Pokegne k Ya t h danawa l

Annual Veterans Memorial Golf Tournament a Huge Succcess

The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians is pleased to announce that it raised more than $35,000 for the to the Pokagon Potawatomi Veterans Society Military Emergency Relief Fund using proceeds from its 14th Annual Veterans Memorial Golf Tournament held on Friday, May 26, at Hampshire Country Club in Dowagiac.

The Pokagon Potawatomi Veterans Society Military Emergency Relief Fund supports Pokagon Citizen Veterans, who are both active duty and retired military. The tournament featured a four-person scramble format, food, drinks, and prizes awarded in several categories.

In all, there were 272 participants and 60 sponsors for the pre-tournament dinner and golf tournament. It was a great event from the food to the golf to the camaraderie.

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Chairwoman’s Corner Bozho,

Migwėtth for taking time to read the July issue of Pokégnêk Yajdanawa! I hope this finds you all in good spirits as we dive into the heart of summer. July brings us a host of exciting news and important reminders that I would like to share with you all.

First and foremost, I want to extend my warmest congratulations to all the recent graduates among us. Your hard work, dedication, and accomplishments deserve a heartfelt applause. May your future endeavors be filled with success and fulfillment. Our community is immensely proud of each one of you.

As we welcome the children back to Kë Gbéshmen, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to our incredible camp staff, counselors, and all the unsung heroes working behind the scenes. It is through their tireless efforts that we create a nurturing and enriching environment for our children year after year. I want to take a moment to remind everyone that Closure Orders are in effect during camp. Please visit our website’s events calendar for the Resolution outlining the details. The safety of our campers and staff remains our top priority. Migwėtth for making our camp experience truly unforgettable.

If you haven’t already, please mark your calendars, as our general elections are fast approaching. On Saturday, July 8, from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., please exercise your right to vote at the Community Center. Your participation is crucial in shaping the future of our Pokagon community. Remember that every voice counts, and your vote can make a difference.

Due to the elections, there will not be a Saturday Citizen’s meeting in July. You are encouraged to attend the election and be part of this important democratic process.

Our next blood drive is right around the corner. Please consider donating on Thursday, July 20 in the Multi-Purpose Room at PHS. Donating blood is a noble act that can save lives in our community and beyond. I urge you all to sign up and join us for this important event. You may register at Versiti Blood Center of Michigan – Donor Portal (donate.michigan.versiti.org/donor/ schedules/zip).

For our citizens in need, I want to highlight the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). If you require assistance in cooling your homes this summer, please reach out to Social Services for more information, or you can fill out the application on our website. Visit Payment Assistance Programs –Pokagon Band of Potawatomi (PokagonBand-nsn.gov).

In closing, let us take a moment to savor the joys of summer. Embrace the sunshine, spend time with loved ones, and make lasting memories. We have a vibrant and caring community, and I encourage you to enjoy all that this season has to offer. Wishing you all a wonderful and fulfilling month ahead.

Migwėtth,

Rebecca Richards Tribal Chairwoman

Skëbgyak Zhettkén (Do It Green) The Green Initiative is Back

Skëbgyak Zhettkén (Do It Green), also known as the Green Initiative, is all about staff and citizens embracing sustainability. “With a strong focus on reducing waste and promoting eco-friendly practices, this program is designed to create a positive impact on our environment while shaping a brighter future for our Tribe,” expressed Jennifer Kanine, Director of Kowabdanawa odë kė (PBKK). The Green Initiative is a comprehensive sustainability initiative aimed at significantly reducing waste generated by our government operations. By embracing sustainable practices, we strive to minimize our ecological footprint and lead by example, inspiring everyone within our Tribe to join us in these collective efforts.

For our citizens and staff, there are many ways you can actively participate:

• Stay informed. Keep an eye out for regular updates on our sustainability initiatives, achievements, and upcoming events related to Skëbgyak Zhettkén. We will be sharing informative articles, tips, and resources to help you make sustainable choices in your daily lives.

• Embrace Green Habits. Small actions can make a big difference! Start by incorporating eco-friendly practices into your routines at work and at home. Use the 4Rs: Rethink, reduce, reuse, and recycle, whenever possible. Conserve energy and make mindful choices to support a sustainable future.

• Share your ideas with PBKK. We value your input! If you have innovative ideas, suggestions, or success stories related to sustainability, we encourage you to share them with us. Together, we can foster a culture of environmental responsibility and positive change.

Some of the Skëbgyak Zhettkén activities currently underway at Kowabdanawa odë kė include the reinvigoration of: the use of reusable and biodegradable tableware, the composting program, household hazardous waste recycling, native habitat enhancement, and reduced plastics in the Rodgers Lake Campground. Describing a few of these efforts in more detail, for the composting program, the Environmental Specialist is going around weekly to collect food waste in each department to add to the new three bin composting systems on tribal campus. PBKK also recently reviewed mowed areas on tribal properties, the master plan for Rodgers Lake Campus, and began restoration efforts to native habitats in several locations. Restoration to native habitat reduces the amount of greenhouse gas emissions that are put into the atmosphere by repeated mowing and provides wildlife, including pollinators, with beneficial habitat as well as providing for better stormwater management in these areas.

