In the fall of 2021, the Citizen Potawatomi Nation Department of Education announced the launch of a new leadership program open to any Tribal member over the age of 18 residing anywhere in the United States. Through virtual sessions held once a week, the 29 members of the inaugural class learned about the government, culture and economic development of the Tribe and participated in talking circles with other CPN members to foster community and belonging.
The National Indian Education Association named Citizen Potawatomi Nation member and Department of Education employee Matt Higdon the 2021 Elder of the Year.
CPN tribal member Christopher Jenks spent a month with CPN Health Services in spring 2021. The Bertrand family descendant wanted additional hands-on experience before beginning his medical degree program and selecting his specialty.
Citizen Potawatomi Nation tribal member and CPN Department of Education Director Tesia Zientek expands service to Native American education and overall well-being through the National Indian Education Association and American Civil Liberties Union of Oklahoma board service.
As in-person summer programs were canceled, several CPN departments, including Workforce Development & Social Services and the Department of Education, partnered with Oklahoma State University and employees across CPN to develop two virtual camps.
Taylor Tade and Kylie Carter spent six days this February in the country’s capital, meeting with Native American leaders in politics, visiting historic landmarks and utilizing their knowledge to present ideas for growth in Indigenous communities.
During this period of uncertainty and distance, the Citizen Potawatomi Nation Department of Education has focused its efforts on creating widoktadwen (community) among Potawatomi students.
Citizen Potawatomi Nation Department of Education College Advisor Matt Higdon utilizes personal experience to lead students at Asher, Wanette, Maud and Macomb public schools.
Submitted by Tesia Zientek, Education Department It’s time to kick off the fall Tribal scholarship application period! The online application opens 8 a.m. Central Standard Time on July 15 and closes 5 p.m. CST on Sept. 15. CPN prioritizes education, and we look forward to granting Tribal scholarships to more than 1,000 students each year. Read More »
Between 2008 and 2018, Oklahoma decreased per-pupil educational funding by 28.2 percent, leading the United States in total percentage cuts to education. No other state slashed education budgets more than 20 percent. In fact, Oklahoma reduced funding by 12 percent more than Texas, which sits at second place. Citizen Potawatomi Nation’s Education Department developed the Read More »