Melott family history

To highlight some of the CPN archive holdings at the Nation’s Cultural Heritage Center, the Hownikan is featuring photographs and family history of every founding Citizen Potawatomi family. The Melott family was profoundly influential in the founding of present-day Wanette, Oklahoma.

Skin Deep: Potawatomi artist adds Indigenous flair to tattoos

Indigenous cultures across the globe have used tattoos as status symbols, to represent religious beliefs or just for adornment. One Potawatomi artist proud to share her spin on Indigenous tattoo art is Shelly Wahweotten, an enrolled citizen of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation and owner of Analog Electric Tattoos in Oklahoma City.

Caring for family heirlooms

With special care, family heirlooms may withstand regular use so the next generation can enjoy them as well. CPN Cultural Heritage Center experts share tips for caring for heirlooms.

CPN brings empathy, de-escalation training as part of series

CPN Safe and Stable Families Education Counselor Jamelle Payne invited Tracy Rader to address attendees from a variety of backgrounds who participated in Empathy and De-escalation Training sponsored by Citizen Potawatomi Nation Workforce Development & Social Services as part of an on-going lunch and learn series.

CPN-sponsored race funds early childhood music education

On a cold and windy morning in early February, nearly 275 cyclers and runners from five countries took off from Citizen Potawatomi Nation’s powwow grounds for the 2023 Oklahoma Gravel Growler, testing their endurance on unpaved roads through Pottawatomie and Seminole counties. This year, the Gravel Growler raised $2,804.12 for the Tecumseh Public Schools Early Childhood Center’s music education program for pre-K and kindergarten-aged students.

Personnel support Tribal, community safety

As part of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation’s Police Department, supervisor Katlyn Fry and dispatcher Joan Nevin are part of a team that keeps both the community surrounding CPN and law enforcement safe. They are also charged with coordinating communication among Pottawatomie County’s numerous law enforcement professionals, from police departments to sheriff’s deputies to ambulance service.

Tribal member welcomed home after Super Bowl win

Kansas City Chiefs starting center Creed Humphrey, a Citizen Potawatomi tribal member, received a warm welcome to his hometown of Shawnee, Oklahoma. Tribal Chairman John “Rocky” Barrett began the event with a blessing, smoking Humphrey off with sweetgrass, cedar, sage and tobacco. Shawnee Mayor Ed Bolt read a proclamation, naming March 4, 2023, as Creed Humphrey Day. Bolt then presented Humphrey with a key to the city of Shawnee.

CPCDC services increase financial literacy

The Nation’s Community Development Corporation helps improve the financial literacy and economic opportunities of Tribal members and Natives in the Community. CPCDC Director and CEO Cindy Logsdon shares tips for financial wellness.

Citizen Potawatomi Nation serves community following devastating tornadoes

The Citizen Potawatomi Nation Emergency Management Department began working to anticipate community needs even before a devastating tornado hit Pottawatomie County on the evening of April 19. Following the storms, CPN coordinated with agencies all over the state to provide relief to those affected.

Executive and Legislative columns: April 2023

John “Rocky” Barrett Tribal Chairman Bozho nikan (Hello friend), History of the CPN seal The first Citizen Potawatomi Nation Tribal seal was created by Secretary/Treasurer Beverly Hughes in the 1970s. It was a black line circle with “Great Seal of the Citizen Band of Potawatomi Indians of Oklahoma” inside the edge and featured a crossed Read More »