Vice-Chairman election candidates
Editor’s note: Responses from candidates appear exactly as they were submitted without editing for content or style.
Martha Kimberly Nootbaar
What do you feel is the Tribe’s most pressing issue it currently faces? I believe communication is the most pressing issue. Members feel that they get the information after an event happens. We need to publish calendars in an easy to read format several months before an event. We need to have regularly scheduled podcasts, facebook live, or somehow record the events or talks. Clear concise communication and easy to access formats should be a goal easy to accomplish. We need to be more transparent. Our activities, spending and income should be published. We can do better.
How can CPN better serve and engage its Tribal members? I believe that we should make all our local programs accessible to all out Members.
Either by podcast, accessible recordings online or even facebook live. We have great programs available at the Cultural Heritage Center every week. They could be advertised better and if there are craft supplies needed, publish the list, then publish how it can be seen or attended for out of town members. Again, it comes down to communication and transparency!
Describe what in your life has made you appreciate your CPN heritage. My family. I have been very fortunate to have know my Great Grandmother Birdie Josephine Burnett Martin. She made sure that I was enrolled as a Citizen at a young age. She instilled in me a love for our people that has only grown with time. I wish that I could have learned more from her. We have many teachings that have been lost through the years. I believe we have to listen to those that have the teachings and traditions passed to them. There is still much to learn.
What kind of future do you envision for the Nation? A strong and prosperous one. One that all our nation could be proud of. One that comes together to make decisions that would be the best for everyone. One that could work out disagreements civilly and celebrate the wins together. We are part of something bigger than ourselves and that should be celebrated. We are Citizen Potawatomi Nation! We have come so far from that little trailer on Gordon Cooper that no one really wanted to go in. We have wonderful, talented, smart people! We can be greater.
How could you, as an elected official, help Tribal members who feel disconnected from the Tribe? They think the leadership doesn’t really care about them. We need to work hard to include everyone, to explain decisions, and to assimilate infomation. That goes back to communication and transparency. We need to teach them about their families and their rich history. So many ancestors gave up much for their families to flourish and grow to give us a future. We have elders that can teach us. They should be shared, honored and celebrated.
Charles Scott
What do you feel is the Tribe’s most pressing issue it currently faces? I think we have two pressing issues. The first is how out of state citizens access or qualify for benefits. Typically our out of state members are at a disadvantage in that they are not equally entitled to the same benefits as Oklahoma Residents.
The second most pressing issue is voter turnout. Folks do not vote. I’ve asked many many members why they don’t vote, it typically comes down to Term Limits.
How can CPN better serve and engage its Tribal members? We need better Government separation between the Executive and Legislative Branches of our Government, currently our Legislative Branch is not fully Independent. So to better “serve” our citizens we need to separate the Legislative branch and allow District Reps more leeway to engage citizens and help or solve their constituents’ access to Government benefits.
Describe what in your life has made you appreciate your CPN heritage. Sitting on the drum, singing old traditional songs, learning about our Bear Clan and Bear Clan songs…attending the first known Bear Clan Feast in Oklahoma was a pretty special ceremony. Migwetch to Dub and Esther for helping us “Bears” get this started.
What kind of future do you envision for the Nation? Mostly I see change, Ms Capps retiring, Gene Lambert retiring, our elected Officials are getting younger, a few more have said this is their last term, this will bring new ideas and new visions. As long as we take care of our elders, continue to improve access to benefits, and maintain our educational scholarships, I think our future will remain bright.
How could you, as an elected official, help Tribal members who feel disconnected from the Tribe? As Vice Chairman, my phone number will always be available and published, 918-650-8631, my door will always be open and I will hold regular meetings with our citizens, in state and out of state.
I will also advocate for fulling funding a Cultural and Language program that eventually will grow into a primary school, then elementary school. I envision a cultural immersion school in which each citizen can use their College scholarship to attend our Immersion School. Learning about culture, language, traditions, heritage, building a community, that’s what connects us.
