James “Jim” Thunder, Sr., a Potawatomi elder who was one of the few remaining native-speakers and helped lay the groundwork for current efforts to teach Bodéwadmimwen, has walked on. Thunder’s legacy covers not only the years he spent teaching the language but also the documentation he created and shared with Potawatomi everywhere, no matter where they lived. He laid the foundation for future generations to learn Potawatomi.
Two Potawatomi artists contributed their talents to a new song and music video, Speak Again. Inspired by Potawatomi author Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer’s 2013 best-selling book, Braiding Sweetgrass, the lyrics and video envision a future where Bodéwadmimwen is brought back to Potawatomi communities in a meaningful way.
Winter Story Telling will take place on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, at the CPN Cultural Heritage Center from 6-7:30 p.m. Central Time. Food and drinks will be provided. Virtual attendance is available via Zoom at cpn.news/WST2023. Please RSVP to Justin Neely at jneely@potawatomi.org.
This episode explores language, specifically Bodéwadmimwen in a historical context. We hear from a CPN musician and filmmaker who created a music video showcasing the past, present and future of Potawatomi. We also discuss the legacy of a first language speakers who recently walked on.
In the January 2023 Language Update, Language Department Director Justin Neely pays tribute to James Thunder, Sr., who walked on in December 2022.
The CPN Department of Education and Language Department Language Aide Robert Collins formed the Mokiwek (They Rise) team to offer Bodéwadmimwen to higher education institutions. CPN now has agreements with four colleges and universities in Oklahoma and one in Kansas.
The December 2022 Language Department update highlights ongoing efforts at shipping children’s books in Bodéwadmimwen to Tribal members, updating online offerings and increasing audio file resources.
The September 2022 Language Update reflects on the Potawatomi Gathering and Language Conference, Language interns this summer and upcoming programs.
Through a partnership with Google Arts & Culture and the CPN Language Department, Bodéwadmimwen is one of the languages available on Woolaroo, an online platform that allows users to take a picture of common plants, animals, items and more and hear the Potawatomi word for it played back to them.
The August 2022 Language Department update highlights important moments from the 2022 Family Reunion Festival and an exciting new partnership with Google.