Bozho nikanek (Hello friends), Since I announced in last month’s article that I would be seeking re-election as your District 7 Legislator, I thought I would talk about what is important to me. I just entered my 38th year as a firefighter and public servant, and serving others before myself was something I was born Read More »
What does it mean to you to be a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation? “It is at the core of who I am as a person. I was raised with the stories of our proud people and of thestruggles of our family. I was raised to respect our culture and heritage, and to serve Read More »
Not all stories start off the same, and Michael Bourbonnais’ certainly began in a unique manner. The challenger for District 7’s legislative seat started off his interview by introducing himself in the Potawatomi language. “Bozho. Nin se Michael Bourbonnais. Mnogabwumko Nishnabé ndeshnekas. California ndoch bya. Fresno édayan. Bodéwadmi ndaw. Shishibéniyek ndebendagwes.” Roughly translated, it means Read More »
Serving as a representative for any legislative body can be a challenging role. But being a legislative representative for a government as unique as the Citizen Potawatomi Nation is a test all on its own. With tribal members scattered across the United States, legislators outside Oklahoma face enormous logistical challenges in getting tribal members services Read More »
Citizen Potawatomi in the Western sections of the U.S. will choose legislators in the June tribal election at the 2014 Family Reunion Festival. Vice Chairman Linda Capps, Secretary-Treasurer D. Wayne Trousdale, District 5 Legislator Gene Lambert and District 6 Legislator Rande Payne all will be running unopposed. In-person voting will commence June 28 during the Read More »