Pokegne k Ya t h danawa
Citizens Reflect on Sovereignty Day
What does Sovereignty Day mean to you?
It is a day to reflect on the history of the Pokagon Band in my lifetime 1955 up to present day. The struggles that hampered our spirituality and traditional ways of knowing as compared to today. It's a time to reflect and be proud of my ancestors for enduring the cruel and harsh treatment they endured while trying to remain Native.
How has sovereignty impacted your life?
Personally, sovereignty has brought an understanding that our people were treated unfairly and unjust, but they endured. I can remember the days of "mingdum" and how the US government was going to repay our people for
the many treaties that were never fulfilled by the US government. My uncle was the genealogist for the tribe back when I was younger, and I experienced first-hand the difficulties our people had to go through to become sovereign.
What are some of the challenges that come with sovereignty?
The fact that most Americans do not know of the horrible atrocities the native Americans had to go through based on a bunch of untruths. One of the biggest challenges that may seem odd is the fact that I am often judged by other Pokagon Band members for who I am today.
What are some of the benefits of sovereignty?
The possibility to lay a foundation for our tribal heritage and our ancestor's way of life for upcoming generations.
What does Sovereignty Day mean for future generations of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians?
I would hope that it means a day that our nation regained the dignity that was once felt by our forefathers and the understanding of who we really are.
Please turn to page 4
Donald SumnersChairwoman’s Corner
Bozho and migwėtth for taking the time to read the September issue of Pokégnêk Yajdanawa. I would be remiss not to start this month’s Corner by reflecting on the significance of Sovereignty Day. September 21, 1994, was the day of our tribe’s federal recognition as a sovereign nation. Since then, we have been empowered to make decisions that impact our citizens’ lives, culture, and future for seven generations. It is up to us to preserve and celebrate our tribal traditions, values, and self-governance not only on Sovereignty Day, but in all the days that follow.
If you’ll remember, Tribal Council moved to host Sovereignty Day celebrations every five years, marking our milestones. That means that next year, the 30th Anniversary of our sovereignty, there will be a wonderful celebration. We are already in planning stages and Communications will provide details closer to the event.
I wanted to share with you that a historical event took place at the 2023 Gathering this year. Tribal Council Members of the 12 Potawatomi Nations’ located across North America instituted the first-ever Bodéwadmi Confederation. A consensus was reached at the Tribal Council Summit during the 2023 Potawatomi Gathering, hosted by the Nottawaseppi Huron
Band of the Potawatomi (NHBP), with seven Tribal Councils voting in favor of the resolution and the other five Councils unable to vote at the meeting. You can read the full press release on page 3 in the newsletter.
Ktthé migwétth to the Kee Boon Mein Kaa pow wow committee for their hard work and extensive planning went into this year's pow wow. Migwétth to all the volunteers who offered to lend a helping hand so that our visitors’ experience would be memorable.
Our next blood drive is Thursday, September 14, at the PHS Multi Purpose Room. The need for blood is critically high right now. Donation appointments are available between 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. You may sign up to donate here: Versiti Blood Center of Michigan - Donor Portal.
Finally, I want to make sure you’re aware that the list of eligible items for the Fixture, Appliance, Down Payment, and Rehabilitation Program (FADPR) has expanded! Please check out the website at Fixture, Appliance, Down Payment, and Rehabilitation Program – Pokagon Band of Potawatomi (PokagonBand-nsn. gov) or scan the QR code for a complete list of eligible items.
Remember, this is a maximum benefit of up to $7,500 per citizen household. Applications for this program end in 2024, so don’t delay, get your application in today. You’ll also be receiving a postcard in the mail reminding you of this beneficial program.
