After teaching Spanish for several years, Tribal member Lindsay Jones Marean returned to school to study and revitalize Indigenous languages, in particular, Potawatomi.
Submitted by Jennifer Dye Crossroads Academy – Central Street focuses on producing culturally literate scholars from its diverse student body by looking at every aspect of a child’s education through an equity lens and working hard to create an anti-racist school staff and community. This means examining school curriculum, particularly social studies, through different perspectives. Read More »
Although many cultures across the globe give presents during the holidays, for Potawatomi, the practice spans all seasons. Native customs vary between small presents on a daily basis to larger exchanges during ceremonial gatherings and diplomatic meetings. “Gift giving is one of those things that is often used to open lines of communication and to Read More »
Prior to statehood, Oklahoma served as a haven for many legendary fugitives. Cattle thefts, bank robberies and murders happened frequently, and stories passed down connect several Potawatomi families to famous outlaws. Some accounts indicate the Bourbonnais family hid Frank and Jesse James in their cabin. For one Potawatomi family, the association with Indian Territory criminals Read More »
In late summer 1838 near Twin Lakes, Indiana, U.S. General John Tipton called a meeting with the Potawatomi around Chief Menominee’s village. Menominee refused to give up what remained of his people’s land. However, the federal government claimed ownership due to prior treaties and documents signed by him and other Potawatomi representatives. Militia placed Menominee Read More »
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 »
Submitted by Justin Neely, CPN Language Department Another successful Family Reunion Festival is in the bag. We had a great turnout for our language classes, and Potawatomi bingo was a huge success with over 100 people playing each session. We also taught an immersion class and children’s class, which were well received. Another highlight each 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 member Kristy Phillips resolutely carries on Potawatomi traditions. She began learning the Tribe’s language as a child in the small town of Maud, Oklahoma. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in cellular and molecular biology in 2006, she switched jobs from the CPN Language Department to the medical field until an opportunity teaching Read More »
Potawatomi use and wear plumage with honor and reverence. Tribal oral tradition says “the eagle delivers a message to the Creator that people on this earth are still doing the right thing, so the sun comes up and the Earth lives another day,” according to Citizen Potawatomi Nation Tribal Chairman John “Rocky” Barrett in his Read More »