HowNiKan Articles
January 2012
Mno Wepomgak (Happy New Year)!
2012 will mark the fifth year anniversary of the revised CPN constitution. In 2007, the members voted in support of our new form of government by 83%. That vote gave more legislative and budget control to members living outside the traditional reservation land than any other tribe in the United States. The eyes of other native nations are upon us and well as the scrutiny of those that study the government of indigenous people. The Citizen Potawatomi Nation has been honored for transparency in government by Harvard’s John F. Kennedy’s School of Government. I invite anyone who has an interest to view our meetings either live or in archive at www.potawatomi.org.
Our five year old form of government is in many ways like any other five year old – a work in progress. What will it look like in 15 or 20 years? I don’t know, but I am proud of the work we have done thus far: putting land into trust for future generations to use for their needs, working on legislation to improve the quality of life for our members through programs and benefits, voting to fund the development of our enterprises to make the Nation a first class travel and entertainment destination, and enrolling new members who will guarantee the future of the tribe.
The other side of our five year old government is distribution of information, preservation of culture and traditions and the fostering of personal connection that is happening throughout the districts. Members come from diverse educational, social, economic and religious backgrounds. However, when we come together in a room, we are bound by the common thread of being Potawatomi.
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November 2011
November 12th was a great day – one of my favorite as your Legislator. Around 70 Citizen Potawatomis and friends got together for food and crafts. Everyone brought something to share, so there was a wide array of delicious side dishes and desserts. The Nation provided two roasted turkeys, two spiral hams and a variety of beverages. It was a great looking spread.
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August 2011
We will be gathering together at the District office in Olympia on November 12th to enjoy each other’s company, homemade food and some crafting. The projects planned will be taught by all Oregonians: Pam and Doyle Hodam and Dr. Steve Lynch. The Hodams will be instructing the group on how to make pine quill coasters and baskets. Dr. Steve will be leading the group in making unique “founding family” boxes. These are wooden boxes with photos, maps, and documents appliquéd and then varnished. Postcard invitations are in the mail. Please RVSP if you are able to attend and let me know your founding family name.
continue reading
July 2011
Like everyone else who attended the Family Festival, I was very impressed with the Nation’s major expansion currently taking place. Improvements include a spacious, state-of-the art healthcare clinic located behind the FireLake Grand Casino, an almost finished arena/events center which will house equestrian events, concerts and RV shows and the newly opened Firelake Bowling Center.
continue reading
January 2012
Mno Wepomgak (Happy New Year)!
2012 will mark the fifth year anniversary of the revised CPN constitution. In 2007, the members voted in support of our new form of government by 83%. That vote gave more legislative and budget control to members living outside the traditional reservation land than any other tribe in the United States. The eyes of other native nations are upon us and well as the scrutiny of those that study the government of indigenous people. The Citizen Potawatomi Nation has been honored for transparency in government by Harvard’s John F. Kennedy’s School of Government. I invite anyone who has an interest to view our meetings either live or in archive at www.potawatomi.org.
Our five year old form of government is in many ways like any other five year old – a work in progress. What will it look like in 15 or 20 years? I don’t know, but I am proud of the work we have done thus far: putting land into trust for future generations to use for their needs, working on legislation to improve the quality of life for our members through programs and benefits, voting to fund the development of our enterprises to make the Nation a first class travel and entertainment destination, and enrolling new members who will guarantee the future of the tribe.
The other side of our five year old government is distribution of information, preservation of culture and traditions and the fostering of personal connection that is happening throughout the districts. Members come from diverse educational, social, economic and religious backgrounds. However, when we come together in a room, we are bound by the common thread of being Potawatomi.
continue reading
November 2011
November 12th was a great day – one of my favorite as your Legislator. Around 70 Citizen Potawatomis and friends got together for food and crafts. Everyone brought something to share, so there was a wide array of delicious side dishes and desserts. The Nation provided two roasted turkeys, two spiral hams and a variety of beverages. It was a great looking spread.
continue reading
August 2011
We will be gathering together at the District office in Olympia on November 12th to enjoy each other’s company, homemade food and some crafting. The projects planned will be taught by all Oregonians: Pam and Doyle Hodam and Dr. Steve Lynch. The Hodams will be instructing the group on how to make pine quill coasters and baskets. Dr. Steve will be leading the group in making unique “founding family” boxes. These are wooden boxes with photos, maps, and documents appliquéd and then varnished. Postcard invitations are in the mail. Please RVSP if you are able to attend and let me know your founding family name.
continue reading
July 2011
Like everyone else who attended the Family Festival, I was very impressed with the Nation’s major expansion currently taking place. Improvements include a spacious, state-of-the art healthcare clinic located behind the FireLake Grand Casino, an almost finished arena/events center which will house equestrian events, concerts and RV shows and the newly opened Firelake Bowling Center.
continue reading