John “Rocky” Barrett
Tribal Chairman
Bozho, nikan, (Hello, my friend),
The past few weeks have been a time of reflection for me and for our Nation. We lost a dear friend and dedicated servant of Citizen Potawatomi Nation with the passing of longtime Election Committee Chair Gary Bourbonnais. At the same time, two of our most committed legislators, Gene Lambert and Bob Whistler, are retiring after many years of service to our people.
Gary was the steady hand behind our election process for decades. He believed that every Citizen Potawatomi member, no matter where they lived, deserved a fair and transparent election. His quiet dedication and sense of fairness helped build trust in our system of government. Gary ensured that every ballot was handled with care and every vote was counted properly. His work has been a cornerstone of our democracy, and our Nation is better for it.
For more than 35 years, Gary guided the Election Committee through every step of the process. He worked closely with staff and volunteers to certify results and announce outcomes at General Council meetings, making sure every election was carried out openly and with integrity. His calm, steady leadership set a standard for fairness that will continue to guide our elections for years to come.
Gene Lambert and Bob Whistler have been tireless advocates for their constituents. They each brought unique experience, knowledge and perspective to the Legislature, and they never shied away from doing the hard work required to represent members in their districts. They spent countless hours hosting district meetings, answering calls and emails, and making sure Citizen Potawatomi living far from headquarters still felt connected to their Tribe.
Gene has worked hard to keep members informed and engaged, always making sure that those living in her district knew they were a valued part of the Nation. Bob has been equally steadfast, focusing on communication and representation for his constituents. Both were committed to helping members understand their government and their opportunities as Citizen Potawatomi people.
It is easy to forget sometimes that good governance is built on consistent, often unglamorous work. Gary, Gene and Bob have each given years of their lives to ensure that our members have a voice and that our systems are fair, accountable and transparent. Their dedication has made our Nation stronger, more inclusive and more connected.
As I think about their service, I am reminded that leadership is not about titles or recognition. It is about showing up, doing the work and leaving things better than you found them. Gary did that. Gene and Bob have done that. And we are all better for it.
On behalf of Citizen Potawatomi Nation, I want to thank them for their contributions. I hope each of us takes their example to heart.
Migwetch (Thank you),
John “Rocky” Barrett | Keweoge (He Leads Them Home) | Tribal Chairman
Linda Capps
Vice-Chairman
Bozho (Hello),
2025 Potawatomi Leadership Program
The presentations from the Potawatomi Leadership Program (PLP) were a delight during their final week at CPN. The audience gathered in the Cultural Heritage Long Room for the presentations on Wednesday, July 23. The students seemed relaxed despite the rather large crowd of legislators, CPN directors, friends, relatives and those from the CPN Education Department that worked with the students during their stay. Rachel Watson, CPN Education Director, and Margaret Zientek, dorm parent for the students, took part in the program.
The students’ topics for the presentations had been carefully chosen and methodically prepared to include visual slides that enhanced the demonstrations. In addition to a brochure of the day’s events, a 2025 Potawatomi Leadership Program Final Portfolio was provided. This is a treasure to keep and contains a picture of each of the nine students, plus a summary of their 1) Elder Interview, 2) Project and 3) Reflection.
Each student wrote about the elder that they chose to interview. Please keep in mind that their choices may be subjects that are older than them, but not necessarily an elder that we usually think of in our Tribe. This proved to be very good because all their subjects, whether a few years older than the students or a true Tribal elder, had a lot of deep, meaningful comments about the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. Each year, the elder interviews are precious when you realize that the person being interviewed has imparted their belief and knowledge of the Tribe in such an important manner that it would be written in history. I believe that is a beautiful concept.
The second part of the final portfolio is the student’s project, which is summarized and explains why the project was chosen for the team effort. The projects always are a pleasant surprise for the audience. Two or more students join to form their plan and then collectively work on the project. It seems that all the ideas that have ever been presented for the projects are brilliant. Kudos to our bright Potawatomi students.
The last part of the portfolio is the reflection. Some wrote about coming to the Citizen Potawatomi Nation for the first time. They told of what impressed them the most, what their apprehension was before they arrived, what their experiences were like, and what they will take back home with them. I loved that one student wrote, “After meeting everyone here you might think that kindness runs in their DNA.” Many wrote about their first regalia. They were in awe of preparing their regalia for the Festival powwow. Another comment was, “I cannot begin to name all the people who have changed my perspective on life while I have been here.”
