The September report from the CPN Veterans Organization highlights new mental health benefits available through the U.S. Air Force under the Brandon Act. This month’s Veterans Organization meeting will take place on Tuesday, September 26, 2023
Linda Swearingen, LADC, joined the Citizen Potawatomi Nation’s Behavioral Health Services staff in July and will expand the Nation’s offerings for those affected by suicide. Her peer support group for survivors of suicide attempts beginning in October 2023 will be the first of its kind offered at CPNHS.
Locally-brewed beer with innovative and unique flavors is now available at the Grand Resort & Casino through its new in-house brewery — Grand House Brewing. The new offerings include Chupacabra, a Mexican-style beer with bold flavors; Third Coast, a West-Coast citrusy IPA; and Highway 102, a light lager with a smooth finish.
The Potawatomi Fire is the only tribally owned basketball team in Oklahoma. This season, they proved they are the best team in The Basketball League.
Updates from Tribal Executives and Legislators for September 2023.
As the annual Potawatomi Leadership Program drew to its close, the participants reflected on what they learned throughout their six weeks with Citizen Potawatomi Nation and encouraged other Potawatomi youth to apply for next year’s program.
The director of the U.S. Indian Health Service visited the Citizen Potawatomi Nation headquarters on June 30, 2023. Roselyn Tso (Navajo Nation) and her administrative staff met with CPN Chairman John “Rocky” Barrett, Vice-Chairman Linda Capps, Self-Governance Director Kasie Nichols, CPNHS Medical Director Dr. Kassi Sexton and CPNHS staff.
The 2023 Family Reunion Festival saw many entries for its art contests, with pieces ranging from beading to woodwork and sketches to sculptures. Laura Hewuse took first place in the professional category of the adult art competition for her “Two Brothers, One Nation” hand-beaded bandolier bags.
CPN was one of four Native Voices Endowment grant recipients in 2022, which the language department used to fund a summer master apprentice project in 2023. The grant helped pay for three students to study Bodéwadmimwen for eight hours, five days a week for eight weeks. One language department staff member also joined the group as well as a graduate student and two Tribal members eager to audit the class, making a total of seven students.
Rachel Watson, CPN Department of Education Senior College Advisor, offers advice to students applying to The Gates Scholarship. Watson encourages students to start their application early, be themselves, display their passions and achievements, and to ask for help from mentors, teachers or the Department of Education.