Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation Member Turns 101

Native News Network Staff in Native Currents. Discussion »

MAYETTA, KANSAS - Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation tribal member Julia Kabance turned 101 years old on Wednesday.

Julia Kabance, left, at 100th Birthday Party

She was born August 10, 1910 on the Prairie Band Potawatomi reservation to Frank and Mary Kabance. One of twelve children, she attended Kewanka grade school, high school in Holton, Kansas and Haskell University (now Haskell Indian Nations University) in Lawrence, Kansas.

Last year, Julia was feted with a 100 year birthday celebration at the Fire Keepers Elder Center where she was recognized and given gifts from Tribal Council and others.

Women's Army Corps Vet

Julia is a veteran of World War II having served in the Women's Army Corps where she was stationed at McChord Air Force Base near Tacoma, Wash. She is also a member of the We'Ta'Se American Legion Post # 410 that is located on the Prairie Band Potawatomi reservation.

She has been a resident of St. Mary's, Kansas, since 1979 and is active in the Catholic Church. She has also been an active volunteer for the Topeka VA Hospital through the years.

posted August 13, 2011 6:00 am edt