Legislative Session - 07/25/2025
A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE RESCHEDULING OF THE QUARTERLY MEETING OF THE LEGISLATURE FROM THURSDAY, AUGUST 28, 2025, TO THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2025
Vote: Konëgé
Purpose:
Meetings of the Legislature, especially the meeting at the end of August, is often re-scheduled toward the end of September to provide for ample time to prepare for the annual budget review.
Reason:
This resolution is a procedural vote to formally approve rescheduling the August meeting to September. In our Constitution it states, “the regular meetings of the Legislature shall be held the last Thursday in February, May, August and November unless otherwise provided by resolution”. I voted Konëgé because there was no substantive reason to oppose the change. However, I have raised a concern before as a tribal citizen—that these votes should occur prior to the new meeting date. Voting after the fact, when the original date has already passed, undermines the purpose of the resolution; if the Legislature were to reject it, there would be no way to undo what has already occurred.
I believe citizens should know in advance when their Legislature will meet, with agendas posted publicly ahead of time. This ensures transparency, accountability, and meaningful opportunity for citizen participation.
A RESOLUTION APPOINTING DELEGATES AND ALTERNATE DELEGATES TO THE NATIONAL CONGRESS OF AMERICAN INDIANS (NCAI) ANNUAL SESSION AND AUTHORIZING PAYMENT OF NCAI MEMBERSHIP DUES FOR FY 2026
Vote: Konëgé
Purpose:
The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), established in 1944, is the oldest and largest national organization serving the broad interests of tribal governments and communities. Each member tribe designates delegates to represent them in NCAI’s governance, policy discussions, and advocacy on behalf of tribal sovereignty.
This resolution formally designates Chairman John A. Barrett and Vice-Chairman Linda Capps as the Citizen Potawatomi Nation’s official delegates, and District 8 Legislator, Dave Carney, as the alternate delegate, to the National Congress of American Indians. This resolution also authorizes an appropriation of $6,580 from the General Account for annual dues.
Reason:
I voted Konëgé because this resolution fulfills a procedural requirement for ensuring that CPN has official representation at NCAI. Delegates and alternate delegates allow our Nation to participate in national discussions, advocate for our sovereignty, and stay connected with other tribal governments. We do not live in isolation - it is imperative we work collectively with other tribal nations in defense of our sovereignty.
A RESOLUTION APPROVING MEMBERSHIP INTO THE UNITED INDIAN NATIONS OF OKLAHOMA FOR THE CITIZEN POTAWATOMI NATION AND AUTHORIZING PAYMENT OF MEMBERSHIP DUES FOR FY 2026
Vote: Konëgé
Purpose:
The United Indian Nations of Oklahoma (UINO) is a voluntary association of federally recognized tribal governments organized to promote cooperative relationships among tribes, tribal representatives, and state and federal officials. Membership allows participating Nations to collaborate on shared issues, coordinate advocacy, and strengthen intergovernmental relations across Oklahoma.
Reason:
I voted Konëgé because it is important that our Nation’s voice be included in collective advocacy efforts across Oklahoma. In recent years, state–tribal relations have faced significant strain, making it all the more vital that we stand united with other tribal governments to ensure our rights are protected and our concerns are heard.
A RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE APPOINTMENT OF THE MEMBERS OF THE ELECTION COMMITTEE AND DESIGNATION OF DAVID BOURBONNAIS AS THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE
Vote: Konëgé
Purpose:
Chapter 4, Section 1, Article 107 of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation Tribal Code (Election Ordinance) states that “subject to confirmation of the Legislature, the Chairman of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation shall appoint members to the Election Committee and designate the Chairman of the Election Committee”.
For the 2026 election cycle, the Chairman appointed the following individuals to serve on the Election Committee:
David Bourbonnais – Chairman
Carrie Kieffer
Julie Floyd
Rodney Kitchen
Reason:
I voted Konëgé because appointments to the Election Committee are a power expressly delegated to the Chairman under our Tribal Code. Unless there is a clear reason to question an appointee’s integrity, eligibility, or potential conflict of interest, I believe it is appropriate to defer to the Chairman’s selection.
As part of this discussion, I raised questions about how often the Election Committee meets and how process improvements are discussed, as I’ve heard from a number of citizens who did not receive their absentee ballot requests or encountered other difficulties in voting. I also shared my own firsthand experience of not receiving a ballot request form and being told I was not on the voter rolls when attempting to vote in person—though I was ultimately permitted to vote as an active candidate for office.
