John “Rocky” Barrett
Tribal Chairman
Bozho, nikan, (Hello, my friend),
With Thanksgiving behind us and the Christmas season ahead, it is a good time to come together with loved ones to honor our traditions and tell our stories.
In Potawatomi culture, we view wintertime as a period of rest after the harvest season, but also as the time when we gather inside and tell the stories of our people and our ancestors. Many years ago, this was done from inside wigwams and longhouses. Today, our holiday gatherings offer an opportunity to carry on this tradition.
For young Tribal members, you can tell them the stories of our people, especially the stories that are traditionally only told in the winter months, such as “Why the Bear Has a Short Tail.” For those who are not familiar with the stories, CPN Cultural Heritage Center and Language Department are good resources. You can visit them at potawatomiheritage.com or cpn.news/stories. Our CHC also hosts a winter storytelling event each year, and it will be available online for those who are not able to be here in person.
Winter and the holidays are a good time to tell the stories of our ancestors and the history of our people and where we came from. However, it is also a time to share family stories. Pass these stories on to the younger generations while you are able to. Hearing about your childhood, or about the memories you have of elders who have now walked on, will help the next generation as they walk their path in life. By telling these stories to them, they will then be able to pass them on someday. In this way, the stories of our ancestors will continue to be told to the next seven generations.
During the holiday season, I am also proud of all CPN accomplishes to help so many lives.
Each year, we have food drives to help assemble holiday baskets for both Thanksgiving and Christmas. Last year, we were able to give 350 baskets to area families for Thanksgiving, and another 350 for Christmas. The baskets included ham or turkey, ingredients for a holiday meal, and even enough food to provide a second meal and a breakfast.
Employees at the Grand Casino Hotel & Resort also plan a Christmas party where they raise money and donate toys to benefit non-profit organizations such as The Salvation Army and FireLodge Children and Family Services. Last year, those employees were able to collect $2,699, plus many donated toys. I look forward to hearing what they do this year.
CPN FireLodge Children & Family Services also organized a virtual angel tree this year to help make Christmas a little happier for Potawatomi foster children. Each of the children represented in the list was a CPN Tribal member placed in foster care in Oklahoma. Individuals or departments were able to come together to provide gifts for these children to open on Christmas.
These are just some of the things CPN does to help our people and the communities where we have made our home.
Enjoy time with your families this Christmas, and remember to follow Tribal tradition by honoring elders. Allow them to be first getting drinks and meals, and ask them about your family stories.
As the year comes to a close, know that your Tribal government and Nation are continuing to thrive and grow in ways that allow us to help support our communities and our Tribal members. I am proud to serve as your Tribal Chairman, and I thank you all for allowing me that honor.
Migwetch (Thank you),
John “Rocky” Barrett | Geweoge (He Leads Them Home) | Tribal Chairman
Linda Capps
Vice-Chairman
Bozho (Hello),
I was asked to speak at the 2024 Tribal Summit at East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma on Oct. 25. The focus of the summit was the four R’s… Relationship, Respect, Reciprocity and Responsibility. I was, indeed, honored to be on the agenda with such an impressive list as Wendell Godwin, President of East Central University, Bill Anoatubby, Governor of the Chickasaw Nation, and Jack Austin, Jr., Assistant Chief of the Choctaw Nation.
My topic was Reciprocity, a term with which we all are familiar, but I was a little apprehensive about speaking on the topic for one hour. As I began to read about Native American Reciprocity, I thought about the close relationship to The Seven Grandfather Teachings that is now part of the curriculum of the Employment Engagement program at CPN. The objective of the program is to help CPN employees to understand and practice these seven teachings. Wisdom, to cherish knowledge is to know wisdom. Love, to know love is to know peace. Respect, to honor all of the Creation is to have respect. Bravery, is to face the foe with integrity. Honesty, in facing a situation is to be brave. Humility, is to know yourself as a sacred part of the Creation. Truth, is to know all of these things. These are the principles of character that each Anishinaabe should live by. We should place our Trust in the Creator and never forget to be sincere in our actions, character and words.
So, what is Native American Reciprocity? CPN has a Tribal member that I consider an expert on the subject. Robin Wall Kimmerer has dedicated a good portion of her life to studying reciprocity in nature, based on an understanding of social, ecological and spiritual interconnectedness. Interconnection takes place in everyday life…. at home, at school, at work, and in the community. It occurs during sports, entertainment, traditional ceremony and at church. By caring for one another and other beings, humans are richly rewarded, both socially and materially.