A comment from a Sovereign Bank board member greatly influenced one student when he told him, “One of the most important things you are getting out of this program are the connections you’ve been making.” This is certainly true because there are many networking opportunities for the students during the six-week period.
A California PLP student proclaimed, “Overall, this program was an experience of a lifetime!” I think that pretty much sums up what most of the students thought. My fervent wish for the students is that they will never forget the magic that the Sharp House granted. They will remember the laughter, the conversations, spending time together, learning about the culture/heritage, but most of all remembering the people that surrounded them with love and respect. I send much love to the 2025 PLP students. May the Creator bless you in all endeavors.
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),
I want to begin by expressing my deepest gratitude for the opportunity to serve as your District 1 legislator. Thank you to everyone who participated in the election process, the kind words and encouragement along the way. Your voice matters, and it is an incredible honor to represent you.
Our family had a wonderful experience at the CPN Family Reunion Festival this past June. The kids loved the camel rides (yes, you read that right!), and even took a good-natured loss in the chess tournament courtesy of Tribal elder Monroe Jeffrey. We also lost to the PLP in hand games but had a great time trying! Lastly, I was honored to stand as a sponsor at a naming ceremony for Caitlyn Jones — a remarkable young woman from New York.
After the General Council meeting, I was overwhelmed by the kindness, generosity and emotional connection I felt from those who came up to congratulate me. People I hadn’t yet met introduced themselves and their families and allowed me to introduce mine. Most important to me, though, was seeing the pride in my daughter’s smile throughout the weekend. It was a powerful reminder that this role isn’t just about policy. It’s about people and the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with those I serve.
I want to express my sincere gratitude to Anna Johnson, my fellow candidate in this past election. Anna ran a heartfelt campaign focused on connection, community and building relationships. I appreciated our conversations throughout the campaign season and admire her strength, kindness and passion. She is a positive force in our community, and I look forward to working alongside her.
I also want to recognize and thank Alan Melot for the friendship we’ve built over the last five years and for his years of service representing District 1. Alan led with integrity, authenticity and humility, and his example is one I will look to as I begin this journey. He raised the bar for what it means to be a servant leader, and I’ll continue to lean on his wisdom and support.
Following the election, I received heartfelt messages, hugs and gifts from friends. Thank you to Erin Dix, Anna Johnson, Charles Scott and my dear friend Peggy Kinder, who gifted my girls shawls and passed down a beaded bolo tie that had belonged to her late husband, Steve. It was an emotional gesture, one that reminded me how much we mean to each other as a community.
By the time this article is published, the Gathering of Potawatomi Nations, hosted by the Gun Lake Tribe, will have just taken place. I want to give a special shoutout to Peggy Kinder, who was honored as the head elder lady for the Saturday powwow — an honor that reflects her deep care and spirit. I also want to recognize Lakota Hobia, a District 1 citizen, tribal historic preservation officer at Gun Lake, and a dear friend who served on the Gathering’s organizing committee. District 1 is full of talented and generous people!
As I step into this role, I humbly ask for your prayers and support. I can’t do this alone. I’m here to listen, to learn and to lead with heart and transparency.
I’ll be maintaining a strong digital presence and encourage you to visit my website at cpndistrict1.com. I’ll post regular updates and opportunities to connect. Please share your contact information so I can keep you in the loop. You can email me at [email protected], call or text me at 419-654-4183 or connect via Facebook at facebook.com/district1cpn.
Serving District 1 is the honor of a lifetime.
Steve Livingston | Legislator, District 1 | [email protected]
Eva Marie Carney
District 2
Bozho, nikanek (Hello, friends),
Upcoming District 2 Meetings
Please join me on Saturday, Oct. 4 for a meeting, museum and site tours, lunch, and tools and weapons demonstrations (there will be projectile range, archery and blow gun stations, for those interested) at the Etowah Mounds Indian Museum, Cartersville, Georgia. Etowah was home to several thousand Indigenous people from 1000 A.D. to 1550 A.D. The 54-acre site protects six earthen mounds, a plaza, village site, borrow pits and defensive ditch. Visitors can follow a nature trail along the Etowah River that highlights how the residents used native trees for food and medicine. Learn more at cpn.news/etowah.
