2022 November Pokégnêk Yathdanawa

danawa

Native Veterans Procession and Dedication Ceremony

Members of the Pokagon Bodéwadmik Ogitchedaw are participating in the Native Veterans Procession and Dedication Ceremony on Friday, November 11 in Washington, DC. The museum looks to honor the exceptional military service of Native Americans in a formal dedication of the National Native American Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC. The dedication and processional will honor American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian veterans and their families. The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians is a sponsor of this monumental day.

Chairwoman’s Corner

Bozho!

Bozho! Thank you for taking the time to read the November Edition of Pokégnek Yathdanawa – there's so much going on this month! As we move through the fall (with sprinkles of snow in the forecast), it's hard not to notice that our days are getting shorter. Shorter days means the end of Daylight Savings Time. Don’t forget to move your clocks backward one hour on Sunday, November 6. Winter is fast approaching.

November is the month of Bné Ona Gizes, the Smoked Turkey Moon. Pokagon citizen, Aaron Martin, created the beautiful illustration on the front of this month’s newsletter. Migwėtth, Aaron! The November Moon also reminds us that it is time for our annual Thanksgiving Package Pick-Up. Social Services will be providing details on distribution dates for Elders as well as pick-up days and times for citizens in the coming weeks. Our Communications Team will be sure to get the word out.

If you need help with your winter heating bills, the Social Services Department started accepting applications for LIHEAP on November 1. Please refer to the article on this page for details on how to apply.

I hope you can join our Zagbëgon Academy students and staff for the We Honor Veterans Parade on Thursday, November 10 beginning at 11 a.m. at Zagbëgon. You can find out more details and the link to register by visiting Upcoming Community Events on our website.

Our next Citizen’s Meeting is at 10 a.m. EST on Saturday, November 12, at the Community Center. We hope you’ll be there with us as we will honor our Veterans with a special luncheon catered by Four Winds Casinos.

Don’t forget to “Rock Your Mocs” from November 13-19. Rock Your Mocs is a worldwide Native American and Indigenous Peoples social media event held annually during November, which is National Native American Heritage Month. Share your pictures on social media and don’t forget to tag the Pokagon Band!

As always, if you have questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me or any of the Tribal Council members.

Migwėtth,

Rebecca Richards Tribal Chairwoman

Sign Up for the Bodéwadmik Blast

The Bodéwadmik Blast is a quick, easy-to-read, weekly newsletter delivered right to your email box. It features current events and classes happening throughout the Pokagon community. Scan the QR Code by using your cell phone camera and sign up to receive it today.

Winter Heating Help is Available

The Social Services Department will start accepting applications for LIHEAP on November 1, 2022. Remember this program is designed to provide a onetime assistance payment to help with the high energy costs during the winter and summer months.

The program is designed to assist citizens living within our service area; LaPorte, St. Joseph, Elkhart, Starke, Marshall and Kosciusko Counties in Indiana; and Cass, Berrien, Allegan, and Van Buren Counties in Michigan.

Proof of all household income is needed:

• Proof of all yearly income; including Per Capita and/or

• Award letters from (SSI, RSDI, Elder’s Stipend, VA, etc.) and/or

• Child Support Received or paid or

• Completion of Zero Income Form if those above do not apply.

• Providers Bill.

• Social Security numbers are required on applications for all household members.

• Social Security Cards (copy) are REQUIRED for all household members.

• Tribal identification is also required.

• Picture identification may also be required (driver’s license, student ID, etc). To apply call or come into the Social Services Department at 58620 Sink Road, Dowagiac. Or call us at (269) 782-8998 or 1 (800) 517-0777. You may also fax information to (269) 782-4295. The LIHEAP application is available on the Pokagon website.

pokégnek bodéwadmik zagbëgon + center of history & culture + elders council

Please join our community for a fall ghost supper

Community Jibakwé

Thursday, November 17 | 6 - 8 p.m. | Community Center

Please join Zagbëgon and the Pokagon Band Community as we renew the connections with our ancestors and reunite in the ghost supper.  The community has been in the reunification of our sacred ways for many years. As part of that process it is our duty to see that these connections are passed down to our future generations. Our community will pray for the past three generations, the current generation, and the future three generations as has been done since time immemorial. At the ceremony there will be a sacred fire to offer prayers to the creator for our ancestors by offering a spirit plate in our loved one’s honor. Main dish, beverages, and dessert will be provided. Please bring feast bags and dish (preferably purchased) to pass in honor of your loved one who has passed.