Mark your calendars for some great events happening in September:
• Friday, September 8, Pidro Card Night, 7 – 10 p.m., Center of History & Culture
• Saturday, September 9, Citizens Meeting, 10 a.m., Community Center
• Saturday, September 9, Youth Council Meeting, 12 p.m., Community Center
• Thursday, September 14, Blood Drive, 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., PHS Multi Purpose Room
• Wednesday, September 27, Neshnabé Mbokén, 5 p.m., Community Center
14 10AM - 2PM Public Welcome
POKAGON CENTER OF HISTORY AND CULTURE. POKAGON TRIBAL ART COMMITTEE PRESENTS:
TRIBAL ARTISTS TRIBAL ARTISTS
• Saturday, September 30, Bike & BBQ the Kal-Haven Trail, email PHS.Wellness@PokagonBand-nsn.gov
• Saturday, September 30, Love Should Not Hurt 5k Run/Walk, 9 a.m., Rodgers Lake Pavilion
• Saturday, September 30, Elders Council Meet the Candidates Forum, 10 a.m., Community Center
A complete listing of our September events can be found on our website at Events for September 2023 - Pokagon Band of Potawatomi (PokagonBand-nsn.gov) or scan the QR code. Migwėtth,
INDIGENOUS FOOD VENDORS INDIGENOUS FOOD VENDORS
LOCATION: HOWARD PARK 201 S. ST LOUIS BLVD SOUTH BEND IN 46617
Dancing (12pm-1pm) Dancing (12pm-1pm) 2 0 2 3
Rebecca Richards Tribal Chairwoman
First Potawatomi (Bodéwadmi) Confederation Established Among the 12 Potawatomi Nations
Tribal Council Members of the 12 Potawatomi Nations’ located across North America have instituted the first-ever Bodéwadmi Confederation on July 27, 2023.
A consensus was reached at the Tribal Council Summit during the 2023 Potawatomi Gathering, hosted by the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi (NHBP), with seven Tribal Councils voting in favor of the resolution and the other five Councils unable to vote at the meeting. The Bodéwadmi Articles of Confederation will be ratified at a later date.
“This marks a historical moment,” said NHBP Tribal Council Chairperson Jamie Stuck. “First-of-its-kind for the Potawatomi Nations, this Confederation will enable our Nations to have a stronger and much larger voice, with all of us collaborating to achieve the common goals not only for our People today but also for the next Seven Generations.”
Match-E-Bash-She-Nash-E-Wish Tribal Councilmember Ben Brenner agreed with the spirit of the document and its goals: “This document and the new confederacy symbolize our commitment to the preservation and knowledge of our Culture, Language and ways.”
Article I of the newly formed Bodéwadmi Confederacy states, “the Confederation seeks to promote unity, cooperation, and mutual support among Nations, and to advance the interest and well-being of its citizens and Indigenous peoples.”
The new Confederacy is intended to represent 12 Potawatomi Nations and Tribes whose extensive geological footprints cover parts of Northern Canada, the American Midwest, and as far south as Oklahoma and Texas.
Come Learn!
with Kevin Daugherty
Tuesdays 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at Elder’s Hall 53237 Townhall Road
Dowagiac, MI 49047
The Bodéwadmi Confederacy is designed to include the following Tribes:
• Anishanabeg of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation
• Beausoleil First Nation
• Chippewas of Nawash First Nation
• Citizen Band Potawatomi Nation
• Forest County Potawatomi
• Hannahville Indian Community
• Pokagon Band of Potawatomi
• Prairie Band Potawatomi Indian Nation
• Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish (Gun Lake Pottawatomi)
• Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi
• Walpole Island First Nation
• Wasauksing First Nation
While the Tribal Councils must still ratify the Bodéwadmi Articles of Confederation, the Preamble states: “We, the Bodéwadmi Confederation of Tribal Nations, represent a diverse network of Potawatomi tribal nations and desire to work collectively toward furthering principles and policies that promote Tribal Sovereignty.”
Please call the
at (269)
Citizens Reflect on Sovereignty Day, continued from page one
Rick BallewRick Ballew said that Sovereignty Day means hope for future generations of Pokagon Band.
How has sovereignty impacted your life?
It has made me more aware of how we should treat people and to continue to teach my children and grandchildren to love who we are and show others that we still care even though historical Trauma is still with us. Keep love going no matter what hate may be brought to your surroundings.
Kristi Campbell-Meiser
What does Sovereignty Day mean to you?
Sovereignty Day to me means a promise that culture and traditions will live on. It means my tribe has the ability to govern itself and make decisions for our people based upon our traditional values and in a way that lets us ensure the wellbeing of all our citizens. It's a promise of a past, a present, and a future for not only myself, but our tribe as a whole.
How has sovereignty impacted your life? I would not have nearly what I do in life and neither would my children without sovereignty. Without sovereignty I would either not have a college education, or mountains of debt to go along with it. Without sovereignty there would have been times I ended up homeless because I couldn't qualify for housing without the per capita income. Without sovereignty my children wouldn't have the opportunities for extra curriculars or school activities and trips the way they do. I cannot express enough how much sovereignty has and continues to impact my life and how grateful I am for it.