This conversation led to a productive dialogue among the Legislature about potential updates to the Election Code, including exploring extended in-person voting, relocating polling sites for accessibility, and implementing a secure digital option for requesting absentee ballots that would remove the need to print and mail physical forms.
I fully support any effort to make our elections easy, accessible, and conducted transparently. We cannot continue as a sovereign Nation with fewer than 2,000 people voting in our Chairman election out of more than 40,000 tribal citizens. District 1 alone has approximately 3,500 citizens, yet fewer than 300 total votes were cast between myself and Anna Johnson. As a Nation, we must make it a priority to change that tide. I support extended in-person voting, moving the in-person polling site near Family Reunion registration so that voting is front and center as citizens arrive in town at the end of June, and implementing a secure digital option for requesting absentee ballots. Additionally, I would like to see our Nation explore ballot tracking—particularly for absentee ballots—so citizens can know when their ballot request was sent and received, and when their completed ballot was returned and counted.
This discussion can be viewed within the recorded legislative session, up until the point when the Legislature entered executive session.
A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE OPERATING BUDGETS OF THE CITIZEN POTAWATOMI NATION FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026
Vote: Ttho
Purpose:
This resolution approves the Citizen Potawatomi Nation’s Fiscal Year 2026 Operating Budgets, totaling $671,050,327.00, which include program budgets funded through the Department of the Interior/Bureau of Indian Affairs Annual Funding Agreement, Department of Labor (PL 102-477), Department of Health and Human Services (Child Care and Indian Health Service funds), federal grants and contracts, and tribal programs and enterprises. The budgets serve as management and planning tools for the Nation’s operations and services in the upcoming fiscal year.
Reason:
I voted Ttho on the Fiscal Year 2026 operating budgets. My decision was not made lightly, and it is not a reflection of doubt in our Nation’s financial health, which remains strong, or in the dedication of our financial leadership. Rather, my concerns center on the process, planning transparency, and long-term strategic direction that accompany the budget.
The Legislature received the budget roughly one month prior to the vote without an accompanying executive summary or explanatory overview. As a result, I sought greater context and requested access to our Annual Consolidated Financial Report (ACFR), which I was told could only be reviewed in person in Shawnee. I traveled there to conduct that review and met with Secretary/Treasurer D. Wayne Trousdale and Vice-Chairman Linda Capps, both of whom were gracious, forthcoming, and generous with their time. I regrettably was not able to review the ACFR in depth, as the setting was not conducive to a thorough examination. I also participated in the budget question-and-answer session, which, while informative, was not recorded or open to the public.
While I appreciated the opportunity for dialogue, my underlying concern is that our budget process lacks a clear, long-term strategic framework. A forward-looking budget should reflect shared goals developed with citizen and legislative input, guiding how we invest, measure progress, and evaluate enterprise performance. Other tribal nations, such as the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi, have developed strategic plans that align vision, governance, and budgeting—something I believe we should also work toward in the coming year.
Additionally, I believe our Nation should make its budget materials publicly accessible to all citizens, regardless of where they live, much like the Cherokee Nation, which publishes its full budget book for public review (example here). Transparency fosters trust, accountability, and engagement, and I believe every Citizen Potawatomi should have the opportunity to see how their Nation’s resources are being invested in programs, services, and enterprises.
My vote represents a call for greater collaboration, transparency, and accountability in how our Nation approaches financial planning. I believe that our legislative and executive branches can, and should, work together to develop a long-term strategic plan that ensures our future investments reflect citizen priorities, support sustainable growth, and strengthen our sovereignty for generations to come.
A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE REAPPOINTMENT AND TERM OF OFFICE FOR JACKIE GAMBLE AS A MEMBER OF THE CITIZEN POTAWATOMI NATION FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT BOARD
Vote: Konëgé
Purpose:
This resolution reappoints Jackie Gamble to the Citizen Potawatomi Nation Floodplain Management Board and fills a vacancy created by the departure of Clint Mascho, appointing Representative Andrew Walters in his place.
The Floodplain Management Board was originally established under Resolution #01-40 (October 25, 2000) to oversee the Nation’s floodplain areas, guide mitigation and infrastructure planning, and ensure compliance with environmental and safety regulations. Members serve without compensation and are tasked with monitoring potential flood risks and coordinating long-term planning to protect tribal land and housing developments from flood-related hazards.