For additional information, please contact: Donald.Sumners@PokagonBand-nsn.gov or Rebecca. Williams@PokagonBand-nsn.gov

“Jiibye Dbikat Wiikdewin is a time for the spirit world and the world of man. The spirits depart for the spirit world away from the cold of one more winter. Wandering spirits, long lost, were called to feast with an ancient song. They appeared slowly, hesitantly as some were injured in their lives and were shy about their appearance. Many were not given the proper ceremony in death. These spirits remain forever on the earth’s face. Those spirits that return to the spirit world will return on the arrival of the first thunders and the song of many frogs in early spring along. Many only migrates to their warmer summer camps to subsist on the fish that spawn

all summer. Fresh meat from the four-leggeds is a welcome variation in diet. To take the life of a nursing mother of any four-legged is forbidden to us by Creator. Stories of familiar old Nishnabe humor tell from many years ago that this annual migration soon came known as the journey to the happy hunting grounds, or mino dowenjge kaa”

-Stewart King

stay connected gyankobjegémen

pokagon.com

September 27, artists and Pokagon citizens Jason S. Wesaw and Douglas Klemm were

the

hand at RAINMAKER

exhibition.

for the

of the

Pokegnek Yathdanawa

close to the Downs in Clifton, North Bristol, RAINMAKER Gallery is a celebration of the very best in contemporary Native American art and design. This exhibition brings together the work of Jason and Douglas. Both artists express a profound relationship to and respect for the land.

The minimalist drawings of Wesaw are contrasted with richly textured landscape paintings by Klemm.

“My work focuses on observing how nature organizes and influences us. The bold colors and simple patterning lend itself to a visual language that comes across more meditative and reflective in the way we feel when seeing a beautiful sunrise or looking out across a vast expanse of mountains. It is this amazement, this wonder, that is at the heart of our relationships in the natural world and forms the core of our identity as ‘Keepers of the Fire’,” expressed Jason.

As a landscape artist Klemm is directly inspired by the natural world. “I need to be on-site to experience the energy, details and spirit of the land,” said Klemm.

This exhibition, open through November 5, calls on us all to be more respectful of the lands that we inhabit.

Source - Rainmaker Gallery (rainmakerart.co.uk)

The minimalist drawingsof Wesaw are contrasted with richly textured landscape paintings by Klemm.

pokégnek bodéwadmik

history

pokégnek bodéwadmik center of history & culture

Traditional

Traditional medicine services are now being overseen by the Center of History & Culture. If

in seeing Keith Smith for

services, he is available one Friday and Saturday, per month to see tribal Citizens by appointment only. Appointments are taking place in the Government Annex, 58653 Sink Road, Dowagiac, MI.

(269)

(desk), (269)

(cell),

schedule an

CENTER

Pokegnek Yathdanawa

Pokagon Band of Potawatomi hosted the 8th Annual Repatriation Conference

On October 11-13 at Four Winds New Buffalo, the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi hosted the 8th Annual Repatriation Conference, “ReACTivating Our Ancestral Connections.”

The conference looks at compliance, advocacy and activism to form strategies and commitments for generational healing while we work together to repatriate our Ancestors’ remains, their burial belongings, sacred objects and cultural patrimony that has been stolen and looted as part of a legacy of violence and racism against Indigenous Peoples.

“We were excited to host this Conference and provide a welcoming and productive space for truth-telling about the impact of stolen cultural items, and how to best work with Native Nations to return our Ancestors and items that are necessary for our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual healing,” said Nicole Holloway, Director of the Center of History & Culture.

ona gizes

Down

animal has a special story about why it changes its brown to white during the year common word for this animal that is depicted on many road signs in Michigan

ACROSS

this animal has a special story about why it changes its color from brown to white during the year

the common word for this animal that is depicted on many caution road signs in Michigan

the thing that is used to cover up with and long time ago was made up of many wabozo hides

another word for this bird is msezé

the thing you do before setting down the medicine in your hand used for praying

DOWN

the physical state you want to be in during the colder months of the year.

the animal that sheds its velvet

these become dirty and pile up after a big family feast

this weather is nor warm nor cold it is somewhere in between

he/she hunts

the thing you put down before gathering/hunting

answers are on page 18

[1] the physical state you want to be in during the colder months of the year.

[2] the animal that sheds its velvet

[3] these become dirty and pile up after a big family feast.

Bné ona Gizes Crossword

What’s that Non-Native Species? Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora)

Multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora) is an invasive species that is native to Eastern Asia. This species was brought to the United States as early as 1700 as an ornamental planting and began being marketed as a living fencerow in the 1930s. Multiflora Rose was used for fencerows because it forms dense thickets that have many sharp thorns. However, multiflora rose grows aggressively and produces large numbers of fruits (rose hips) which are eaten and dispersed by birds. These dense thickets then form in natural forest communities and crowd out native vegetation. This prevents native shrubs, forbs, and herbs from developing and may be detrimental to some types of native birds.

The plant has many stems, and the flowers have five petals that vary from white to pinkish in color. Leaves branch into five to seven leaflets with toothed edges and a fringed base. Multiflora rose can reproduce by seed and can spread when arched stems touch the ground and make contact, creating a new root system at the point of contact.

Multiflora rose is similar in appearance to swamp rose or pasture rose with the exception that these species do not have fringed leaf bases and are not as aggressive in growth. Removal is difficult and requires manual removal and repeated cutting. Large stands may require herbicide treatment in order to allow native species to return to the area. When treated this species must be watched for multiple years in the same area due to a prolific seedbank.

What’s that Edible Species? Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens)

Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens) is a common plant found among many forest types in the United States and Canada but prefers areas where the soils are more acidic.

Wintergreen is a very small shrub found among the flora of the forest floor. As the name suggests this tiny shrub is evergreen, meaning it stays green year-round.

