Language Apprentice | Dowagiac, Michigan

DEJONAY

Growing up in Ann Arbor, Michigan, I longed for a closer connection to the Potawatomi culture. My mom and aunt are both Tribal citizens and they would do all they could to keep traditions alive in our family. We would often travel across the state just so I could learn the language and culture. Today I am a Language Apprentice, learning from an instructor who is fluent in Neshnabémowen, the Potawatomi language. This program will prepare me to do the same for someone else. I can’t wait to share this with others, including my son, who I will raise in the community, like my mom and aunt did for me. He will grow up hearing the language so he too can share it with the next generation. In this way, we are doing our part to keep our community strong.

I am Dejonay and I am Potawatomi.