Sly Alley, the author of Strong Medicine, is happy for the chance to share his Potawatomi heritage and culture with his fans during poetry readings, putting an Indigenous spin and unique perspective on the artform. Alley is currently working on his second book. As he completes new poems, he attends open mic events and poetry readings.
While listening to a podcast or talk radio program, the work seems easy — record, press play. However, the path to a product that presents itself as effortless and easy to digest takes teams of people on the same page with the same goal. Citizen Potawatomi Nation tribal member Devin Mellor has spent the last six years as an essential behind-the-scenes staff member at National Public Radio’s New York City bureau.
Creed Humphrey is a Citizen Potawatomi Nation tribal member and center for the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs. At only 23 years old, the Peltier family descendant played his second season of professional football in 2022-23, ending with his first Super Bowl appearance on Feb. 12, 2023. He spoke with the Hownikan about his experience as a professional football player.
Citizen Potawatomi Nation tribal member Jody Gzhadawsot (Helps Children) Mattena grew up learning to hunt, garden and gather as well as prepare and preserve foods from her grandfather and her mother. Now, she fulfills her dreams of cooking and educating through her BossLady Anish platforms and work with the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi Food Sovereignty Department as a lifeways consultant. Most recently, her work practicing and educating about Indigenous foodways brought her to the headquarters of one of the largest and most recognizable global food companies — Kellogg’s.
Bourbonnais-Tescier descendant Czarina Thompson began as a family history specialist at the Citizen Potawatomi Nation Cultural Heritage Center in 2005. Though the role has changed over the years as new technology and information becomes available, her attention to detail, extensive knowledge and love for helping Tribal members connect with their ancestors remain constant.
Citizen Potawatomi Nation tribal member Jesse Alan Horn epitomizes a working musician, balancing playing shows and putting in the effort to secure each gig. Horn is in the process of releasing his first album, BOLO.
In May 2022, Tribal member Brooke H. Desrochers took charge of Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron 4, stationed at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City. The role is a prestigious honor and the culmination of this Anderson family descendant’s 20-year Naval career.
Tescier family descendant Christine Munoz values the chance to be a part of service to her Tribe as advanced practice registered nurse. She enjoys the holistic approach to preventative care that CPNHS provides, as well as the professional support from other nurses, doctors and staff. When she’s not caring for patients, she’s traveling the globe!
Tribal member Kaylee Almand has shown a love for animals since she was a small child, and as she finishes her junior year at Tarleton State University, she is one step closer to her goal of becoming a veterinarian. Her experience includes exhibiting goats and lambs in high school, and working with deer at Sierra Mesa Ranch.
Photographer Sharon Hoogstraten spent twelve years photographing members of the Potawatomi nations across North America dancing in their regalia to create an heirloom book, Dancing for Our Tribe. The book documents Potawatomi regalia as a “current art” while also telling Potawatomi stories of the past and present. She hopes it will inspire tribal members to create their own regalia.