Wintergreen is related to huckleberries, cranberries, and creeping snowberries. The leaves of the plant are leathery, green, and shiny with a slightly toothed edge. This plant has whitish bell-shaped flowers that appear in the summer with fruits that follow and last throughout the winter as a source of food for mammals. The berries are pink to red and have a distinctive star shaped pattern on the underside. The center of the berry is typically comprised entirely of seeds whereas the surrounding flesh is edible and minty.

Wintergreen is a common flavor of some items you buy at the store, including gum, candy, and toothpaste. Historically, wintergreen leaves have been used to brew a tea that helped to relieve symptoms including headaches, fever, sore throat, and general aches/pains. Be careful with the use of wintergreen as it has similar qualities to aspirin.

During the month of November, the Pokagon Tribal Police Department will be joining fellow Law Enforcement agencies in the movement to grow cancer awareness by growing beards!

The goal of No Shave November is to grow awareness by embracing our hair, which many cancer patients lose. Donate the money you typically spend on shaving and grooming products to help educate our community about cancer prevention.

Each participating officer will put down his razor and shaving cream for a pledge of $40. Female Officers will be allowed to purchase/wear a light blue headband for $10.

If officers can secure at least five additional pledges, they will have a chance to wear their beards through January. Pledges totaling $200 or more will allow them to grow their beards through February.

Recommended pledge is $1 per day, or $30 for the month of November.

To make a pledge or ask questions, please call Jill Hershberger or Beth Klug at (269) 782-2232 or email Jill.Hershberger@PokagonBand-nsn.gov or Beth.Klug@PokagonBand-nsn.gov.

Wintergreen flavored extracts can be created, and wintergreen oil can be obtained by crushing the leaves in warm water followed by steam distillation. Wintergreen oil has been used to topically treat ailments from arthritis and aches/pains to inflammation and even hair care. Wintergreen extracts, oils and berries can be used in many food recipes as well. As with any new edible or medicinal, please ensure that you have a positive identification before use and utilize in small quantities at first to make sure there are no adverse reactions.

Rock Your Mocs!

Rock Your Mocs, is a worldwide Native American and Indigenous Peoples social media event held annually during National Native American Heritage Month. The event honors our ancestors and indigenous people worldwide and will take place this year from November 13-19.

People wear their moccasins, take photos and videos, and upload their posts to various social media platforms. This creates an online photo album for the world to see and enjoy. In order to participate simply:

• Wear your moccasins or a turquoise Awareness Ribbon or a turquoise T-shirt

• Take a picture, video, or story and upload it to social media including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

• Use hashtags #RockYourMocs and/or #RockYourMocs2022

• Click on the #RockYourMocs hashtag to see what’s happening worldwide

• Have fun

No Shave November

Kyle Malott's Pokagon Journey

This month, we spotlight the career path of Pokagon Band employee for Ėthë Bodwéwadmimwat (Language Department), Kyle Malott. Four Winds has been fortunate to offer language classes to TDP employees and our summer Interns at various times, and the Language Department is always willing to assist TDP with those requests. Kyle is a very knowledgeable and patient teacher, and TDP is so grateful for the time and effort he puts forth and his ability to share all he has learned throughout his career. If you have ever considered learning our native language, Kyle is one of two teachers that is available to us as Pokagon Citizens. It is our pleasure to present Kyle Malott’s Pokagon Journey.

Bozho, Bmethwen nde zhnëkas nin sé Kyle Malott, Gëno o ndodém, Pawating ndë wtthbya. My journey of employment with Pokagon Band started February 19, 2008. I was 17 years old and my mom owned a cleaning business which was contracted to clean the Band’s office trailers. Fast forward to 2010, I became a Temp/Intern for the Housing Department which led to various temp jobs throughout the Government in Education, Administration, but mostly in DNR. In the summer of 2011, I was offered the opportunity to work under the Four Winds Casino construction projects for the Hartford and New Buffalo expansion through Wightman and Associates as an Inspector.

After that summer, I was offered another temp job. This one was for the newly formed Department of Language and Culture where I had helped previously.

I worked full-time in that area for a year while finishing my Associate's Degree.

During this time, I spent a lot of time with Traditional Healer, Jake Pine, Fluent Speaker, Lillian Rice, and Andy Jackson from whom I learned a great deal. During this time, I found my calling. One of my many responsibilities was to facilitate Community Language Classes. I had previously started learning language from my cousin, Mike Zimmerman Jr., and attended classes twice a week. In the summer, I would travel to week-long Language Immersion events in Hannahville where I met Jim and Mary Jane Thunder.

In the fall of 2012, I moved to DNR to become the GIS Specialist/Assistant Planner and would still attend language classes twice a week. In early 2013, I applied to become a Language Apprentice. This role required moving to the Forest County Potawatomi Community in northern Wisconsin, where I would be learning under fluent speakers. I was selected along with another Tribal Citizen and moved to Wisconsin on March 25, 2013. I spent four years learning Potawatomi Language, Culture, and History primarily under Jim and Mary Jane Thunder. During this time, I would occasionally come home to teach Language Workshops; this is how I met my beautiful wife, Serrina Malott. She happened to be in town visiting after graduating from Michigan State University. I moved back in 2017 and began teaching in our Pokagon Community. The things I have learned and the knowledge I have gained during my time in Wisconsin is something that is unmeasurable and something I am so proud to share with our Tribal Community.

