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.
My part of the process has been very rewarding and very interesting. I’ve taken on a lot of different duties and each one has value. I have assisted college age members getting the right forms to the tribal rolls department for scholarships. I have talked several members through the health aids assistance program. I have met joyful children wearing ribbon shirts and shawls their grandmother made, who were excited to hear the creation story. I’ve been humbled by the opportunity to give Potawatomi elders names and eagle feathers and to see the look on their faces of pride and connection. I have met a lot of terrific people in my two and a half years as your legislator. Many I now consider friends.
As 2012 progresses, please consider coming to Shawnee for the Family Festival. It is always on the last weekend in June and is a very memorable experience. If time, finances or your personal situation don’t permit the travel, I encourage you to come to one of the events in District 8 this year. I hope to have an event in Idaho, Oregon and possibly Alaska this summer. Please take a look at www.dave-carney.com occasionally or contact me to be on my mailing list for details.
Migwetch (Thank you) again for the honor of serving you,
Dave Carney/Kagashi
www.dave-carney.com
dcarney@potawatomi.org
360.259.4027
877.335.4395
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.
My part of the process has been very rewarding and very interesting. I’ve taken on a lot of different duties and each one has value. I have assisted college age members getting the right forms to the tribal rolls department for scholarships. I have talked several members through the health aids assistance program. I have met joyful children wearing ribbon shirts and shawls their grandmother made, who were excited to hear the creation story. I’ve been humbled by the opportunity to give Potawatomi elders names and eagle feathers and to see the look on their faces of pride and connection. I have met a lot of terrific people in my two and a half years as your legislator. Many I now consider friends.
As 2012 progresses, please consider coming to Shawnee for the Family Festival. It is always on the last weekend in June and is a very memorable experience. If time, finances or your personal situation don’t permit the travel, I encourage you to come to one of the events in District 8 this year. I hope to have an event in Idaho, Oregon and possibly Alaska this summer. Please take a look at www.dave-carney.com occasionally or contact me to be on my mailing list for details.
Migwetch (Thank you) again for the honor of serving you,
Dave Carney/Kagashi
www.dave-carney.com
dcarney@potawatomi.org
360.259.4027
877.335.4395