What are some of the challenges that come with sovereignty?
Some of the challenges that come with sovereignty is getting those who are not indigenous to understand what sovereignty means.
What are some of the benefits of sovereignty?
Sovereignty doesn't just benefit myself and my children, it also benefits our community. I wouldn't be able to afford to do my work as an Anti-Human trafficking advocate if it wasn't for per capita payments or other programs our tribe is able to provide its citizens because of sovereignty. I am able to teach my children our traditional beliefs and practices and they are able to experience something I never had growing up because of sovereignty. They are able to be part of a much larger community and never feel alone because they know their tribe is behind them supporting them.
What does Sovereignty Day mean for future generations of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians?
Sovereignty day for future generations of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians means just that, we are able to have future generations because of our sovereignty!
Patricia Kublick
What does Sovereignty Day mean to you?
A day my ancestors were heard. This day is special to many because we are a tribe, not savages. I remember that day even though I was not at the white house. We had a fire and talked about how hard it was for my grandfather and grandmother, aunties and uncles. My father and his brothers were no longer at the boarding school and back with their parents. I feel blessed and thankful for all they went through for us all..
What are some of the challenges that come with sovereignty?
Hearing people say, “damn Indians get everything, or they got the job because they are tribal.” Reminding myself and other tribal citizens how hard our ancestors worked for us to be a sovereign nation. Keeping others positive and remind all how blessed we are.
What are some of the benefits of sovereignty?
Having our own laws. Governing ourselves. Having that special day as our own. Building beautiful casinos that we get to enjoy. Going hunting and no one is close to me because I am on my own land.
What does Sovereignty Day mean for future generations of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians?
What we teach them. Reminding them of the struggle our ancestors went through. Reminding them of what they have and what they have to maintain to keep us on the top of our tribal laws. We need to teach.
John LowWhat does Sovereignty Day mean to you?
Tribal sovereignty is an affirmation of our inherent authority to govern ourselves as the Pokagon Potawatomi Nation and peoples, within the borders of the United States. It is about self-determination. It confers to each one of us citizenship to the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi. Sovereignty means connection and community, the opportunity for political and economic development and cultural preservation and promotion. But with opportunity comes responsibility, and we must not only have the rights of citizenship but also the responsibility to love, care, and respect all fellow tribal members and families, as well as the world and all its beings around us.
How has sovereignty impacted your life?
My heroes are the ancestors who suffered and endured so that we might once again flower and thrive as a united people. My heroes are those tribal members who worked for 60 years to have the federal government recognition of our sovereignty restored to us. My heroes are those that each and every day in their own ways work together for the success of the Pokagon Potawatomi Nation. We are now reconnecting with each other and taking care of each other. The old traditions and language are here again. I have had the opportunity to watch our nation arise and take flight.
What are some of the challenges that come with sovereignty?
With great opportunities comes great challenges. Our tribal government must be honest, transparent, and honorable so that we can have trust and pride in our leaders. We must never be afraid of doing too much for our members. We need to be decisive in the decisions we make to promote the well-being of the people. We must avoid cliques, accumulation of individual power, or feelings of superiority. We are Pokagon Potawatomi - Neshnabé. Human Beings. We are all equal. That is our birthright. I am proud of my citizenship. We need to love and respect each other. We need to support great government. We need to support our diversity within our Nation - there is no one way to be Potawatomi. I am proud to say you are all my relatives.
What are some of the benefits of sovereignty?
We have the opportunity preserve and promote who we are as Pokagon people. Our Nation is undergoing a restoration, revitalization, and renaissance. We are able to protect and preserve so many things for the next seven generation. Examples include:
• History
• Culture
• Language
• Community
• Identity
• Legacy
• Pride
• Memories
• Traditions
• Stories
• Values
• Beliefs
• Wisdom
I say migwėtth to each and every one of you who through your actions makes this Nation stronger every day.
What does Sovereignty Day mean for future generations of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians?
The opportunity to fulfill the aspirations of the Pokagon Promise: "A commitment and a program to provide every Pokagon Band member with the information, services, and opportunities needed to advance the traditions, culture, and Potawatomi language for generations to come." We need to aspire to great things. We must not fear being too successful. We have a
pokégnek bodéwadmik department of social services
Cookies & Canvas Class
Friday, October 20 5:30 - 9:00 p.m.
