Native American Bode'wadmi

Potawatomi

2010-04-11T14:48:00.000-07:00

Time to bring back the flapjacks and honor the Potawatomi.

BattleCreek Enquirer Link

Prairie Band of Potawatomi

2010-04-11T08:18:00.001-07:00

Announces 1st quarter contributions in an awards ceremony held April 8, 2010.

Indian Country Today Link

Potawatomi

2010-04-07T03:40:00.000-07:00

Daily Chronicle

The Potawatomi are coming. Story link

Unusual News

2010-04-07T03:36:00.000-07:00

I never saw this before. A ebay Potawatomi flag dog tag.

Link

FireKeepers

2010-04-03T06:17:00.000-07:00

The winner of win a house. Winner Link

Potawatomi

2010-04-01T17:31:00.000-07:00

A great article from the examiner.com called "America's architectural heritage: the Potawatomi in the summer.

Link to story

FireKeepers Casino

2010-03-31T07:16:00.000-07:00

Timeline set for casino payments. Battlecreek Enquirer link

Nottawasappi Huron Band of Potawatomi

2010-03-31T07:13:00.000-07:00

Like so many of the Potawatomi tribes are now doing. Many now include news in their web sites.
Huron band site link

The Potawatomi

2010-03-31T07:09:00.000-07:00

Early 1800's link

Cherokee Teaching Council

2010-03-31T07:02:00.000-07:00

In the past and present, trees represent unity, with all things because their branches reach towards the heavens and their roots reach, unseen into the ground. They represent the connectedness between the earth and the heavens.

The Properties of Trees:

Birch: Gives protection of children, purification, and creativity.
Rowan: Healing and personal empowerment.
Ash: Spirituality, teaching, duty, mental prowess.
Alder: Spirituality, teaching, duty, mental prowess.
Willow: Romantic love, healing, protection, fertility.
Hawthorn: Fertility, peace, prosperity.
Oak: All positive purposes, fidelity.
Holly: Protection, prophecy, magic and animals.
Hazel: Manisfestation, spirit contact, protection, fertility.
Vine: Blackberry, prosperity and protection.
Blueberry: Spirituality and dreams.
Grape: Fertility, inspiration and prosperity.
Thisle: Courage, protection and strength.
Ivy: Healing, protection and cooperation.
Reed: Fertility, protection, love, family concerns.
Elder: Prosperity and healing.
Apple: Immorality, fertility, protection.
Ash: Protection, healing.
Cherry: Love and healing.
Elm: Healing.
Laurel: Love and healing.
Maple: Seeing
Olive: Healing, fertility and love.
Pine: Purification

To learn more link

Native American

2010-03-30T11:31:00.000-07:00

The end of Eden by Screenwriter, Scott Hite.

Link to story

Native American

2010-03-30T02:26:00.000-07:00

The rate of diabetes for the Native American is twice the national average and a leading killer in Native Americans.

Link to story

Prairie Band of Potawatomi

2010-03-29T05:37:00.000-07:00

Chef Robbi Jenkins interview, executive chef with the prairie Band Casino & Resort.

Potawtatomi Bingo

2010-03-28T12:22:00.001-07:00

Man charged trying to collect gambling debt. News Link

Pokagon Band of Potawatomi

2010-03-28T06:19:00.000-07:00

Pokagon Fund Update

Unusual News

2010-03-20T13:51:00.000-07:00

This site is under major reconstruction so it will look better. It will return shortly with a much better look. It's moving to Opera and will resume this monday.

Alice Overly Honored

2010-03-19T15:54:00.000-07:00

Alice Overly is the President of David Overly Plumbing & Heating, inc. She has been recognized by the Cambridge Who's who for showing strong dedication and leadership in all aspects of buisness operations management.

Alice is a member of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi and has served on the council for three years and has represented the Indian Native American Council for four years.

Story Link

U 0f M to discuss returning remains

2010-03-19T14:14:00.000-07:00

Ann Arbor, Michigan is discussing returning Native American remains for proper care and burial. U of M is meeting with tribes to decide the best way to go about the return.

The laws are very clear when speaking about Native American remains. The U.S. department of Interior states that under the Native American Graves Protection and Reparation Act that if the remains can be proven to be the right time frame and the right location of Native American tribes that the remains must be returned to the tribes.

Michigan faced harsh criticism recently for not returning Native American remains from 1,400 Native Americans.

U of M link

FireKeepers casino

2010-03-18T11:55:00.000-07:00

Barrett Newkirk

Story regarding the revenue sharing policy and procedures. The comments are as interesting as the story. Entire story link

I found this version of amazing grace and I love, it is sung by the Cherokee, I am sure that youtube will warn me about how many times I can play one song.

Largest Native American Reservation

2010-03-17T06:35:00.000-07:00

It is sad to say this, by the words of a Sioux that says the largest Indian reservation in the United States is actually prison. Indian children are incarcerated 40% more than non Native American children.

Indian childrens new homes link

Native Americans receive the death penalty 38% more often than non Native Americans. Death penalty link

There is currently two million inmates in local, state and federal jails. Of these, 1.6% are Native American. I personally know many Native Americans incarcerated for being Indian. The Incident at Pine Ridge started over stolen boots by a young Sioux, rather than just ask for help from tribal authorities two plain clothed FBI agents in unmarked cars entered the reservation and did not announce who they were and drew their guns resulting in needless loss of lives. this is the beginning of the story of Leonard Peltier.

Native American Reservation Link

Just recently Native Americans were fishing under the 1836 fishing treaty, the Department of Agriculture has been trying to get them prosecuted so that they can join the largest Indian reservation in the United States. The U.S. attorney has refused to prosecute, largely because of the strong backing of celebrities and Hollywood. the big media also is covering many Native American issues since the strong uprising of the Lakota Sioux. It bothers me that so many tribes do not have programs for the incarcerated Native Americans to be reintroduced back in to society. My tribe actually bans many of the incarcerated Potawatomi from living on their reservation. To be thrown out from society by a legal system that has run amok is one thing but to not embrace and rehabilitate the young, teach them a new way of living is the wrong solution to breaking the cycle of crime.

FBI case report link

Forest County Potawatomi

2010-03-16T06:36:00.000-07:00

In another court battle being fought by the Forest County Potawatomi. Kenneth Meshigaud the tribal chairman for the tribe has got the Wisconsin State Assembly to support a bill that would limit the use of Native American names and the use of mascots.

The new bill will allow residents and offended Native Americans to complain about the racist mascots, resulting in the individuals using them to wither stop using them or defend their use of them in court within a year of the complaint.

Allowing Native Americans to now have a voice in if they are offended when attending events. Mascots can both promote a tribe and insult a tribe. The name warriors name is not offensive but the image is. It would be like have a picture of a Jewish community have the local school called burnt to a crisp. With a image of a oven. See how offensive a mascot can be.

The holocaust was such a terrible event that marked one of the darkest moments in the history of mankind. I just got into a verbal fight with a guy who's blog I visited who had an article about how the holocaust was fabricated and made up for publicity. can you imagine if he ever had the ability to name and represent a mascot.

New Logos Link

Citizen Band of Potawatomi

2010-03-16T06:08:00.000-07:00

Many battles for the rights of Native Americans originate from court cases won and lost by Potawatomi tribes. One such battle was Oklahoma Tax Commission vs The Citizen Band of Potawatomi.

The law became known as 498 U.S. 505 (1991) in was a case that the United States Supreme Court said that the tribe was not subject to sales taxes on sales made to tribal members, but that they were liable for taxes to non-tribal members.

The Potawatomi were originally from the Wabash River area of Indiana and was then known as the Mission Band of Potawatomi. After 1833, they were relocated to Kansas, where they lost most of their land due to the corrupt allotment system. In 1867, in a treaty with Kansas, the tribe then sold their land in that state in order to be able to purchase land in their new Indian territory (now Oklahoma) and took on United States citizenship. They are now known as the Citizen Band of Potawatomi, one of the nine tribes of the Potawatomi.

The tribe sold cigarettes on their new tribal land without collecting Oklahomas cigarette tax. Back in 1987, the Oklahoma Tax Commission demanded their cut of the money from 1982 to 1986. Citizen Band then sued the U.S. District Court. the court denied the tribes motion for summary judgement. The case was fought all the way to the Supreme Court. this is why and how Potawatomi tribes living on tribal rights have rights regarding taxes owed to the government.

http://cobellsettlement.com/press/faq.php

Judge Warns Tribes

2010-03-15T10:22:00.000-07:00

A judge has warned Native American tribes to adopt codes of judicial justice in Indian Country. Close relationships on tribal land can sometimes lead to lack following of the laws for friends and relatives in disputes and criminal matters. I believe many tribes do not subscribe to lock everyone up and throw away the key. Most tribes try rehabilitation and intensive counseling first.

Link to story

Prairie Band of Potawatomi

2010-03-15T09:25:00.000-07:00

An adult Protective Service Workshop will be held on March 23, 2010 at the Bingo Hall. The workshop will focus on elder abuse, care, etc. For caregivers, social service workers, emergency services personnel and more. Two sessions will be held, one at 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and the second one at 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. For more information please call 1-785-966-2103.

Native American death rates soar as most people are living longer. Native American babies death rate is 44% higher than a decade ago due to insufficient health care.