Stir-Fry

Pokegnek Yathdanawa

Healthy Dinners on a Budget

Creating a budget-friendly dinner takes some planning. To save time and money, take an hour during the weekend to plan weeknight dinners and create a shopping list. Here are four simple dinner ideas and a recipe to get you started.

In a large wok or sauté pan, heat 1 to 2 tablespoons of canola oil over medium-high heat. Add 6 ounces of tofu, skinless chicken pieces, or lean beef, and cook several minutes until browned. Then stir in thinly sliced or chopped vegetables, such as onions, broccoli, peppers, cauliflower, garlic, and carrots, and continue to cook for about five minutes until the veggies are slightly softened. Add flavor with low-sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, or red pepper flakes. This recipe makes two servings. Serve with ½ cup of rice per person. Try brown rice for extra dietary fiber.

• Money-saving tip: Choose whole, in-season vegetables and slice them at home. Frozen vegetable blends are also a low-cost time saver.

Pasta and Meat Sauce

Cook pasta according to the package directions. Try whole grain pasta for added dietary fiber. Serve one cup of cooked pasta per person.

For the sauce, cook 85% or 90% lean ground beef. If you buy ground beef that is less than 85% lean, drain the grease from the beef after cooking. One pound of ground beef will serve four people. Mix the cooked ground beef with canned or jarred tomato or marinara sauce. Serve the pasta and meat sauce with a salad or seasonal vegetables on the side.

• Money-saving tip: Buy several boxes of whole grain pasta when it is on sale. Tuna Casserole

Classic tuna casserole uses simple ingredients you can stock in your kitchen or pantry: canned tuna packed in water, low-fat milk, pasta, and bread (for making crumbs). Try whole wheat bread and pasta for an extra fiber boost. Add fresh, seasonal vegetables or frozen chopped broccoli or peas. For extra flavor, use a splash of chicken or vegetable stock. Instead of using packaged stock, make your own once a month and freeze it in small portions.

• Money-saving tip: Look for sales on larger (12-ounce) cans of tuna, frozen vegetables, and pasta. Also check out store brands—they tend to cost less than name brands.

Chili

In a large pot, combine cooked beans (like black, kidney, pinto, or navy beans) with canned tomatoes and chopped vegetables, such as onions, garlic, peppers, and mushrooms. Add cooked ground turkey, chicken, or lean beef, or try cubed, firm tofu. For extra dietary fiber, add leftover whole grains, like cooked brown rice, whole grain barley, or whole wheat couscous. Add chili seasonings, such as chili powder and cumin.

Top bowls of chili with small portions of shredded, reduced-fat cheese, low-fat sour cream or plain Greek yogurt, bacon bits, or black olives.

• Money-saving tip: To save more money, choose one or two toppings at most. Buy a small block of cheese and shred it at home. Make a second meal using leftover chili on baked potatoes.

Dne

gizes

Smart Moves Mbesniyêk – After School Program

Cardio Drumming Gdédsêk – Little Otters Elder's Quiliting Workshop

Kë Wzhetomen – Let's Make Regalia

Mkedékéwen – Fasting

Gdédsêk – Little Otters

Cooking Matters

Community Porcupine Quillers Co-op Yoga

Virtual Advanced Potawatomi Language Class

Gdédsêk – Little Otters

Cooking Matters Yoga

Virtual Advanced Potawatomi Language Class

Gdédsêk – Little Otters

Community Porcupine Quillers Co-op

Mbesniyêk – After School Program

Kë Wzhetomen – Let's Make Regalia Cardio Drumming

Gdédsêk – Little Otters

Elder's Quiliting Workshop

Play And Learn Social (PALS)

Smart Moves Mbesniyêk – After School Program

Cardio Drumming Gdédsêk – Little Otters

Yoga

Gdédsêk – Little Otters

Smart Moves

Mbesniyêk – After School Program

Cardio Drumming Gdédsêk – Little Otters

Mbesniyêk – After School Program

Cardio Drumming Gdédsêk – Little Otters

Otters Workshop

Yoga Smart Moves

Light the Way 5K

Tribal Government offices closed in observance of Veteran's Day Traditional Medicine Services Otters Workshop

Otters

Honoring Our Veterans Parade Yoga

Otters

Yoga Smart Moves

Free Career Assesment Event

Community Jibakwé – Ghost Supper

Otters

Tribal Government offices closed in observance of Thanksgiving Day

Tribal Government offices closed in observance of Thanksgiving Day

Tribal Citizen Saturday Meeting Traditional Medicine Services

ona gizes

72 Hour Mandatory Deer Reporting Requirements

Are you hunting on tribal lands that require you to obtain a state license as well? If your answer to this question is yes, then you will need to report your deer harvest to the state of Michigan within 72 hours or prior to transferring possession of the deer to a processor, taxidermist, or another person.