I cannot wait to visit the Mounds with some of you! If you or your family member has a mobility impairment that might limit your full enjoyment of the grounds, you can reserve a free, high mobility all-terrain wheelchair, available to Mounds visitors at cpn.news/mobilitychair.
Postcard invitations will be mailed to folks within driving distance of the site; please RSVP and come even if you do not get a mailed postcard! I will need RSVPs to ensure we have the space and food needed. You will be my guest at the meeting (there is no cost to attendees).
I have also 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), share a family meal, and enjoy a giveaway. It is not too early to RSVP for one or both events!
Thank Yous
I am grateful for the opportunity to continue serving as the District 2 Legislator alongside re-elected Chairman Rocky Barrett and District 4 Legislator Jon Boursaw and our other elected officials; please let me know how I can continue to support District 2 citizens.
During our Festival, the Legislature honored outgoing District 3 Legislator Bob Whistler with a traditional blanket. I missed that presentation, due to plane delays. Bob, you have my best wishes and thanks for your friendship and your energetic efforts on behalf of CPN citizens for almost two decades. Migwetch! Thanks also to District 5 Legislator Gene Lambert, who retired earlier this year, for her long service to the Nation, and to former District 1 Legislator Alan Melot, for his work in support of our citizens. And welcome to District 1 Legislator Steve Livingston, who won his seat in a close vote against Anna Johnson. I look forward to working with everyone in the Legislative branch over the next four years.
CPN staff and volunteers: please accept my heartfelt thanks for working so hard to make the 2025 Family Reunion Festival a reality. This gathering means so much to many of us and could not happen without your exceptional efforts. Igwien (Thank you).
Opinion Piece and Forthcoming Book
A New York Times opinion piece (cpn.news/josephlee) by Joseph Lee, “In My Parents’ Gift Shop, I Learned About Being Native,” might resonate with you. It did with me. Here is an excerpt: “I had spent so much time thinking about what Indigenous identity is not that I had not spent enough time thinking about what it could be. We define Indigenous identity every day by how we live and are part of a community.” I expect that the author’s new book, “Nothing More of This Land: Community, Power, and the Search for Indigenous Identity,” also will be a good, thought-provoking read.
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),
Given there was no candidate winning the election this year, I am still in office until a runoff is held and my replacement is announced.
VOTING
The election vote results were as follows: Brenda Trevino – 64; Brian Walker – 55; Jennifer Bertelsen – 44; Total – 163. Considering we have somewhere around 1,500 eligible voters, only about 1 in 9 voted for the representative for District 3.
Runoff absentee ballots are being created and a letter offering District 3 citizens the opportunity to vote for their choice of one of the two candidates. The run-off election date has been set for Tuesday, August 26, 2025! Please take the time to vote for whom you will think best represent you. Your choices will be either Brenda Trevino or Brian Walker.
AGING
For men over the age of 40, and women over the age of 50 it is time to get into the routine of regular exercise. This should continue based upon your healthiness for the rest of your life. At those ages, our body is no longer fully replacing the resources that allow us to have full, complete lives. Exercise can be simply parking your car a little further away from where you are going so that you must walk a little further. It may be briskly walking or running. Of course, going to the YMCA or a gym and getting a trainer is also an option. At the gym, you have the benefits of weights or machines.
At my 88 years, I try to go to the gym five days a week for an hour and a half. I spend roughly 30 to 45 minutes on a bicycle and read while I pedal. It is a simple multi-task but very rewarding. I recently ran across a book “Exercise: A Guide from the National Institute on Aging.”
The guide covers the four basic areas that need attention as we age. It offers activities on improving your endurance and starting with as little as five minutes of an activity that you may find challenging, with a final goal of reaching a total of at least 30 minutes of endurance exercise most days of the week. Walking may be just the thing for this area and it would help to progress to other examples, like golf without the use of a cart.
The next area is to improve your strength with exercises in this area on all groups at least twice a week. Keep in mind that repetition is very important and it is not how much you can lift, but how many times. It is nice to say I can lift or push 200 pounds, but how many times? If only once or twice, you gain more by lifting two pounds or 20 pounds of weight for three sets of 15.