Chairman Barrett has a motto at CPN. It is “Don’t eat the seed corn.” When you raise a crop of corn, save back enough to replant another crop. You can apply this motto to many different situations, from agriculture to finances. In 2006, when CPN built the Grand Casino, the upper floor was built with an iron railing encompassing an entire area upstairs looking onto the lower floor. This railing is decorated with cast iron corn stalks to remind tribal members, “Don’t eat the seed corn.” When the Creator has gifted you a crop, save back to start another crop for the future and the gift will be perpetual.
Harvesting pecan trees in Indian Country is very common, but the trees must be cared for to produce quality pecans. The tree gives up its fruit and in return you must prune the tree, water it, fertilize it and care for the ground to receive maximum quality production.
During a traditional ceremony as we Potawatomi Tribal members enter the prayer circle from the east, we stop before entering and dip up a wooden spoon full of water to pour back to the earth. The significance is thanking the Creator by giving back to the earth the water that is so vital for all of creation. Our women have a traditional water ceremony to show thanks to the Creator for life-sustaining water.
Breastfeeding is a perfect example of nature’s reciprocity. Breastfeeding has health benefits for both babies and mothers. Breast milk provides a baby with ideal nutrition and supports growth and development. Breastfeeding can also help protect the baby and mom against certain illnesses and diseases. Plus, bonding is the supreme reward of breastfeeding.
A caring son takes care of his elder father when the father is ill. His father taught the son how to be compassionate for others, how to care for others, how to love one another. No doubt the son has passed these characteristics to his own children.
Reciprocity in the workplace is beneficial to your organization. When someone helps you out, offer to help them in return. Even small favors like holding the door can be reciprocated with a smile and a thank you. If a colleague gives you advice, offer to share your expertise with them in the future.
Studies show that generosity and reciprocity lead to people reporting happier, healthier and more creative and resilient lives; however, it comes with a warning. To be effective, authentic, balanced and thoughtful, reciprocity must be real. It must be sincere. It must come from the heart.
Thank you for allowing me to serve as vice chairman all of these years.
Migwetch (Thank you),
Linda Capps | Segenakwe (Black Bird Woman) | Vice-Chairman | Work: 405-275-3121 | Cell: 405-650-1238 | lcapps@potawatomi.org
Alan Melot
District 1
Eva Marie Carney
District 2
Bozho, nikanek (Hello, friends),
Further Bodéwadmi Confederation Update
The Legislature in late September considered my proposed resolution authorizing Chairman Barrett to sign onto the Bodéwadmi Articles of Confederation. I was in the minority in advocating for the resolution — many of the legislators did not feel they had enough information to decide. Chairman Barrett agreed to provide, at a future meeting, our Tribal attorney’s legal analysis, and his own analysis of the pros and cons of joining the Confederation. He also offered to consult some of the other Tribal leaders whose Nations have joined and agreed to share with us what he learns. I remain hopeful that, soon, CPN will join the Confederation.
Shout Out to Our Fall Feast Craft Planners
Bob/Shaweno and Karen Richey (VA) and Kathleen Korzeniewski (MD) have spent hours planning for the bandolier craft instruction offered during the District 2 Fall Feast (Nov. 9). They secured supplies, researched, cut out patterns and more. I am so grateful to them for their work and for sharing their knowledge. You can see Feast photos in future columns and on Facebook.
Avian Flu’s Devastating Impact on Bald Eagles
I was shocked to learn about the impact of avian flu on our precious eagles. A recent Washington Post piece reports:
Nationwide, avian influenza has killed at least 606 bald eagles in 45 states, according to findings from the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, part of the Department of Agriculture. And those are just the eagles whose remains have been recovered and tested; experts believe they represent only a small fraction of the true toll.
This virus threatens to reverse decades of population recovery, and bald eagle conservation experts do not know why the avian influenza outbreak has taken such a toll. The Post article online at cpn.news/avianflu includes photos of these beautiful birds that carry our messages to the Creator.
