John “Rocky” Barrett
Tribal Chairman
Bozho, nikan, (Hello, my friend),
I hope that you and your family can find ways to escape the long winter months. Our CPN Cultural Heritage Center recently hosted its annual Winter Story Telling Festival. These stories were carried south by our ancestors, first to Iowa, then Kansas and finally to Indian Territory. It must have been incredibly disorienting to tell stories about the woodlands and lakes in deep, snow-covered winters when stuck on the cold, wintry prairies. There are ample opportunities to learn the traditional Potawatomi stories, like the Winter Stories, on our Cultural Heritage Center website at potawatomiheritage.com.
In a similar vein, another annual winter event in Oklahoma has come and gone. Governor Kevin Stitt gave the state legislators and assembled guests — including many Tribal leaders in Oklahoma — his final State of the State speech at the state capitol in early February. Mercifully, this is the governor’s last time making such an address.
Moving forward, we will all be spared from his repetitive and divisive anti-Tribal rhetoric. For years his approach to Oklahoma’s sovereign Tribal nations has involved the accrual of millions in attorney’s fees and mischaracterizations of the law. Despite being an enrolled Tribal citizen, his public remarks display the ignorance of the basic aspects of Tribal sovereignty. I wish this governor well in whatever career path takes him out of the state capital as soon as possible.
I find this governor’s stance particularly frustrating given just how important Tribes are to this state’s economy. For nearly a decade we Oklahomans have been promised top 10 in all manner of category. What we’ve seen in economic development terms has been state executive leaders focusing on tax incentives for out-of-state entities who ultimately choose elsewhere. Now, two of Oklahoma’s largest energy companies, with high employee headcounts, are decamping for other states. Contrast this to the status of Oklahoma tribes like Citizen Potawatomi Nation. We are tied to our jurisdiction. We have to invest in our communities. We cannot pick up, find a tax incentive in another state and leave.
These circumstances are why we continue to develop our FireLake complex, seek out new partners for Iron Horse Industrial Park and expand health and childcare services across the Tribal jurisdiction. It will be good to have an executive branch partner at the state capital who understands that. Whoever that may be.
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),
I feel good about the upcoming CPN election for 2026. Some of you have commented about my decision not to run for my present office of Vice-Chairman. My most common and best response is that it simply is time for me to step aside. I have cherished the opportunity to serve our CPN membership in my position as Vice Chairman. In addition, it has been a supreme honor for me to hold office along with our present Legislators, some of whom have held their position (due to the CPN Constitutional change of 2007) since their installation in June of 2008.
For those young Tribal members or new members who may not know, the 2007 CPN Constitution (Aug. 16, 2007, with ratification) changed the form of government for the Tribe from a five-member business committee form of government to a 16-member legislative governmental body. Constitution of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, Article 7, page 6 — Tribal Legislature shall consists of the Executive Offices as provided in Article 6 (Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary-Treasurer), five (5) Legislators elected from Oklahoma, and eight (8) Legislators elected from Legislative Districts equally apportioned, within 30%, by population in the remaining States of the United States. Legislators shall serve four (4) year terms of office and until their successors shall be qualified and installed in office.
Many of you know that I have been in this present office since 1990. I have been a part of some of the most incredible times for CPN. What an exciting period 1990 to the present has been. The Tribe has experienced the addition of infrastructure, programs, enterprises, employment growth and successful outreach. Today our Tribe continues to assert our sovereignty to improve the future for our Tribal members and our employees. The success of our Tribe has hinged on the above reference to the 2007 Constitutional change. Since we moved from a five-member business committee with representation only in Oklahoma to our 16-member legislative form of government, we now enjoy representation from all districts. Through our language and educational programs, we are touching more of our people throughout the United States and beyond. We have just touched the tip of the iceberg, and I predict that sensational advancements are in the making.
I plan to hit some of the major advances during my career with the Tribe in the next few months prior to the election the last weekend of June. This year’s Family Festival will take place June 26-28, with the election being on Saturday the 27th. The 2026 families to be honored are: Acton, Bergeron, Bruno, Curley, DeLonais, Greemore and Slavin. Members of these families will be making plans to attend the Festival this coming summer. With modern technology, perhaps there can be ways for those who cannot attend to view parts of the Festival.
Until next month, igwien to all of you who have supported and, in some cases, endured my tenure as your Vice-Chairman. With deepest respect and heartfelt gratitude.