The next two most important areas are balancing and then stretching. Balancing is by far one of the first things that gives us trouble as we age and needs to be addressed. This manual will offer several exercises to work on each of these two.
You may secure a copy of this book I’m reading by calling 800-222-2225. It is their publication number NIH 99-4258.
In closing, I have been honored to serve as a legislator for the last 17 years.
Nagech (Later),
Bob Whistler | Bmashi (He Soars) | [email protected] | 817-229-6271
Jon Boursaw
District 4
Employment Services for Native American Veterans available in Kansas
I recently had a conversation with a visitor in my Topeka office regarding the availability of veteran employment services in Kansas. The visitor was Kurtis Goombi of the Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma and a U.S. Navy veteran. He described how their team of veteran employment specialists offer their insight and expertise on jobs, education opportunities, veterans rights and benefits, and the full range of services available through the KANSASWORKS Workforce Centers, including:
- One-on-one job search assistance
- Resume and cover letter review
- Referral to employment opportunities
- Referral to veteran’s programs
He also brought up a topic that I was not fully aware of, which he described as the Veterans’ Priority. In accordance with the “Jobs for Veterans Act,” veterans in Kansas receive priority access to employment and training sources, ensuring they are referred to job openings, training programs and related resources ahead of non-veterans. Kurtis also mentioned that KANSASWORKS offers services to Native American Veterans, which include those with a service-connected disability, those who have significant barriers to employment, and those Native American veterans who are homeless, at risk of homelessness or formerly incarcerated. Kurtis can be reached at [email protected]. The Topeka Workforce Center is located at 1420 SW Topeka Blvd, 785-235-5627.
Upcoming CPN Elders’ Potlucks
Dates for the Elder Potlucks held in Rossville at noon are:
September 12 | Ham & Cheese Sliders | RSVP by the 9th
Bring your favorite side dish or dessert. Please RSVP to Tracy at 785-584-6171.
In Case You Missed it
Kansas hunting, fishing and trapping licenses are now FREE. Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, upon submission of satisfactory proof thereof, will 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. 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.) See my article in last month’s issue of the Hownikan for details.
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),
Traveling halfway across the country with three grandsons, two sisters and a nephew in a minivan is quite an experience, especially when the destination is the Family Reunion Festival. The journey to and from was mostly enjoyable with an occasional “Are we there yet?” from one of the three boys in the back seat.
A huge tip of the hat to everyone involved in making Festival fun for everyone. Mother Nature did her part on Friday afternoon with a torrential downpour threatening to cancel the hand games competition. But the rain gods showed mercy and it stopped raining just in time for the hand games to go on as scheduled.
Congratulations to Chairman Barrett on his reelection to the Tribal chairmanship. Congratulations to Steve Livingston on his successful effort to represent District 1. Representative Eva Marie Carney ran unopposed in District 2. The open seat in District 3 will be decided in a runoff election, as none of the three candidates captured 50 percent of the vote. Representative Robert Whistler did not seek reelection but will continue to represent District 3 until results of the runoff election are in. Brenda Trevino and Brian Walker will face each other in the runoff, as they had the highest number of votes of the three candidates. Representative Jon Boursaw ran unopposed in District 4. The annual budget passed. Supreme Court Justice Jane Braugh was confirmed. Once again, voter turnout was lackluster to say the least. Of the roughly 28,000 eligible voters, 1,745 participated in the election.
It was my great honor to be asked to name three Tribal members at this year’s Festival. On Saturday morning, we held the naming ceremony for Mhystie Anderson (Wadase De Kwe) from Kyle, Texas; Dustin Whitlow (Gage Gabo) from Litchfield Park, Arizona; and Taylor Arvidson (Mokek Kwe) from Dripping Springs, Texas. All are Vieux family descendants. The ringleader of this bunch, I would say, is former District 6 Tribal member Karen Gallagher (Keno Ma Wat), who now resides in Texas. The official coordinator who helped put it all together is Terri Hernandez (Wese Mnedo). Karen and Terri also sponsored all three of their family members. I am grateful for our firekeeper, Tim Zientek, who prepared the prayer circle and managed to get a fire going with wood that was drenched the day before. A heartfelt thank you (Igwien) to Language Director Justin Neely for getting up early, after drumming at the hand games Friday night, to sing the Potawatomi Morning Song for us. Such a beautiful start to our ceremony. We even had a special appearance by Vice-Chairman Linda Capps who brought the eagle feathers for our ceremony and took time to visit for a while. Linda named Karen and Terri at Festival in 2017.
The Sunday church service is always a special treat. Representative David Barrett’s wife Connie sang How Great Thou Art. Max Temple, who works at the Corner Store, played the piano and sang “In the Garden”. Both were amazing! Julie Floyd did the Devotional. Julie works in Accounts Payable and serves on the Election Committee.
Condolences to the family of Elections Committee Chairman Gary Bourbonnais, who walked on July 9. Gary has served as chairman of our Elections Committee since its formation in 1985.
Invitations will be going out soon for our District 6 & 7 Heritage Festival on Saturday, Nov. 8. I hope you can attend!
Wisdom from the Word: “I will strengthen the weary and renew those who are weak.” Jeremiah 31:25
Migwetch, jagenagenan, nagetch (Thank you, all my relations, 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),
Another Family Reunion Festival has come and gone in Shawnee, Oklahoma for 2025.
If you were unable to attend this event this year, it is never too early to start planning for next year, particularly if your family falls into the Honored Families for 2026, which are currently scheduled to be the following: Acton, Bergeron, Bruno, Curley, Delonais, Greemore and Slavin families. The Festival dates will be June 26 – 28, 2026. I know it is not possible for everyone to attend the district meetings and the Family Festival in Shawnee. Hopefully you can make the trip sometime; the memories will last a lifetime. Rande Payne and I will also be co-hosting a joint district gathering in central California on Nov. 8. It is always great to get together and enjoy our heritage. Watch your mail for an invitation postcard.
Many new additions to our Tribal grounds were on full display for those in attendance at this year’s Festival. Some of the highlights were the grand opening of the new FireLake Casino and FireLake Hotel, the new 126-room hotel situated within easy walking distance of our Tribal headquarters and Festival Grounds. Finishing touches are also going into the expanded ball fields, which are hosting teams and tournaments virtually year-round. I know that a few of our members are concerned about the Tribe’s emphasis on the growth of our Tribal enterprises, and they think that there is not enough attention paid to culture and heritage. I, for one, think that our Tribe does an outstanding job at both. Businesses are vital to the growth and survival of our Tribal Nation and the services that we provide our members. As our Tribal enrollment approaches 40,000 members, successful businesses are vital in allowing our Tribe to meet our financial obligations — from scholarships and health aids to down payment assistance for those wishing to buy their first home.
I also wanted to mention that for our elders in the district who are lower income and looking for more affordable housing, there are two or three elder housing units available to rent in our Rossville, Kansas, complex. Contact our Housing Department for more information: cpn.news/housing.
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 to you. 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),
It was great seeing so many District 8 families in June at the Family Reunion Festival. Some were old friends like Joe Clark from Montana and Ginger Blackmon of Alaska, and others were new friends, like Mike Abella and Darin Abella from Washington state.
With all of the representation for our district, I got a little overly optimistic about the Friday night hand games competition. My plan was to have not one but two District 8 teams. Unfortunately, a summer storm came through two hours before the games. The skies became dark, and massive rain and hail scared the majority of our members into staying in that night. At the start of the games, I had only Joe Clark wanting to play, and he was drafted onto a District 1 team. The winner of the entire competition was the Potawatomi Leadership Program participants.
The Festival was well attended and had many highlights, including the openings of the new FireLake Hotel and the new FireLake Casino. The hotel is a great addition to the Nation’s offerings that make this a great travel destination. It is modestly priced, well-appointed and will accommodate families using the ball fields, bowling center and golf course. The casino replaces the old casino and is across the street. This was absolutely needed as the old casino was functionally obsolete. It had served the Nation as a bowling center, bingo hall and a productive casino for many years.
Of the memorable events that I was involved in over the weekend, I had the opportunity to attend both a Native American ceremony and a Christian service Sunday morning. My sister, Eva Marie (representative for District 2), had asked me to be the fire keeper at a family Naming ceremony at one of the prayer circles near the Sharp House. The heat and humidity made getting the fire going a little challenging, but eventually, I was successful and there was an emotional and heartfelt private ceremony.