Elder Care Workshop Link
How To Spot It Link

Wasauksing First Nation

2010-03-14T16:08:00.000-07:00

Pan stands for Peel aboriginal network. It is a residential school workshop that will teach the traditions of the Wasauking First Nation. Strengthening cultural pride and a social gathering to bring solidarity and kinship. Its goal is to unite the 350 members of the Wausking First Nation, one of the nine bands of Potawatomi.

The event will take place on March 7th, 2010 from 11-4 pm at 375 Howden Blvd Unit #8 in Brampton, Ontario L6S 416. Lunch will be provided. For more information see the link below.

Registration is required and Potawatomi should call 905-453-4636 for more information.

Unusual News

2010-03-14T15:57:00.000-07:00

A new web site being developed by someone, still under construction called, "Potawatomi.net"

Potawatomi.net link

American Indian Movement

2010-03-14T13:16:00.000-07:00

Reliable definition of AIM

Encylopedia Britannica

Being on twitter I have meet many different people that I would not normally meet, some of them are a pure joy, some are not. A strange encounter happened with meeting a couple of the members of the American Indian Movement. That word send shock waves down many Native Americans back. Unless you interacted with the members of AIM as I have.

American Indian Movement is a civil rights organization founded in Minneapolis, Minnesota., in 1968 by Dennis Banks, who follows my father on his personal facebook site. My father both loves and admires Dennis Banks for what he stood up for. The other founders are Clyde Bellcourt, Eddie Benton Banai, and George Mitchell,. Later Russel Means who had become displaced by government programs that forced the Lakota Souix off the reservation. Its goals eventually encompassed the entire spectrum of Indian demands--economic independence,revitalization of traditional culture, protection of legal rights, and, most especially autonomy over tribal areas and the restoration of lands that they believed had been illegally taken.

This posting is for the Souix that follow this blog and is not meant to offend Potawatomi who have strong feelings regarding the American Indian Movement. I always listen to both sides and find out if I might not understand or be educated regarding a subject. I did read the Leonard Peltier book, "My life is my Sun dance" and was very sad upon it's reading. That is why there is a Souix section in this blog meant for Potawatomi. I visited Pine Ridge many years ago when the Lakota Souix were strong and active. They were very kind and gracious hosts. LakotaKid, I have been reading your tweets. They have not fallen into an empty space. LakotaKid has many of the Lakota Souix following him and one Potawatomi who is honored by his presence.

The government has been very kind to the Potawatomi so I can't feel what you have experienced. LakotaKid, still tries to free Leonard Peltier after all of these years that have passed, he floats around on twitter seeking anyones help that will listen to his pleas. I thought this would be an interesting story for the Potawatomi.

Robert Redford Link

Encyclopedia Britannica Link
Lakota Kid Link
AIM Link
Opera Site

Native American News

2010-03-14T04:09:00.000-07:00

In an incredible gesture of kindness, President Obama donated $125,000 to the American Indian College Fund. The money came from his Nobel Peace Prize ward. When one wins the Noble Peace Prize the financial gift is $1.4 million dollars. Every winner has donated the cash award back to charities and needy groups. I realize Souix also read this blog by the following on twitter. I do not wish to offend in anyway, I just report what the news is, please take no offense.

Nobel Peace Prize Link

FireKeepers Casino

2010-03-14T03:54:00.000-07:00

FireKeepers casino owned by the Nottawasseppi huron Band of Potawatomi, announced that Donald Kujawa won the second largest jackpot in the casino's history. Winning $274,000 on the penny slots. Boy I bet he is happy.

Penny Winner Link

Unusual News

2010-03-13T18:19:00.000-08:00

I have been writing this publication for over two months now. I do it to give back to the Potawatomi. Not to take, but to give. I have had the help from many Potawatomi that have contributed to this publication. Mr. Mitchell the Prairie Band of Potawatomi Tribal Historian. To John Low my adviser if I get stuck. Many Potawatomi have helped me in this publication. I want to thank those that have helped give back to the Potawatomi population through the knowledge of language and culture.

This publication has been recognized by many as beneficial, like appeals judge, Matthew Fletcher who helped me get started by sending people my way. Thank You Mr. Fletcher.

Sometimes this publication that takes two hours a day to produce for so many visitors of the Potawatomi nation can feel like a thankless job. But it is the kindness in emails and comments that allows me to continue when others try to discourage education.

Unusual News

2010-03-13T01:43:00.000-08:00

Rush Limbaugh has made a few insensitive remarks when it comes to the topic of Native Americans, and has taken a lot of heat for his remarks, due to the fact that most people living on the planet understand what the history of the Native American was and is.

Rush Limbaugh amends his earlier statement: "All right--Native American giving" in regards to the health care bill that would bring significant changes for the positive for funding to all Native Americans.

Rush Limbaugh says that if the health care program passes that he will move to Costa Rica. I guess he forgot that Costa Rica has National health care.

Rush Limbaugh Video Link
Rush Moving Link

Unusual News

2010-03-13T01:31:00.000-08:00

Something that showed up in my mailbox that I have never seen before. A trial of Death pin made by the Fulton County Historical Society to remember the Potawatomi who were the original inhabitants of the Great Lakes area but were forcibly removed to Kansas in what now is known as the Trail of Death. The first removal was called the Trail of Death Rendezvous.

Link to seller

Nottawaseppi Huron Band

2010-03-13T01:19:00.000-08:00

Grosse Pointe, Michigan, - Laura Spurr the tribal chair of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi, who passed on Friday, February 19 from a heart attack at the age of 64 was remembered by a article to pay tribute to her life and progress that she brought to the Native American community by Indian County Today.

Indian Country Today Link

Citizen Band of Potawatomi

2010-03-13T01:05:00.000-08:00

The Citizen Band of Potawatomi has received grants for $950,116, Native American housing: $21,810, nutrition services, $2,000,000, small business and development: $3,028,333, $147,561, geothermal retrofit for existing buildings, and $1,281,428, childcare and development.

Federal grants for the Eagle Rehabilitation Program. Helps rehabilitate injured eagles so that they can return back to the wildlife.

If you visit the Citizen Band of Potawatomi news site you will see why I decided to start my own news site. The radio station that is coming soon is being sponsored by celebrities and will be ONLY Potawatomi news and things that matter to the Potawatomi. Promoting the members of the Potawatomi tribe. Made by a Potawatomis for Potawatomis. We have enough important people in our tribes to be selective, it just takes doing homework.

The Citizen Band of Potawatomi is also a proud sponsor of the Children's Hospital Foundation.

Childrens Foundation Link
News Link

Wasauksing First Nation

2010-03-12T05:26:00.000-08:00

Marvin Francis Media Gallery Presents

Becoming Unwritten

John Hupfield

Production not available to public yet.

daa[in ezhi-bmaadziwaad mtgoot - Take the life of tress

daapinan ezhi - bmaadizimak nwewin - Take the life of the language

daapinan zhitwaawinan - Take the life of ceremonies

In an expression of loss and gain, the taking away and picking up, can we really ever reclaim the things that have been lost? Using stop - frame digital imagery and digital video, the ebb and flow of language and culture as witnessed by a young anishinaabe man comes to the fore.

John Hupfield is a writer, filmmaker and member of the Wasauksing First Nation. One of the nine tribes of the Potawatomi Nation.

LED light show from the entrance of Potawatomi Bingo with terrible music selection by producer.

Kee-Boon-Mein-Kaa Pow Wow

2010-03-11T14:55:00.000-08:00

Kee-Boon-Mein Kaa means I have quit picking huckleberries. It is a gathering and celebration of the good harvest and Potawatomi way of life. Please call ahead to confirm event details. It will be held in Dowagiac, Michigan at the tribal fair grounds on 09/10 to 09/05/10. Admission will be free.

Forest County Potawatomi

2010-03-10T07:51:00.000-08:00

Listening to our Elders

Lori Thomas

A new beginning in the way Native Americans communicate is emerging as modern technology advances. The Forest County Potawatomi offer a section of cultural education to show and teach the young and not so young, lessons from positive techers of the Potawatomi culture.

The elders of the Potawatomi teach the younger how to act and how important our culture is. Without the elders teachings, all of our culture would be lost.

Listening to our Elders Link

Pokagon Band of Potawatomi

2010-03-09T14:44:00.000-08:00

Special elders meeting from April 19th - 21st, 2010.

Link to form

Due to a minor technicality the herald-palladium reported that the New Buffalo schools broke rules and is being asked to pay back $50,000 to the Pokagon Fund.

Pre-ordering equipment is not allowed under the current agreement.

Lakes Entertainment will be having a conference call and webcast meeting regarding the fourth Quarter and full year of 2009 on Friday, March 12, 2010 at 1:00p.m.

Link to conference

Native American

2010-03-09T13:06:00.000-08:00

Illegal fishing case

Escanaba, Michigan - The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is going to have to seek other options regarding the case of five members of the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians. The U.S. Attorney General's Office had been investigation the case for over a year and they announced that they will not pursue the issue because of complications with a prior agreement written back in 1836 that allows Native American's fishing rights.

To read the entire article link
Teaty link

Saginaw Chippewa Tribe

2010-03-09T06:04:00.000-08:00

A man from Isabella County barricaded himself in his home with an assault rife and hurt a women. Police say that the man threatened to shoot the police that responded. Police had to evacuate the neighborhood after the call came in around 5 p.m.

Police negotiators eventually talked the man out of the house and rescued the injured women. My cousin Diane Quigno lives near the incident and expressed deep concern over the situation.