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),
District 1 Update – February
I want to share a few updates with our district as we move through winter and toward spring.
In mid-December, I learned that the Eiteljorg Museum would be hosting a quillwork exhibition, “Gaawii Eta-Go-Aawizinoo Gaawiye Mkakoons (It’s Not Just a Quillbox),” running through the end of March. I began exploring the idea of holding a District 1 meeting there on March 14, as quillwork is an important part of our history, identity and material culture.
Long before glass beads, Potawatomi and other Anishinaabe artists used dyed porcupine quills to decorate clothing, bags, boxes and ceremonial items. Quillwork carried spiritual meaning, conveyed stories and played a role in early trade.
Like many families, we’re in an active season of life, and my daughter’s volleyball schedule recently changed to include a tournament that same weekend. This is her final year playing, and I want to support her. Because of that, I won’t be able to host the March 14 meeting as originally hoped. I encourage anyone who has the opportunity to visit the Eiteljorg during the quillwork exhibit to do so, and I hope to host a district meeting there in the future.
Looking ahead, I’m planning to host our next District 1 meeting on May 16. While details are coming together, my goal is to hold it somewhere in the western part of our district, likely in Missouri, Illinois or Indiana. I’ll share more information in the March Hownikan. As always, please visit cpndistrict1.com/events for the most up-to-date information on upcoming gatherings.
I want to take a moment to address the recent news involving the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation and the Oneida Nation, whose external business entities were connected to ICE detention facility planning. These stories sparked strong reactions across Indian Country, and many District 1 citizens reached out to share concerns.
This is not about casting judgment on another Nation. Rather, it serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility to ensure tribal enterprises remain aligned with cultural values and community priorities.
Tribal governments do not exist to simply maximize revenue. Our purpose is to support our people, our culture and our ability to live authentically as Potawatomi. Economic development matters, but it must be grounded in accountability, transparency and cultural responsibility.
Many Nations, including Prairie Band, Pokagon, Gun Lake, Forest County and others, use chartered investment arms or LLCs to separate business operations from politics. That structure itself isn’t the issue. When done well, it can be a healthy model. But it only works when guardrails are in place. Cultural alignment cannot be optional, and growth cannot come at the cost of who we are as a people.
What stood out to me was the Prairie Band leadership’s response. They acknowledged the issue, took accountability and moved to course correct. That response highlights why engaged citizens matter. When people speak up and stay informed, leadership is better positioned to act in alignment with community values.
This moment also brings the focus back home. Our Nation is strongest when citizens stay engaged beyond election cycles by asking questions, reaching out to leaders and using the resources our Tribe already provides to stay informed. Being an enrolled Tribal citizen comes with both rights and responsibility, and participation is essential to protecting our sovereignty and ensuring our government reflects the people it serves.
As Potawatomi people, we carry the weight of removal, boarding schools and broken treaties. How we move forward, informed and grounded in our values, is how we ensure our future reflects who we are.
I hope to see many of you on May 16!
Steve Livingston | Legislator, District 1 | [email protected]
Eva Marie Carney
District 2
Bozho, nikanek (Hello, friends),
Bedo gde-dokmes mine mno bmadzeyen
The greeting above – translated to “Hope you have peace and good health” – was in the transmittal letter I received from our Tribal Rolls Office last year, sending me my new Tribal ID.
Do you need a new ID? My experience, and that of others who shared theirs with me, is that the process for obtaining the ID is efficient by mail and I’ve heard, even more efficient if one uses portal.potawatomi.org to request the card.
On a related note, I just updated the letter from me that welcomes new CPN citizens; our Tribal Rolls Office sends this out to all who are newly enrolled and living in CPN District 2. The letter includes a significant amount of information about accessing CPN history, current information and benefits. You can read it at cpn.news/d2welcome.
District 2 Meetings
I hope to see some of you at the medallion beading workshop taught by District 2 resident and art student Mars Pursley on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, in Alexandria, Virginia, starting at 10:30 a.m. Mars will teach the two-needle flat stitch. More information about the class and instructor is at cpn.news/mars. There’s space for about 10 people; let me know if you plan to attend!