Whiskey Tender
The American Indian College Fund has showcased, through a virtual book club hosted by award-winning novelist Deborah Jackson Taffa and College Fund President Cheryl Crazy Bull that took place in late November, Taffa’s National Book Award finalist memoir, Whiskey Tender. Here is a summary of the book:
Whiskey Tender traces how a native girl born on the California Yuma reservation and raised in Navajo territory in New Mexico comes to her own interpretation of identity, despite her parent’s desires for her to transcend the class and “Indian” status of her birth through education, and despite the Quechan tribe’s particular traditions and beliefs regarding oral and recorded histories. Taffa’s childhood memories unspool into meditations on tribal identity, the rampant criminalization of Native men, governmental assimilation policies, the Red Power movement, and the negotiation between belonging and resisting systemic oppression. Pan-Indian, as well as specific tribal histories and myths, blend with stories of a 1970s and 1980s childhood spent on and off the reservation.
District lunch and staying connected
We will have a District 2 lunch meeting from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Dec. 21, at the Loveless Café in Nashville, Tennessee. Come and meet with your legislator and other relatives, enjoy a southern buffet and participate in our art contest. RSVP no later than Dec. 13 to evamariecarney@gmail.com or 888-849-1484.
Our District 2 Facebook page (District #2 Citizens of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation) grows each month; we have just over 300 members currently. You are welcome to request admission if you are CPN and living in one of the states within District 2. If you are not on my email list, please write to me and I will add you to receive timely updates and announcements.
CPN citizen Bill Anderson asked me to help him find fellow CPN citizens who work for Home Depot. Bill is the Chair of Home Depot’s Affinity Resource Group for Native personnel and wants to be in touch. You can reach him at through Slack: @Bill Anderson.
Migwetch (Thank you),
Eva Marie Carney | Ojindiskwe (Bluebird Woman) | ecarney@potawatomi.org | evamariecarney@gmail.com | evamariecarney.com | PO Box 5595 | Arlington, VA 22205 | Toll Free: 888-849-1484 (voicemail)
Bob Whistler
District 3
Bozho, ginwa (Hello, everyone),
Oct. 15 – Dec. 8
For those of you on Medicare or one of the alternate supplementary plans you have until Feb. 28, 2025, to register for 2025 health care benefits. Your 2024 benefit coverage will end on Dec. 31, 2024. To ensure you have coverage starting on Jan. 1, 2025, you need to either renew your current plan or sign up for a new plan by Dec. 8, 2024. Urbana and Care N’ Care will no longer offer this type of insurance. For regular Medicare you may call 1-800-MEDICARE, 24 hours a day, seven days a week to sign up for their coverage. You may call an insurance broker I use to have them look at the best plan that covers the doctors and prescription drugs. Contact Tai Chin in Arlington, Texas, at 817-946-7895. If you just call an insurance agent, they will only offer what their insurance company offers. A broker searches through many different insurance programs to find the best fit for you.
Sept. 15 Trip
I awoke in Bastrop, Texas, which is a very nice town on the Colorado River. I had been asked by Tribal citizen James Allen Risinger and his brother David Lee Risinger to come there and conduct a funeral ceremony that included scattering the ashes of their cremated mother, Rhonda Sue Risinger, in the Colorado River. I blessed my fan, the two men and the ashes with the smoke of sage accompanied with cedar and sema. While doing the blessing, I was able to play the Traveling Song sung by the CPN women’s drum group. They offer this ceremonial song at our columbarium when similar services are performed. Czarina Thompson from the group had provided an mp3 of the song. After that I sang the Walpole Island Ojibway hymn “Nearer My God To Thee” in their language. We then proceeded to the side of the river where Mrs. Risinger’s ashes were offered into the water. I then blessed the brothers again and left for another meeting.
Several months before, I had accepted the request from Tribal citizen Ashley Melot Contreras to give Potawatomi names to her and her youngest son Kobin Contreras. After departing Bastrop, I drove the short distance to Livingston, Texas. There, I met the entire Melot family, including Ashley’s parents, her two sons, her sister, spouses and some friends. An open pit fire was burning next to a small pond which reminded me of the large naming ceremony area we use in Shawnee. I explained how to enter and exit the ceremonial area and then asked Ashley’s sister, Stephanie Valdez, to bless the perimeter of the naming area with cedar. I held the naming ceremony where I named Ashley and then had her name her son Kobin. A very nice enchilada, beans, salad and dessert was served. Attached are photos of Ashley, myself and Kobin in addition to a photo of the entire Melot family.
