On Feb. 25, 2021, the full CPN legislature convened their February meeting. Following the approval of minutes from the November and December Tribal legislature meetings, legislators approved an amendment to Title 4, Chapter 1, Section 4-1-147 of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation Election Code.

The amended section clarifies that “the filing period for Tribal Elections shall begin on the second Wednesday of December prior to the next election and end on the second Wednesday of January prior to the next election unless amended by the Tribal Legislature prior to this beginning date. A candidate must file by United States Mail, Federal Express, or United Parcel Service, received no later than 5:00 PM of the second Wednesday of January or the end of a new filing period as designated by the Legislature.”

Following that, legislators overwhelmingly supported a resolution confirming the appointment of
Andrew Walters to fill the open position of District 11 until the next Tribal election for District 11 scheduled for June 2023. Tribal Chairman John “Rocky” Barrett swore Walters in following the resolution’s affirmation by the legislators.

The legislature approved several resolutions supporting applications for funding:

  • Institute of Museum and Library Services Basic Library Services Program
  • U.S. Department of Education’s Native American Career and Technical Education Career Program
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CARES Act Funding
  • U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program
  • U.S. Department of Justice’s Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation Program
  • National Park Service Tribal Historic Preservation Office Grant Program

A resolution supporting an increase in U.S. Indian Health Service funding for the Nation’s Sanitation Construction dedicated to like-new homes was also approved.

Legislators then confirmed the nomination of Robert Coffee and Roy Tucker as judicial appointees at this June’s General Council election. If confirmed, the justices will serve another six-year term.

A fee-to-trust application for the Hardesty Grocery property to be sent to the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs was also approved for non-gaming use. Additionally, legislators approved the voluntary relinquishment of Joann Rae Beller’s Tribal citizenship before enrolling 346 new members of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation.