The 2022 Potawatomi Leadership Program class traveled from across the country to the Citizen Potawatomi Nation this summer to live on property owned by the Tribe for six weeks and learn about CPN, its culture, government and services. This year’s class consists of 10 members — meet them now!
This year’s Family Reunion Festival at the end of June brought activities back in-person for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic. One of the major attractions for the weekend was the craft classes held in the Cultural Heritage Center. Tribal members gathered around tables to learn how to make hand drums, moccasins, sew applique, fashion corn husk dolls, do loom beading, fashion beaded bandoliers and so much more.
The August 2022 Language Department update highlights important moments from the 2022 Family Reunion Festival and an exciting new partnership with Google.
The FireLake Fireflight Balloon Festival received the Outstanding Event award during the 2022 RedBud Awards, hosted by the Oklahoma Travel Industry Association. For the past 25 years, the RedBud Awards have recognized Oklahoma’s top tourism attractions, events, programs and organizations for their outstanding efforts to serve and promote Oklahoma’s tourism industry, according to the OTIA website.
CPN District Legislators’ August 2022 columns.
Tribal Chairman John “Rocky” Barrett and Tribal Vice-Chairman Linda Capps’ August 2022 columns.
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.
Lakisha Meade, CPCDC Grants and Finance Coordinator, writes about the success Tribal member Michelle Whitson and husband Trent have experienced with their Stroud, Oklahoma, business called The Treasure Box through the CPDCDC’s assistance.
This month’s language update highlights the Language Department’s work with summer interns, efforts towards creating several children’s books and upcoming course developments.
Thanks to a grant from the National Science Foundation, Oklahoma State University’s College of Education and Human Sciences Mixed Reality Lab recently completed a pilot program that brings digital design technologies to Native students at tribal schools, including CPN’s Child Development Center after-school program.