2025 CPN election
As a side note, I will be running for the District 3 representative in 2025. It is my honor to represent District 3.
Nagech (Later),
Bob Whistler | Bmashi (He Soars) | rwhistler@potawatomi.org | cpn3legislator@yahoo.com | 1516 Wimberly Ct. | Bedford, TX 76021 | 817-229-6271 | cpndistrict3.com
Jon Boursaw
District 4
Peggy and I would like to sincerely wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We hope that your holiday season is safe and only filled with joy and happiness. I look forward to 2025 with great expectations and enthusiasm as I continue to foster awareness of the history and presence of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation in Kansas and my endeavor to connect with and serve CPN members across the state.
Remembering veterans year round
Veterans Day 2024 has come and gone, but here are a few ideas of how you can show respect and appreciation to our veterans year-round:
- Yes, saying “thank you for your service” has become the most frequent way for showing the appreciation. But it should be said with feeling while looking into the eyes of the individual. Offer a handshake. If it is convenient, offer to assist in carrying their bags, or maybe something as simple as offering to return their grocery cart to the return rack. It will make a difference.
- Too many of our veterans, male and female, need basic items that we take for granted. If you can, donate used clothing to a VA hospital or a community service center. I have learned that in addition to clothing, shoes of all kinds are in high demand, as are common items such as towels and washcloths, even bedding.
- Thousands of veterans across the country are in urgent need of lifesaving care and resources. Let them know they are not forgotten by making contributions to organizations such as the Disabled American Veterans, Wounded Warrior Project and the Paralyzed Veterans of America.
Having served over 24 years on active duty I consider myself a proud Native American veteran, and I will always acknowledge the sacrifices by those who gave all in the service of their country, which includes several personal friends.
Honoring a Tribal member during Native American Heritage Month
On Nov. 7, it was my pleasure to recognize Angela “Angie” Ketterman with the presentation of a Pendleton blanket for her distinguished and dedicated service in a wide variety of roles within the Topeka Unified School District 501. Angie has been a dedicated educator and coach in Topeka since 1995. She has coached basketball, softball and volleyball in several 501 schools. In 2016, Angie began teaching Adaptive Physical Education in the Topeka Public Schools, where she continues to make an impact. A passionate advocate for Native American students, Angie has also taught in the Title VI Indian Education summer program since 2013. The blanket presentation was made before the Topeka USD 501 Board of Education. Angie is a descendant of the Weldfelt, Ogee and Weld families.
CPN Mail Order Pharmacy for Seniors
This NO COST program is available to CPN members over 63 years of age (62 effective Jan. 1, 2025) and CPN members on Social Security disability. Both Tracy, our RN in Rossville, and I have the registration packets, including the formulary. The registration packet is also available online at cpn.news/health. You can also contact Dakota Paxon, DPH, Pharmacist in Charge, at 866-900-5236 for more information. Tracy can be reached at 785-584-6171.
Upcoming CPN Elders’ Potlucks
Dates for the next Elder Potlucks held in Rossville at noon are:
Dec. 13, 2024 | Traditional Christmas Feast-Ham | RSVP by the 10th
Jan. 10, 2025 | Soups and Chili | RSVP by the 7th
Bring your favorite side dish or dessert. Please RSVP to Tracy at 785-584-6171.
Megwetch (Thank you),
Jon Boursaw | Wetase Mkoh (Brave Bear) | jon.boursaw@potawatomi.org | 785-608-1982 | 2007 SW Gage Blvd. | Topeka, KS 66604 | Office Hours: Tuesday 9-11 a.m. | Thursdays 3-5 p.m. | Other times as requested
Gene Lambert
District 5
Bozho (Hello),
This is the month for giving and having gratitude while acknowledging all the creator has provided each of us. It is the everyday life things we sometimes take for granted.
I am grateful for each new day and especially since it has cooled off here in Arizona. It is certain all 800 members of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation who reside here with me feel the same. Wow! Glad that’s over. Now for the extreme cold? We did hit freezing for one month last year.
As with the heat, it truly is a different cold, and I know the difference moving here from North Dakota.
As I have said so many times, if you have a roof over your head, food in your tummy and basic good health for you and your family, you are very wealthy indeed.
Google reports that over 72 million or 41% working age Americans have medical debt — up from 34% in 2005. Over 56%, including the elderly, have concerns regarding health, and 56% have some kind of chronic disease.