In Resolution #13-13-NR (August 30, 2012), the Board’s membership was expanded to seven members with staggered terms to preserve institutional knowledge and continuity of oversight.
The current membership and term expirations are as follows:
John A. Barrett – term to expire 10/01/2026
Linda Capps – term to expire 10/01/2026
Andrew Walters – term to expire 10/01/2027 (newly appointed to serve the remainder of Clint Mascho, who resigned)
Brad Peltier – term to expire 10/01/2027
David Oman – term to expire 10/01/2028
John F. Barrett – term to expire 10/01/2028
Jackie Gamble – term to expire 10/01/2029 (reappointed)
Reason:
I voted Konëgé as a procedural approval to maintain continuity and compliance with the Nation’s Floodplain Management Board structure. While I do not have detailed familiarity with the Board’s ongoing work, I see no reason to oppose the reappointment or replacement. This type of resolution ensures that our Nation continues to meet its administrative and environmental responsibilities while maintaining an active and properly constituted board.
A RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE FILING AN APPLICATION WITH THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT FOR A MANDATORY FEE-TO-TRUST LAND ACQUISITION FOR TAAMS TRUST TRACT 821 CP 278
Vote: Konëgé
Purpose:
This resolution authorizes the Citizen Potawatomi Nation to file an application with the United States government for a Mandatory Fee-to-Trust land acquisition of a parcel currently held in fee status, with undivided fee interest intermingled with undivided trust interest.
Trust land is land held by the United States in trust for the benefit of a tribal nation or its citizens. It is one of the strongest expressions of tribal sovereignty, as it places the property under tribal and federal jurisdiction, free from most state and local regulation, and ensures that it remains part of the Nation’s protected land base for future generations.
A mandatory fee-to-trust acquisition occurs when land qualifies for automatic acceptance into trust under the Indian Reorganization Act or a specific congressional statute, often because it was originally allotted or is part of a recognized claim settlement. This process helps restore land that rightfully belongs under tribal trust status and simplifies jurisdictional management when both trust and fee interests are intertwined. This land was part of the original allotment of Hattie Kime, or Vieux, 821 278.
The proposed use of this parcel is for non-gaming activities, future economic development, and general tribal purposes.
Reason:
I voted Konëgé because every opportunity to place land into trust is an exercise of our sovereignty and a lasting investment in our Nation’s future. Expanding the trust land base strengthens our self-governance, ensures long-term protection of our assets, and supports sustainable economic and community development for generations to come.
A RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE FILING AN APPLICATION WITH THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT FOR A MANDATORY FEE-TO-TRUST LAND ACQUISITION FOR TAAMS TRUST TRACT 821 CP 900
Vote: Konëgé
Purpose:
This resolution authorizes the Citizen Potawatomi Nation to file an application with the United States government for a Mandatory Fee-to-Trust land acquisition of a parcel currently held in fee status, with undivided fee interest intermingled with undivided trust interest.
Trust land is land held by the United States in trust for the benefit of a tribal nation or its citizens. It is one of the strongest expressions of tribal sovereignty, as it places the property under tribal and federal jurisdiction—free from most state and local regulation—and ensures that it remains part of the Nation’s protected land base for future generations.
A mandatory fee-to-trust acquisition occurs when land qualifies for automatic acceptance into trust under the Indian Reorganization Act or a specific congressional statute, often because it was originally allotted or is part of a recognized claim settlement. This process helps restore land that rightfully belongs under tribal trust status and simplifies jurisdictional management when both trust and fee interests are intertwined. This land was part of the original allotment of Madeline Denton, 821 900.
The proposed use of this parcel is for non-gaming activities, future economic development, and general tribal purposes.
Reason:
I voted Konëgé because every opportunity to place land into trust is an exercise of our sovereignty and a lasting investment in our Nation’s future. Expanding the trust land base strengthens our self-governance, ensures long-term protection of our assets, and supports sustainable economic and community development for generations to come.
A RESOLUTION OF ENROLLMENT INTO THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE CITIZEN POTAWATOMI NATION
Vote: Konëgé
Purpose:
This resolution approves the enrollment of eligible applicants into the membership of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation in accordance with the Nation’s Constitution and Tribal Code governing citizenship. The enrollment process is administered by the Tribal Rolls Department, which verifies applicants’ eligibility through documented lineal descent from individuals listed on the official Citizen Potawatomi Nation base rolls.