A few hours later, there was a church service at the Mission Church coordinated by Ms. Capps. The venue is an old white church near the Cultural Heritage Center with knotty pine paneling that was erected by Quakers when they were ministering to Native Americans on our reservation land. Good messages were enhanced by some beautiful singing by Connie Barrett, wife of Oklahoma Legislator Dave Barrett. She performed “How Great Thou Art.”
Our annual Fall Feast will be 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.
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),
(This article is for all my Potawatomi friends who have lost a furry friend.)
When Comes That Time
When comes that time
I’ll be there.
It’s near unnatural:
Man should not love
To such deep depth.
When comes that time
I’ll be there.
Not outside the room,
Nor the lobby.
I’ll be nowhere but there.
How could I abandon my post
When you need me the most?
When your stricken, sicken body
Is slipping away,
There I’ll be, you’ll see.
I’ll not leave you with a stranger
In a strange room.
Together, you and me.
I fear the years have taken their toll.
I promise your pain will wane,
Nor will it be anymore.
When you can’t be made whole,
I’ll be there.
When comes that time
Our eyes will peer into each other’s soul.
When the doctor takes your life,
I’ll be there, my friend.
You are mine.
In your last breath,
I’m here — to the end.
I’m here for you.
My arms to comfort you
As you lick me one last time.
Migwetch (Thank you),
Paul Wesselhöft | Naganit (Leader) | [email protected] | [email protected]
Andrew Walters
District 11
Bozho (Hello),
Naming is an important part of our culture. Our tradition says that Mamogosnan (aka God) can only see the top of your head when He looks down. Oh, He can hear your prayers. And He knows you’re there, cause you’re Potawatomi and He likes us. But after you’re named, He can see your face.
I find naming enjoyable, from the whole process that leads up to it to the time spent trying to find just the right name that fits the person’s personality. It’s delightful. I have named a few folks, and at this last Family Reunion Festival I had the chance to name a friend of mine’s son, Jake Morrell. Now, Jake came over from Hawaii last year with his beautiful, elegant wife, Elaine, and his smart, good-looking son, Ethan. I became acquainted with Jake and his family through his dad, Ed. All I can tell you about Ed is … he’s a character. He’s retired, lives in Oahu and has the time to give me critical guidance on my Hownikan articles. I guess you could say we have kind of an Ed-itorial relationship (that’s a joke, son). We have, over the years, become friends and have hosted his family at our house — a great bunch of people. I’m just hoping Ed will stop falling off of walls and can come to Shawnee next year. If he does, I’m gonna name him Falling Rocks and get him one of those road signs ya see in the mountains as a gift.
Last year, Jake gave me tobacco and asked me to name him at this year’s Festival. I have to tell ya, it was tough. Jake’s unique and multi-faceted. The one thing I did boil it down to was that he really liked to travel, and that seemed to be a trait that identified him. Now, Jake is both a Higbee and a Bertrand, and has family spread all over God’s green earth. He came down and visited all the folks before he got to Shawnee. Long story short, I named him Bbagwinwenose (He Wanders). Seemed appropriate and Jake loved it. And that made it even better for me.
The only other thing that I might enjoy more than naming is when we get to vote on Tribal memberships. We have folks from all over apply, some with names I can’t pronounce. After Tribal Rolls certifies them, we get to vote. When D. Wayne Trousdale reads each of their names into the record, we get to see the district they are from and a date of birth. I have to tell you, I smile when I see the children’s applications, some as young as three months old. What a gift our ancestors left for us: Tribal membership and the naming tradition.
So, I would like to invite all those folks who haven’t applied for citizenship for themselves and/or their children to do so. And for any of y’all that haven’t been named and wish to be, we have several routes you can go. One is to contact your district representative and ask for a naming. You’ll probably receive a questionnaire to fill out, and don’t forget to send tobacco! The other is that any of y’all that are named can name others. We kind of like to see elders name younger folks. And if you do, remember that cute little boy you named Happy Bunny might grow up to be a 280-pound wide receiver with tattoos. Give a name that looks to the future.
Anyway, Cora says “Hi!” Y’all take care of yourselves and your family. We’re here for you if ya need us.
Bami pi (Until later),
Andrew Walters | [email protected] | [email protected]