Pokagon Band Community Center
Join the Victim Services program for a painting class taught by Angie Rice. Open to adults, as well as children who are old enough to follow simple painting directions. Fry bread and Indian Tacos will be provided for dinner. Please bring cookies to share.
responsibility to the next seven generations to do all we can to make our great Nation secure, economically, politically, culturally and spiritually secure. We should always be improving. There is always more work to do!
Deborah ChildsIf you have any questions, or would like to RSVP, contact Casey Kasper-Welles at Casey.Kasper-Welles@ PokagonBand-nsn.gov.
What does Sovereignty Day mean to you?
It’s the day when we became the overseers or the authority in the decisions making process. We elect our people to be our representatives for those decisions that we vote on as a tribe.
How has sovereignty impacted your life?
It has given me the means to teach and or follow my ancestors and be a part of that or not to.
Please turn to page 11
part
and part examination of community, justice, and the importance of people coming together in hard times. This novel deals with many sensitive topics, including violence, death, incarceration, and our collective anxiety over the Covid-19 pandemic, so the discussion is open to adults only.
Participation is open to Tribal Citizens and Spouses/ Parents only. A limited number of books will be made available. If you received a copy of a previous book but weren’t able to make it to the session, we will not be able to provide you with a copy of the book for this session. To receive a book please register by Monday, August 7.
All Smiles at a Healthy Step with Education
On Saturday, August 12, citizens, team members, and their families enjoyed a morning of health education, fun activities, screenings and more. Migwėtth to Community Outreach and Education for organizing this great event.
All Mud at the Minor Mudder
Soon after the Healthy Step with Education event ended, children braved the rain to participate in the Minor Mudder which took them through an obstacle course filled with mud! Great job to the kids who participated and their parents who got drenched!
Cedar-Braised Beans (Yields 2 ½ to 3 cups)
Ingredients
1 cup dried beans (any kind)
3 cups cold water
One 5- to 6-inch branch of cedar
Salt and freshly ground juniper and leek powder to taste
Instructions
1. Wash your hands before preparing food.
2. Sort the beans and remove broken beans and clumps of dirt or stones. Put the beans in a large pot or bowl and cover with 3 inches of water. Allow the beans to soak for at least 6 hours or overnight.
3. Drain the beans and transfer them to a medium saucepan or soup pot. Add 3 cups of cold water to the pot and lay the cedar over the beans.
4. Set the pot over high heat and bring it to a boil.
5. Cover the pot, reduce heat and let simmer until the beans are very soft. Begin tasting the beans after 25 minutes of simmering. Remove and discard the cedar.
6. Drain and reserve the cooking liquid for soups and stews. Season to taste with salt, ground juniper and leek powder.
7. Serve the beans or store in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze.
Notes & Ideas
• For Maple Beans: Stir 1 to 2 Tablespoons of maple syrup or maple sugar into the pot before removing the beans from the stove.
• For Mashed Beans: Add the beans and a little of the cooking liquid into a large bowl. Use either an immersion blender, a food processor fitted with a steel blade, a blender, or a potato masher, to purée the beans to make a thick paste. Season the mashed beans with salt, leek powder and ground juniper. If you do not have juniper, use some ground rosemary and black pepper instead.
• “Just a small branch of cedar adds flavor to these beans and helps to stimulate digestion and strengthen the immune system. We make up a big batch of these beans each week, then work them into a variety of dishes—appetizers, soups, and entrées. The first step is to soak the beans before cooking; it cuts the time in half. (This recipe is easily doubled or tripled.)
• “We like to use a mix of heirloom beans for a variety of colors, textures, and flavors. Because of the varied cooking times, we cook them separately and then combine them in a soup, hot dish, or salad before finishing the dish. Be sure to save the bean cooking water for a stock to use in soups and stews.” —Sean Sherman with Beth Dooley in their 2018 Beard Award–winning cookbook, The Sioux Chef’s Indigenous Kitchen.
Tomato Corn Soup
Ingredients
2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
1 celery rib, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
1/4 cup chopped green pepper
2 - 15.5 oz. cans diced tomatoes
1 - 12.5 oz. canned chicken, chopped into ½ inch pieces
2 - 15.5 oz cans whole kernel corn or cream style corn
¼ to ½ teaspoon salt
Dash of black pepper
1 teaspoon cumin (optional, but gives soup a Southwestern flavor)
1 Tablespoon dried parsley or 2 Tablespoons fresh parsley, minced
1 green onion, finely chopped (optional, but tasty)
Instructions
1. Wash your hands before preparing food.
2. Add vegetable oil to a large saucepan or kettle, sauté the celery, onion and green pepper until tender.
3. Stir in tomatoes, chicken and corn. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Add additional water if needed.