Enrollment is one of the most significant acts of tribal sovereignty, as it affirms our Nation’s inherent authority to define our own citizenry and sustain our cultural, political, and community continuity.
Reason:
Based on the information provided to the Legislature and in reliance on the due diligence and recommendations of our Tribal Rolls Department, I voted Konëgé to approve enrollment for 239 new members into the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. I believe it is our duty to welcome those who meet the established criteria and who seek connection to our shared identity and community.
A RESOLUTION FOR THE VOLUNTARY RELINQUISHMENT OF CLINTON NOEL PATTERSON
Vote: Konëgé
Purpose:
This resolution approves the voluntary relinquishment of membership by Clinton Noel Patterson in accordance with Title 2, Chapter 1, Section 2-1-1(d) of the Membership Ordinance of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. Under the Ordinance, a voluntary relinquishment is a formal request made by a citizen to remove themselves from the tribal roll.
Per Section 2-1-1(a) of the Membership Ordinance, an individual who voluntarily relinquishes their membership may not reapply for enrollment with the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. In this case, the relinquishment was requested due to dual enrollment with another federally recognized tribe, which is not permitted under tribal law.
Reason:
I voted Konëgé because this action is consistent with the Nation’s laws and citizenship policies.
A RESOLUTION FOR THE VOLUNTARY RELINQUISHMENT OF ELIZABETH JOY (BUMP) DIXON
Vote: Konëgé
Purpose:
This resolution approves the voluntary relinquishment of membership by Elizabeth Joy (Bump) Dixon in accordance with Title 2, Chapter 1, Section 2-1-1(d) of the Membership Ordinance of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. Under the Ordinance, a voluntary relinquishment is a formal request made by a citizen to remove themselves from the tribal roll.
Per Section 2-1-1(a) of the Membership Ordinance, an individual who voluntarily relinquishes their membership may not reapply for enrollment with the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. In this case, the relinquishment was requested due to dual enrollment with another federally recognized tribe, which is not permitted under tribal law.
Reason:
I voted Konëgé because this action is consistent with the Nation’s laws and citizenship policies.
A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE CITIZEN POTAWATOMI NATION’S APPLICATION FOR FUNDING UNDER THE ENDANGERED LANGUAGE FUND’S FY 2025 NATIVE VOICES ENDOWMENT GRANT
Vote: Konëgé
Purpose:
This resolution authorizes the Citizen Potawatomi Nation to apply for funding under the Endangered Language Fund’s Native Voices Endowment (NVE) Grant for fiscal year 2025. The Nation seeks $20,000 in grant support to fund a Potawatomi language immersion class and youth culture camp.
The Endangered Language Fund (ELF) supports initiatives that strengthen and revitalize Native languages by assisting tribal communities, educators, and linguists in developing new generations of speakers.
Reason:
I voted Konëgé because I wholeheartedly support efforts to revitalize our language. Language revitalization is a deep personal passion of mine, as our language is at the heart of who we are as Potawatomi people and the primary way we express and transmit our values.
That said, while I support this grant application, I also believe we must pair funding with clear goals, evaluation, and accountability. The Nation has invested in our language program for many years, yet we have not seen measurable increases in proficient speakers or effective mechanisms to assess program outcomes. I believe we must ensure that these investments produce real, sustainable results - because nothing is more vital to the continuity of our traditions, identity, and culture than our language.
A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE CITIZEN POTAWATOMI NATION’S APPLICATION FOR FUNDING UNDER THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE FISCAL YEAR 2025 TRIBAL HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE GRANT PROGRAM
Vote: Konëgé
Purpose:
This resolution authorizes the Citizen Potawatomi Nation to apply for funding under the National Park Service’s Fiscal Year 2025 Tribal Historic Preservation Office (THPO) Grant Program, in an amount up to $89,861.
The Tribal Historic Preservation Office program allows tribes to assume historic preservation duties on their own lands - responsibilities that were previously managed by state governments. The Citizen Potawatomi Nation entered into a formal agreement with the National Park Service on July 25, 2007, establishing its THPO and affirming its authority to identify, protect, and manage cultural and historic resources within its jurisdiction.
The grant supports the continued operations and development of the THPO, including review and compliance under federal preservation laws (such as Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act), cultural site surveys, documentation of historic and sacred places, and public education on the importance of protecting tribal heritage.