If you are a tribal citizen and only hunting on tribal trust properties (not needing a state hunting license), then a mandatory report to the state of Michigan is not required. While deer tag placement is still required, harvest reporting is a new requirement this year. The potential penalty for not reporting is a 90-day misdemeanor with fines ranging from $50-$500.

The main reason for harvest reporting is to assist the state in getting an accurate count of the number of deer that are harvested each year which helps to inform the tags limits that are set for future hunting opportunities. Harvest reporting used to be in the form of a survey that was to be mailed back to the state each year, however, survey responses have dwindled over the years, making it more difficult to get an accurate count on the number of deer harvested within the state.

Harvest reporting is only completed online at the Michigan DNR Harvest Report Portal, Michigan DNR E-License Portal, or via the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app that can be downloaded from the Google Play Store or the

pokégnek bodéwadmik

for

Friday, January 13

Band Community Center

Trail,

One: 6:00-7:30 p.m.

Two: 8:00-9:30 p.m.

to Tribal Citizens and households

dinner will be provided for

Pre-Registration is required. Contact Amy Morseau at (269) 783-3513 or AmyJo.Morseau@PokagonBand-nsn.gov Space is limited to 50 people per session

Apple App Store. A family member of friend can report your harvest for you if you have difficulty reporting, as long as they have all the information needed to report the harvest.

Pokagon Band DNR welcomes tribal citizens and tribal citizen spouses if they need assistance with reporting their harvest. Please feel free to stop in at the DNR main office or give us a call at (269) 782-9602 so we can assist in reporting.

Ki gkéndan né Did you know?

bné ona gizes (smoked turkey moon)

Ki gkéndan né? Did you know that in the same case of there being “more than one way to skin a deer” that there are just as many ways to say one word in Bodwéwadmimen? For instance, some families say “Bozhoo” and others families say “Bozho." Both mean the same thing, but the difference in sound is relative to how both individual families grew up hearing the same word. The way they say “Bozho” is special to their families history. We also have more than one way to identify the different months. For example, some families with call November-“bné ona gizes” (smoked turkey moon) because that is when they will process the turkey(s) they have harvested, while other families will call November “giwsé gizes” (hunting moon) because that is the time their family will hunt to prepare and provide for their family, clan, and community.

POKAGON’S

H

G

Ages: 12-17 | In-Person and Virtually! November 2022-May 2023 Thursdays 4-7p.m. EST

Want to shape your community? Share ideas about your tribe?

leadership and life skills?

involved, join the Youth Group.

Discussions are youth-driven. Below are suggested topics:

Speaking

for

by the Native Nations

Council Higher

Department

What causes Diabetes?

There are many factors that contribute to the development of diabetes, but the most important ones are:

• Weight – the more fat you have in your body, to more resistant your cells are to insulin

• Fat distributions – being apple-shaped (having more fat in your belly) puts you at greater risk than having a pear-shaped body (fat in your thighs and hips)

• Inactive lifestyle – exercise increases a cell’s sensitivity to insulin since your cells need more energy

• Family history – your risk of diabetes increases if an immediate family member has diabetes

• Age – as you get older, your risk for diabetes increases as you may become less active

Practice these tips below to promote a healthy lifestyle and help prevent diabetes:

• Drink more water and less sugary drinks like pop, energy drinks, Kool-Aid, and fruit juice

• Eat more vegetables and fruit

• Serve meals on smaller plates

• Eat together as a family at the table and not in front of the television

• Don’t put serving dishes on the table

• Learn how to read food labels and teach your children

• Shop and make healthier meals together

MI Life in Numbers

Our mission is to support and empower people living with type one diabetes.

Empowerment Groups

Hosted on the 1st Wednesday of every month at 6 p.m. Facilitated by a licensed therapist Currently offered through online platform Zoom

RSVP for attendance at least one day in advance by emailing milifeinnumbers@gmail.com

ID &

Pokegnek Yathdanawa

Get Physical:

• Aim for 60 minutes of physical activity a day. You can do it in 10or 15-minute sessions or all at once

• Keep it positive

• Limit screen time to two hours a day

• Take walks together with family or friends

• Make physical activity more fun; try new things

Work together as a family to help create healthy changes and habits!

pokégnek bodéwadmik zagbëgon academy

can be accessed each month by going

www.milifeinnumbers.com under “Events

Empowerment Group”

Every THIRD Tuesday of the month 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.

Family Activity Center

All Native families are invited to join other parents and children ages 0-8 for an opportunity to engage with one another in play and learning activities.

Contact Rachel Orvis at drorvis@gmail.com for more information.

stay connected

Harper Institute Collecting Native American Samples to Address Health Disparities

According to Notre Dame News, Dr. Gerald Morris, Pokagon Band’s Medical Director, isn’t certain that the Native American patients he sees show higher rates of cancer than the rest of the population — though he suspects it.

“The one thing that stands out to me is, oftentimes, they’re more advanced when we find them,” said Morris, who is a Pokagon citizen. “I think they have the same issues as other patients in terms of the types of cancers. It’s just that they tend to be more advanced when I do see them.”