4. Add salt, black pepper, cumin and parsley (if using). Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 5 additional minutes. Garnish with green onion and serve.
Notes & Ideas
• This soup is good with the chicken or without it.
• Smoked fish is really good added to this soup at the end of cooking and before serving.
• One 15.5 oz. can of black, light red kidney or pinto beans could be added to this soup. Drain and rinse before adding.
Take the Communication Survey
Keeping you informed of Pokagon Band events and news is what we do! Tell us how we’re doing by taking a short 6-question survey! We appreciate your feedback.
Ki gkéndan né Did you know?
The Indian Reorganization Act (IRA) of June 18, 1934, or the Wheeler-Howard Act, was U.S. federal legislation that dealt with the status of American Indians in the United States.
It was this Wheeler-Howard Indian reorganization act that initially terminated our federal tribal recognition due to not having a viable Land Base. It took 60 years for us to be reaffirmed. We successfully regained our federal recognition on September 21, 1994. This is why the Pokagon Band celebrates “Sovereignty Day” on this date.
Pokagon Band Tribal Police Go Social
Did you hear the news? The Pokagon Band Tribal Police Department has their own Facebook Page! Check out their page by searching Pokagon Band Tribal Police on Facebook.
According to Chief RedLegs, the Facebook page is a great tool to help the Tribal Police Department share stories, communicate helpful information, and engage in our community.
Be sure to like and follow their page so you can stay in the loop of what’s happening in and around our community.
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.
Elders Services on the Website
Have you visited the Elders Services page on the website? Right now, on that page, you’re able to download the following documents:
• Elder’s Emergency Assistance Program
• Lawn Mowing Application
• Snow Removal Application
• Medical Reimbursement Application
• Yard Care Reimbursement Application
Be sure to visit Elders Services – Pokagon Band of Potawatomi (PokagonBand-nsn.gov) or scan this QR code with your smartphone and you’ll be taken to the page.
If you’re a teen, or you know a teen between 14-17 years old who is looking to make connections with kids of the same age, consider joining this group. Much of the group time is spent immersed in Coyote and Crow. Coyote and Crow is a role playing game (RPG) that takes place in a future science fiction setting where the Americas were never colonized by Europeans, and the societies being explored are all extrapolated from Indigenous cultures.
Behavioral Health
Pride at the Tribe!
On the last Thursday of every month from 5 – 6:30 p.m., LGBTQIA2s+ kids between 13 – 17 years old are encouraged to join their peers at Behavioral Health for some social and support time.
While kids gather in their own group led by a behavioral health counselor, parents and caretakers have the opportunity to participate in a separate counselor led parents group to ask questions and seek support if they choose.
Often times, for parents or caregivers of LGBTQIA2s+ kids, understanding the process of how to best love and support their child can be overwhelming without the right community and tools. The behavioral health specialists are there to offer support.
If you would like more information or are interested in the Teen Skills Group, please call the Behavioral Health department at (269) 783-2476 or email Stacy Young at Stacy.Young@PokagonBand-nsn.gov.
If you would like more information about Pride at the Tribe please call Behavioral Health department at (269) 783-2476 or email Stacy Young at Stacy.Young@PokagonBand-nsn.gov.
“The kids love it,” expressed Stacy Young,
Counselor and group facilitator. “Kids create their own characters and make choices and decisions that may or may not work. RPGs provide a safe place for kids to explore, succeed, and sometimes fail. The game provides a foundation for some great peer-to-peer conversations.”
The dogdays of summer are almost behind us but there’s still time to fetch a few fitness fundamentals. The simplest one is taking a walk. Walking has more health benefits than any other beginner’s exercise and can be done by almost anyone at any age. It strengthens your muscles, bones, and connective tissues while reducing body fat, increasing endurance, and improving cardiovascular health. Plan a daily walk and check out some more amazing health benefits of walking at Healthline, Harvard Health, or the Mayo Clinic.
Ready for more than a walk? Join us for one of our upcoming Fall run/walk events or our Bike and BBQ on the Kal-Haven trail on September 30.