Thanks to CPN District 2 citizen Dennis Johnson, plans have come together for a March 14, 2026 meeting at Hillsborough River State Park in Thonotosassa, Florida. The park is just a few minutes from downtown Tampa. You will find its location and features, including river rapids, historic structures, and seven miles of nature trails at cpn.news/Hillsborough. Please see the postcard printed with this column. The postcard will be mailed to folks in Florida, Alabama and Georgia. Please remember that you do not need to receive a postcard to attend, but you do need to RSVP so we have enough seating and enough lunch.
I have included a photo from our 2025 Fall Feast as encouragement for mkesinen-making during these winter months. Thanks again to Lyle Simmons for teaching us how to make pucker toe moccasins.
Woodland Culture Centre Resources
I made a delicious Three Sisters soup over the new year holiday, using a recipe posted to the Woodland Cultural Centre’s Facebook page. I reposted it to my personal Facebook page, if you are interested in it (note: I substituted hominy for lye corn). The Centre also offers a downloadable coloring book, “Our Time to Colour,” featuring 17 Indigenous artists across Turtle Island. You can find it at cpn.news/ottc. As noted on the Centre’s website, “These pages really demonstrate the beautiful gifts and talents of Indigenous Artists.” And as many of you know better than I, coloring is not just for kids!
Family News
I am excited to share Navarre family member Dana Davis’s environmental work on the Piedmont University (Demorest, Georgia) campus. Dana has started an on-campus recycling program through the university’s Piedmont Environmental and Conservation Effort (PEACE) Club and is spearheading fundraising to start a campus garden. Her university’s website post (cpn.news/PEACE) about her work includes this quote about her motivation: “I feel like it is our calling to take care of the Earth we are blessed to walk on.” What a good thought to take into 2026. Migwetch (Thank you), Dana.
Do you have family news? Please send me a note as I would love to share it in a future column.
Migwetch (Thank you),
Eva Marie Carney | Ojindiskwe (Bluebird Woman) | [email protected] | [email protected] | evamariecarney.com | PO Box 5595 | Arlington, VA 22205 | Toll Free: 888-849-1484 (voicemail)
Brenda Trevino
District 3
Bozho, nikanek (Hello, my friends)!
To communicate with as many as possible and because a fair number of you don’t participate on social media, I want to inform you about a very important service available to any Tribal member in Texas: Texas Native Health in Dallas. I toured the facility in early December on my way home from the most recent legislative meeting at the invitation of Blake Weaver (CPN Native Health Board member) and was amazed at the services they provide. This health and culture facility is located at 1283 Record Crossing Road in Dallas.
Native Health offers a broad range of services and served approximately 100 CPN members for over 300 visits in 2025. Services include medical, dental, pharmaceutical (no mail order express at this time), optometry, counseling, family services, job and education training, cultural preservation and more. They have availability and are growing. When I asked how far some patients travel to take advantage of the services, I was told they have at least one patient from Corpus Christi! What a resource for those near DFW and beyond! Their phone number is 214-941-1050 if you would like to contact them for more information.
In addition to health and wellness, I also wanted to share places where I subscribe to get current Native news. Staying on top of current events that affect our Nation is very important and could potentially influence our sovereignty. I keep up with Native News Online, Native American Times, Oklahoma Native News, and Crosswinds News online sources as well as our Hownikan monthly issues and CPN’s KGFF radio. Our world is moving so quickly. Being aware of federal/state/local tribal political happenings is one way to keep our eyes open to prepare for what’s ahead. If you have a favorite current events resource that I didn’t list, please pass it along. I would like to know.
By the time this article reaches you, The Woodlands Meet-and-Greet will be in the rear-view mirror. The March 7 meeting in Georgetown, Texas, will be in front of us. Don’t forget to RSVP by Feb. 28, 2026, so I can plan on the right number of lunches and giveaways. Beginning with the March article, I will report on how well the meet-and-greets have been attended.
Thank you for our time together. And may the planned district meetings bring us all closer to our family, friends and ancestors who kept the fire glowing for us. Of course, giveaways, raffles and lunches are enjoyable too. We have plenty to celebrate.
Migwetch (Thank you) for allowing me to serve each of you! Please reach out if I can be of assistance.
Brenda Trevino | Mkedewankwetkwe (Black Cloud Woman) | [email protected] | 281-466-7427
Jon Boursaw
District 4
Possible Spring Activities
I’ve been thinking about scheduling some activities for Tribal members, family members and guests to participate in. These activities include a series of tours and an opportunity to learn how to start a fire with flint and steel. I would like to schedule the activities beginning in April and finish no later than the middle of August. Here are my proposed activities:
- Starting a fire: A few weeks ago, I was approached by CPN member Steve Rhodd, who suggested we have a class on how our ancestors started their fires using flint and steel. He felt this class would be of particular interest to the male members of the Tribe. The tentative plans call for the class to be held on a Saturday in the Prayer Circle behind the CPN Community Center in Rossville. The date and time will be established within the next few weeks.
