District 1 candidates
Drew (Jon) Boursaw
Topsham, Maine
Education
BA Communications/Public Relations: California State University, San Bernardino
MA Education: University of Southern California
I am running for Region One’s legislator for one reason: help my fellow Potawatomi tribal members. I have been fortunate to receive support and assistance from Citizen Potawatomi Nation and I want to be able to offer that same support and assistance to the tribal members of Region One. As a member of Citizen Potawatomi Nation there is so much to be proud of. We are a tribe that truly looks after its members. Whether that support is thought scholarships, health benefits, or housing assistance, our members come first. I want to advance these benefits and help the tribe grow.
David Slavin – Gzhiptot (He’s Fast)
Kansas City, Missouri
Education
Park Collage, Bachelor of Arts Communication Arts
Military
US Navy, honorable discharge 1973-1977
My great, great grandmother Theresa survived the trail of death as a child. She was raised and educated by the Sisters of St. Mary’s. She married James Slavin an Irish immigrant. Roy Slavin my dad gave me my Potawatomi name, Gzhiptot meaning He’s Fast. My dad gave me that name because I was a fast runner for both my high school and collage track teams. As a lead electrician, a teacher and first responder for a hazmat team on the railroad. Communication has always been very important for all these skills. As a legislator I will bring these skills to the constituency of district 1. I will listen to their concerns, Ideas as well as share mine. To help build, protect and secure our sovereign nation.
Kevin Roberts – Kakingeshi (Grizzly Bear)
Justin Neely gave me my Neshnabe name
Normal, Illinois
Education
I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Central Methodist University, Fayette, Missouri.
I also earned & hold the following professional designations:
- CPCU – Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter
- CLU – Charter Life Underwriter
- FLMI – Fellow Life Management Institute
- ChFC – Chartered Financial Consultant
- CIPP/ US – Certified Information Privacy Professional – United States
My grandfather was directly impacted by assimilation, which in-turn limited the family & cultural information that was passed down. My mother always reminded us that we were Potawatomi however she was never able to provide broader detail to our questions. From a very young age, I hungered to learn more.
I have been fortunate in my lifetime to have lived in Kansas, Missouri, and Illinois. This afforded me the opportunity to be near ancestral lands, family, and tribal history which has aided in my ongoing research and studies.
Over that past 30 years, I have also developed a heartfelt appreciation for the resources, services, and spirit of community CPN has provided to me & my family. I aspire to be a better, altruistic CPN tribal member & leader. I am a candidate because I want to contribute to our Nation’s continued success and progress while strengthening our community connection & Spirit.
Alan Melot
I am a descendant of the Melot and Bergeron families.
Joplin, Missouri
Education
I graduated from the Bossier Parish Community College with an Associate of Applied Science in Business Administration in 1997. I was a store manager for Fastenal Company for nearly 15 years and completed coursework at the Fastenal School of Business. I transitioned back to university in 2015 and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Sociology with minors in Psychology and Cultural Anthropology from the Missouri Southern State University in Joplin, MO. I recently completed my Master of Science in Clinical Psychology at the Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, KS.
I am running for office to be a servant of the people and to lead with the purpose of empowering our people. I will advocate for my district, will host events to build relationships with those in my district, will cultivate cultural leadership and support cultural leaders, and will learn about Tribal programs and services so I can help those in need. This is a difficult time for many of our people, with the COVID-19 pandemic disrupting incomes, lifestyles, and relationships. As we move out of this crisis, I want to maximize connection to each other and to Tribal resources. I have a heart for service and am uniquely equipped to serve my district.
I would enjoy connecting with you on Facebook or email at asmelot@yahoo.com. I look forward to hearing your concerns, interests, and ideas. Please keep me in your prayers, and I would appreciate your vote.