I had no idea. I have had health issues in the past and now am so grateful I am not one of these statistics at this stage. Of course, life can change without notice for every two legged out there.
So, this Thanksgiving be sure to appreciate family and friends. Are you fortunate enough to have them? Not everyone has.
Yes, I know. Aunt Sally said things you didn’t like last year! That was last year, so create a new day and let Aunt Sally say whatever she wants. It doesn’t matter in the grand scheme of things anyway. There will always be that one or two in a group that doesn’t seem to belong to your tribe. They too teach us tolerance.
Never throw the baby out with the bath, so to speak.
In my opinion, the family in America is under such a threat and dissolving right before our eyes.
Physical distance and past hurts can create difficulties for sure. The middle class and the family are the backbone of our country and our Nation (CPN). The net is worth fighting for.
Do you realize? While you may hate your job, others are scrambling to find one. The house you live in is a mansion to the homeless. Your laughter is an angel’s voice to the depressed. Your health is a blessing for those praying for just another day.
Things are not at their brightest today, I admit, but sometimes the abscess needs to break to have a healing.
Life seems to come in a series of ups and downs, and that teaches us about those things for which to be thankful.
I say “thank you, Lord” every morning while I have my coffee on the patio. Thank you. I feel good, have a home, my people, wonderful friends and the perfect sidekick Pretty (my dog). I honestly do this every day, not just “Thanksgiving.” It just makes you feel good.
Have a blessed Thanksgiving, the best ever!
I love you all.
Gene Lambert (Eunice Imogene Lambert) | Butterfly Woman | glambert@potawatomi.org | 270 E Hunt Highway Ste 229 | San Tan Valley, AZ 85143 | Cell: 480-228-6569 | Office: 480-668-0509
Rande K. Payne
District 6
Bozho Nikanek (Hello friends),
In keeping with last month’s theme of encouraging Tribal members to vote and vote wisely, I want to talk a little bit about next year’s Tribal elections. We will be voting on the budget as well as seats for Tribal chairman, and representatives for Districts 1, 2,3 and 4. Some seats may run unopposed in which case there would not be a vote. We will know in January. We had roughly 1,400 ballots returned in the 2024 election cycle. To say we need to get out the vote is a huge understatement considering we are a Nation of nearly 40,000 citizens.
As you may have read in the September Hownikan, Alan Melot will not be seeking re-election in District 1. I’ve enjoyed working with Alan and I was surprised when he announced that he wasn’t going to run again. I feel like I was just getting to know him. It struck me that we never know how much time we have and that we should make the most of the time we do have. I will miss working with him, wish him all the best, and I’m honored to call him friend.
The annual D6 and D7 Heritage Festival was blessed with great weather once again. I must apologize for invitations going out so late, and I’m grateful for those who were able to work it into their schedules. Most of our guests were first-time attendees, which was great to see so many new faces. Many thanks to D3 Representative Jon Boursaw for sharing his Kansas history presentation with us. It was well received! Lucy’s Tacos were well received also! Thank you, Mary Jo Sheppard, our wisest Potawatomi, and her husband Charles, for coming down from San Jose. Mary Jo is a Vieux/Melot descendant. Thank you, Sabrina Rodia and her husband Archie, for making the trip from Gardnerville, Nevada. They were the farthest traveled. Sabrina is a Bourassa descendant. The future of our tribe is Alyx Ransom. Alyx is a Toupin descendant and came from Lancaster with her grandmother Carol Dobson. It was a great time and I’m already looking forward to next year’s event! Thank you, Scarlette Almero, for sharing with the group. Thank you to my sisters Sharon Welch and Karen Walker who so willingly helped with the set up and tear down and the beautiful center pieces. Thanks to Representative Mark Johnson as always for his part in making it an enjoyable event for everyone.
Tribal Scholarship applications period for the spring semester opened Nov. 15. The deadline for submitting is Feb. 15. Information is available on the CPN portal or by email at education@potawatomi.org or by calling 405-695-6028.
Every time I get an update on construction projects, I’m amazed at how quickly things are coming along. It will be nice to see the new hotel, casino and ball fields completed. The new Tribal headquarters building is long overdue and will be a welcome addition to the Tribal grounds.