- Tour of Sugar Creek. This would include a tour and discussion of the Tribe’s historic site known as Sugar Creek, where over 670 Tribal members are buried. I would like to also stop at the cemetery in Osawatomie, where several additional Tribal members are buried. If time permits, I think a stop at Heritage Park near Olathe to view the art exhibit recognizing the Trail of Death would be appropriate. We will need to include a lunch stop there as well.
- Tour of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation Reservation and sites in Topeka. This tour would include several sites on the Reservation such as their Government Center, Health Clinic, Fire Station, Our Lady of the Snow Church, and a close-up visit with a buffalo herd. Upon returning to Topeka, we could make visits to the Potawatomi Baptist School, Burnett’s Mound and his burial site.
- Tour of the Uniontown Cemetery, the Vieux Family Cemetery and Vermillion Creek Crossing. I hope to add a couple more stops to this tour, but I will need approval from the landowner.
I want all of you to know that these activities will be open to all CPN members. This would be a great opportunity to visit and see part of your Tribe’s history, and possibly part of your family’s history. Unfortunately, I am unable to confirm the actual dates at this point, but I would like to know how many of you would be interested in participating in one or more these events. You can either email me at [email protected] or call me at 785-608-1982. My email address list contains well over 400 addresses, but I routinely received around 20 returns as undeliverable. If you are not receiving my emails simply send me an email to the above address and ask to be added.
Enrollment in the Tribe
The enrollment in the Citizen Potawatomi Nation as of Jan. 1, 2026, was 39,625, of which 2,756 reside in District 4, which is the state of Kansas. I am aware that there are several children and young adults in the district who are eligible to be enrolled but are not.
If you would like to enroll your dependent, it can be initiated online at Citizen Potawatomi Nation-Government-Tribal Rolls (portal.potawatomi.org). If the online enrollment is not available, you can stop by my office as I have copies of the enrollment form, or let me know and I can mail you a copy.
Upcoming CPN Elders’ Potlucks
Dates for the Elder Potlucks held in Rossville at noon are:
March 13 | Corned beef and sausage | RSVP by the 10th
Bring your favorite side dish or dessert. Please RSVP to Tracy at 785-584-6171.
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
Mark Johnson
District 7
Bozho nikanek (Hello friends),
I was talking to one of our Tribal members the other day, when the subject of traditional medicine came up. I spent some time going through some of my father’s papers that he kept. Having spent a good deal of time with a lot of different elders, he learned some of the medicine that was used from the Great Lakes area to California and kept notes in his writings. I will note that medicinal plants have long been central to health and survival. The sharing of this information is not a suggestion or endorsement that you use or ingest any of these herbs, and none of it is a secret (any internet search will find these and many more). As with anything, you should study and make your own choices. My father never used the term medicine man, as he believed that we all should know and use our medicine when we needed. This knowledge was generally passed down orally and practiced by those who understood that medicine involved balance between the body, spirit and the natural world. I will do my best to interpret his writings, and I have added botanical names.
One of the most important medicinal plants for Potawatomi is Sweetgrass (Hierochloe odorata). It is known for its distinctive fragrance. Sweetgrass is used both ceremonially and medicinally. Braided and burned, it serves as a purifier and is believed to invite positive spirits. Medicinally, sweetgrass tea was used to treat coughs, sore throats and digestive discomfort.
White pine (Pinus strobus). Pine resin is applied as a salve for cuts, burns and infections, acting as a natural antiseptic.
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium). Yarrow is valued for its ability to stop bleeding and prevent infection. Fresh leaves were crushed and applied directly to wounds, while teas were used to treat fevers and digestive ailments.
Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) was used to treat colds, flu and respiratory infections. Its aromatic leaves were brewed into teas or inhaled as steam to clear congestion.
The one natural medicine that my father used on a regular basis is widely available in central and northern California: Yerba santa (Eriodictyon californicum). He would gather the leaves from the new growth in the spring, dry them and make tea from them as the need arose, and he used it for everything from drinking a tea for colds to putting it in a cold compress to treat a burn.
