Mdamen leadership program, open for its fifth year, helps participants establish and maintain a strong connection to their Potawatomi heritage and is now accepting applications.
Each semester, students in a Potawatomi I language course have a chance to write children’s books in the Potawatomi language. Recently, the author of one of those books was Bonner family descendant Morgan Aguiar.
Join the CPN Department of Education for our annual graduation celebration honoring CPN students graduating in 2025 (high school and above)!
In the fall of 2021, the Citizen Potawatomi Nation Department of Education announced the launch of a new leadership program open to any Tribal member over the age of 18 residing anywhere in the United States. Through virtual sessions held once a week, the 29 members of the inaugural class learned about the government, culture and economic development of the Tribe and participated in talking circles with other CPN members to foster community and belonging.
The National Indian Education Association named Citizen Potawatomi Nation member and Department of Education employee Matt Higdon the 2021 Elder of the Year.
CPN tribal member Christopher Jenks spent a month with CPN Health Services in spring 2021. The Bertrand family descendant wanted additional hands-on experience before beginning his medical degree program and selecting his specialty.
Citizen Potawatomi Nation tribal member and CPN Department of Education Director Tesia Zientek expands service to Native American education and overall well-being through the National Indian Education Association and American Civil Liberties Union of Oklahoma board service.
As in-person summer programs were canceled, several CPN departments, including Workforce Development & Social Services and the Department of Education, partnered with Oklahoma State University and employees across CPN to develop two virtual camps.
Taylor Tade and Kylie Carter spent six days this February in the country’s capital, meeting with Native American leaders in politics, visiting historic landmarks and utilizing their knowledge to present ideas for growth in Indigenous communities.
During this period of uncertainty and distance, the Citizen Potawatomi Nation Department of Education has focused its efforts on creating widoktadwen (community) among Potawatomi students.