News link

Forest County Potawatomi

2010-03-09T03:53:00.000-08:00

Forest County Potawatomi loves off road racing, while the Prairie Band of Potawatomi loves their football and basketball.

Off-road racing Champion Johnny Graves has announced that he will be joining the Monster Energy Forest County Toyota Race team. Forest County Potawatomi is one of the nine tribes of Potawatomi.

Link to announcement

Prairie Band of Potawatomi

2010-03-09T02:52:00.000-08:00

Letter to the Editor of Indian Country Today from Richard Adame a member of the Prairie Band of Potawatomi regarding taxing Native American veterans.

Indian Country Today Link

Pokagon Band of Potawatomi

2010-03-08T15:40:00.000-08:00

Published March 8, 2010.

Robert J. Cambell, 68 years young has passed away on Monday, March 1, 2010, in hi home. He was born on August 4, 1941, in South Bend, Indiana, to Howard and Wanda (Topash) Cambell. Robert was an elder and member of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi. Services will be held at the Zimmerman-Inman Funeral Home on 1109 Lincoln Way on Tuesday, March 9, 2010.

Link to passing

Native American

2010-03-07T07:10:00.000-08:00

The two top leaders of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odewa Indians of Michigan are fighting to keep their jobs as many tribal members are demanding their recall.

Chairman Ken Harrington and vice chairman Dexter McNamara say the they will fight the recall in court. The tribal members are very upset with the performance of the two, and are demanding they lose their jobs

To read the entire story link

Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi

2010-03-07T05:50:00.000-08:00

Will be present at the "Share-a-thon" on March 21, with their traditional drumming and cultural instructors to teach the ways of the Potawatomi.

The instructors will be teaching the customs and traditions of the Potawatomi. The even will run from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Music Center of South Central Michigan, located at 450 North Ave, in Michigan.

Article link

Not a Native Native American Photo, it's a tee shirt someone is selling, I guess buying it for the tribal council members might not be a good idea for all the hard work that they do with very little appreciation.

FireKeepers

2010-03-07T02:39:00.000-08:00

The Grand Rapids Press

FireKeepers is doing something I have not seen before, they are giving away a house in a drawing, participants must become members of the casino's players club, called the hot rewards club, the membership is free and you must be over 21 years old to qualify.

The winner will receive $25,000 in cash along with a 1,300 square foot new home, built by Summit Building Services L.L.C. of Battle Creek.

mlive.com link

Pokagon band of Potawatomi

2010-03-07T02:13:00.001-08:00

Child care grants awarded by the federal government to tribes for the health and human service programs.

Link to see awards

Tribal survival at stake

2010-03-06T10:23:00.000-08:00

Indian Country Today

Carol Berry

5 part series

For the tribes children and grandchildren - tribal enrollment can mean inclusion or exclusion to ones cultural heritage. Every tribe is just one generation away from extinction, according to Maylinn Smith, a Native American law professor.

Plenty of Native Americans will survive because of their ability to be part of a tribe. In Rapid City Iowa one such women exists, she has searched her lifetime for her relatives, she knows that she is Native American but she has to prove it, so she searchers in churches, friends and strangers, groups and bars. She even searches on the streets,

Like so many Native Americans raised in non-Native American families, she feels both a closeness and distance to her adoptive family. She was raised non Native American and now searches for her culture, her bloodline, for her true identity. For whatever the reason may be, Indian child laws were not involved in her adoption like so many Native American children.

To read the entire controversial story link

Who's really the Indian?

Targeting the grandchildren link

What's your status?

The face off enrollment link

Potawatomi

2010-03-05T10:54:00.000-08:00

The Amish of Shipshewana

Peggy Langley

Nestled withing Lagrange County, Shipshewana, Indiana is Americas third largest Amish and Mennonite community. The Amish are of Christian denomination that is characterized by simple dress and simple lifestyle.

Hundreds of years ago, the Potawatomi tribes lived in the same area. They were hunters and fisherman and also farmers that cultivated the fertle lands and live comfortably by the simple lifestyle that came to an end around 1803, when Thomas Jefferson took over the lands through what is known as the Louisiana Purchase.

Militiamen soon came to the same lands as the Potawatomi and drove out more than eight hundred Potawatomi in what is now known as the "Trail of Death." The Potawatomi Chief, known as "Shuw a wah no," or Shipshewana was among one of the Potawatomi force to relocate.

Settlers were attracted to the Potawatomi land because of the cheap price of the land, Amish settlers soon also took the land, building a small town on what was once the Potawatomi's land.

The source of this link

Native American Mascots

2010-03-05T05:06:00.000-08:00

Living Lake Country

David Byrnes

On March 2, 2010. The reporter Amy Nixon wrote an article title, "The end of the Indians?" I knew even before I had read the article, what was going to be said. It seems every few years that someone decides that the Mascot issue is not politically correct when referring to the American Indian. The article refers to a high school senior, Rain Koepke and Representative Jim Soletski of Green Bay, The honorable Soletski wants to put an end to the use of the American Indian being used in an unfair stero typing way.

I don't get it; Mukwonago was a Native American villiage, settled thru the Potawatomi Indians. The name, "Mukwonago" means "The place of the bear." I do not see how anyone is taking away from the Native Americans by the use of a mascot. Don't get me wrong, I realize that the Native Americans had it bad in history, but I am part Irish and I am not offended at Saint Patricks day and the use of wearing green like we are leprechauns and drunks with green beer. I just think that it is silly.

If I have offended anyone, I apologize and realize that these words might offend some. This is written by David Byrans, and not the Pokagon Times, that is why the Pokagon Times lists the links "The answer link" and "Spearheaded by Forest County Potawatomi." Pokagon Times does not like mascots but covers news from others for Potawatomis to understand the other sides argument.

Pokagon Times has covered, extensively the issues on mascots and covers Forest Counties efforts to stop mascots usage, so please do not get mad at me for just reporting stories that end up in my mail box. (regarding comments, to see comments, click on the title of the story)

Article link
The answer link
Spearheaded by Forest County Potawatomi

Nottawasseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi

2010-03-04T06:47:00.000-08:00

Tribal members will learn of the new changes before the public does regarding who will replace the great leader Laura Spurr.

The Nottawasseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi has about 1,100 tribal members and owns and operates the very popular FireKeepers casino that is one of the County's largest employers, employing about 1,500 people in the incredible looking 236,000 square-foot gambling facility.

News link

Prairie Band of Potawatomi

2010-03-04T06:34:00.000-08:00

A Wedding Day Story

Chad and Jamie

The wedding took place at the Prairie People's Park on the Prairie Band of Potawatomi Reservation located in Mayetta, Kansas and the reception was held in Holton, Kansas.

Wedding photo's link
To see their blog link

Robert T. Coulter

2010-03-04T03:22:00.000-08:00

Honorable Coulter is an attorney who specializes in the field of Indian law and International human rights. He is the director of the Indian Law Resource Center in Helena, Montana and Washington D.C. He is a member of the Citizen Band of Potawatomi and sits on the bench for the tribe. His center helps protect Native American rights when they are violated.

To read his principles of Indian law link

Unusual News

2010-03-03T13:36:00.000-08:00

WPBN
Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.

Says that a robber robbed a local gas station then headed to Soaring Eagle. The Isabella County Sheriffs Department says that the 38 year old Ypsilanti man held up the Pickard Shell gas station on Tuesday night and drove away to the casino. Tribal Police actually saw the man arrive in the parking lot. He was arrested when he entered. Wow, thats so crazy I am laughing while I type.

Worlds dumbest criminal link

Land Rush

2010-03-03T03:55:00.000-08:00

Bay View Compass

Anna Passante

In the mid 1830's settlers arrived to what is now known as Bay View, staking their claim in the future town of Lake /Bay view area. The land surveys were not complete until 1836, however these early settlers had no legal right to settle the land.

To make matter even more complicated, in the 1833 Treaty of Chicago, the Potawatomi had ceded their land to the federal government. And many of them would be forced to relocate of their land in 1838.

Bay view compass article link

Potawatomi Grant money

2010-03-03T03:40:00.000-08:00

Seven millions dollars was received by 42 tribes for conservation purposes.
Grant link.

Saginaw Chippewa Tribe

2010-03-03T03:28:00.000-08:00

Tribal member renovates workshops for community

Morning Sun by Patricia Ecker

A new building that offers training and cultural awareness to the community by not only seeing the culture through art, but by telling the story that goes along with the art. Potawatomi that wonder why I report on Jason Quigno, he is a cousin and a Potawatomi, like so many of us, he comes from different tribes. He shares the same last name as my grandma.

To read the entire article link

Photo by Clover26 Clover 26 link

Clover 26 photo link

Potawatomi Journey

2010-03-02T04:04:00.000-08:00

A Potawatomi's Journey To The White House

Gary Mitchell

Introduction from Pokagon Times. It is rare that you get the experience of reading the writings from how tribal politics works, or the writings from a tribal historian. To be able to read the life a tribal chairman, is a treat that many will only encounter once in their lifetime. I am honored and privileged to know such a man.

Gary Mitchell's words:

In my younger days, I tried to become a very serious baseball collector and of autographed baseballs. I use to go to baseball card shows with my brother Eddie, (His blog link) , my nephew Clint and also my daughter Martie, that way we could get two autographs instead of one, my other brother Larry did the same, and then we would trade baseballs. I had baseballs from Mickey Mantle, Harmon Kilebrew, Ted Williams, Willie Mays, Stan Musial, Johnny Bench, Brooks Robinson and many others. I shook hands with most of these people. I was in awe to see somebody like Mickey Mantle standing in front of me. It's hard to describe what it was like to see a great man like that.

