Our Office is Closed Today

Today is Wednesday, September 21, 2022 – and I'm not at work. In fact, no one at Seven Generations Architecture + Engineering is working today. Today is a day of significance for our team, but one with which you may not be familiar. As a firm owned by the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi, we recognize Sovereignty Day as an opportunity to learn more about the Tribe and to reflect on their sovereignty.

What is Sovereignty Day?

"This is our Independence Day," says Pokagon Citizen and Tribal Chairwoman Becky Richards. On September 21, 1994, President Bill Clinton signed legislation reaffirming what the Pokagon Band has long known to be true – they are a sovereign Tribal Nation. We are honored to have several special connections to that all-important signing in the Oval Office. The photo below includes employees' family members and individuals we work with, work for, and learn from regularly at 7GAE.

On this day, we collectively reinforce our indelible connection to the Tribe. 7GAE exists as a company because of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi. It is our honor, privilege, and responsibility to learn about the Tribe and its history.

Reflection

"Sovereignty Day is an annual reminder of why I come to work each day and of how our ownership and origin makes Seven Generations unique among other AE firms in the country," shares 7GAE Project Coordinator Alex Hokkanen. "Every project is an opportunity to serve and contribute, in a very small way, to the continued vitality of the Pokagon Band, and it is a privilege."

Many Pokagon citizens gather on Pokagon Sovereign Land to celebrate reaffirmation, and past celebrations have included traditional music and dance, food, and carnival rides. For many of our team members at 7GAE and within the Bodwé?Professional Services Group, the day is one of reflection and commitment to bringing to the forefront the voices and stories of Indigenous people. "I am not a Tribal citizen and don't claim to know what it would feel like for a Tribal citizen on Sovereignty Day," says 7GAE Vice President of Practice Steve VandenBussche. "The day is a reminder for non-Tribal folks like me to recommit to the work I am dedicated to doing, which includes helping to plan health clinics and housing for Tribal communities."

Federal Reaffirmation

Sovereignty is a governing body's full right and power over itself. Currently, the United States federally recognizes the sovereignty of 574 Tribes. In addition to the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi, many other Tribes recognize their own days of Federal Reaffirmation. Here in Michigan, The Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians celebrate their Sovereignty Day on October 1, and the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi have December 19 as their day of Federal Recognition.

The current process can be complicated and challenging. There aren't easy answers to many of the questions, but I think it's our responsibility to continue to listen. For me, today is one part celebration, one part acknowledgment, and one part education. So please take time to learn more about Tribal Nations, to reflect on the Pokagon Band's history, and honor their sovereignty on this important occasion.

Follow?Seven Generations Architecture + Engineering on LinkedIn?for more stories about our team, our partners, and the Pokagon Band.?