Students learn about, influence Tribe through PLP

The Citizen Potawatomi Nation Potawatomi Leadership Program brings together a cohort of eight to 10 young Tribal members for a six-week summer internship designed to help students discover meaningful connections with their family and history. This year’s PLP is scheduled for Friday, June 10, 2022, to Saturday, July 23, 2022. Applications are open through April 1, 2022, at plp.potawatomi.org.

Lewis family history

The Citizen Potawatomi Nation’s Cultural Heritage Center provides resources to keep the Tribe’s history safe and accessible for generations to come. One key way the Nation does this is through the CHC’s archives and video interviews. The Hownikan features histories of founding families each month. This article traces Wesley Lewis through freight hauling and service in the U.S. Army to his family’s impact on the establishment of present-day Wanette, Oklahoma.

National Nutrition Month highlighted by CPN services, members

March is National Nutrition Month, and it presents the opportunity to reconsider what constitutes a healthy diet and bodily well-being on a wider level. The Hownikan spoke with CPN’s Women, Infants and Children program about advice and resources for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers; a Tribal member who, as a chef, works to offer nutritious foods in a restaurant setting; and the CPN Title VI Program, which offers elders options while meeting new nutritional needs that come with age.

Language Department offers in person and online resources

In 2021, the Citizen Potawatomi Nation Language Department once again began offering in-person classes after more than a year of virtual learning due to the pandemic. Since many Tribal members live across the country, they continue to use online platforms during every session. Tribal members find connection through in-person and online offerings, and pass on what they learn to their families.

Aspiring costume designer begins career in Oklahoma film industry

Citizen Potawatomi Nation tribal member Amy Higdon followed her passion for costume design and attended Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in theater. After holding several jobs on film and television productions, she is now pursuing her master’s in costume design at the University of California, Los Angeles.

CPCDC helps Native families, businesses

The Citizen Potawatomi Community Development Corporation works to finance, promote, educate, and inspire the entrepreneurial growth, economic opportunity and financial well-being of underserved Native populations. Cindy Logsdon, CPCDC CEO writes about how her team works to help people move forward in life, which benefits all Oklahomans by creating strong families and communities.

Tribal member’s dedication to Indian Country honored by AARP

Each year, AARP awards Native American elders for their contributions to the improvement of their tribes and communities. Citizen Potawatomi Nation member and Emergency Management Department Director Tim Zientek was chosen in 2021 as one of 47 elders recognized for his “achievements, community service and impact,” according to the organization.

Passion for leadership

After watching several businesses start and fail during his two decades in information technology, Citizen Potawatomi Nation tribal member Randy Haas realized their success depended much more on communication and leadership than skills and strategy. He began an Oklahoma City-based information technology company in 2018, Sharpstone Group, LLC. Haas then added Stonecutters Leadership as a communication branch that focuses on leadership training and team management.