In my early years of tribal politics I got to met Roger Jourdain, Wendell Chino, and De la Cruz at different times. They were in the twilight of their political careers, and they still had a lot of fight in them. Their political delivery was close to the fire and brimstone preachers you once saw in old movies, but their message wasn't about the lord, it was about Indian sovereignty.

I jumped into the political fires of the Prairie Band politics way back in 1986 and continued until 2010. You have to have a very thick skin to handle politics, rest assured they're not lying to you. It seems like the personal attacks start when you enter the door and don't stop even after you have left the door. One of the great sayings of a politician came from Woody Guthrie, he said, "I'm going to stick around to see what the hell happens next."

During the early years of my journey, I finished the unexpired term of chairman after the position opened itself up to me. In less than two weeks, I was on my way to Washington, D.C. for a Tribal Leaders Summit at the White House, so many leaders in one place. The newspapers said it was the first time a standing president met with the Indian tribes since James Monroe did so in 1822. That day we all rode a bus to the White House, from the hotel we took a tour. We were escorted to a large tent in the Rose Garden, which is located on the South side of the White House, and were seated in sections.

After about an hour of waiting, President Bill Clinton, his wife Hillary and Vice-President Gore and his wife came out to sit on the stage. It truly was a magical moment to see the most powerful man walking out there to see Indian leaders. The MC announced the agenda. It started with Chairman Wallace Coffey, in his tribal regalia complete with a war bonnet, singing an honor song. It was so impressive to see Coffey sing that song. I felt so proud to be an Indian and to be a part of that event. After this, several speakers spoke about Indian issues and then President Clinton addressed the crowd.

After the speech, he shook hands with all 322 tribal leaders. Some of the tribal leaders had on their tribal regalia and others had on business suits. I was in the latter group and could kick myself for not wearing our tribal gear. Well, anyway, I stood in the line waiting to shake hands with the Preident and thought, "Oh, he's going to get tired of standing there and leave," but he didn't. I got closer and could see the secret service personnel around him. One guy looked like a man you wouldn't dare mess with. He had that no-nonsense look about him - a cold, hard look in his eyes that reminded me of the shark in "Jaws."

I finally made it to the front of the line and could only mutter, "I'm honored to meet you, Mr. President," and shook hands with the President of the United States and just like that, it was over. I know the old leaders in the 1800's met the president before, but up to that point I was the only Potawatomi leader in modern times to shake hands with a president. So this experience was similar of the accidental fame of a guy named Forrest Gump.

To continue reading link

Prarie Band of Potawatomi

2010-03-01T03:20:00.000-08:00

Traditional Beliefs

Robert Lara

Prairie Band of Potawatomi

Robert is from the Bear clan, he is only 32 years old but he has made significant contributions to the Potawatomi, he sings, he dances, and he is a well known artist.

Robert is a 5th degree black belt in Aikido. He owns a Aikedo martial arts school, that teaches Aikido. The martial art that he has practice daily since the age of 13 years old.

Robert practices the traditional beliefs of the Native American. A belief that is thousands of years old. It's founders, John Wilson, Quanah Parker, and James Mooney began the Native American Church back in 1918, that's when it was incorporated. It's existence was much earlier than this date. It's first president was Frank Eagle. About 250,000 Native Americans practice the traditional ways. Drawings from hundreds of Native American tribes show it's existence from the beginning of the Native American.

The symbols of use is the feather fans and paintings. The peyote ritual begins at 8 p.m. on Saturdays and continues through out the night. It finishes with breakfast on Sunday morning. The peyote ritual is to allow communion with God and the deceased, and to give power, guidance in the journey of life and healing of the sick.

Many tribes practice sweat lodge ceremonies which involve prayer to the Gods, singing to the Gods and the taking of peyote. The seat lodge ceremonies are a lot shorter in duration than the Native American Church ceremony.

The use of peyote and the ceremony helps participants to become more aware of their relationships with themselves, others and with God. In return the ceremony allows one to live a better quality of life. Members of the Native American Church have a strong disciplined community awareness and a love for all creatures and living things.

Most Potawatomi do not practice the Traditional ways, but it is part of culture and should at least be covered and recognized as part of Potawatomi culture.

Peyote And The Native American Link
Robert Laura Site Link

Robert Lara Video

Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi

2010-02-28T08:09:00.000-08:00

Trace Christenson

A incredible turnout appeared at Laura Spurrs celebration of life, amid the eagle feathers and flowers, mourners remembered what the chairperson of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi had done for all Native Americans.

Laura is remembered as being blunt but always fair, and always trying to help all her people, She demanded respect for her people.

Frank Ettawageshik, former chairman of the Little Traverse Band of Odawa Indians said it best. "Laura went out and changed the world and she came home and changed the world."

Spurr, 64 years young suffered a heart attack while promoting her tribe in California. She had been in leadership of the tribe since 1999. And fought hard for 10 years to get the Firekeepers casino built for her people. She always had a vision, and it always included the Potawatomi.

The family was presented with a tribal flag and members of her family prayed over tobacco which was then placed in a ceremonial pipe and smoked, then each participant cleansed themselves in the smoke in customary tradition.

The Best Coverage Link
To read the article link
News link from tribe

Native American

2010-02-28T04:40:00.000-08:00

Letter to "The Buffalo Post"

from

Anonymous writer

To Jodi Rave (Buffalo Post writer)

"I cannot stand it. ONE MORE DAY!! How many front page articles to do with Indians? Oh my God...almost every day? Do I live in a city that is Mostly white or am I living on a Reservation and don't know it? Wait a minute...If I in Missoula. I assuer you, most of Missoulians do not give a crap about if a tribe "adopted" Barck, or how the economy is affecting them, or all that other silly shit you manage to get on the front page. How about putting your stupid stories on the territory page once in awhile if you must. THEY ARE NOT FRONT PAGE MATERIAL!! What is tomorrows front page? How Native Americans wipe their ass?"

Anonymous letter link
Homepage of the Buffalo Post link

I am posting this because I get similar emails and am amazed why folks read the Native American blogs if they don't like Native American's. I have 1,000 positive emails to 1 bad email, so it is VERY uncommon. This is actually positive news because if you read some of the comments, an out pour of admiration and concern is obvious regarding the email.

Great Depression

2010-02-27T11:49:00.000-08:00

Jason Quigno, Alabaster Sculputer

The Great Depression

and the Potawatomi

Little has ever been written about The Great Depression and how it affected the Potawatomi living on the reservation.

In the early days of the Potawatomi tribes, long before the Europeans journeyed to the shores of this great continent, stories about the early history, culture and traditions were told and passed on to future Potawatomi around campfires. These stories would eventually become known as oral history and still remains a strong part of the cultural history of the Potawatomi. These stories are told still today around campfires by elders to the young Potawatomi, so that the history is not forgotten or lost.

While the rest of the country spiraled into a severe and often deadly economic down-turn in 1929, the Potawatomi, honored by a long and hard history had taught it's people how to survive on a reservation by adapting to it's current environment. Federal programs helped the Potawatomi then, and still does today.

Inner strength and a strong character would help the Potawatomi survive on the reservation during the Great Depression. Thus while the world fell apart around them, the Potawatomi banned together and did what needed to be done to survive.

Many of the Potawatomi wrote down their experiences, income, deaths, and the recording of the arrival of new babies in little journals or ledger books that would be passed on to other family members when they passed.

The human suffering became a reality for millions of Americans as the depression continued. Thousands of people lost their homes because they could not pay the mortgage. In 1932, at least 25,000 families and more than 200,000 young people wandered the country in search of food, clothing, shelter, and a job. Many youth traveled in freight trains and lived near yards in camps called hobo jungles. While this happened to many other Americans, the Potawatomi generally stayed on or near the reservation. A key to survival was the ability to improvise.

In one family journal, for instance, it reveals how Hattie Lasley sold chickens, hens, and one rooster for a pittance to buy food for her family. She sold bushels of Potatoes and even helped cut wood for the local farmers. And like so many during this era, she worked a small farm, but it was just enough to make a living.

Luther Wahwasuk, an elderly Potawatomi man, recalled his experience, "I was just in my teens. Around home, we had a helluva time and it was hard to do anything to make money. We had to eat hard-track, a hard cracker, squirrel, rabbit, turtle and had to put up food for future use. We did quite a bit of trapping and skinned out the animals and took them to Topeka and with this money, we would buy .22 ammunition for hunting and Bull Durham." He remembered that even before the depression, there was no money for Potawatomis to lose. So they never learned to distrust banks like so many others in America who lost money when they failed. He also related how the Indian people often had no cars, but did have horse and buggies and wagons. There was no electricity or running water and many people died of tuberculosis.

The most important factor for survival was that the Potawatomi helped each-other and could count on each-other. In return they would often have a place to stay and meals for the night. An arrangement that worked out for all.

To compound the economic problems, there was a severe drought that was one of the worst in history. Many Potawatomi depended extensively on gardens. grasshoppers then came and one of the worse grasshopper invasions happened in Kansas during 1936, and killed many gardens.

In many parts of the country, many farmers refused to ship the Potawatomi products to market. the severe weather conditions and other factors would eventually lead to the demise of the Potawatomi farmer.