Reason:
I voted Konëgé because preserving our Nation’s historical and cultural heritage is essential to our sovereignty and identity. Our THPO plays a critical role in ensuring that development projects respect our cultural sites and that our history is documented and protected for future generations.
This funding helps the Citizen Potawatomi Nation maintain the capacity to oversee these responsibilities directly, rather than relying on state agencies, and ensures that decisions about our heritage are made by our own people.
A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE CITIZEN POTAWATOMI NATION’S APPLICATION FOR FUNDING UNDER THE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT FISCAL YEAR 2025 INDIAN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT
Vote: Konëgé
Purpose:
This resolution authorizes the Citizen Potawatomi Nation to apply for funding under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Fiscal Year 2025 Indian Community Development Block Grant (ICDBG) Program. The ICDBG program provides federal funding to eligible tribal nations to support community and economic development projects that primarily benefit low- and moderate-income tribal members.
Under this application, the Citizen Potawatomi Nation’s Community Development Corporation (CDC) proposes to establish a Microenterprise Loan Program to expand access to capital for Native American small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs in Shawnee, Oklahoma. The project has a total cost of $1,666,666.67, with $1,500,000 (90%) requested in federal funds and $166,666.67 (10%) in matching funds committed by the Nation. The project will be implemented over a five-year period.
A public meeting was required and scheduled on or before October 10, 2025, to gather comments from tribal and community members regarding the proposed project, pursuant to the citizen participation requirements under 24 CFR 1003.604.
Reason:
I voted Konëgé because I strongly support programs that expand economic opportunity for our citizens. Access to capital remains one of the biggest barriers for Native entrepreneurs, and this initiative provides a meaningful way to foster small business development, self-sufficiency, and long-term economic growth within our community.
However, during the legislative meeting, I raised a question about whether the required public meeting would be available via Zoom to allow broader participation from citizens living outside of Oklahoma. I was disappointed to learn that it was not, and equally disappointed that no public notice of the meeting was posted in the news section of our website. Transparency and accessibility are critical to meaningful citizen participation, and I believe future public meetings should be both properly noticed and accessible virtually so that all tribal citizens, no matter where they live, can have a voice in shaping community development priorities.
A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE CITIZEN POTAWATOMI NATION’S APPLICATION FOR FUNDING UNDER THE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT FY 2025 INDIAN HOUSING BLOCK GRANT COMPETITIVE PROGRAM
Vote: Konëgé
Purpose:
This resolution authorizes the Citizen Potawatomi Nation to apply for funding under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Fiscal Year 2025 Indian Housing Block Grant Competitive (IHBG-COMP) Program. The program provides competitive funding to tribal nations to support the development of safe, affordable housing and related infrastructure within tribal communities.
Under this application, the Citizen Potawatomi Nation seeks up to $6,000,000 to support the continued construction of new housing units in Shawnee, Oklahoma, as part of the Citizens Place development — a four-phase project consisting of 64 duplex-style housing units. The IHBG Competitive program helps tribes meet critical housing needs, improve living conditions, and strengthen community well-being through modern, energy-efficient, and culturally appropriate housing.
You can read an article about the new housing development: Citizen Potawatomi Nation expands affordable housing in Shawnee with 66 new duplexes
Reason:
I voted Konëgé because I fully support new housing development for tribal citizens and the expansion of safe, high-quality, and accessible housing on our tribal lands. During my visit to the construction site, I was deeply impressed by the new homes — they are beautiful, thoughtfully designed, and represent a major improvement over the older brick ranch-style Indian housing that many citizens are familiar with.
I enthusiastically support any additional development and funding that strengthens housing opportunities for our citizens, both within the jurisdiction and beyond. Every new home built under programs like Citizens Place represents not just a physical structure, but an investment in our people — creating space for families, stability for elders, and a stronger sense of community for future generations.
A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE CITIZEN POTAWATOMI NATION’S UPDATED TRIBAL TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PLAN (TTPTIP) AND APPROVING SUBMITTAL OF THE PLAN TO THE FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION (FHWA)
Vote: Konëgé
Purpose:
This resolution adopts the Citizen Potawatomi Nation’s updated Tribal Transportation Program Transportation Improvement Plan (TTPTIP) for fiscal years 2025 through 2028, with an estimated total funding of $25,079,809, and authorizes its submittal to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).
