Robert Collins Email & Phone Number

Robert Collins is a Interdepartmental Potawatomi Language Lead at Citizen Potawatomi Nation.

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  Interdepartmental Potawatomi Language Lead

  Citizen Potawatomi Nation

  Apr 2019 - Present - Shawnee, Oklahoma, United States

  As an enrolled member of Shishibéni (Citizen Potawatomi Nation), I've dedicated a significant part of my life to learning, teaching, and revitalizing our native language, Bodéwadmimwen. For the past five years, I've immersed myself and studied the language under many of our knowledge keepers and speakers, driven by a passion to keep our cultural heritage vibrant. My work ensures that our culture is taught to children, used, and preserved for future generations.As the lead of the Interdepartmental Bodéwadmimwen, I have a unique opportunity to bring our community ideals and knowledge together with education and enrichment. Specifically, I am involved with the Citizen Potawatomi Nation Child Development Centers and Cultural Heritage Center. I design and implement language programs for children between the ages of 1 and 12 at our Child Development Centers. Additionally, I assist in developing community-based initiatives through our Cultural Heritage Center.Expanding the reach of Bodéwadmimwen beyond the traditional classroom, I administer our online College Courses, Potawatomi I and II, currently partnering with seven universities in three states. The coursework is crafted not only for language instruction but also to deepen the understanding and appreciation of our traditions, beliefs, and Bodéwadmi way of life.My mission in life is to inspire our community, young and old, to learn, use, and preserve Bodéwadmimwen, fostering a personal connection with our ancestry and ensuring the flame of our people burns bright into the future.