Jason Smalley
What do you feel is the Tribe’s most pressing issue it currently faces? I believe the Tribe’s most pressing issue is preserving and strengthening our identity as Citizen Potawatomi people. We face many important challenges, including tribal sovereignty, relationships with state and federal governments, and local budget and project decisions. We are fortunate to have talented elected leaders and employees working on those matters every day. But through all of it, we must remain grounded in who we are, what we stand for, and where we want to go together. A unified message, shared purpose, and common approach will help bring our people closer and strengthen our Nation for future generations.
How can CPN better serve and engage its Tribal members? CPN can better serve and engage its Tribal members by improving how we communicate. We have many strong programs, businesses, projects, and outreach efforts, but at times the message can feel overwhelming or scattered. We need to streamline communication, so it reaches the right audiences in the most effective way. That means expanding virtual platforms for legislative outreach, using more direct mail, and making better use of local and national media opportunities. This goes hand in hand with our larger mission: clearly defining who we are, what we stand for, and sharing that message in a unified way with our members and beyond.
Describe what in your life has made you appreciate your CPN heritage. My appreciation for my CPN heritage has grown through a lifetime of service. Serving our country in the United States Marine Corps and later serving the people of Oklahoma as a State Representative and State Senator taught me the value of duty, sacrifice, and perseverance. In each role, I came to better understand the strength it takes to lead through adversity. That appreciation deepened my respect for our Potawatomi ancestors, who endured hardship while preserving their identity, values, and future. Being Citizen Potawatomi is part of who I am, and that connection has helped guide me through both challenges and opportunities.
What kind of future do you envision for the Nation? I envision a future where our Nation stands united, not fragmented, with a clear purpose and shared direction. I want to see us continue diversifying our income so we can sustain and expand programs that serve those who need them most. I also want to see the Nation grow its footprint in ways that create more jobs and strengthen our local economy. My greatest hope is that we invest in education for every member, helping families build generational wealth, expand opportunities, and create a path for more Citizen Potawatomi to return home and thrive.
How could you, as an elected official, help Tribal members who feel disconnected from the Tribe? I believe this begins with better communication and genuine outreach. Many people who feel disconnected are often searching for purpose, involvement, and a sense of belonging. As a leader, I believe it is our responsibility to help place people in positions where both they and the Nation can thrive. I want Tribal members to know that their voice matters, their input is valued, and their involvement is important. My goal would be to help people reconnect, find their calling, and in turn help others do the same. When one of us rises, we all rise together.
Legislative District 5 election candidates Q&A
Editor’s note: Responses from candidates appear exactly as they were submitted without editing for content or style.
Ryan Hubble
What do you feel is the Tribe’s most pressing issue it currently faces? Honestly, I’m not sure I know enough about what the most pressing issues are that our Tribe faces. However, I do know that my ability to look at financial information and review budgets would help our Tribe continue to grow and establish itself as a powerful Tribe that can address any issue it needs to face.
How can CPN better serve and engage its Tribal members? I think the legislature representatives are the tools that can help serve and engage Tribal members. Those representatives have the responsibility to reach out to the members in their districts and ascertain what those needs are and then propose ideas to Tribal leadership of how those goals should be attained.
Describe what in your life has made you appreciate your CPN heritage. In my life, I’ve seen that service to others is the best way to demonstrate our love for people. I believe that and have tried to live that by serving in my church, community, and to my family and friends. The one thing I really appreciate about our CPN heritage is the way our leaders serve us. It takes a lot of time and energy to do what they do, and I know they do it because they love our Tribe and its members. And one of the reasons I’m running is so I can give back to our Tribe and help serve its members.
What kind of future do you envision for the Nation? I envision our Tribe as a Nation that continues to grow and expand the many resources it offers to our people. Our tribe is focused on helping tribal members be the best individuals and family members they can be. It does that by offering scholarships for schooling, helping with mortgages and housing, helping individuals find jobs, expanding the resources for the cultural heritage center so we can learn about our history and ancestors, etc. This Tribe offers so much, and I would love to see that continue and grow.
How could you, as an elected official, help Tribal members who feel disconnected from the Tribe? As I’ve stated before, I plan to reach out to the members of District 5 and get to know them, and hopefully by doing so, I can learn about their needs and how the Tribe can help them connect again to the great culture we have.
