Bozho nikan
(Hello friend),
The morning after the first real winter storm of the year in central California left us with enough water in the ground to maybe start this year’s grass crop. The air is cold and crisp. As I am out feeding the cattle in the early morning light, the steam from our breath rises into the air and reminds me of the smoke from a lodge fire, and I stop in my tracks thinking of my grandfather working on New Jersey dairy farms on his summer “outings” from the Carlisle Indian School.
I, for one, am extremely proud this apple didn’t fall far from the tree.
The struggles all of our ancestors went through, from our homes along the Great Lakes to the plains of Kansas and the rolling hills and pecan groves of Oklahoma, cannot be minimized, forgotten or dismissed as the government has so often done over the passing generations.
One struggles to understand the 10th Circuit Court’s ruling overturning the Tribe’s mediated settlement with the state of Oklahoma. I guess nobody should be surprised, but disappointed for sure. As a Tribe, we will continue to fight against this attack on our Tribal sovereignty along with the other tribes in Oklahoma.
District meetings
I will co-host a District 6 and 7 gathering event with Rande Payne, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. (Mountain Daylight Time) April 21 at The Falls Event Center, 580 S. 600 East, Salt Lake City, Utah. Get your tickets online at cpnsaltlakecity.eventbrite.com.
I’m also hosting a District 7 gathering event from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. (Pacific Daylight Time) May 13 at Elk Grove Regional Park Pavilion, 9950 Elk Grove-Florin Road, Elk Grove, California. Get your tickets online at cpnelkgrove.eventbrite.com.
Please vote
As I said before, this is an election year for District 7. The most important part is that you vote. Please take the time to make your voice heard. Return your request for a ballot that was mailed to you in early March, and please take the time to vote when your ballot arrives.
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 am happy to work with you on any questions you have or provide you with additional information you may need to access Tribal benefits that you are entitled to receive.
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.
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