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

Aya.

This last week was the Grand Opening of the First Americans Museum, or FAM, in Oklahoma City. A $175million, 175,000 square tribute to the 39 federally recognized tribes located here in the state of Oklahoma. This event was nearly 40 years in the making. From the planning stages, to fund raising, to the first days of construction that began in 2006, the idea lived on. During this day of celebration, it was not lost on me the depth of Unity that was cultivated and relentlessly maintained. Contributions through diverse funding partners included Tribal, State and City governments as well as Corporate and private citizens.

But always with the same intent and purpose, first nation stories told by the first nations.

This led me to remember our recent unity of Tribal governments during the gaming compact negotiations with the State. And this thought begins to resonate, In Unity and Consistency lies our victories.

It was a proud day for our First American people. It was a proud day for all of Oklahoma.

#PeoriaProud

Be well.

Craig Harper

Chief