would expect to improve and extend the aging process. Now saying all of that, you would have to agree that living your life, being active, working, engaging in life situations and demonstrating your skills will benefit you in the end.
What do we see from living longer? Having a full life will allow you to have many more experiences than a shorter life of that of a younger person and you will have many more tools in the toolbox to pull from. During your life, you will have many experiences to draw from if you learn from them. How you deal with each situation in life will accumulate and you will be able to make future decisions so much easier.
But there is always a catch, you will benefit from not making the same mistakes over and over again.
While I was in the master’s program in college, we studied cases about different companies. Some were successful and others not. What we had to do was to critique each company and tell what each company did right and any improvements, and if they failed, why did they fail, and what you would have done differently to save that company. This program might have been scary, but I had been in the workforce for over 10 plus years and had completed my military service at that time.
My then-limited experiences from the workforce helped me in this program. So, my thoughts are that the more years you are involved with life decision making, whether working, family, social, religion or any number of other things, will become wisdom for the future. Having to deal one-on-one or be a leader, you will draw from your prior decision-making opportunities. Accumulated life experiences can boost selfconfidence, making it easier to face new challenges.
You will learn very quickly that when you make a decision over your lifetime, you will be held accountable for what you decide. Older individuals may have a broader perspective on life, leading to greater patience and tolerance that help us make smart decisions.
While being with our Nation, I have seen our success story firsthand. Do I think we can improve? Yes, including myself. Just like I have said, we all have learned from our experiences and we should always strive to seek excellence in what we do. We are not successful by accident. Our forefathers, our history of survivalists, our entrepreneurial attitude, and our history, and still, we are guided by our leadership.
What a success story! I am very proud of being a prior board member of our one-billion-dollar Sovereign Bank, currently a legislator for the Nation with membership exceeding 39,000, and growing our enterprises to ensure we maintain our members’ services for future generations. Also, I am proud to be the treasurer for our veteran’s organization performing 25-plus events during the year representing our great Nation by bringing in our Flags (Colors).
Take time to thank a veteran, first responder and a person in blue when you have the 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
Bobbi Bowden
District 13
Bozho nikanek (Hello friends),
Recently, I had the deeply personal and emotional experience of placing my parents at the new Citizen Potawatomi Nation columbarium. Being able to lay them to rest on Tribal land beside my brother and among our people — in a space built with such intention and care — was incredibly meaningful to me and my family.
For those who may not be familiar, a columbarium is an above-ground structure that holds urns containing cremated remains. Ours was designed in the shape of a prayer circle, incorporating the colors of the four directions and honoring the seven sacred prayers. The spiritual and cultural symbolism is unmistakable — it’s not just a structure, it’s a sacred space that offers CPN Tribal members and their spouses a final resting place on Tribal grounds.
Currently, the site holds 448 niches, each able to contain two urns. Plans are in place to add more structures if needed. It is located at 4 Dr. Leon Combs Drive. It is just north of the East Clinic location.
The columbarium, called jibéwgemek or “place of spirits,” sits next to the historic Shawnee Friends Mission Church. That connection to our history made it feel all the more special.
The columbarium project was funded through the 2023 Tribal budget, with significant help from the American Rescue Plan Act. A permanent fund is also being established to ensure that the site remains maintained and protected for generations to come.
If you’re considering a niche for a loved one, a few guidelines have been set for those who wish to place their loved ones at the columbarium:
- Applications are only accepted after a death occurs, not to reserve a spot in advance.
- Submit the completed application to CPN Tribal Rolls, who will confirm enrollment status.
- Each niche can hold up to two urns, but at least one person must be a CPN Tribal member.
- Once the remains are received, niches are assigned and the application is sent
to the CPN Public Information Department for engraving.
Placing my parents at the columbarium brought me peace. It’s a quiet, beautiful place that reflects who we are as Potawatomi people — our history, our values and our connection to each other. I’m proud that they are resting in a space filled with such meaning.
If you’re considering this for your loved ones, know that it’s not just a final resting place — it’s a return to the circle, to our community and to our spirits.
Migwetch (Thank you) for allowing me to serve you as your District 13 Legislature Representative.
Bobbi Bowden | Pkuhshnoqua (Bald Eagle Woman)