Many Potawatomi raised chickens, milked cows and grew gardens still when ever possible. Additionally, hunting of wild game, a popular pastime on the reservation, then and still now, helped in trying times.

Another form of recreation was ventured around a place called "Big Solider Playground" located near Big Solider Creek. Here tribal members gathered to swim and have picnics. The children played on swings, played croquet and raced in 50 yard dashes.

A steady line of work would come to the reservation in the form of programs like the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and the Civilian Conversation Corp (CCC). They became the main work programs on the reservation during the Great Depression.

One such project was the Potawatomi community building completed and dedicated on February 16, 1941. The cost of the building was about $8,546.15. Richard Pahmahmie, Sr. recalled hauling native stone from Big Solider Creek for the project. Caroline Potts described how the barter system worked: In exchange for the native stone extracted from various tribal members' lands near Big Solider Creek, the government would terrace the land, thus improving it for future rent. This way, both parties benefited. The community building turned into a 36 by 60 foot building used for many tribal gatherings such as political meetings, funerals, social events like pow wows, dances weddings and other tribal functions. Before this, tribal events were held at the homes of tribal members. Men worked on these projects part-time, because most projects were shut down during the summer grain harvest and again during inclement winter months.

The Burea of Indian Affairs had an unusual requirement for the men working full-time. It required them to save half their wages to buy food during the winter layoff period. This wasn't a bad strategy, but it was an example of the tight control the bureau had over Indian people's lives.

While the building programs, did benefit the tribal members by providing needed work and housing, some of the Bureau of Indian Affairs tactics were deplorable. The superintendent at the time, H.E. Bruce, maintained control over who worked on the WPA projects. For example, if a tribal member was reported drunk in town or on the reservation, he would be suspended from work for a set number of days or let go.

One way Potawatomi families saved on living expenses was to send their children off to government boarding schools established in places like Seguoyah, Chillocco, Pawnee, Oklahoma and Mount Pleasant. while other children went to South Dakota and Genoa, Nebraska. This had detrimental effects on the tribal members who went through the boarding school experience. Some students lost their language and were even punished for practicing their native tounge or culture.

While the Depression was an aberration in the lives of the people on the Potawatomi reservation, the introduction of more government rules and regulations was no aberration.

Gary Mitchell, Praire Band of Potawatomi, Tribal historian.
shawnosh@yahoo.com

To read more link

Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi

2010-02-26T21:26:00.000-08:00

Justin A. Hinkley

The $300 million dollar casino in the most depressed state in the nation has been a big success to the tribe and also the community.

The casino brought more than 1,500 new jobs and thousands more spinoff jobs from the casino. The tribe recently presented a $1,933,683.41 check for revenue sharing to the Local Revenue Sharing Board.

Between 5,000 and 10,000 people visit the casino everyday depending on what day of the week it is. The casino saved the local community from a higher unemployment rate and increased tourism by 11.8 %.

To read the entire article link

Citizen Band of Potawatomi

2010-02-26T20:58:00.000-08:00

The tribe is still doing it's free grocery program that helps families in need in these economic times. The tribe uses a mobile food pantry to reach those in need.
Food program link

The Interior Department gave the Citizen Band of Potawatomi a $199,823 conservation grant in the tribes effort to protect forests, lakes and wildlife.
New grant link

Coball settlement resolution link by Turtle Talk

Group wants to change casino laws

2010-02-26T16:04:00.000-08:00

A group wants to allow Michigan horse tracks to be able to open up five new casinos in Michigan and an additional three in other Michigan locations.

A different group is trying to get new casinos in Benton Harbor, Detroit, Flint, Lansing, Muskegon and Romulus. The group also includes a casino at the Detroit Airport.

Both groups would need to collect at least 300,000 votes to get it on the Michigan ballot.

Meet some Potawatomi

2010-02-26T12:55:00.000-08:00

Prairie Band

These are my grandchildren: From Left to right: Luis "Hooty" Ortiz. I've called him Hooty since he was a baby. When he was young, there was a hurricane that hit the South called Luis. We had no word for Hurricane so I asked this Mexican gentleman how to say it in his language. He said "uh duh kon" (sorry for butchering the words) and in time he bacame known as Hooty: Hooty is a freshman ar Royal Valley High School.

Nyeh was keh is my oldest grandson. When he was a baby he cried a lot until he got his Indian name and then calmed down a bunch. They would play pow wow songs for him and that calmed him down too. Neyeh was a top dancer and when he was just a little guy, he would go dance for Maynard and Coraline his great grandparents. They sure enjoyed watching him. His other grandfather, Troy taught him how to lead stomp dances. He graduated from Kickapoo Nation School and is a singer with a good voice and is picking up the songs well. He is working now but we want him to go to school somewhere and I'm sure he will in time.

"Kek Kah Kweh" or Kek was born on the day of the Oklahoma City bombing took place in 1995, so out of that came life. She had the most hair I ever saw on a baby and she was such a fragile baby. Now she is a freshman at Royal Valley High School and has no interest in sports but she helps by being a manager on the basketball teams. I never pushed our kids and always left it up to them in this regard. She volunteers for everything and is a licensed babysitter. Kek won an award for her "Native Youth Outstanding Volunteer Work for the Health Initiative Program in 2009.

My oldest granddaughter Tara was a top-of-the-line basketball player who accomplished a lot. She even won many all-league awards. Now she is living in California and her husband is in the United States Marine Corp. Tara does bead working, fortunately we have not out sourced this to China yet.

The guy on the far right is "Pat ko shuk" and he is my youngest grandson but I still call him "my boy." I teach him prayer words that I was taught by my mother, father-in-law and my aunt. I feel so good to hear him learn so quickly. He prays every night before bed time. Sometimes he can get into trouble, he is nine.

Gary Mitchell, Prairie Band of Potawatomi. Tribal historian.
To Continue Reading Link

Potawatomi Sermons In Potawatomi Link
The Book Of Acts In Potawatomi Link
The Book Of Matthew In Potawatomi Link

Potawatomi Leader Takes On Mascot's

2010-02-26T03:51:00.000-08:00

Potawatomi Chairman Keith, Meshigaud and great grandson of Chief Abraham Mishicott is addressing the issues of the Mishcot Indian mascot to ensure cultural respect.

IndianZ Link

News Link

New Laws Coming Link

New Logo's Link

Blue Moon Rizing/Northern Bear

2010-02-25T05:56:00.000-08:00

Blue Moon Rizing/Northern bear started as a youth drum group back in June 2003 in Lowell, Michigan. Gage is the drummer, he is 11 years old and a member of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi. They come from Southwestern Michigan and Northern Indiana.

Midnight Express, unfortunately Blue Moon has not yet been recorded. I will have to record them and get photographs.

To join Gage and meet the others link

Pow Wow Schedule for Michigan

2010-02-25T05:44:00.000-08:00

Pow wow schedule for Michigan. Schedule Link
Great Lakes Schedule Link

Potawatomi Pipes and Smoking

2010-02-25T04:55:00.000-08:00

The pipe and smoking

When settlers first arrived to North America they were introduced to "smoking." The use of smoking plants for medical and ceremonial purposes done by the Potawatomi for many years.

Smoke and smoking is very important to the Potawatomi and their daily lives. The materials used for smoking comes from a wide variety of dried wild herbs, barks, and plants, including native tobacco. The tobacco smoked many years ago did not have all the chemicals and had a much lower nicotine content.

Pipe carriers play a very important role to the Potawatomi and carry the sacred pipes passed on to another pipe carrier when the time arrives. It is gifted or the materials to make the pipe. To make a pipe comes from within the Potawatomi, and comes as a great gift to all Potawatomi.

Plants and herbs used for smoking includes the following: Angelica, Bearberry, Birch, Bristly Crowfoot, Butterweed, Coltsfoot, Corn, Dittany, Goldenroot, Licorice, Indian tobacco, Life everlasting, Lobelia, Meadowsweet, Mint, Mullien, New England Aster, Paniced Dogwood, Pearly Everlasting, Partridgeberry, Pussytoes, Red Rasberry, Red Olisier Dogwood, Sage, Sassafras, Smooth Sumac, Spicebrush, Stagehorn, Sunflower, Sweet Clover, Sweet Grass, Tobacco, Wild Lettuce, Willow, Wintergreen and Yarrow.

The pipe of smoking is a very old tradition to the Potawatomi, considered to be sacred for events like ceremonies and prayer. It is much more appropriate to consider Potawatomi smoking as a sacred matter. A pathway to prayers.

Jefferson Ballew Link

Potawatomi Teachers Guide

2010-02-24T07:07:00.000-08:00

The Story of the Three Fires

Gary Mitchell, Prairie Band of Potawatomi

Tribal Historian

Potawatomi tradition states that the Odawa, Ojibawas, and the Potawatomi originally were one tribe. The members of the "Three fires" shared a similar way of life. They called the "Three brothers," with the Potawatomis being considered the younger brother.

A Potawatomi legend said the tribes braided three trees together to signify their brotherhood. It is said that this tree has grown together over the years and is full-grown today in the Lower Peninsula of Michigan.

Loyalties between the three tribes ran deep, and they often came to each-other's defense in times of war, much like a brother would come to the aid of another in a fight. So it is the history that this coalition was solidified over thirty years. Coalitions such as this were to become an essential element to the tribe's social fabric throughout the early years and were to serve the tribe well in those times. In the years of prolonged conflict, territorial expansion and other common goals of advancement, these coalitions, were absolutely necessary and utilized to their benefit.

