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.
The U.S. Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) in a 7-2 vote, June 15, 2023. Citizen Potawatomi Nation staff recently weighed in on the decision and how it affects the Tribe.
The August 2023 Language Department update from Director Justin Neely reflects on the first Master Apprentice program and the admirable work students of Bodéwadmimwen to learn and carry on the language.
Citizen Potawatomi Nation is offering used Pecan Harvesting Equipment that is no longer being utilized by the Nation. The equipment is being offered by sealed bid only. All sealed bids are due by 4 p.m. on Thursday, August 31, 2023.