The Citizen Potawatomi Nation operates under a Direct Implementation Agreement with the FHWA, which allows the Nation to plan, design, and oversee transportation infrastructure projects within its jurisdiction. The Tribal Transportation Program (TTP) supports the construction, repair, and maintenance of roads, bridges, and related infrastructure that connect tribal communities and improve access to housing, healthcare, education, and economic opportunities.
Adopting and updating the TTPTIP is a standard but essential step in maintaining federal funding eligibility, ensuring that projects are prioritized and approved in a transparent and coordinated manner. This multi-year plan provides the roadmap for how federal transportation dollars will be allocated and used to improve safety, accessibility, and long-term infrastructure resilience.
Reason:
I voted Konëgé because the Transportation Improvement Plan is a necessary and beneficial component of our Nation’s long-term infrastructure planning. It represents continued progress in expanding and maintaining the roads, sidewalks, and transportation systems that connect our community.
Beyond the procedural approval, I view investments in transportation as vital to both sovereignty and quality of life. Reliable and well-planned infrastructure strengthens economic development, supports emergency response, and improves access for citizens to essential services.
A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE ADDITION OF NEW ROUTES TO THE NATION’S EXISTING NATIONAL TRIBAL TRANSPORTATION FIELD INVENTORY (NTTFI) AND REQUESTING THE BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS ADD THESE NEW ROUTES TO THE NATIONAL TRIBAL TRANSPORTATION FIELD INVENTORY OF THE CITIZEN POTAWATOMI NATION
Vote: Konëgé
Purpose:
This resolution supports the addition of new routes, including roads, sidewalks, and walking paths, to the Citizen Potawatomi Nation’s National Tribal Transportation Field Inventory (NTTFI) and formally requests that the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) include these new routes within the Nation’s approved inventory.
The NTTFI is a comprehensive, federally maintained database of all transportation facilities eligible for funding under the Tribal Transportation Program (TTP). Each tribal nation is responsible for identifying and updating its own inventory of eligible routes, which may include roads, bridges, sidewalks, and other transportation-related infrastructure that serve the tribal community. Once a route is added to the inventory, it becomes eligible for federal transportation funding for maintenance, construction, or improvement.
For the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, these additions largely relate to sidewalks and pedestrian pathways associated with the Hardesty Road widening project and other connectivity improvements within the jurisdiction. The listed routes meet key eligibility criteria, including connecting population centers, supporting economic and industrial activity, improving access to jobs, healthcare, education, and cultural sites, and enhancing safety and emergency response.
Reason:
I voted Konëgé because this resolution is primarily procedural and ensures that new and improved routes are formally recognized and eligible for future federal funding.
Although this type of resolution may seem routine, maintaining an accurate and comprehensive transportation inventory is essential for continued federal investment in our infrastructure. These updates help the Nation access funding for safer roads, improved pedestrian access, and long-term planning that benefits citizens, businesses, and visitors alike.
A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING MEMBERSHIP INTO THE BODÉWADMI CONFEDERATION AND APPROVING THE ADOPTION OF THE BODÉWADMI ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION AS AMENDED
Vote: Konëgé
Purpose:
This resolution formally approves the Citizen Potawatomi Nation’s membership in the Bodéwadmi Confederation and the adoption of the Bodéwadmi Articles of Confederation. The Confederation represents a historic and voluntary alliance among the Potawatomi bands and tribal nations across the United States and Canada, created to strengthen intertribal cooperation, cultural preservation, language revitalization, and shared advocacy on issues of mutual concern.
Through the Bodéwadmi Confederation, member Nations will work together to promote economic collaboration, cultural exchange, and advance our collective sovereignty. More information about this historic development can be found here, an earlier statement advocating our admission into the Bodéwadmi Confederation: Statement on the Bodéwadmi Confederation.
Reason:
I voted Konëgé and did so with great enthusiasm. I am a strong supporter of building closer ties with our Potawatomi relatives, economically, culturally, and through unified advocacy. Joining the Confederation represents not only a return to our traditional values of kinship and mutual support but also a forward-looking commitment to cooperation and nation-building among our sister tribes.
During the legislative session, I sought to second the motion to express my strong support for this historic step; however, the Chairman requested that the senior members of the Legislature make the motion and second for this occasion. Regardless, I am proud to have supported this resolution and to stand with our relatives in strengthening the bonds that unite all Bodéwadmi people.
