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Gathering of the Potawatomi Nations 2014, Hopkins, Michigan

The Gun Lake Tribe were marvelous hosts and their land and the grounds they have developed are exquisite. Their friendliness and great programming made for a great weekend -- I learned coil pottery and black ash basket techniques, enjoyed visits to the fire and wigman for a women's circle, ate great food, danced, and met quite a few tribal leaders and folks from other Potawatomi tribes -- including new friends Gail Pinnance (Walpole Island, First Nation), Lila Tabobondung (Wasauksing, First Nation, Ontario) and Ramona Cole and Carrie O'Toole (Prairie Band Potawatomi). I also enjoyed meaningful visits with dear CPN friends, including Peggy Kinder and Virginia (Sister Ginger) Pearl and Verna Slavin Brooks. And my time with Sheila Kelly, who recently learned of her Potawatomi roots, was very enjoyable. The CPN Legislators who came to the gathering (along with spouses) -- Dave Barrett, Bob Whistler, Roy Slavin, Linda Capps, Rocky Barrett and me -- dined together at the Gun Lake Casino on our final evening and enjoyed each other's company and a delicious meal while cementing relationships and sharing CPN news. I hope you enjoy these photos of the Gathering and I hope to see you next year when the Forest County Potawatomi host us on their lands in Wisconsin.