As challenging as things can sometimes be, it’s nice to be able to pause and give thanks for the blessings in our lives. I’m thankful for the opportunity you have given me to serve as your representative. I wish you a Merry Christmas and all God’s best in the New Year!
Wisdom from the Word: “Along with their fellowship offering of thanksgiving they are to present an offering with thick loaves of bread made with yeast.” Leviticus 7:13
Potawatomi Word of the Month: bbon – winter
Jagenagenan. Migwetch. Nagech (All our relations. Thank you. Later),
Rande K. Payne | Mnedo Gabo | rande.payne@potawatomi.org | 31150 Road 180 | Visalia, CA 93292-9585 | 559-999-5411
Mark Johnson
District 7
Bozho nikanek (Hello friends),
Each November, Native American Heritage Month is observed in the United States, offering a time to celebrate the rich cultures, traditions and histories of Indigenous peoples. It is also a time to acknowledge the unique struggles that Native people have faced for centuries, including forced removals, cultural assimilation, and ongoing fights for sovereignty and self-determination.
The Citizen Potawatomi Nation’s history is one of both deep cultural roots and remarkable endurance. Originally located in the Great Lakes region, our Tribe’s way of life was drastically altered in the early 19th century. With the signing of the Indian Removal Act in 1830, the U.S. government initiated a policy of relocating Native tribes from their ancestral lands to make way for American expansion. The Potawatomi, along with other tribes, were forced to leave their homes in a tragic event known as the Potawatomi Trail of Death. This forced relocation in 1838 led to the deaths of untold numbers of Tribal members as they were marched from the Great Lakes region to what is now Kansas, and later settling in present-day Oklahoma. Despite these hardships, the Citizen Potawatomi Nation has managed to preserve our culture and rebuild our community over generations. Today, the Citizen Potawatomi Nation is one of the largest Native American tribes in the U.S., with over 39,000 enrolled members.
On Oct. 19, several District 7 members gathered at the fall Family Heritage Festival that was co-hosted by Rande Payne with District 6 members in Visalia, California. It was great to be in the company of our members and have a good lunch. I made a presentation on our Tribal History and Rande made a presentation on where our Tribe is today with our various enterprises and construction projects. A good question and answer session followed. As per our custom, blankets and a bag were presented, with the Wisest blanket going to Mary Jo Sheppard from San Jose, California, a Vieux/Melot descendant, and the Farthest Traveled to Sabrina Rodia from Gardnerville, Nevada.
The next District 7 meeting will be held in Elk Grove, California, on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025, at The Pavillion in the Elk Grove Park. You can register to attend at cpn.news/d7gathering.
The Citizen Potawatomi Nation today, through our exceptional leadership, has built a robust economy through various enterprises, including banking, real estate and tourism. Our Tribe operates two casinos, several health clinics, grocery stores, and several other enterprises providing employment opportunities and services for Tribal members and the broader community. These economic efforts allow the Citizen Potawatomi Nation to fund programs in education, health care, housing and social services, ensuring the well-being of our citizens, now and into the future.
Once again, I would like to say what an honor it is to serve you as your District 7 Legislator. As always, give me a call and I will be happy to work with you on any questions you may have or provide you with additional information you may need to access Tribal benefits that are available to you. 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) | 559-351-0078 | mark.johnson@potawatomi.org
Dave Carney
District 8
Bozho nikan, (Hello friend),
Fall is definitely in the air in District 8, and it’s my hope that citizens throughout the district are healthy and doing well.
At the time I’m writing this column I am also preparing for the 2024 Fall Feast in Portland, Oregon. The caterer is hired, RSVPs are rolling in, presentations are being prepared and prizes are being purchased to award. We always do an art contest and generally do a craft of some kind at this event.
This year’s craft was inspired by Czarina Thompson, Tribal member and staff at the Cultural Heritage Center. She had the idea for us to make hand game kits. Hand games are a key event at the annual Citizen Potawatomi Family Festival. They are always conducted in the round house on Friday night and are a favorite of many attendees. If you aren’t familiar with the game, think of the childhood game “button — button.” There are “bones” or long beads to count the score, a bead or button to hide in the players’ hands and a wooden stick to do the guessing. If this is all Greek to you, and you are interested in the game and the rules, please e-mail me and I will send you a copy of the official rules.
