Aya,

Several years of hard work, planning, and development culminated in the delivery of our sacred buffalo herd. Over the span of several days, the buffalo were transported to our Oklahoma lands from Yellowstone Park. Prayer, song, and lulus were offered up as they were welcomed to their new home near the Peoria Powwow grounds.

The Peoria General Council Meeting in March had an impressive number of attendees. This show of participation demonstrated the collective knowledge that our unity is our strength. Congratulations to the newly elected council members.

Peoria Tribe Team Members reached a new benchmark as we grew to over one hundred personnel this year. For reference, six years ago we had only twenty-five. The addition of numerous departments and programs along with the outstanding work of our grant writers has pushed us to grow fourfold.

Let us remember as we continue this momentum that growth is never by chance. It is the result of collaboration, planning, and a shared vision for future greatness.

It is an honor to be sharing this journey of expansion with you as your Chief and kinsman.

With gratitude,

Chief Harper

Aya,

As I sit down to write this Quarter’s letter, the word “relationship” is on my mind. I spent time today with Jason Dollarhide inside our Ottawa-Peoria building. We were sitting with the long-time Chief of the Ottawa Tribe, Ethel Cook, as she laid in state, following her passing earlier this September.

I reflected on my relationship with Chief Cook, and with Jason, and even the Peoria relationship with our Ottawa neighbors. I thought of all the relationships built and fostered through years of Peoria events inside the Ottawa-Peoria building.

The upcoming final quarter of 2023 will hold many opportunities to create, grow, and, unfortunately, loose relationships. Let us be intentional to foster family, tribal, and community relationships at upcoming holiday and social events. Let us build new bridges of cooperation and kinship that lead us towards our ultimate goal of a healthy, intergenerational connected Peoria Nation. Let us find new ways to serve our elders, continue to teach our children, and encourage one another along the way.

I look forward to seeing everyone at our upcoming events and pray a blessing over each one of our citizens and families.

Be well,

Chief Craig Harper

Aya,

As we head forward into spring, we take careful notice of the rainy days, the blooming trees, and the increasing temperatures as it illustrates the transformation of seasons. When I think of spring, I am often reminded of our plans as a Nation, seeking opportunities for growth with each passing of the season.

At our 2023 General Council meeting, we gathered with our Peoria family to share the stories of the last year. General Council was met with success as we heard business reports and discussed the years to come. As we invite citizens to another grand Peoria event, we remain focused on welcoming our traveling citizens with increased access to Tribal resources, comfortable stays, great dining experiences, and friendly staff. Thank you, for all those who attended for continuing to share the word with friends and family. Each year, we greet new faces at General Council, a true byproduct of our Nation’s development.

In March, we also celebrate the first full year of our beautiful Peoria Tribe Campus. We now have a dedicated team of individuals working at the Cultural Resource Center, nearly full capacity at Woodland Academy, and the Peoria Tribe Community Center is providing a practical place for citizens to gather and celebrate. We look forward to further opportunities to expand new and current programs.

With spring in full bloom, we see the 26^th Annual Peoria Powwow on the horizon. We so look forward to gathering again, competing through dance, sharing stories, and celebrating our inter-tribal family June 16^th, 17^th, and 18^th, 2023.

I look forward to seeing each of you at the upcoming Powwow!

Be well,

Craig Harper

Chief

Last year, Charla EchoHawk and Tosan Wess Farless began a planning and development strategy to introduce and implement our new Peoria Language Curriculum. This same week that I write this letter, our Cultural Preservation Department hosted both a virtual and in-person language class which fulfilled our mandate to revitalize and reintroduce our Peewaaliaataweenki (Peoria Language)! This course will be continuous for the next 10 weeks and will result in the first inaugural group of tribal citizens who will speak, read and write our Peoria Language. I would like to extend my sincerest “mihši neewe” (thank you very much) to both Charla and Wess for an exceptional job launching this program.

Aya,

Come January of each year, after completing all our December and New Year gatherings with family and friends, our collective Peoria eyes turn towards our upcoming General Council Meeting.

While this has been true for decades, I have to believe it has been true for centuries. While we can confer that yes, the dates might be different and the location in other venues, towns, or states, like-minded people have gathered to eat, share stories, and exchange ideas.  That will again happen this year on the first Saturday of March 2022.

Following a very difficult COVID season, we hope to gather and encourage one another, remember our ancestors, and speak into our youth. Details and times will be shared soon. Please don’t put off making your hotel reservations if traveling in from abroad.

Following our General Council, we will have another exciting event to attend. At our General Council Meeting two years ago, we broke ground on what was to become a lasting symbol of progress and pride for our people. This year, immediately after our meeting, we will host a ribbon-cutting event for our new Campus. In our last newsletter, I spoke about these three new buildings. We simply cannot wait to open these new facilities for tours that afternoon. Please make your plans to attend this year’s General Council Meeting. We have much to share!

As always, we remain #PeoriaProud!

Be well,

Craig Harper

Chief