Sly Alley, the author of Strong Medicine, is happy for the chance to share his Potawatomi heritage and culture with his fans during poetry readings, putting an Indigenous spin and unique perspective on the artform. Alley is currently working on his second book. As he completes new poems, he attends open mic events and poetry readings.
The February 2023 veterans report includes updates on the organization’s activities following the new year and a story written by a young U.S. Marine. This month’s meeting will be held February 28, 2023, at the North Reunion Hall.
CPN’s Workforce Development and Social Services will hold a spring break camp for current JOM/Youth clients March 14-16, 2023. The camp will include cooking, STEM and cultural learning activities.
While listening to a podcast or talk radio program, the work seems easy — record, press play. However, the path to a product that presents itself as effortless and easy to digest takes teams of people on the same page with the same goal. Citizen Potawatomi Nation tribal member Devin Mellor has spent the last six years as an essential behind-the-scenes staff member at National Public Radio’s New York City bureau.
This month’s language update introduces a new beginner learning course and highlights the Winter Story Telling event on February 21, 2023.
Through their early years in Potawatomi ancestral homelands in the north, a forced migration to Kansas and many challenges creating a new legacy in southern Pottawatomie County, the Lareau family drew upon their strength and resolve to persevere.
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, and at Citizen Potawatomi Nation Health Services, the staff in the dentistry department work hard to give parents and kids the knowledge they need to ensure children’s teeth come in strong. Good dental health as an adult starts during adolescence, and knowledge and ritual are vital to long-term health.
The Citizen Potawatomi Nation supported local efforts to bring holiday cheer to Tribal members and others in the community. From toy drives to distributing food baskets, employees eagerly worked to share their giving spirit with others.
Creed Humphrey is a Citizen Potawatomi Nation tribal member and center for the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs. At only 23 years old, the Peltier family descendant played his second season of professional football in 2022-23, ending with his first Super Bowl appearance on Feb. 12, 2023. He spoke with the Hownikan about his experience as a professional football player.
James “Jim” Thunder, Sr., a Potawatomi elder who was one of the few remaining native-speakers and helped lay the groundwork for current efforts to teach Bodéwadmimwen, has walked on. Thunder’s legacy covers not only the years he spent teaching the language but also the documentation he created and shared with Potawatomi everywhere, no matter where they lived. He laid the foundation for future generations to learn Potawatomi.