Potawatomi of Indiana: I’ve been giving my CPN history presentation for several years and have consistently spoken about the St. Joseph and Wabash Potawatomi in Indiana. I’ve described that even after the Trail of Death; several hundred Potawatomi were relocated to Sugar Creek Reservation in Kansas.
I had the idea that these Potawatomi had been primarily in the northwest corner of Indiana until I recently found this map of what the state looked like in 1827. In certainly gives a totally new perspective on how much land our ancestors occupied. It also clearly shows the inevitability for confrontation between white settlers in the southern part of the state and the four Native American tribes in the north. In addition to the Potawatomi, the map shows areas occupied by Delaware, Miami and Kickapoo tribes, with the Potawatomi area being the largest. The southern portion of the state had already be divided into counties.
Senior support staff in Rossville, Kansas: The senior support staff is comprised of two nurses and they are there to assist you if you are an elder. Also, if members of your family who may be elders and could use the service, don’t hesitate to contact them at 785-584-6171. Remember that elders’ potlucks are held in the CPN Community Center in Rossville on the second Friday of every month. Please call Tracy or Pam at the number above for details.
Don’t forget the nurses continue to offer the Foot Care Clinic 1-3 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month. They do not make appointments, so it is a first-come, first-served basis. I have heard nothing but positive comments about the service they are providing. If you want more information regarding their services and programs don’t hesitate to contact Tracy or Pam at 785-584-6171.
They also arrange monthly day tours of sites of interest in northeast Kansas. The September tour is of the Veterans Administration National Cemetery in Leavenworth. The tour is scheduled to depart 9 a.m. Sept. 12 from Rossville with a tour of the cemetery at 11 a.m. If you have never visited this cemetery, it truly is impressive. Call the number above for more details.
Tribal enrollment criteria: I am continually amazed at the misconceptions members have about tribal enrollment criteria.
There is no minimum blood quantum or the need to be born before a certain date to be eligible for enrollment in CPN.
The criteria for enrollment can be found in the CPN Constitution, which can be found online at potawatomi.org/government/constitution. Further information, including enrollment forms and applications, or CPN ID card renewals can be found at potawatomi.org/services/citizenship. If you have any question regarding enrollment eligibility, don’t hesitate to contact the CPN Tribal Rolls Office in Shawnee, Oklahoma at 405-878-5835.
Peddicord Family Reunion: A few weeks ago, I gave my CPN history presentation in Shawnee, Kansas at the Peddicord Family Reunion. I learned that they hold such a gathering every five years. It was my pleasure to meet members of the family who were visiting from other states, including Texas, Georgia, Colorado, Missouri and I’m sure I’ve left out a few. The event was hosted by Tom Peddicord, who arranged to have an “inflatable” screen in his backyard for my presentation — definitely a first for me. The Peddicords are descendants of the Bourbonnais family.
As always, it is my pleasure to serve as your legislative representative.
Migwetch
(Thank you),
Jon Boursaw,
Wetase Mkoh (Brave Bear)
Representative, District 4
785-861-7272 office
785-608-1982 cell
2007 SW Gage Blvd.
Topeka, KS 66604
jon.boursaw@potawatomi.org
Office hours:
Tues. 9-11 a.m.
Thurs. 3-5 p.m.
Other times — please call.