February Hownikan Article
I want to share a few updates with our district as we move through winter and toward spring.
In mid-December, I learned that the Eiteljorg Museum would be hosting a quillwork exhibition, Gaawii Eta-Go-Aawizinoo Gaawiye Mkakoons (It’s Not Just a Quillbox), running through the end of March. I began exploring the idea of holding a District 1 meeting there on March 14th, as quillwork is an important part of our history, identity, and material culture.
Long before glass beads, Potawatomi and other Anishinaabe artists used dyed porcupine quills to decorate clothing, bags, boxes, and ceremonial items. Quillwork carried spiritual meaning, conveyed stories, and played a role in early trade.
Like many families, we’re in an active season of life, and my daughter’s volleyball schedule recently changed to include a tournament that same weekend. This is her final year playing, and I want to support her. Because of that, I won’t be able to host the March 14th meeting as originally hoped. I encourage anyone who has the opportunity to visit the Eiteljorg during the quillwork exhibit to do so, and I hope to host a District meeting there in the future.
Looking ahead, I’m planning to host our next District 1 meeting on May 16th. While details are coming together, my goal is to hold it somewhere in the western part of our District, likely in Missouri, Illinois, or Indiana. I’ll share more information in the March Hownikan. As always, please visit cpndistrict1.com/events for the most up-to-date information on upcoming gatherings.
I want to take a moment to address the recent news involving the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation and the Oneida Nation, whose external business entities were connected to ICE detention facility planning. These stories sparked strong reactions across Indian Country, and many District 1 citizens reached out to share concerns.
This is not about casting judgment on another Nation. Rather, it serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility to ensure tribal enterprises remain aligned with cultural values and community priorities.
Tribal governments do not exist to simply maximize revenue. Our purpose is to support our people, our culture, and our ability to live authentically as Potawatomi. Economic development matters, but it must be grounded in accountability, transparency, and cultural responsibility.
Many Nations, including Prairie Band, Pokagon, Gun Lake, Forest County, and others, use chartered investment arms or LLCs to separate business operations from politics. That structure itself isn’t the issue. When done well, it can be a healthy model. But it only works when guardrails are in place. Cultural alignment cannot be optional, and growth cannot come at the cost of who we are as a people.
What stood out to me was the Prairie Band leadership’s response. They acknowledged the issue, took accountability, and moved to course correct. That response highlights why engaged citizens matter. When people speak up and stay informed, leadership is better positioned to act in alignment with community values.
This moment also brings the focus back home. Our Nation is strongest when citizens stay engaged beyond election cycles by asking questions, reaching out to leaders, and using the resources our Tribe already provides to stay informed. Being an enrolled tribal citizen comes with both rights and responsibility, and participation is essential to protecting our sovereignty and ensuring our government reflects the people it serves.
As Potawatomi people, we carry the weight of removal, boarding schools, and broken treaties. How we move forward, informed and grounded in our values, is how we ensure our future reflects who we are.
I hope to see many of you on May 16th!
