Several offices in the Citizen Potawatomi Nation tribal government are on the ballot for Election Day 2017, including the executive office of tribal chairman and legislative districts 1, 2, 3 and 4. The Hownikan asked each candidate a brief set of questions as an introduction to both incumbents and challengers as CPN voters around the country will be voting on at least one election this year alongside the annual tribal budget. More in-depth articles on the candidates’ views and background will follow in the coming months ahead of the June elections.
District 4 Incumbent Jon Boursaw
Full name and Potawatomi name: Jon E. Boursaw, Wetase Mkoh (Brave Bear)
Hometown: Topeka, Kansas
Occupation: Retired, but was previously a colonel in the U.S. Air Force, Assistant Vice President for Aetna Government Health Plans, Executive Director of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation and Director of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation Cultural Heritage Center
Potawatomi family name: Bourassa and Ogee
On why he believes running for the tribal legislature is important: “I feel the Nation’s legislature is still in the process of maturing as a governing body and I believe that the combination of my extensive background, performance and experience as a legislator for the past four years is critical to this evolution of it becoming a more effective governing body.”
District 4 Challenger Theresa Adame
Full name and Potawatomi name: Theresa Adame, Mdwejewen
Hometown: Rossville and Delia area, but born in Topeka
Occupation: 35 years in Business Administration
Potawatomi family name: Navarre
On why she believes running for the tribal legislature is important: “Soon after the election many people realized just how important their vote is. After much thought, I have agreed to run for office again. I have told my family and friends I am not going this path alone. I have a great team and I hope to represent all of Kansas once again.”