As a reminder, attending the Family Reunion Festival is a great way to reconnect with your history. If you haven’t been before, or it has been a while, start planning now and join us June 26 to June 28 in Shawnee, Oklahoma. I am always available to talk and love visiting with our members at the Festival. There is no better way to spend your summer vacation. 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 representative. 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, nikan (Hello, friends),
As they say, the only thing that is constant is change. This is a concept attributed to the Greek philosopher Heraclitus, meaning that everything in the universe is continually in motion; nothing remains the same. It is said a person never steps into the same river twice – the water, the circumstances and the moment have moved on. Adaptability is the key to success. Citizen Potawatomi has certainly been an example of that. We have shown amazing adaptability over the years.
I am writing my column for the February edition of the Hownikan on a rainy day in early January. Hopefully, the electronic version will be published online in mid-February, and it is likely that a paper copy may find its way to your mailbox in March. As of now, there are many unknowns in the upcoming Citizen Potawatomi election, but change is on the horizon in the CPN June election.
The biggest change will be the loss of Ms. Linda Capps in her roles in the executive and legislative branches of our government. Linda has been more than an elected official; she has truly been the heart and soul of the Nation.
In the years that I have served in the legislature, I have not only looked to Linda Capps for resources, answers and understanding in particular situations, but I have also looked at her as a role model. She has tempered her decision making with compassion and always done what she felt was best for the Nation. She is guided by her faith, and her peaceful demeanor and cheerful attitude is always remarkable.
Over the years, I have heard many stories of Linda’s personal charity to members, and I can only assume that the sum of her financial kindness could pay for a cruise (or two) in her retirement.
To say that Ms. Capps will be missed is a great understatement. I know she will continue to be a presence at the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. Her many years of service will not be forgotten.
In 2025, Gene Lambert in Arizona (District 5) retired, and the representative position has been vacant since, so there will be some new faces in our government. I look forward to the contributions these new leaders will make.
I have filed to run again for District 8 representative. I have focused on building community in my region and assisting our citizens to access all the Tribe has to offer regarding cultural connection, information, community and programs. I believe I have accomplished this and hope to do more in the future.
If re-elected, it will be my honor to continue to serve as your legislator.
Dave Carney | Kagashgi (Raven) | [email protected] | 360-259-4027
Paul Wesselhöft
District 9
Bozho, nikan (Hello, friend),
Native American Drum and Dance
At ceremonies, powwows, gatherings and Family Festivals, dancing to the beat and rhythm of a large drum plays an important part in uniting the Tribe. Frankly, the drum, dance and singing reinforce my identity and pride in being Native American. Why should we dance to the drumbeat and song? Because our ancestors did so. We ought to be one with them.
When I hear that drumbeat and hear my people sing in voices that can only be Indigenous, I know I’m in a special place and time. It’s a spiritual experience. It enhances our cultural identity. It makes us one. Some believe the low, loud, even haunting beat of the drum represents pulsations of Mother Earth.
The drumming circle calls us, just as it called our ancestors. Drumming, singing and dancing conveyed prayers then, thousands of years ago, and now, and open communication between the human and the spiritual realm. Also, the drum and dance can convey prayers and hopes for successful harvests, hunting, fishing, or simply for recreation and enjoyment.
Like the human voice, the drum has its own unique voice. The drum is often made of a large cedar frame. Bison or elk rawhide is stretched across the opening and fastened down by strong strings of sinew. The drumsticks are made of animal hide. However, some drummers prefer using the palm of their hands.
There are numerous dances, such as the grass dance, the eagle dance, the hoop dance, the peace dance, the healing dance, the rain dance and others. When you hear that great drumbeat — boom, boom, boom — and hear your people singing in unison, join them in the circle of dance with an eagle feather in hand and dressed in your individual regalia. You will become physically rejuvenated and spiritually awakened to who you are and are meant to be.