Morris said the reason the cancers are more advanced could trace back to historical access to health care, which leads to lower rates of cancer screening. He hopes that a partnership being developed between the Pokagon Band and the University of Notre Dame's Harper Cancer Research Institute (HCRI) will help raise awareness of the importance of screening and early detection to address measurable disparities in cancer treatment outcomes involving Native Americans. The project aims to double the number of cancer tissue samples that come from Native Americans through several outreach efforts.

Tribal Licenses for 2022-2023

Have you picked up your hunting, fishing, and gathering licenses and permits for the 2022-2023 season yet? With deer firearm season just around the corner, the Department of Natural Resources would like to remind you to pick up your licenses and permits for this season. This year’s license color is green and will expire on March 31, 2023.

We offer the option to mail or email paperwork and licenses and permits to you as well as being able to pick them up in-person. Please contact the Department of Natural Resources at (269) 782-9602 or PokagonDNR@ PokagonBand-nsn.gov to inquire about obtaining your 2022-2023 licenses, tags, and permits.

Mno-yathmowas Fun fact

Did you know the term Neshnabé (Native person) has different meanings depending on how you break it down?

One meaning says a being that was put here temporarily [neshna – temporarily, -bé – a being]. Another describes a good being [neshen – good, -abé – a being]. There is another breakdown that describes us as a low being, meaning we need everything (plants, water, animals) to survive, but they do not need us.

pokégnek bodéwadmik center

Mbesniyêk

After School Program

Tuesdays 3:30 P.M. to 5:30 P.M. Youth ages 12-17 Center of History & Culture 59291 Indian Lake Road Dowagiac, MI 49047

TO THE SLOPES

OCTOBER 1 - NOVEMBER 27

Hit the elliptical machines at the Pokagon Band Wellness Center, where you can workout indoors so you’re ready for the outdoors!

Track your miles on the Wellness Center elliptical machines to ‘travel’ the distance from Dowagiac to the ski slope of your choice to earn a one-day lift ticket, helmet rental, and skis or snowboard rental at that location. You have an opportunity to earn more than one ticket/day/rental and even a free hotel stay!

Questions? Come into the Wellness Center to find out more!

The fall session of the Afterschool Program will provide seasonal teachings. Youth will be provided cultural teachings, outdoor and teambuilding activities, nature walks, and occasional field trips.

Dinner will be provided for all youth attending the program.

To register your child

for additional

contact Youth Services

Daniel Stohrer, at (269) 462-5844 or Daniel.Stohrer@PokagonBand-nsn.gov

stay

gyankobjegémen

Pokagon Band Elders host Michigan Indian Elders Association conference

On October 16 - 19, elders from 12 Michigan tribes are gathered at Four Winds, New Buffalo, for the fall Michigan Indian Elders Association conference which was hosted by the Pokagon Band's Elder's Council. Chairwoman Richards delivered opening remarks and welcomed the attendees.

pokégnek bodéwadmik department of health services

Join us at the Commodities Kitchen by Social Services for a chef-taught cooking demonstration.

Cooking Matters

After the demonstration, each family will be sent home with a grocery bag filled with the items to make that same dish at home! Space is limited, and you must register. First come, first served.

Mondays from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. November 7 & 14

Register today by emailing Heather Hollenbeck at  Heather.Hollenbeck@ PokagonBand-nsn.gov or at (269) 462-4300.

Byé ndo gkéndason

Come Learn!

Virtual Advanced Potawatomi Language Class with Kyle Malott via Microsoft Teams

Mondays from 5:30-6:30 p.m. November 7, 14, and 21

register, email

Love Should Not Hurt 5K

On Saturday, October 15, members of the Pokagon community gathered at the Love Should Not Hurt 5K Run/Walk to raise awareness for domestic violence. The fall colors, sunshine, and the crisp, cool air made for a perfect day.

Gdenwémagnenanêk

Mdagwéwen | Harvest Day

On Saturday, October 1, families enjoyed Gdenwémagnenanêk Mdagwéwen | Harvest Day at Dowagiac Middle School.

Activities included caramel apple making, corn husk dolls, melty beads, suncatchers, shishibé, and more.

SMOKED

ADVERTISEMENT OF SALE

Contents of Storage Unit

The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians, through Chinodin, operates Chinodin Storage (“Storage Facility”), located at 57824 Potawatomi Trail, Dowagiac, MI 49047.

2. Chinodin and Brenda Singh (“Tenant”) entered into a Self Storage Rental Agreement (“Agreement”), under which Tenant rented Storage Unit #12 at the Storage Facility

3. In accordance with the Agreement, the Band has issued this Advertisement of Sale for the contents of Storage Unit #12 (“Contents”), which are described as follows:

Mattresses and Boxsprings Lamp

Monitor

TV

Dolls

appliances

’s winter boots

Stand/Table

Boxes

4. On Friday, November 18, 2022, at 1:00 p.m , the Contents will be sold at public auction to occur at the Storage Facility. Bidders are not allowed to enter Storage Unit #12 or to handle the Contents prior to bidding. The successful bidder must immediately pay the winning bid amount in full by cash and must remove all Contents within 24 hours.

