Higbee family history

To highlight some of the CPN Cultural Heritage Center’s archival holdings, the Hownikan is featuring photographs and family history of every founding Citizen Potawatomi family. The Higbee family traces its roots back to the St. Joseph River Valley and has a long legacy serving as teachers, medical professionals, CPN employees, Tribal leaders and more.

Anishnabé star knowledge

The first in a series by Minisa Crumbo Halsey that focuses on traditional Anishnabé star knowledge, this article tells how the Nishnabé arrived upon Sekmekwe (Mother Earth) by descent from the Mdodosenik, the Seven Sisters-Pleiades Constellation.

A Presentation on Nishnabé Star Knowledge Teachings

Join Tribal member and artist Minisa Crumbo Halsey (Wabksekwe/ Dawnwoman) for a presentation on Nishnabé Star Knowledge Teachings on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, from 1:30-3:30 p.m. at the CPN Cultural Heritage Center. 

Language Update: March 2024

The March 2024 Language Update features a new beginner class, the annual Winter Storytelling event and a new class for Elders.

Hardin family history

To highlight some of the CPN Cultural Heritage Center’s archival holdings, the Hownikan is featuring photographs and family history of every founding Citizen Potawatomi family. The Hardin family has a long history of service to the Nation, through elected and volunteer leadership, military service, trades and more.

Darling family history

The earliest communities in what would become Oklahoma were born from the hard work and generosity of families like the Darlings. The Hownikan traces Darling family history through archival records at the CHC.

2024 Honored Families announced

Every year at the CPN Family Reunion Festival, the Nation honors a group of families that moved to Oklahoma and eventually formed the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. The 2024 Honored Families are Darling, Hardin, Higbee, Levier, Lewis, Nadeau, Negahnquet, Pambogo and Smith.

Language update: December 2023

The December 2023 update from the CPN Language Department recaps fall classes and highlights upcoming events such as Winter Story Telling and spring classes.

Tescier family history

To highlight some of the Cultural Heritage Center archive holdings, the Hownikan is featuring photographs and family history of every founding Citizen Potawatomi family. The Tescier family ancestors were front row witnesses to history and the birth of what would become Oklahoma. They lived through the Land Run, endured the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl, and have served as elected officials of the CPN government and holders of cultural teachings over many generations.

Young family history

The Young family was among the many Potawatomi who decided to become U.S. citizens and receive plots of allotted land in Indian Territory through the Treaty of 1867. They moved to Indian Territory in 1871 and settled in the community of Pleasant Prairie, which was established 5 miles northwest of present-day Wanette. Later, the Youngs would move to their allotment near Oberlin.