One of the Nation's Oldest Living Native American Veterans Turns 109

By J. Schafer

Published August 12, 2019 at 3:17 PM CDT

1 of 7

julia-3.jpg

Julia Kabance with the traditional tribal blanket she was given by fellow members of her Prairie Band Potawatomi tribe. (Photo by J. Schafer)

2 of 7

julia-2.jpg

More balloons to celebrate Julia Kabance's 109th birthday. (Photo by J. Schafer)

3 of 7

julia-balloons.jpg

4 of 7

julia-cake.jpg

Julia Kabance's 109th birthday bash in Wamego, Kansas. (Photo by J. Schafer)

5 of 7

julia-1.jpg

Julia Kabance was recently admitted to this nursing facility in Wamego for treatment of a leg wound.

6 of 7

julia-facility.jpg

Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation Tribal Council and elders surround Julia Kabance at her birthday celebration in Wamego. (Photo from the Potawatomi Nation)

7 of 7

julia_kabance_and_tribal_members.jpg

Over the weekend in Wamego, one of the nation's oldest living Native American veterans marked a milestone birthday. The World War II veteran and member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation saw yet another birthday roll by -- officially -- on Saturday. But it was the day before that the big birthday bash was held. Friends and tribal members gathered at the Good Samaritan Society's Valley Vista nursing facility in Wamego to enjoy cake and ice cream. And... to wish Julia Kabance a happy birthday. KPR's J. Schafer was there and files this report.

Learn more about Julia Kabance, pride of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation!

Local News

J. Schafer

J. Schafer is the News Director of Kansas Public Radio. He’s also the Managing Editor of the Kansas Public Radio Network, which provides news and information to other public radio stations in Kansas and Missouri.

See stories by J. Schafer