On this episode, we’ll hear about the history of the now CPN-owned radio station KGFF as it celebrates nearly a century in operation as well as a new program from the Tribe’s housing department to help CPN members become homeowners. The CPN Language Department also tells a traditional story about the creation of North America.
KGFF serves central Oklahoma with programming and news for 90 years
Classic Hits KGFF’s long history spans from the Golden Age of Radio to the present day. Since 1930, it has broadcast music, news, community events, sports, extreme weather coverage and more. Citizen Potawatomi Nation purchased the station on Jan. 1, 1999, and now houses the studios inside FireLake Discount Foods. General Manager Mike Askins said his mission aligns with that of Chairman John “Rocky” Barrett and Vice-Chairman Linda Capps.
“They maintain that community standard and that sense of public service that I find really important,” Askins said. “That’s one of the things that when they made me manager, we talked about that. I said, ‘My first service will be to serve the community and the city of license.’ And they said, ‘That’s what we want.’”
KGFF has proved itself an asset and an essential part of the larger Pottawatomie County community for nearly 100 years with no signs of slowing. Tune in to KGFF at 1450 AM and 100.9 FM or listen online at kgff.com. Find the station on Facebook, Twitter @1450kgff, and Instagram @kgffradio.
New lease program bridges gap for potential homeowners
Citizen Potawatomi Nation Housing Department Director Scott George shows potential homebuyers desirable features, including vaulted ceilings, appliances, ceiling fans and more.
Citizen Potawatomi Nation’s Housing Department helps CPN members and other tribal citizens find safe, affordable homes in the Nation’s jurisdiction. With established rental and mortgage assistance opportunities, the new lease with option to purchase program helps people transition into homeownership.
“This is for Tribal members that are wanting to purchase but not quite there,” said homeownership manager Sherry Byers. “I mean, they’re not at the very beginning, but they’re just not quite there. This will give them a certain period of time to go through all of our counseling requirements. So at the end of this specified time frame, they are able to purchase this home they are leasing.”
To learn more about CPN housing programs, visit cpn.news/housing. Watch a video presentation about the lease with option to purchase program at cpn.news/leasevid. Read about the Housing and Urban Development income limits at cpn.news/HUDlimits. Call the CPN Housing Department at 405-273-2833.
Learning Language
It’s time for Learning Language, when the CPN Language Department joins us to teach vocabulary, songs, stories and more. Now, Language Department Director Justin Neely tell us a story about the creation of North America.
For more information and opportunities with language, including self-paced classes, visit cpn.news/language. You can find an online dictionary at potawatomidictonary.com as well as videos on YouTube. There are also Potawatomi courses on the language-learning app Memrise.
Hownikan Podcast is produced and distributed by Citizen Potawatomi Nation’s Public Information Department. Subscribe to Hownikan Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, SoundCloud and wherever you find your favorite shows. Find digital editions of the Tribal newspaper here.