James Newberry
What do you feel is the Tribe’s most pressing issue it currently faces? Lack of participation by all the cousins with reunion in Shawnee, district meetings and voting.. I’m sure there are issues we are facing just as important I’m not aware of. Once I’m in office ( if all you cousins will hire me) and I get a better idea of what’s going on. I might have another answer for you.
How can CPN better serve and engage its Tribal members? In the past and even now I have felt left out. I would read about district meetings and other tribal events in the Hownikan after the fact or given maybe a week’s notice. I could give more examples. Unacceptable! Communication will be key. Again,( if all you cousins will hire me) and I get a better idea of what resources are available to me. I’ll do my best to utilize them for YOUR benefit.
Describe what in your life has made you appreciate your CPN heritage. When I was 8 to 10 years old my Grandmother Alice Vaught ‘Nana” on a ride home in her Dark Blue 1966 Pontiac Lemans with the most serious voice and look on her face said “Never forget you’re a Potawatomi.” I never have.
What kind of future do you envision for the Nation? A bright and prosperous one with continued opportunities for education, health care, etc. The leadership has put us in a great position for continued future growth. As long as we don’t squander it away with short sightedness and greed.
How could you, as an elected official, help Tribal members who feel disconnected from the Tribe? By reaching out to members. Please read the answer for question 2 again. It’s the same answer I have for this one.
Lorrie Underwood
What do you feel is the Tribe’s most pressing issue it currently faces? Our tribe faces two major challenges 1. citizen apathy and 2. governmental transparency. In a tribe of roughly 40,000 citizens, we have LESS THAN 10% Participation! I can see that our citizens need to feel like we have more of a stake in our tribe as a whole. I plan to help District 5 citizens be much more informed.
How can CPN better serve and engage its Tribal members? CPN should help tribal members before we feed, clothe and medically help others! We need to build a strong community within our own tribe so that we are strong enough to help others. True charity begins at home. A vote for me is a vote for change.
Describe what in your life has made you appreciate your CPN heritage. I finally felt fully Potawatomi once I began attending ceremony. I felt well-rounded once I began learning our language. I appreciate all language teachers and/or knowledge keepers who share their knowledge and wisdom with others.
What kind of future do you envision for the Nation? I would like to see people more comfortable with being Potawatomi, with their names, and learning our culture. Additionally, I would like for our administration to remember to honor 7 generations past and prepare for 7 future generations and be sure to consider those 7 future generations.
How could you, as an elected official, help Tribal members who feel disconnected from the Tribe? I hope to meet with and talk to each district citizen on an individual level so I can understand how each person can feel more connected. Each person will have a unique situation and there is no cookie cutter method to understanding each person’s disconnect. A legislator’s hands are tied regarding District member’s contact information; we don’t have it. The responsibility is then thrown back onto each individual citizen to know and reach out to their own legislator for help. The legislature should be allowed to be more independent in solving individual members’ challenges.
Legislative District 7 election candidates Q&A
Editor’s note: Responses from candidates appear exactly as they were submitted without editing for content or style.
Mark Johnson
Incumbent
What do you feel is the Tribe’s most pressing issue it currently faces? That is an interesting question, which has a complicated answer. I would say there are many issues that are pressing, that we as a Tribal Legislature try to make an impact in a positive way. Tribal sovereignty and our inherent rights are always an issue. We have many members outside of Oklahoma who have inadequate healthcare access, which is why the CPN Cares program is so important, and being able to steer members to Indian Health Services. Our Tribal economic diversity is important to sustain our services to members. Making sure we engage our youth to keep our Nation strong is also extremely high on the list.
How can CPN better serve and engage its Tribal members? Our Tribal nation is doing better than ever in this regard, but there is always room to do more. I would love to see a traveling history and cultural program from our Cultural Heritage Center to help engage those members outside of Oklahoma, who for whatever reason cannot travel to Shawnee. I will work towards making sure the Tribes online classes and information access are expanded and enhanced as innovative technologies become available. Making information accessible through the website portal is great, but we also need our members to take an active role in keeping their information current with the Tribe, so we can engage with you.