We had great participation in the Elders Summer Olympics and have begun planning for the Elders Winter Olympics. We hope you can join us February 7, 2024, for the first ever Native American Elders Winter Olympics! There will be games and competitions both indoors and outdoors, including snowball corn hole, ‘bob’ sledding, snow snake, lacrosse shot, floor hockey, curling, virtual events, and cross-country skiing.
Our youth events just finished for the 2023 season. Check out the amazing pictures! This year we hosted a six-week soccer clinic led by local high school coaches, a mental toughness basketball clinic facilitated by a professional all-star, a volleyball clinic led by a four-time champion, and our annual Minor Mudder featuring mud, water, obstacles, and a 100’ slip-n-slide over the 1.5-mile fitness trail. If your youth missed out on these opportunities, there are more great things happening soon.
We will have our family bike and bbq ride later this month, will be continuing our ski lessons in January and February, hosting a sledding day in January, and encouraging our youth to try ice skating. We also have cross country skis and snowshoes available for winter use on the Wellness Center fitness trail. Contact the Wellness Center for more details or to sign your child(ren) up for these fitness-focused events.
We look forward to seeing you soon. Let us know how we can help your family become more fit and active. If you are unable to make it to the Wellness Center but would like more details about any of our programs, please email: PHS.Wellness@PokagonBand-nsn.gov
More opportunities to be active:
Air Force Marathon – September 16
• Help us support this military branch by participating in their annual marathon
• Run a half marathon, full marathon, or the three-person relay marathon Bike and BBQ – September 30
• Join us as we bicycle a portion of the Kal-Haven trail
• BBQ and a picnic after completion of the ride
• All ages and abilities welcome
Citizens Reflect on Sovereignty Day, continued from page five
What are some of the challenges that come with sovereignty?
Elected representatives and the U.S. government.
What are some of the benefits of sovereignty?
To a certain extent we can choose to follow our beliefs and teachings.
What does Sovereignty Day mean for future generations of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians?
That we need to be teaching our beliefs and encourage them to share those teachings to keep our tribe strong and united.
Melissa CraigWhat does Sovereignty Day mean to you?
It means connection and family.
How has sovereignty impacted your life?
l have learned a lot about our Tribe’s history, especially on Sovereignty Day 2019, when we had speakers that I enjoyed.
What are some of the challenges that come with sovereignty?
Lots of walking
What are some of the benefits of sovereignty?
Gathering together, seeing faces, and feasting together.
What does Sovereignty Day mean for future generations of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians?
I hope that it serves as a connection to our past and the grandfather's teachings.
In Memoriam
Roger Williams (Kookoosh-Gchi Noodin)
8-6-1940 to 7-24-2023
Last year, Roger had this to say about Sovereignty Day
What does Sovereignty Day mean to you?
Although we (Pokagon Potawatomi {Bodewadmi} Indian Tribe), have not been given the freedom associated with the many Treaties entered into by the United States Governement, we have a limited “Sovereign” Nation status which we have enjoyed since the federal government passed the September 21, 1994, that federally recognized status of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi was reaffirmed by an act of Congress. We are a tribe of people agreed to citizenship as a result of proven descendance. We are fully assimilated into the European culture and have married into the majority culture and practice many of its religions and ceremonies and as a result many of our citizens are very light skinned with only a sliver of percentage of Anishnabek to identify ourselves. Many historic incidences of trauma, genocide and outright racism (even among ourselves) has resulted in the loss of and going to sleep of our ancient ceremonies. My hope was and is that sovereignty will allow and be advocated for the return of the ancient
practices that identified who we are on this sacred land we live on and that our people would gravitate over time and, with the freedom given us, to recapture these necessary ways of appreciating the gifts of the Creator and expressing that gratitude in the ways we were taught according to “the original instructions”. Ahau. Kookoosh
What does Sovereignty Day mean for future generations of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians?
Celebration Day for September 21, 1994, the date of reaffirmation by the United States Government as the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi. Our Pokagon Nation should continually educate it's families with focus on the youth of the nature of this recognition and what it means for their ability to survive as Anishnabek peoples, to include such things as identity, land, economic means, survival planning, etc. Saturday, Sept.