If you have any questions regarding this Advertisement of Sale, please contact Megan Rick, Property Manager at (269) 462 4251

Elder's Benefit

Soon to be 55 years old? Please submit an Elder's Benefit Registration form for benefits to Elder's Hall. The form is available on the Pokagon Band website, search “Elders Services” on www.PokagonBand-nsn.gov.

Submit the completed documents by mail, fax, or email.

Mail: Pokagon Band of Potawatomi

Attn: Elder's Hall P.O. Box 180, Dowagiac, MI 49047

Fax: (269) 782-1696

Email: Social.Services@PokagonBand-nsn.gov

The Elde'r Specialist at Elder's Hall can answer questions, call (269) 782-0765 or (800) 859 2717.

The Social Services Department needs the following individuals to update their address and phone number for Elder's Benefit. Please contact the Enrollment Office at (269) 782-1763.

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Tribal Council November Calendar of Events

Stay connected. Check PokagonBand-nsn.gov for the latest information.

Join all meetings virtually via Microsoft Teams.

1 Gaming Authority, New Buffalo, 10 a.m.

7 Tribal Council Special Session, Administration, 10 a.m.

8 Gaming Authority, New Buffalo, 10 a.m.

12 Tribal Citizen Saturday Meeting, Community Center, 10 a.m.

14 Tribal Council Special Session, Administration, 10 a.m.

15 Gaming Authority, New Buffalo, 10 a.m.

21 Tribal Council Special Session, Administration, 10 a.m.

22 Gaming Authority, New Buffalo, 10 a.m.

28 Tribal Council Special Session, Administration, 10 a.m.

29 Gaming Authority, New Buffalo, 10 a.m.

Tribal Council December Calendar of Events

Stay connected. Check PokagonBand-nsn.gov for the latest information. Join all meetings virtually via Microsoft Teams.

5 Tribal Council Special Session, Administration, 10 a.m.

6 Gaming Authority, New Buffalo, 10 a.m.

10 Tribal Citizen Saturday Meeting, Community Center, 10 a.m.

12 Tribal Council Special Session, Administration, 10 a.m.

13 Gaming Authority, New Buffalo, 10 a.m.

Elder's Council November Calendar of Events

Stay connected. Check PokagonBand-nsn.gov for the latest information.

3 Business Meeting, Community Center

Call # TBA, ID TBA#, 10 a.m.

9 Meeting, Administration

Call # TBA, ID TBA#, 10 a.m.

23 Meeting, Administration

Call # TBA, ID TBA#, 10 a.m.

Per Capita News

The Enrollment Office needs the following individuals to update their addresses. Please contact the Enrollment Office at (269) 782-1763 or the Finance Department at (269) 462-4209.

Scott Brewer X

You can update your address on the PokagonBand-nsn.gov website under Citizens > Enrollment or phone (269) 782 -1763 for an address form by mail.

Per Capita Important Dates

DEADLINE TO RECEIVE CHANGES/UPDATES/ ADDITIONS CHECKS MAILED OUT ON

CHECK DATE DIRECT DEPOSITS IN ACCOUNTS

Monday, November 14 Tuesday, November 22 Wednesday, November 23 Thursday, December 15 Thursday, December 29 Friday, December 30

