Bozho nikan
(Hello friend),
As I write this, my wife Julia and I are preparing for our trip to Canada for the Gathering of Nations. This year’s host nation is Bkejwanong, Walpole Island First Nation. For those of you who may not know, there are nine Potawatomi nations and each year one hosts the Gathering.
I am very much looking forward to this Gathering, as the temperatures here in Kansas City have been in the upper-80s to 90s.The temperatures in Canada for the days of the Gathering are predicted to be 82 degrees Thursday, 77 degrees Friday, 76 on Saturday and 77 on Sunday. What a nice change. The other great thing about going to the Gathering is meeting old friends and making new ones. If you have never been to a Gathering of Nations you may want to put it on your bucket list. Next year’s host Nation will be the Prairie Band of Potawatomi in Kansas. All you northern folks should come for this one and learn what it really means to be warm. They also have a very nice hotel and casino on the grounds.
Today is Aug. 7 and we are home from the Gathering. Just let me say the weather was perfect and the Gathering was fantastic. Thanks to the tribal leadership and the friendly folks of Walpole Island, we had a wonderful time and a great Gathering.
I cannot close this article without mentioning one of my District 1 members, Anna Comadol who celebrated her 102nd birthday Aug. 5. Happy birthday Anna, and many more. District 1 and 2 are working to plan a joint meeting in Virginia on Nov. 11, so save the date for that and watch for more details.
I will close this article as always, if you do not get an occasional e-mail or snail mail from me it is because I do not have your contact information and due to privacy issues the nation cannot provide me with that information.
Migwetch (thank you) for allowing me the honor and privilege of serving as your representative.
Roy Slavin
Netagtege (Forever Planting)
rslavin@potawatomi.org
rjslavin@gmail.com