Describe what in your life has made you appreciate your CPN heritage. I was blessed to have a family that always kept our heritage in the forefront of our life here in California. With my father and his nine brothers and sisters, and all of us cousins holding a yearly family reunion, I was exposed at an early age to all our heritage and family traditions. I knew from an early age about the history of my great-great grandfather Louis Vieux and his involvement with our Tribe. My father was the family historian, so many of our families’ historical items are now on display in the Cultural Heritage Center, including my grandfather’s trunk he was given when attending the Carlisle Indian Industrial School.
What kind of future do you envision for the Nation? The future that I see is one filled with Opportunity, Hope and Optimism, but also a future that will hold many challenges that we must be able to meet head-on. As a current Legislator, I know that the demands for services and benefits that we are providing today as a tribe, will require our full attention to protect and grow those services as we grow close to 40,000 members. Our Nation will continue being a leader in preserving our heritage, culture, and language, this has been a high priority for myself, and the other members of our legislature. We do indeed have a bright future as a Nation, one built on the bedrock of wise, reasoned choices.
How could you, as an elected official, help Tribal members who feel disconnected from the Tribe? Addressing disconnects among our tribal members is tough and requires a mix of cultural and social approaches. The key is restoring belonging, identity, and access. Many individuals feel disconnected because they lack access to language, ceremonies, or traditional knowledge. I have worked at getting them connected with language classes, and other resources at the Cultural Heritage Center which helps rebuild identity in a practical, lived way. I have worked at getting our youth to apply to our Potawatomi Leadership Program, which connects our youth to their Tribe for life. And every year I have hosted a fall heritage gathering in California to help bring our families together in our shared experience.
Katie Bowie
Challenger
What do you feel is the tribe’s most pressing issue it currently faces? I believe that our most pressing issue is actually a multilayered issue steaming from the vast majority of our people being disconnected from each other and our culture and teachings. The loss of language and cultural education, lack of connection to community for those who live in the outside districts and lack of concern and involvement from tribal members in our election & government process. A lot of our members who live in outer districts are unfortunately far removed in their everyday life from our nation & culture. From my conversations & engagement with other tribal members online, so many are hungry for that connection and belonging.
How can CPN better serve and engage its tribal members? Giving each district legislator more responsibility and access to their members that they represent. This can be done with more resources to have gatherings and events around their respective districts that would take the hardship off of tribal members that do not have the means to travel so far. Providing more opportunity for tribal members to have input and autonomy to serve our people, with youth, elder and cultural committees. Potentially exploring the possibility to add online voting options within the Potawatomi portal. Finally, more online opportunities for those who live so spread out.
Describe what in your life has made you appreciate your CPN heritage? I’ve always been extremely proud of my CPN heritage, I’m a direct descendant of Potawatomi Chief Waubansee (B:1780/D:1848) and I happen to be exactly seven generations from him. In our teachings there is a seven fires prophecy the current era is a time for cultural revival, stewarding the environment and strengthening community. I take these teachings seriously in my everyday life, instilling them in my children. I also appreciate that our past leaders chose to recognize tribal descendants as citizens and got rid of the government’s attempts to enforce blood quantum, which was intended to end our sovereignty.
What kind of future do you envision for the Nation? My prayers and vision for the future of our nation include expanding resources for our current cultural education & language revitalization: a funding boost could bring immersion programs to the other districts. I would love to see ethically appropriate economic development that reflects our 7 generation teachings. I would love to see an effort to decolonize as a whole tribe. Where I live in Northern California, my neighboring tribes have a strong connection to their ancestral land and culture. I would love to see our tribe reclaim that connection & focus on food sovereignty, land back, restoration & balance with Mother Earth.
How could you, as an elected official, help tribal members who feel disconnected from the tribe? As an elected official, I would make myself available to my fellow tribal members to share what I know and help connect people to others in our community to build relationships and their sense of belonging. I am currently active online & try to pass along resources as I see them for events happening within my district and even those next to ours. We have a few social media groups where a lot of us have come together to form an online CPN community & even met distant relatives. As stated previously, I would love to facilitate gatherings within D7 to come together with others.