Still another aspect to this coalition was that the Potawatomi, Odawa, Ojibwas enjoyed a particularly close trade relationship. each tribe had a certain function to keep the alliance strong. The Odawa were the "Trader People" responsible for providing food and supplies. The Ojibwas were the keepers of the faith and kept the sacred teachings. The Potawatomi were in charge of the ceremonial fire burning. It was around this fire that nationsa came together in peace and made decisions regarding the welfare of all people.

All three groups spoke related languages that linguists classify as part of the Algonquin tongues. It was said this language could carry an Indian traveler across more than a thousand miles from east to the west in the Great Lakes, and they could understand the other tribes to get by and to manage.

In time, the coalition with the Odawa and Ojibwas ended the Potawatomi went out on their own and built, a new "fire," which in Indian par lance means to set up as an independent tribe. The Potawatomi (People of the place of the Fire) may thus owe their name to these circumstances. Yet remnants of the tribes had interwoven over the years, which is why the tribes still retain much of the same characteristics and language today, despite being located in vastly different locations.

To Continue Reading And Teachers Resource Link

shawnosh@yahoo.com

Part #1

Part #2

Part #3

Laura Spurr Memorial Fund

2010-02-24T05:29:00.000-08:00

As many already have heard, the very popular Chairman of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi has passed, a word that i learned from Pokagon appeals judge, instead of the very bad and insensitive word, "dead." A memorial fund to help her family has been established to help her family, it can be reached through following the link below. We are all deeply sorry for your loss of such an important person who touched the lives of so many by her actions and love for the Potawatomi.

Spur who was only 64 years young and was the tribal chairwomen since 2003. She is survived by her husband and two sons, Nathaniel and Josiah.

Memorial Fund Link
Kalamazoo Obituary Link
Battlecreek Obituary Link

Unusual News

2010-02-24T04:36:00.000-08:00

Photo of Wasauking First Nation

Boy how times have changed for the Potawatomi, now it is very common to have Potawatomi tribes with national news feeds that collect news for their tribes and filter it back to tribal members so that everyone can be better informed, a clear example of this comes from Wasauksing First Nation, one of the nine Potawatomi tribes that has a up to date news feed service, these news feeds are how i get news to report.

Wasuksing First Nation News Feed Link
Potawatomi Heritage Center Language Link NEW

Unusual News

2010-02-24T01:34:00.000-08:00

Danielle Quisenberry

Two men have been charged with filling false police reports after they went to the FireKeepers casino and lost $350.00. The money was suppose to be used to pay for college, I find the unusual part is why the big media has to only report when this activity happens in a Potawatomi casino and to name the Potawatomi tribe and casino, I checked to see if they do this with other non Native American casino's, and they don't.

Mlive Link

Wisconsin State of the Tribes

2010-02-23T15:16:00.000-08:00

Indian Country Today

Abertracks
Prairie Band of Potawatomi

Native American's will have live television of a high quality from Indian Country Today, it will always change and offer new news. It covers Potawatomi news also and is developing better quality and content every day.

There is a segment of the Forest County Potawatomi playing and having fun together, this is how i picture us, together, playing and sharing.

Indian Country Today Television Link

Different video on mother earth

Unusual News

2010-02-23T14:25:00.000-08:00

Chron/AP Texas New
Milwaukee

A attorney has been charged with embezzling over $2.4 million dollars from a wealthy Texas-based client. The money was stolen from a company that works in the computer service industry that handles large medical insurance companies, The gentleman charged spent most of the money at a local casino and obviously had a serious problem that the tribes spend tremendous amounts of money to give assistance to people with gambling addictions.

Original Source Link
Gamblers Anonymous Link

Prairie Band Of Potawatomi

2010-02-22T18:38:00.000-08:00

Life fairly rough in the 1960-1990s

Gary Mitchell, Tribal Historian

Life on the reservation

Poverty on the reservation was in a similar condition as when many Vietnam veterans had left, and it too had worsened. The reservation was a classic example of how the wartime expenditures had affected the domestic program of the United States. Jane Priwer, a writer, gave a vivid description of the reservation condition in the 1970s: "They are not in good shape today. Their reservation is a desolate place, splintered by unpaved, muddy roads and inhabited by only a few of the oldest and poorest members of the tribe. The rest are in the cities. Average income is about $2,500 a year, unemployment around 50% and the high school drop out rate 44 percent."

In addition, the tribal government had a $6,450 budget for the year of 1972. This low sum was supposed to be enough to govern the affairs of the tribe. All of these financial figures translated into a period of abject poverty for the tribe, but not much different than the rest of the country. The United States and the reservation were all feeling the backlash of Vietnam, a war that cost $150 billion.

While this analysis of the tribal financial condition was true, the reservation was home, and, as so many times in the past, the tribal members made the best of the situation. Tribal members worked in the surrounding towns and cities in construction fields, packing houses, garden nurseries and whatever temporary employment was available.

In some family situations, as many as 12 children lived in a small four-room house with no running water. But those homes were relatively happy, and food was always available. It was a dire neccessity for the children to leave home at an early age, so it was not uncommon for young people to get married at the age of 18 or 19 and move into apartments in the surrounding towns and cities like Holton or Topeka. Marriages usually lasted a long time because there was no room back home if it didn't work out.

Potawatomi learned self-sufficiency at a young age because of the economics of the times. But the reservation was always home, and young couples often came home to visit or attend social events.

Grim statistics showed the Potawatomi had a death rate about twice as high as the state average and a birth rate three times the state average as well as an infant mortality rate two times the average during this period. Dr. Patricia Schlosser, who worked in the children's clinic in Holton, noted how the infant mortality rate is one of the most sensitive indexes of the general health of a people. Another physician who worked with the tribe said the life expectancy was only 43 years of age. He said many Indians in the area had major nutritional problems.

Elizebeth Munoz stated, "Indians have every problem that the ethnic and low income person has plus their own cultural problems, including a sense of pride. It's harder in many cases to admit they do need help.

Where the average tribal member benefited the most was the new housing that came to the reservation in the late 1970's. The Department of Housing and Urban development authorized the building of 36 homes in a housing site. A few were built on scattered sites. In time, a total of over 90 homes were built on the reservation. Housing was desperately needed for the growing population. Yet there was opposition to this concept.

In the 1960s and early 1970s, many tribal members looked upon the new housing as another ploy to get the land. It was a fear that tribal members would be evicted for non-payment of rent (based on income), and non-Indians would then move in and own the tribal land. It was a justifiable fear, but that did not transpire. Federal housing programs on many reservations have been resented because the houses are planned on the basis of Western values-geometric lots, houses close together and no place for animals while the Indian people strongly prefer their own traditional housing patterns, houses scattered over the land just within hailing distance or homes designed for small clusters of related families. This pattern was rooted deeply in the history of the tribe.

On the positive side, the new houses meant coming home to the reservation and no longer having to live in surrounding communities where discrimination was an accepted fact. Now the people had the opportunity to live among their families and friends. Yet, it was close to a self imposed segregation.

To read more Mitchell's Link
About Gary Mitchell Link
shawnosh@yahoo.com

Alys Alley Pokagon Band of Potawatomi

2010-02-22T07:38:00.000-08:00

Michigan Daily

Chelsea Lange

Alys Alley, co-chair of the Native American Student Association, is on a mission to spark dialoge among students about the many obstacles that minorities face on campus.

Alys is a sophomore at the University of Michigan and a active member in the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians, began the dialogue called "Reflect, Remember, Regroup." Alley led the group of about 20 students at the U-M campus.

Alley began the dialogue after watching a movie called "Fight Like Hell," that shows the difficulty that minorities face on campus.

To continue reading~
Source of Article Link
Turtle Talk Link
Diversity of the Native American Link

Native American Gaming

2010-02-22T05:04:00.000-08:00

For many tribes, Native American gaming is successful when the federal government fulfills its written promise of promoting a tribes economic development and right to operate as a self-sufficient, and funded tribal government. Today, of the 562 federally funded federally recognized Indian tribes, 225 operate 423 gaming operations in twenty-eight states in the United States. Native American gaming revenues have increased to over $30 billion dollars a year.

Native American gaming revenues have been put to very good use. They fund the construction of Native American culturally themed schools. tribal housing for it's tribal members to once again, be a tribe. Cultural centers to showcase and educate the public and tribal members. Provide police protection and fire protection to its members on sovereign land. Create health care for it's tribal members who require care. Provide social service programs and elders care services for the elders of the tribal community.

Native American gaming has created numerous opportunities for tribal members from jobs with insurance to benefits received outside of the tribal community, and many times to individuals that are not even tribal members. Native American gaming has created 670,000 jobs for tribal members and non tribal members. Native American revenues has provided tribes to expand beyond just Native American gaming into investing money in new businesses.

Given the sheer breadth of this economic activity, Indian tribes pay billions annually for taxes,goods, services, and supplies more than ever. Native American gaming has given many tribes the ability to flourish more than before. Some tribes pay per capita and some don't, per capita means that some of the money goes back to tribal members, it all depends on what the agreement is and how much is owed. It can not be disputed that Native American gaming does help tribes as a whole more than if their was not such a thing as Native American gaming.

