The Potawatomi use eagle feathers in ceremony, while smudging and as a part of regalia. Eagles molt from mid-March to late September, and during this time, the Citizen Potawatomi Nation Eagle Aviary staff collects feathers at sunrise every day.
A study sponsored through the Oklahoma Tribal Finance Consortium found that the 38 federally recognized tribes in Oklahoma had a $12.9 billion impact on the state in 2017, directly employing more than 50,000 people and supporting 96,000 jobs to tribal citizens and non-citizens, accounting for more than $4.6 billion in wages and benefits to Oklahoma workers in 2017.
Competitions are a large part of the annual Family Reunion Festival, and this year was no different. With everything from art and competitive powwow dancing to checkers and archery, here’s a look at the winners.
Citizen Potawatomi Nation Police Department Patrol Officer James Berry held several jobs before working in law enforcement, and his layers extend far beyond his uniform.
Though the vast majority of Citizen Potawatomi may not know more than a few words and feel overwhelmed by the challenge of learning, CPN Language Department Director Neely’s experiences provide guidance.
Stephanie Hawk’s role as a college advisor in the CPN Department of Education allows her to meet with students of different ages, helping them put together a college plan, including how to pay for it. She also teaches college and career readiness at local high schools.
This episode features a man whose primary language is Potawatomi and taught Citizen Potawatomi Nation members it since the 1970s. There is also a visit to a tattoo shop owned by a Tribal member and the CPN Community Garden for summer berry picking.
As CPN continues to flourish and positively influence the local economy, the Tribe seeks partnerships that foster workforce development such as a collaboration with the Oklahoma City-based nonprofit Dale Rogers Training Center.
The NRCS workshop helped attendees understand the development of agricultural practices over the past two decades and presented steps to reduce their domestic environmental impact.
CPN Indian Child Welfare Administrative Officer Ashlee May recently received a commendation from her alma mater, East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma, for her service at both the House of Hope and ICW.