Migwetch (Thank you),
Paul Wesselhöft | Naganit (Leader) | [email protected] | [email protected]
Andrew Walters
District 11
Bozho (Hello),
Opinions are funny little ole things. I guess it’s true … “everybody’s got one.” I find that opinions are simply perceptions, and those perceptions are based on where you’re standing in the room when something happens. What you see, what you hear, what you smell and feel, along with your bias and prejudices, all form your perceptions of an event. Your narrative about the event is formed and becomes the basis of that opinion. That’s why eyewitnesses are not reliable. What one sees isn’t always what another sees. So with that preface:
A bit ago, I was asked what my desires and concerns were about the new Potawatomi Confederacy we’ve joined. I think before I speak most times, and in this case, I stood there like a buck private, a deer in the headlights. You see, I realized that I really didn’t have any positive desires. Kinda like having a new baby. You see it laying there, cute and cuddly, all new and think, “I hope I don’t screw this one up.” I don’t think your first thought, or at least mine wasn’t, “He’s gonna be a doctor!”
This Confederacy is like that new baby. Brand spankin’ new. Never had one like it before. Like a child, it didn’t come with an owner’s manual or instructions. It was born. We knew what it was going to be, a Confederacy, but a lot of folks had their opinions, informed or not, of what it should be when it grew up. Like your Aunt Sippy when she said little George should be an engineer when he grew up. Maybe that’s not what George wants to be.
Don’t misunderstand. I’ve read all the materials on the Confederacy and was there at the meeting up north to talk about it. I knew it was gonna be a Confederacy, but some talked about it affecting our language, our culture. While others spoke of financial leverage and economic development. Some even mentioned religious aspects. I was the one on the Legislature that moved to vote on the Confederacy when it came up on the agenda. I knew it could be a good idea, just not what that good idea was going to grow into. I think that will come around when we give the Confederacy a chance to mature and develop. I believe, with guidance and a lot of diaper changes, it could be anything we want. But like a child, we’re going to have to raise it right, which brings on my concerns.
My concerns are that this Confederacy negatively affects our unique Citizen Potawatomi culture and language. I fully agree that economic development, leveraged purchasing and using our bank to help fund projects is a great idea. I don’t agree with adopting customs and cultures from other “sister” tribes, or to homogenize our ways with those of other bands. I also don’t believe in communal sharing of resources. We all should benefit equally or be disadvantaged equally.
We are the Citizen Band Potawatomi of Oklahoma, have been since the last 1860s, right here in Shawnee, Oklahoma. Our ancestors settled here, eked out a living and raised children. This is our land and our story. It has been for over 160 years. We should be proud of taking the step toward joining the Confederacy, but we should NEVER lose ourselves to its tenets or our own apathy.
That’s my opinion. I’m sure some will be critical and some will agree, but that’s what honest debate is for: understanding each other’s perspectives.
Love y’all. Cora says “bozho (hello).” Bless her heart.
Andrew Walters | [email protected] | [email protected]
Bobbi Bowden
District 13
Bozho nikanek (Hello friends),
Workforce program supports Citizen Potawatomi Nation citizens
The Citizen Potawatomi Nation is committed to supporting our citizens and strengthening our community. One way this commitment comes to life is through the CPN Workforce Development & Social Services Program (cpn.news/workforce), which helps citizens prepare for, find and keep meaningful employment.
I’ve seen the impact of this program firsthand. A relative of mine recently used Workforce Program services, and the support they received made a real difference in their job search and confidence. Their experience reflects the care and dedication staff bring to their work and the meaningful role this program plays during important life transitions.
The Workforce Program is available to citizens who may be facing challenges finding steady work or who are looking for better opportunities. Services are provided based on individual needs and available funding, with the goal of helping people move forward in a way that fits their situation. Whether someone is entering the workforce for the first time, changing careers or returning after time away, the program offers guidance and support along the way.
Services may include help with resumes, job applications, interview preparation, career planning and job readiness skills. For those interested in education or training, the Workforce Program can also help connect citizens with vocational training, certifications and other workforce-related opportunities that support long-term stability.
What sets the Workforce Program apart is its personalized approach. Staff work one-on-one with participants to understand their goals, strengths and interests. This individualized support helps citizens do more than simply find a job. It helps them build confidence and work toward careers that support themselves, their families and the Nation.
In addition to working directly with individuals, the Workforce Program partners with employers and training organizations to help create pathways to employment. These partnerships benefit both participants and the broader community.
Through programs like Workforce Development, the Citizen Potawatomi Nation continues to invest in opportunity, self-sufficiency and the future of our people.
For more information or if you have any questions, call 405-878-3854 or visit 1549 Workforce Dr., in Shawnee.
Thank you for allowing me to serve our citizens and our Nation.
Migwetch (Thank you),
Bobbi Bowden | Pkuhshnoqua (Bald Eagle Woman)