The fur trade’s decline and colonial competition increased turmoil across Indian Country. Through the 18th to early 19th century, discord among Native Americans and the federal government continued to grow. Section five of the Cultural Heritage Center focuses on this influential time in North American history. Each Native group had their own survival tactics. Some Read More »
In 1634, French explorer Jean Nicolet made initial European contact with the Potawatomi near Green Bay, Wisconsin. The fourth section of the Cultural Heritage Center introduces the coming together of two worlds. “The goal was to tell the complete story of how this pivotal period impacted the Potawatomi, their French allies and the future landscape Read More »
Tribal members and families can experience the recently renovated Cultural Heritage Center during Family Reunion Festival 2018. In January, the CHC wrapped up nearly four years of renovations and revealed 11 new exhibits. Each section takes visitors through Potawatomi historical eras starting with pre-European contact through the 21st century. “If you are a Tribal member Read More »
The Citizen Potawatomi Nation Eagle Aviary was the fourth Native American aviary to open in the country. Off a quite road away from town, it houses 14 eagles, one falcon and two hawks. The aviary’s mission is to be a place of rehabilitation and sanctuary for injured birds. Some live the rest of their lives Read More »
The Bourbonnais Cabin is a culturally significant home located on Tribal land near the Citizen Potawatomi Nation Cultural Heritage Center. The Nation usually allows tours and welcomes visitors inside during the Family Reunion Festival each summer, but this year it is closed. Given the cabin’s cultural significance, Tribal staff are reviewing repair suggestions and maintenance Read More »
Before French explorer Jean Nicolet introduced colonialism to the Potawatomi in the 17th century, its society interlaced a respect for nature, an emphasis on community and a thankfulness for the gifts and knowledge bestowed upon the people by the Creator into daily life. CHC’s third exhibit highlights the balance once held between the Potawatomi, the Read More »
The Cultural Heritage Center’s vast basketry collection inspired the creation of a limited line of commemorative dinnerware pieces available for purchase through the CHC’s gift shop. “Rather than highlighting one individual, we wanted to highlight the styles and techniques that are really quintessential to Potawatomi people,” said CHC Director Kelli Mosteller. “They represent not just Read More »
For thousands of years, generations of Potawatomi preserved history and culture through spoken language and the art of oral traditions. Stories and interactive video in the second exhibit at the Citizen Potawatomi Nation Cultural Heritage Center highlight narratives that record Potawatomi beliefs, culture, history and early way of life. “This is our Origins Gallery, because Read More »
‘Our history is real’ – Cultural Heritage Center reopening cultivates community, family and identity
Studies prove that people with strong connections to heritage and history are more confident, more resilient and feel more grounded, said Dr. Glenna Stumblingbear-Riddle, a licensed health service psychologist. “It really does serve as a buffer against problems, which can be mental health problems, just life stressors, because life is stressful for everybody,” said Stumblingbear-Riddle, Read More »
This January, after years of planning and reconstruction, the Citizen Potawatomi Nation Cultural Heritage Center held its official grand reopening, revealing 11 new exhibits. The first explains one of the Tribe’s oral traditions, the Seven Fires Prophecy. “Our oral traditions are our history,” said CPN Cultural Heritage Center Director Kelli Mosteller, Ph.D. “Before written Read More »