Pokagon Band of Potawatomi

2010-02-21T12:49:00.000-08:00

Tom Moor

Berrien County is asking the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi for $600,000 in a grant request to build a observation deck that will be 30 feet high overlooking the wetlands and Galien River for nature observers. This must be some deck because the total cost is said to be around $7.7 million dollars.

Location Link
About Link

Click to enlarge

Services Set For Laura Spurr

2010-02-21T05:29:00.000-08:00

The entire staff

Battle Creek, Michigan.

Services have been set for Laura Spurr, the tribal chairman of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi are scheduled for Friday and Saturday in Athens and Fulton.

A prayer service is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Spencer Family Funeral Home in Athens. Funeral Services are set for 1:30 p.m. Saturday at the Huron Potawatomi Community Center at 2211 1 1/2 Mile Road in Fulton, Michigan. Arragements are being handled by the Spencer Family Funeral Home in Fulton, Michigan.

Article Link From Mlive.com
A Look At Laura Spurrs by The Battle Creek Enquirer
Spencer Family Funeral Home Link
Obituary Link

Forest County Potawatomi

2010-02-21T01:18:00.000-08:00

Luke Laggis

A spearheaded program by the Forest County Potawatomi that wanted a grant for $20.5 million dollars to provide broadband access to a six county area in northern Wisconsin, was turned down for the grant but their requests have been heard and answered by Governor Jim Doyle and U.S. Deputy Commerce Secretary Dennis Hightower, as they announced that they will invest $28.7 million dollars to expand broadband Internet connection that will provide access in over 380 communities in all of the states 72 counties. Not everyone will have access but many will,

To Read The Source Of The Article Link

Laura Spurr has died

2010-02-20T01:19:00.000-08:00

Athens Township, Michigan.

The first payment from the Firekeepers casino to local revenue sharing communities was $1,933,683.41 for the five month period ending December 31, 2009.

Laura W. Spurr is the very popular tribal chairman of the Huron Band of Potawatomi, the tribe has a Class III gaming license with the State of Michigan. The Casino is located in BattleCreek, Michigan. In addition to the local revenue sharing check, a check for $3,867,366.79 was paid to the state that represents a fixed four percent of the electronic gaming profit. Most of the money will go towards a Michigan Investment Fund that has a 21st century Jobs Initiative.

Unfortunately Laura Spurr, who has been such a important figure for the Native American community for her entire life has went to a better place, she passed of a heart attack in California her family says, she was 64 years old.

She was in California to make a presentation on the design of FireKeepers casino when she collapsed and was transported by ambulance and passed a few hours later. Laura Spurr was very instrumental in getting the casino to her people for such badly needed programs like child care, elders care, health care, police protection, fire protection, emergency responders, language and cultural classes......

News Link

To Read The Entire Article Link

Main Site Link

Jim Thorpe

2010-02-19T04:48:00.000-08:00

The 20th century football legend, Jim Thorpe, a Potawatomi who won two Olympic gold medals, played professional baseball and professional football, and would later become the president of the league that is now known as the NFL. Jim Thorpe is considered to be one of the best athletes in the history of professional sports.

His Native American name was Wa-tho-huck (Jim) he was born in 1888 in Oklahoma. His daughter is Grace Thorpe and she is from the Citizen Band of Potawatomi. Reading the link called "Grace Thorpe Link" you will see a list of Potawatomi that have in many instances become famous, and this is only a fraction of the nine tribes celebrities.

Grace Thorpe Link
Jim Thorpe Bio Link

Forest County Potawatomi

2010-02-19T02:00:00.000-08:00

Has many proactive programs available because of Native American gaming revenue, one is called, "Nurturing Fathers Program" It is held every other Monday starting February 22, 2010 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the FCP Family Resource Center at 8000 Potawatomi Trail in Crandon. They are even serving dinner. Call (715) 478-7262 for more details.

Remember!!! You're the first man your daughter will ever love,

and you're the example your son's will remember for the rest of their lives."

Forest County Potawatomi

The Forest County Potawatomi also have a proactive program that teaches tradition beliefs of independence and contribution. Native American gaming helps make such programs available and the monies generated from Native American gaming flows back into the community through very needed and useful programs.

Programs Available Link

Potawatomi 101

2010-02-18T14:00:00.000-08:00

A Crash Course In Potawatomi

by
Gary Mitchell

Prairie Band of Potawatomi

Tribal Historian

Over the many years the Potawatomi have collected many captivating stories to tell, at every bend, at every twist and turn of our history.

These stories of the old traditional Potawatomi that were located on the eastern sea board and then slowly migrated over the many years westward - this migration was at times voluntary while at other times, very much against our will. Nonetheless, we were an independent group and we lived off the the bountiful natural resources of the Great Lakes. What we couldn't catch in the Lakes or hunt in the forests, we acquired through trade with other tribes and later with the non-Indians. For the longest time we enjoyed life free from outside influences and prospered.

After the first contact with non-Indians in 1641, land become a central issue, that intensified with the expansion of the 13 colonies or "13 Fires." As this expansion started to happen the Potawatomi lost some of their autonomy and freedoms. Non-Indians wanted the land for mines, timber and the growing number of new towns, cities and ports. During this time of advancing settlement, the Potawatomi people held no real concept of ownership. Their beliefs taught them that the land belonged to all living things alike. However, the U.S. Government, in its first treaties with the Indians, established boundaries for tribal land. In the numerous treaties that followed, known as "cession treaties," the Potawatomi agreed to sell land to the U.S. government. Those early concessions soon led to more drastic policies.

The 1830 Removal Act was a governing policy of the United States government. The policy revolved around a dream that the Indian "problem" could be eliminated forever by persuading the eastern Indians to axchange their lands for territory west of the Mississippi. Each band has their own story to tell about the removal and those stories are unique to them and are best told by them. As for the Prairie Band, we made temporary stops in Missouri's Platte Country in the mid-1830's and Council Bluffs area of Iowa in the 1840's. The tribe controlled up to five million acres at both locations. After 1846 the tribe moved to present-day Kansas. Although the area lacked the beauty of the Great Lakes, the circumstances of removal left the tribal people little choice. At that time, the reservation was thirty square miles which included part of the present-day Topeka. It is our contention that the land we lost during this period contributed to the greatest of this country. In the following years, land holdings dwindled further and life toughened for the Prairie Band. At times it seemed hopeless, but we survived.

For the first part of the 20th century the Potawatomi subsisted on farming, hunting and trapping, wage labor, and leasing of their lands. The band suffered greatly during the Great Depression, and accompanying drought during the 1930's. Things didn't get any better after the wars came along. Many tribal members went and fought in Europe and the Pacific during World War II. They went to Korea, Vietnam and fought in modern day battles in the Middle East. Some died, some were wounded and some suffered for many years after, but they have achieved a place of great honor in our society. We are free today because of what those veterans have done for us.

The tribes in the ensuing years struggled living with abject poverty and racism however, because of strong leaders, were able to survive something very close to termination. It took time for the Potawatomi to regroup as a tribe. Government programs and grant helped, but never were the true answer. The introduction of gaming activities has initiated an improvement in social, educational and cultural leadership programs which has led to improvement in the quality of life among our people.

Mitchell's Potawatomi Journal Link
Gary Mitchell's Link
shawnosh@yahoo.com

B.A. in Political Science from Washburn University and a Masters in history. Lifetime student of being a Potawatomi.

Poetry Native American

2010-02-18T09:05:00.000-08:00

Susan Cambell is an enrolled member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. She and her husband have three children. Susan has a very similar interest that i do, she likes to study the genealogy and Potawatomi language of the Potawatomi.

Her new book is called "Stained Glass Windows" it is a book of Native American Poems. Susan and i have a lot in common, my mother also has a published book on Native American poems, with some non-denominational Christian poetry.

To order Susan's first book, send a check for $12 (includes postage) to Susan Cambell, 3200-C Wawae Road, Kalahaeo, HI 96742. Or contact her at nokmis@yahoo.com

She Who Prays.....Always

Black wool poolid in moonlight

her skirt lay softly on the ground.

Resting her arms on an alter of stone

she fingered a circle of beads

and quietly prayed.

Dark eyes glowed with curiosity

as small figures seperated from bending trees

to drop stones on the fabric lake.

Unmoving she prayed on.

As the sun's rays brushed the tallest leaves

forming shadows of the stones

her prayers were heard.

And were answered.

Susan Cambell, 1988.

Kansas Heritage Link

Emerald Ash Borer

2010-02-18T03:24:00.000-08:00

This terrible little insect made it's home in North America in around in 2002 in Canton, Michigan.. It is killing all the Ash trees in the forests that the Potawatomi use for making the traditional black ash basket that is such a part of the Potawatomi culture, when ever i hear of the Emerald Ash Borer the first thing that pops in my mind is Pigeon movie on the black ash basket.

Due to a lack of funding the Emerald Ash Borer can only be quarantined instead of eradicated. So the next time you see a forest full of dead trees, more than likely it is from this littler bug, i recently was walking in the woods and was in shock at all the dead Ash trees, i cursed the bug in my own language, bad behavior (Ke'batse')

On The Potawatomi's Most Wanted List Link
Terrible In The Great Lakes Region
The bad "Most Wanted" list.

Letter to Honorable Christopher Dodd

2010-02-18T02:29:00.000-08:00

A letter to Chairman Dodd from the Citizen Band of Potawatomi Letter Link
Also A Letter To President Obama From The Citizen Band of Potawatomi Link
The Citizen Band of Potawatomi has a population of 28,000 (Tribal Members) and is one of the nine Potawatomi tribes.

