By Kendra Lowden, Indian Child Welfare Foster Care and Adoption Specialist
Completing the Circle is a yearly event, planned by tribes and the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, aiming to reconnect Oklahoma’s Native American foster children to their tribe, culture and heritage. Many of these children are placed in non-Native American homes.
This year’s event took place in June at the Citizen Potawatomi Nation Festival Grounds and Cultural Heritage Center. There was a record attendance with over 700 individuals participating in activities such as basket weaving, powwow dance lessons and storytelling. They also sampled traditional foods including corn soup, fry bread and grape dumplings. FireLake Bistro provided lunch.
A highlight of this year’s event was a powwow designed to immerse families further in Native American culture. The CPN Veterans Organization presented flags during Grand Entry. Vice-Chairman Linda Capps provided an opening blessing prior to dance demonstrations. Attendees participated in round dances and had the opportunity to take pictures with dancers.
If you are interested in becoming a foster home to help Potawatomi foster children connect with their heritage, please contact FireLodge Children & Family Services at 405-878-4831, or email Kendra Lowden at kendra.lowden@potawatomi.org. To learn more about FireLodge Children & Family Services, please visit potawatomi.org/firelodge.