Bozho nikanek
(Hello friends),
As the air in California starts to clear from the summer’s fires and the hints of the fall season are upon us, it is good to take the time to reflect on our families and our heritage. November is recognized in the United States as Native American Heritage Month, and it is a great time to learn and to dust off those family stories to share as our families gather together during the holiday season. Many resources are available online to learn about our heritage, beginning with our tribal website potawatomi.org and Cultural Heritage Center website at potawatomiheritage.com.
Another great website for Native American Heritage Month is nativeamericanheritagemonth.gov. PBS also has a wonderful page on its website where you can watch programs or check listings for programs that broadcast in November in your area: pbs.org/specials/native-american-heritage-month. The education of our children about the family and the heritage that we share will help ensure that some of the dark periods of our history will not be repeated and that we as a tribe will not just survive, but will thrive into the future.
On Nov. 4, Rande Payne and I will host the second combined district meeting and Fall Festival in Visalia, California. Invitations will be mailed soon. We’d like it if you’d join us.
Once again, I would like to say what an honor it is to serve you as your District 7 representative. As always, give me a call and I will be happy to work with you on any questions you might have or provide you with additional information you might need to access tribal benefits. Please also take the time to give me a call or send me an email with your contact information so that I can keep you informed of the happenings within the Nation and District 7.
Migwetch
(Thank you),
Mark Johnson, Wisk Mtek (Strong as a Tree)
Representative, District 7
1565 Shaw Ave., Suite 202
Clovis, CA 93611
559-351-0078 cell
mark.johnson@potawatomi.org