Photos from Mobileme's Link

nin (I)
Words Of The Day Link

Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi

2010-02-18T02:20:00.000-08:00

The reservation of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi is called the Pine Creek Reservation, it is just South of Kalamazo and has wom a national award from the U.S. Green building Council for it's many earth friendly achievements. Dan & Sherri Photo's Link
It is interesting to note that this cleaver tribe calls it's meetings with members, "the round table" it makes a meeting sound inviting.

To Read This Great Gift Link
Forest County Love Your Mother Link

Hurt (daknItum)
Word Of The Day Link

Native American

2010-02-18T02:01:00.000-08:00

Statement from Gun Lake Tribe Chairman D.K. Spragu

"Senate Majority Ken Sikkema should have strong armed this resolution through the Senate back on December 7th, which commemorates the greatest sneak of attacks and deception. Senator Sikkema used his political capital and might attempt to delay the sovergn rights of my tribe instead of using it to add more jobs to an area that could use them."

"Senator Sikkema should be ashamed of himself for discounting the support our tribe has received from thousands of West Michigan citizens and 34 separate organizations. He has misled his Senate colleges and the people of Michigan through false and inaccurate statements about this project that are inconsisteny with the results of public opinion surveys and economic analysis of this project's benefits to our area and people."

Clearly, Senator Sikkema has zero respect for tribal governments and the programs and services we provide to our tribal members. If he had his way we would all cease to exist."

"Our fight for fairness is far from over and we will prevail."

Native American gaming provides revenue for tribal members, such things are needed on a sovereign country, things like police protection, fire protection, emergency responders, medical care facilities, elder care programs, language classes for the Potawatomi, it is said that about 10 people in the world speak and write Potawatomi. Cultural enrichment and classes, education programs, suicide programs......

It should also be noted that Ed Pigeon comes from this tribe and has been so instrumental in the Potawatomi language. The Gun Lake casino will go forward but it should be noted about the hardships that Senator Ken Sikkena has given this Potawatomi Tribe.

Press Release Link
Gun Lake Main Site Link

Senator Ken Sikkema Link

Actor Adam Beach First Nation

2010-02-17T07:24:00.000-08:00

Actor Adam Beach is from the Wasauking First Nation, one of the nine bands of Potawatomi. He is one of Canada's most prominent actors and has made it a priority to star in more Native American movies.

Adam has already stared in "WindTalkers and Flag's of our father's" and he makes a point to always sneak in his tribal pride in his interviews. I have over a dozen interviews that he brings up his heritage. Adam even ran for Tribal Chief and states his first love is for his people and to show a accurate description of the Native American.

Adam was born in Manitoba and has stared in "Law and Order," he is currently working on many other projects due out shortly.

Adam Beach Represents Link

Gsooziem's Photo's Hanna Link
Main Site Link
Connect Group Link

She'zhos (Jesus)
Donald Perrot Word a day link

Tommy Prince First Nation

2010-02-17T06:15:00.000-08:00

On the right

Born in Manitoba Canada, he was one of eleven children of Henry and Arabella Prince. Growing up, Prince became a superb marksman with great tracking skills from his countless days in the wilderness on the Wasauksing First Nation Indian reservation in Canada.

Prince is recognized as the most decorated aboriginal solider in Canada, it is interesting at the use of the politically correct word of aboriginal instead of Native American, American Indian or Potawatomi band. Wasauksing First Nation is one of the nine tribes of the Potawatomi Nation.

The Clint Eastwood movie "Flags of our Father" is a movie about Prince from the Wasaunsing First Nations and includes a Wasaunsing First Nation actor, Adam Beach.

Tommy Prince Link
Movie Link

Ni Je Na? (How are You?)
Donald Perrot Word a day link

Carol Pegahmagabow

2010-02-17T05:12:00.000-08:00

bohzo (Hello) Carol is from the Wasauksing First Nation, one of the nine bands of Potawatomi that makes Mnowabmenaguze (Beautiful) broaches. Each is handmade from birch bark and trimmed with sweetgrass. The trillium is done in either red or white is crafted from porcupine quills. Megwetch (Thank You)

Sunset Winds From The First Nations Photographs Link

bama (Good bye)
Donald Perrot Word a day link

Frieda Fein

2010-02-17T04:50:00.000-08:00

Marti Heline

The very kind SouthBend Tribune has honored the Potawatomi by writing about the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi twice a week, in anticipation of Tom Topash's, "Pokagon's Promise."

The works of Adams High School Senior, Frieda Fein's has been selected to compete in the 40 finalist
works in a National program called "Society and Science" the event's winner will compete in Washington D.C. for $620,000.

Her work is called, "Investigation of Faunal Diets at Pokagon Village Site to Determine Farming Practices of the Pokagon Band."

The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians was one of the few tribes allowed to stay on their land and not be removed in what is known as "The Trail of Death." Most of the Potawatomi tribes were forced to relocate West of the Mississippi. Notre Dame archeologist excavated a historic Pokagon village in the early 2000's and found the bones from domesticated animals such as cows and chickens. The archeologist studied the bones and determined that the bones came from the Pokagon village.

Fein concludes that the Potawatomi tribe fed the animals and raised the animals for eating and providing a natural diet. Fein who has a interest in archeology, and last year began volunteering at the University of Notre Dame, the same University that Mike Zimmerman Jr. attends, Zimmerman gets special attention because he can speak and write Potawatomi, Justin Neely, the language instructor at the Citizen Band of Potawatomi believes that only about 10 people can speak and write the language.

My request for Frieda Fein is to be a guest writer on this blog so that her Nationally recognized work can be distributed to all the Potawatomi tribes. My email is tweetybird@hushmail.com

Original Article Link
Photo's From Tribal Chairman WillKenny Link
Photo's From Indianopolis Diver Link

Menwanma (Love) like a child.
Donald Perrot Word a day link

Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi

2010-02-17T04:14:00.000-08:00

FireKeepers Casino owned and operated by the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi, one of the nine Potawatomi tribes, located in Emmitt Township, Michigan. Took out a $340 million dollar bond to build the $300 million dollar casino.

The tribe paid off the $5 million dollar startup loan to Gaming Entertainment Michigan (GEM) to read the entire article:

BattleCreek Enquirer Link

FireKeepers Casino Link
Great Photos From BC Enquirer

nikan (Friend)
Justin Neeley Potawatomi Language Link

How We Once Played

2010-02-16T13:13:00.000-08:00

Greg Morsaw, Pokagon Band of Potawatomi

Many years ago the Potawatomi children played e'pegnege'wen (Lacrosse), the oldest ball game in North America and Double Shinny. Lacrosse was very popular among the Potawatomi and played by almost every tribe and is considered to be part of our culture. It was played by using a three foot Pegnegenatek (Lacrosse stick) with a curved end. The bkwakwet (Ball) was also made of wood and great care had to be used to not damage the ball. Double Shinny was a lot like Lacrosse only a lot less violent.

Another game was called cup and pin, players would try to catch a series of bones on a stick made of bone or wood. Players used a piece of deer hide with deer claws strung on it, and a long pin attached to the opposite end. Children also used a pointed stick with a cluster of glass for grabbing the rings, a short cord was attached at the end for holding onto the stick.

Another game was called Snow Snake, the children would play this game on a frozen lake or on the frozen ground in the winter. The player used a wooden stick with a rounded carved head that looked like a snake. The player would throw the stick and who ever could throw the stick the farthest would be the winner.

Other games were birchbark hoops a game that horseshoes would originate from, in which the player would throw a awl toward a metal point held down by a piece of wood and circled by a ring made of bones. The winner would be the one who got the most tosses inside the ring.

Boy how times have changed

Jerry Briscoe

2010-02-16T10:57:00.000-08:00

Jerry Briscoe is a member of the Prairie Band of Potawatomi tribe in Kansas, he is a research associate at the University of Kansas Medical School. He works in the American Indian Community Health program also.

Jerry holds a bachelors degree of Art Degree in American Indian Studies with a minor in Buisness Administration from Haskell Indian Nations University. He has completed his Masters degree in Public Health.

Prairie Band of Potawatomi Veterans

2010-02-16T10:37:00.000-08:00

Dedication form the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to the Prairie Band of Potawatomi veterans. A link to see the Mnowabmenaguzo (Beautiful) photographs U.S. Army Link

The We-Ta-Se American Legion Post 410 Color Guard, who are proud members of the Praire Band of Potawatomi, located in Kansas. Most of the veterans served in Vietnam, the eldest member is over 79 years old, a veteran from World war II and Korea, he served 20 years in the Air Force.

The name We-Ta-Se means "He who is brave" in Potawatomi.

Native American Casinos

2010-02-16T05:48:00.000-08:00

Michael Castranova

bohzo nikan (hello friend) Very complete and well written history of Michigan Native American Casino's Article Link That i want to keep in our Bode'awdmi (Potawatomi) library.

Nchiwenmo (I am happy) that a screenwriter will be doing guest writing in April on the war of 1812 and the history of the critical time period for the Potawatomi's during the time period just before the removal act and how it affected the Potawatomi shortly after. What he writes does not belong to me, i will pass it along to all the Potawatomi groups, sharing is what we did many years ago, it is how we survived.
bama (Good bye) Bgosenjege (Wish) you the best day!