In 1861, approximately 1,400 Potawatomi became U.S. citizens and acquired allotments from the federal government. Every year, Citizen Potawatomi Nation recognizes and celebrates families of those founding members during Family Reunion Festival near Shawnee, Oklahoma. This year’s June 29-July 1 event honors the Anderson, Beaubien, Bertrand, Bourbonnais, Ogee, Pettifer, Toupin, Wano and Yott families. The Read More »
The resurgence in positive portrayals of Native American culture has come with unforeseen consequences in recent decades. A drive for purity – specifically in terms of defining what it means to be Indian – has become a prominent topic of discussion in places like Oklahoma, where so many tribal nations, cultures and peoples intermingled. Thanks Read More »
This week’s FireLake Gifts featured items of the week are hand-crafted CPN Seal Beaded Medallions, each with unique designs and colors. The medallions are worn on special occasions, whether it’s a powwow or graduation ceremony, and make great gift items for birthdays and anniversaries. These items can be seen on our website soon, but Read More »
Coby Lehman photographed by Sharon Hoogstraten. The man waving the white towel is how many Festival-goers know Arena Director Coby Lehman. Positioned ahead of the CPN Veterans Color Guard, Lehman’s signal is what begins Grand Entry at the annual CPN Family Festival Powwow. Lehman has served as the arena director following several years of winning Read More »
During the Family Reunion Festival, Powwow Arena Director Coby Lehman instructs participants on proper etiquette and what is acceptable to wear inside the arena. Lehman often passes out pamphlets that thoroughly explain proper powwow attire. While trying to adhere to these standards may seem daunting, the Cultural Heritage Center and FireLake Gift Shop can provide Read More »
As the Citizen Potawatomi Nation has grown in recent years, concerns about Potawatomi traditions and practices have come to the forefront in many conversations amongst Tribal members. Though many traditions are passed down from family elders, those living twenty first century lifestyles may feel like it’s a difficult task to adhere to practices developed Read More »
Though Family Festival and powwow season are a few months away, the winter months provide ample time to prepare regalia and other traditional dress. Often times, the prices and intricacy involved in Native American regalia can be intimidating for those who only observed from afar. But as CPN Cultural Coordinator Coby Lehman and Dr. Kelli Read More »