Metea was a highly celebrated warrior and leader among the Indiana and Illinois Potawatomi. His village, known as Meskwawasebyéton, was located near Fort Wayne, Indiana. As a warrior, Metea was instrumental in numerous campaigns against the encroaching Americans. He was an active leader during the War of 1812 and a valued ally to Shawnee leader Tecumseh. His reputation as a …
For millennia, Native communities have occupied the southern region of Wisconsin the area that would become Milwaukee. In the early 17th century, Potawatomi refugees fleeing Iroquoian raiding parties in central Michigan, established settlements in the Green Bay and Milwaukee areas. As the settlements grew into large trade centers, French-Canadian explorers and traders were lured to the area known by the …
Mnokme was the time when the spirits reawakened and life was restored. The thunder of approaching storms was believed to be the mnedok (spirits) returning home. Ceremonies were performed thanking the spirits for their winter protection and for fertility as new life emerged. The Potawatomi new year began with Nmébnégises (Sucker Fish Moon). As the rivers and lakes thawed the …
Traditionally, the transition from niben [summer] to dgwaget [fall] was known as Nibnegises [Ripening Moon], the time of year when Potawatomi and other Neshnabek migrated to their annual menomen [wild rice] camps for harvest. A primary food staple, wild rice was extensively traded among Algonquin tribes and foreign merchants. Aside from diet, it was used medicinally and spiritually in various …
13in L x 8.5in W x 1.5in H The 234-page medical journal was researched and recorded by Joseph Napoleon Bourassa, who studied medicine at the Choctaw Academy and had close relationships with traditional medicine men before and after removal. Listed are health conditions and their medicinal therapies. Each treatment is recorded as a recipe, noting wild plants harvested and processed. …
15.5in H x 12in W The bronze statue titled, The Future Begins Now, was created by CPN tribal member Clyde B. Slavin in 2004. It depicts an important portion of the Neshnabé/Bodéwadmi Flood story, where the Muskrat places a piece of earth on the Turtle’s back to create a new world. Note from the artist reads: The Future Begins Now, …
Recognized historically as one of the most powerful leaders and warriors among the Michigan and Indiana Potawatomi. He was a veteran of the French and Indian War, fighting with the Native-French alliance at the siege of Ft. William Henry. The qualities that earned him respect were passed down to his sons, Topinabee, Chebass and Shissahecon, who would also play pivotal …
Born at Detroit, Pierre Navarre is recognized as the first non-Native settler of Michigan’s St. Joseph River Valley. From Monroe, Michigan, Navarre was considered well-educated and a top agent for the American Fur Company. He would later leave the American Fur Company to establish his own trading post along the St. Joseph River. His experience in trapping and trading with …
Neswake was a leader of much influence and distinguished orator among the Wabash Potawatomi. He served as principle speaker for the Indiana Potawatomi during land cession and removal negotiations. Neswake gave the keynote address at the 1837 Keewaunay emigration council, expressing grievances and deep concern regarding the survival of his people post-removal. Despite his mixed opposition to removal, his name …
Niben was the time of plenty. Villages converged to dance, celebrate and play games, strengthening the bonds among Potawatomi people and culture. With an abundance of natural resources, our ancestors tended to their fields, gathered fruit, nuts and wild plants, and harvested a variety of animals for food, tools and clothing. What was not used, shared or traded was stored …