NAME MONTHLY PER CAP

Pokegnek Yathdanawa

Tribal Council Directory

(888) 376-9988 toll free or (269) 782-6323 office

CHAIRWOMAN

Rebecca Richards (269) 519-0150

Rebecca.Richards@PokagonBand-nsn.gov

VICE CHAIR

Gary Morseau, Sr (269) 519-6497

Gary.Morseau@PokagonBand-nsn.gov

TREASURER

Alex Wesaw (269) 462-1170

Alex.Wesaw@PokagonBand-nsn.gov

SECRETARY

Sam Morseau (269) 462-1830

Sam.Morseau@PokagonBand-nsn.gov

Elder's Council Directory

MEMBER AT LARGE Brandon Rapp (269) 519-0334

Brandon.Rapp@PokagonBand-nsn.gov

MEMBER AT LARGE

Mark Parrish (269) 479-6283

Mark.Parrish@PokagonBand-nsn.gov

MEMBER AT LARGE

Steve Winchester (269) 591-0119

Steve.Winchester@PokagonBand-nsn.gov

MEMBER AT LARGE

Mark Topash (269) 519-6200

Mark.Topash@PokagonBand-nsn.gov

Elder's Hall (800) 859-2717 toll free or (269) 782-0765 office

CHAIR

Judy Winchester (269) 462-1578

Judy.Winchester@PokagonBand-nsn.gov

VICE CHAIR

Patricia Williams (269) 845-6792

Patricia.Williams@PokagonBand-nsn.gov

Directory of Services

ADMINISTRATION

58620 Sink Road Dowagiac, Michigan 49047 (269) 782-8998 office (888) 281-1111 toll free

CENTER OF HISTORY & CULTURE 59291 Indian Lake Road (269) 462-4325

COMMODITIES (269) 782-3372 office (888) 281-1111 toll free (269) 782-7814 fax

COMMUNICATIONS

58620 Sink Road (269) 782-8998

COMPLIANCE

58620 Sink Road (269) 782-8998

CHI ISHOBAK

27043 Potawatomi Trail (269) 783-4157

EDUCATION

58620 Sink Road (269) 782-0887 office (888) 330-1234 toll free (269) 782-0985 fax

MEMBER AT LARGE

Rhonda L. Keene (269) 519-6503

Rhonda.Keene@PokagonBand-nsn.gov

MEMBER AT LARGE John Morseau

John.Morseau@PokagonBand-nsn.gov

ELDER'S REPRESENTATIVE

Barbara Ann Warren (269) 519-6058

Barbara.Warren@PokagonBand-nsn.gov

SECRETARY

Judy Augusta (269) 783-6304

Judy.Augusta@PokagonBand-nsn.gov

TREASURER

Tom Wilson (269) 462-1004

Tom.Wilson@PokagonBand-nsn.gov

ELDER'S PROGRAM

53237 Townhall Road (269) 782-0765 office (800) 859-2717 toll free (269) 782-1696 fax

ELECTIONS

58620 Sink Road (269) 782-9475 office (888) 782-9475 toll free

ENROLLMENT

58620 Sink Road (269) 782-1763 office (269) 782-1964 fax

ĖTHË BODWÉWADMIMWAT

58653 Sink Road (269) 783-3138

FACILITIES

57824 East Pokagon Trail (269) 783-0443 office (269) 783-0452 fax

FINANCE

58620 Sink Road (269) 782-8998 office (800) 517-0777 toll free (269) 782-1028 fax

HOUSING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

57824 East Pokagon Trail (269) 783-0443 office (269) 783-0452 fax

HUMAN RESOURCES

58620 Sink Road (269) 782-8998 office (269) 782-4253 fax

MEMBER AT LARGE

Cathy Ford (269) 783-9380

Cathy.Ford@PokagonBand-nsn.gov

SOCIAL SERVICES

58620 Sink Road (269) 782-8998 office (800) 517-0777 toll free (269) 782-4295 fax

SOUTH BEND AREA OFFICE

3733 Locust Street

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

58620 Sink Road (269) 782-8998 office (800) 517-0777 toll free (269) 782-6882 fax

MNO-BMADSEN

415 East Prairie Ronde Street (269) 783-4111

NATURAL RESOURCES

32142 Edwards Street (269) 782-9602 office (269) 782-1817 fax

POKAGON HEALTH SERVICES

58620 Sink Road (269) 782-4141 office (888) 440-1234 toll free

South Bend, Indiana 46614 (574) 282-2638 office (800) 737-9223 toll free (574) 282-2974 fax

TRIBAL COUNCIL

58620 Sink Road (269) 782-6323 office (888) 376-9988 toll free (269) 782-9625 fax

TRIBAL COURT

58620 Sink Road (269) 783-0505 office (269) 783-0519 fax

TRIBAL POLICE

58620 Sink Road (269) 782-2232 office (866) 399-0161 toll free (269) 782-7988 fax

ZAGBËGON

58620 Sink Road (269) 783-2469 office (269) 782-8680 fax

Dorothy L. Wesaw entered into life on March 31, 1951. She started her journey to the Creator's land October 6, 2022.

Dorothy is survived by her children; Elmer (EJ) Natseway and Natum Bevins (Wesaw). She is further survived by her siblings; Leroy T. Wesaw and Colin R. Wesaw , and her grandchildren Cody, Sara, Dakota and Preston. Dorothy also had the joy of 9 great-grandchildren and a large extended family of cousins and friends.

Dorothy was an advocate for social and cultural justice with more than just a desire to do good. She lived her life by doing good for others. Dorothy made wonderful relationships with deep connections wherever she went. Her genuine love for life and others naturally drew people to her.

The beautiful memories she created will forever be cherished.

The family extends a heartfelt thank you for all of the love and support received.

A bird flew by and landed in a tree, I listened as he sang his sad song to me.

He sang of better days and sang of different times.

Of an unsullied world untouched by men’s crimes. Litter and refuse now found in his nest, he told me though, natural things were best.

Bits of straw and pieces of grass, our Mother Earth did provide.

Pollution, waste and garbage now those natural things hide.

So I left the ruined woods to seek peace by a stream. Warmed by the sun’s ray, I started to dream. Then a fish floated by, belly up to the sun.

The last of Her kind from the great salmon run.

Plastic bags wrapped around her once strong tail fin, brought tears to my eyes to see her tragic end.

Then I woke with a start and sat up in my bed, I must do something soon, or these friends will be dead.

- Happy Jack

Honoring Our Veterans Parade

NOVEMBER 10 AT 11:00 A.M.

ZAGBËGON ACADEMY

Veterans and their families are asked to register to be a part of the Honoring Our Veterans Parade!

The parade will begin at Rodgers Lake Campground where Veterans will be given a gift from the  Zagbëgon students. Once all registered participants have arrived and are ready, the parade will commence. Veterans and their families will be directed to drive by Zagbëgon Academy and continue to Sink Road where the parade will end. Please register at: PokagonBand.formstack.com/ forms/honoringourveterans

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