On Oct. 5 my wife and I attended the wedding of my nephew, Marshall Cohen, to his long-time sweetheart, Emily Diamond, in Sterling, Virginia. While in the Washington, D.C., area, I was able to do some significant sightseeing.
Along with the Lincoln Memorial, Ford’s Theater, the Vietnam Memorial and other attractions, I was able to visit the National Museum of the American Indian. I can’t say enough good things about the design of the building, the exterior landscaping and the overall “vibe” of the place. The are several displays of the flags of Native nations, including our Citizen Potawatomi flag.
There is currently an exhibition — Nation to Nation: Treaties Between the United States and American Indian Nations — which will run through Jan. 17, 2028. Potawatomi are highlighted here, with breakdowns of treaties, information about the negotiators and signers and the story of the Trail of Death. If you have an opportunity to go to this museum, I’d recommend it.
In addition to the museum itself, there is an amazing National Native Veterans’ memorial on the property designed by Harvey Pratt (Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes). There are elements of the medicine wheel, the drum and eagle staffs incorporated in the circular sitting area, next to a natural marsh — very unique and thoughtful place to be.
It is my honor to serve as your Legislator,
Dave Carney | Kagashgi (Raven) | dcarney@potawatomi.org | 360-259-4027
Paul Wesselhöft
District 9
Bozho, nikan (Hello, friend),
Baby Boomers’ great failure
It’s a time-honored tradition, a responsibility, for Potawatomis and all Native Americans to protect, defend and help care for their children and their children’s children, to do less not only brings shame on the present generation, but dishonor to our ancestors. It’s in this light that I feel compelled to write this essay of prediction and apology.
My generation is “The Baby Boomers” who are the mid-20th century offsprings of The Greatest Generation. We were born from 1946 to 1964. Along with The Greatest Generation, we have brought prosperity and the highest standard of living to our nation like no generation before or since. We may be the most fortunate generation in American history. We have been blessed. My generation fought and won Civil Rights and stood against unjust wars. We achieved some great things. However, my generation has miserably failed the current and future generations.
My generation has failed to manage our national debt, which is currently $35 trillion and dramatically rising every second, minute and hour of every day! One trillion dollars equals 1,000 billion dollars. A billion dollars equals 1,000 million dollars. Therefore, a trillion dollars is $1,000,000,000,000.
Then there is the interest on our national debt. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) projects that interest payments will total $892 billion in fiscal year 2024. Interest alone is projected to rise to $1 trillion in 2025 and $1.7 trillion in 2034. In total, net interest payments will total $12.9 trillion over the next decade. That’s just interest!
Someone will have to pay down the $35 trillion dollar bill or face catastrophic repercussions, which are difficult to imagine. Baby Boomers, because of our advanced age, will probably not face the consequences of this unconscionable mismanagement, but our children and grandchildren will.
These are the generations who will pay the dire consequences of my generation’s failure: Generation X, born 1965–1979; Millennials, born 1980–1994; Generation Z, born 1995–2012; and Gen Alpha, born 2013–2025. You will have to pay, not us Baby Boomers.
Some politicians give lip service to lowering the national debt, but they do nothing. They vote “no” on legislation addressing the national debt. Politicians spending your tax money is popular, not spending money on services you enjoy is unpopular. They desire our votes. Some consider this greed, and many politicians traffic in greed. Baby Boomers have failed to hold our national politicians accountable.
The United States has never defaulted on its obligations, but that dreaded day may very well come, and sooner than we want. How will future generations deal with such a day? Will it be another era like the Great Depression, or worse, or will it be something different? If the current trend of taxing and spending continues, something at some time will break and come crashing down.
Many in my generation have company retirements, unlike the current and future generation’s self-invested retirements, which takes a lot of discipline and self-control. My generation, for the most part, has jobs and a living wage. Many have cost of living adjustments. My generation has Social Security and a safety net for those without retirements.
The next generation will lose many, if not most, jobs because of greater automation, Artificial Intelligence and quantum computing. The next generation will be woefully unprepared for a national financial disaster. They will face hyper-inflation and an even more devalued dollar.
Yes, Baby Boomers have committed a great failure. We failed to take good care of our children and grandchildren who will be forced to pay our bill or face desperate, critical consequences. I’m sorry.
Migwetch (Thank you),
Paul Wesselhöft | Naganit (Leader) | reppaul@gmail.com | pwesselhoft@potawatomi.org