Won’t you join us in making a difference? We firmly believe that by coming together and adopting sustainable practices, we can create a greener, healthier, and more resilient future for our Tribe and future generations. “Skëbgyak Zhettkén is a powerful opportunity for us all to make a positive impact,” noted Kanine. “We invite each one of you to be part of this important journey.”

If you have any questions, ideas, or suggestions, please reach out to Jennifer Kanine, at PokagonDNR@PokagonBand-nsn.gov. Together, let’s work toward sustainability and build a bright future for our Tribe.

Ki gkéndan né Did you know?

In 1755, war party leader Nanaquiba led the St. Joseph Potawatomi into battle with top British General Edward Braddock. Braddock was killed and 200 British horses were taken in that battle, thus introducing horses to the St. Joseph region. The next highest British General under Braddock was a young George Washington.

BCCC Highlight – The Election Board

Pokagon Band Tribal Council entrusts boards, councils, and commissions (BCCCs) with significant responsibilities to complete on behalf of the Pokagon community. Some BCCCs are required by the Constitution, such as the Salary Commission or the Tribal Judiciary Selection Committee. Others have been developed over time to fill a need within the community, such as the Representation Outreach Board or the Waseya Curriculum Board. There are currently 98 individuals who serve on 21 different BCCCs for Pokagon Band.

This month, the Office of Tribal Council is happy to highlight the Election Board! The Election Board is a BCCC that is mandated by the Constitution and is made up of five Pokagon citizens who each serve four-year terms. They are tasked with conducting fair, legal, and impartial tribal elections, certifying results, and processing petitions from citizens. More information on the Election Board can be found in the Constitution and within the Election Code, both of which can be found on the Band’s website under Government.

Marcia Glynn, Chairwoman for the Election Board, was first appointed in 2008 and is the longest serving member of the Board. She explained the Election Board works closely with the Band’s General Counsel regarding any legal matters and ensures the Constitution and Election Code are all being followed. “I have worked alongside many different citizens over the years and have enjoyed working with them and have respect for all of them.” When asked why she joined the Election Board, Marcia shared she “was not raised traditionally with respect to our culture. I do, however, want my children and my grandchildren to be involved in some way with the Tribe. I know that I must set the example. Serving on the Election Board allows me to do that.”

Nicole Holloway, Vice-Chair for the Election Board, adds the “Election Code has measures in place to create checks and balances in every step of the process to ensure the ethical integrity of the Board.” Nicole takes pride in coordinating Tribal Elections, and when asked of her favorite part in serving on the Board, Nicole answered, “I enjoy working with our Election Office team and fellow Board members. And one of the fun perks is to be the first Citizens to know who won the Elections on Election Days, as we see unofficial results before we post them for Citizens. “In addition to Marcia Glynn and Nicole Holloway, the other Election Board members include Brittany Morsaw, Eric Shaer, and Carlee Maddox with Missy Rininger serving as an alternate member when needed. Currently the Election Board is hard at work preparing for the next General Election scheduled for Saturday, July 8, 2023, in the Pokagon Band Community Center in Dowagiac, Mich. A list of certified candidates, the candidate statements, an event calendar, and the absentee ballot request form can all be found on the tribe’s website under Citizen Portal

Marcellus Mural Gets Updated

No Need for Fad Diets, Create Healthy Eating Patterns

The updating of this mural is the result of collaboration between the Representation Outreach Board, two local artists, Pokagon Art Committee, Kyle Malott, Advance Language Specialist, and the property owners. The former image was a depiction of a Potawatomi man standing over a white child sleeping on a rock. The family lore story portion involving the Potawatomi was deemed to be fictional as many elements were not consistent with our historical accounts.

It is a great story of reconciliation and education.

Choosing a balanced meal, versus exclusively low-sugar or low-fat, you will find that your diet is more fulfilling and satisfying. A balanced meal consists of a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, seafood, lean meat, and nuts. Eat less processed meats, refined grains, desserts, and sugary beverages.

Here’s a good way to keep satisfied with a balanced meal:

• ½ plate nonstarchy vegetables. Nonstarchy veggies help you feel full because they have lots of fiber and water. Some examples: broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, green beans, peppers, salad, tomatoes, zucchini.

• ¼ plate carb foods. Put carb foods on just this section of your plate. You’ll eat less of them, helping to manage weight and blood sugar! What counts in this section? Whole grains, starchy vegetables, fruit, milk and yogurt, or beans.

• ¼ plate protein foods. Some examples: beef, chicken, eggs, fish, turkey, pork, eggs, tofu. For cooking, and to add flavor and texture, include dietary fat: olive and other plant-based oils, avocado, nuts, nut butters, and seeds. Fat in food brings out other flavors and makes our mouth happy. It also takes longer to digest, so it adds to the sense of satisfaction.