SEPTEMBER EVENTS
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 3
• Kee Boon Mein Kaa
Pow Wow
10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Rodgers Lake Campground
MONDAY SEPTEMBER 4
• Pokagon Government Offices Closed in Observance of Labor Day
TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 5
• Zagbëgon – First Day for Students
MONDAY SEPTEMBER 11
• Tribal Council Meeting
10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Microsoft TEAMS
• Wellbriety
4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
PHS Multi-Purpose Room
• Yoga
5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Family Activity Center
TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 12
• Bodwéwadmimwen
Potawatomi Language
Class with Kevin
MZHÉWÉ GIZES
ELK MOON
After Nmégwzé Gizes (Lake Trout Moon), the St. Joseph Potawatomi would move our villages back inland near the St. Joseph River. There in September, we would start the hunt for mzhéwé (elk), thus the name Mzhéwé Gizes (Elk Moon).
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 1
• Women's Water Walk
7:00 a.m.
Gage St. Property
• Elders Council Election –Deadline to file Candidate Declarations
4:30 p.m.
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 2
• Kee Boon Mein Kaa
Pow Wow
10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Rodgers Lake Campground
• 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament
8:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Family Activity Center
• Bodwéwadmimwen Potawatomi Language Class with Kevin
Daugherty
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Elder's Hall
• Summer Craft Nights with How's it Growing?
5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Center of History & Culture
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 6
• Elder's Council Meeting
10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Microsoft TEAMS
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 7
• Elder's Council Business Meeting
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Community Center
• Yoga
1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
PHS Multi-Purpose Room
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 8
• Pidro Card Night
7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Center of History & Culture
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 9
• Citizen's Meeting
10:00 a.m.
Community Center
• Youth Council Meeting
12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Community Center
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Daugherty
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Elder's Hall
• Nithë ezh mathigék
How’s it Growing?
5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Center of History & Culture
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 14
• Blood Drive
9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
PHS Multi-Purpose Room
• Yoga
1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
PHS Multi-Purpose Room
MONDAY SEPTEMBER 18
• Tribal Council Meeting
10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Microsoft TEAMS
• Wellbriety
4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
PHS Multi-Purpose Room
• Yoga
5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Family Activity Center
TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 19
• Bodwéwadmimwen
Potawatomi Language
Class with Kevin
Daugherty
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Elder's Hall
• Nithë ezh mathigék
How’s it Growing?
5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Center of History & Culture
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 20
• Cops & Donuts
10:00 a.m. Hartford United Methodist Church
• Elder's Council Meeting
10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Microsoft TEAMS
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 21
• Pokagon Government Offices Closed in Observance of Sovereignty Day
MONDAY SEPTEMBER 25
• Tribal Council Meeting
10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Microsoft TEAMS
• Wellbriety
4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
PHS Multi-Purpose Room
• Yoga
5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Family Activity Center
TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 26
• Bodwéwadmimwen Potawatomi Language Class with Kevin Daugherty
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Elder's Hall
• Nithë ezh mathigék
How’s it Growing?
5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Center of History & Culture
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 27
• Neshnabé Mbokén
5:00 p.m.
Community Center
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 28
• Yoga
1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
PHS Multi-Purpose Room
• Pride at the Tribe
5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. PHS
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 30
• Bike & BBQ the Kal-Haven Trail
8:00 a.m.
Kal-Haven Trail
• Love Should Not Hurt
5k Run/Walk
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Rodgers Lake Pavillion
• Meet the Candidates Forum
Elders Council
10 a.m.
Community Center
Have you heard about the HLC Wellness App? The HLC Wellness App combines easy-to-use tracking, health planning tools, education and resources, health assessments, and more to support real, long-term health and wellness. Whether you’re at home, or on the go, you can utilize the health and wellness dashboard to monitor and reach your wellness goals.
According to Priscilla Gatties, Director of Pokagon Health Services, when the Healthy Lifestyle Campaign (HLC) launched, the committee always envisioned that there would be a dedicated Wellness Portal that would help to bring participants together to encourage each other to meet their wellness goals. “When the Campaign was resurrected post-COVID, a committee was put together to start to look at ways that we could bring the HLC Campaign to our citizens, patients and employees, regardless of where they reside. Using an online portal seemed to be an ideal way to make this happen,” Gatties explained.
Gatties said that the HLC Planning Group, led by Heather Hollenbeck, Health & Wellness Advocate, began to look at different applications to assess what was available. “We chose to work with TribalFitt because of the versatility and customizability of their application, as well as their track record of working with other Tribal Nations” Gatties said. “Along with meeting our budget requirements,
