Potawatomi by: Kamber, Sara, Chloe, Megan, and Anne

Marie

Potawatomi Tribal SymbolAt the center of the seal on a white background is the “Council Fire” from which they get their name and which has become a symbol of warmth, friendship and wisdom. Under the fire is their name for themselves, Neshnabe or the “True People.” Over the fire a peace pipe and tomahawk cross as a symbol of peace, skill and strength. Three eagle feathers hang from each, signifying the three branches of their ancient roots.

Traditional name/Family clans/Shelter

• The traditional tribal name is Potawatomi , which means keepers of the fire

• There houses called wigwams were made out of bent over saplings , and animal skins were normally put over them

• The people of Potawatomi normally lived with the normal family the unmarried children , the mom , dad , and sometimes the grandparents , other times friends or other family

Dwellings

Potawatomi’s Original Life • Traditional clothing was made from buffalo and deer hides• For food women had gardens and grew

beans,corn,squash,melons,peas,and tobacco• Men hunted buffalo, deer, elk, moose, bear, beavers, and

foxes• Their common shelter is a wigwam• The Potawatomi moved seasonally in different transportation

each season• The clan members were two parents and all unmarried

children • Sometimes grandparents lived with the family

Potawatomi HistoryAfter the Europeans came the Potawatomi spent all their time

collecting furs to trade instead of finding food. Potawatomi began to grow away from their religion because of

marrying French traders.In the 1900’s they were known as the strolling Potawatomi

because they had no current land. The Potawatomi’s traditional ways of life have been destroyed.In 1913 the United States government officially recognized

them as the Potawatomi of Wisconsin and gave them forest land.

Unlike the Potawatomi of Kansas and Oklahoma, in Wisconsin they were able to maintain their traditions because they were still able to live in forest and they had fewer conflicts with American setters in their remote corner of Wisconsin.

Although the government gave the Potawatomi some support life was still difficult

The Potawatomi’s ways of living had been destroyed.

The government made houses, but only one couple could live in them and this broke up many families. Grandparents could not be with their grandchildren to pass down customs.

Many children grew up not hearing Potawatomi stories and Potawatomi activities.

Many Potawatomi had trouble making a living.

The little land they had barely any forest left since the lumber companies had cut them all down.

The number of fish and dear dropped

The Potawatomi found it hard to live on the land

Lots of Potawatomi moved to the cites and worked in factories. They worked as tradesman.

Those who chose to stay at the reservation made their living on lower paying jobs, such as, harvesting crops, working at lumber mills, and making arts and crafts for tourists.

They remained very poor throughout much of the twentieth century.

Potawatomi Conflicts• Potawatomi were forced from their lands by the

Iroquoian tribes from the northeastern part in the United States

• In 1653 the Iroquois reappeared and tried to destroy tribes of northeastern Wisconsin

• Twice, the Iroquois returned to defeat Potawatomi• Potawatomi bonded with the French to defeat the

English• Potawatomi, French and other tribes won against them

at first.• The Potawatomi fought against the colonist and on the

side of the English during the American Revolution.

How They Lost their Land.• In 1763 the Odawa war chief Pontiac organized Indians to

drive out the British. The Potawatomi joined and led successful attacks against British forts near the Great Lakes area.

The Potawatomi lost land to the United States Government after they fought with the English in the Revolutionary War .

The Government removed Indians West of the Mississippi River in 1830 .

In 1833 the Potawatomi were forced to give up five-million acres to the U.S. Government .

By 1836 most of the Potawatomi were forced to move to reservations in Kansas, Iowa, and Oklahoma.

Some refused to leave Wisconsin and they hid in the woods.

Map of Potawatomi Lands

Potawatomi Population TodayWhen you think of the Potawatomi people you think of native people who lived long ago and have passed away years ago, but over 1,000 Potawatomi people are still alive! Over 1000 Potawatomi are alive today though they are not together any more they still join together every year for an annual pow wow. Today they live in the following states

•Wisconsin

•Iowa

There are roughly 1,400 Forest County Potawatomi tribal members

The Potawatomi people today own lots of businesses. They've put lots of effort into their work. The Potawatomi own:

• Potawatomi Current Businesses

Fire-up Smoke ShopPotawatomi Bingo Casinos Sugar Bush HillPotawatomi Health and Wellness Center Forest County Potawatomi Historical Cultural Center Potawatomi Red Deer Ranch Potawatomi Convenience Store

Find about Ashley White

Ashley White’s Life• Ashley White is 14 years old• Ashley White is a yellow belt in Tae Kwon Do• Ashley lives on the Potawatomi Reservation Near Crandon• She likes to dance in pow wows as a fancy dancer.• Ashley White wants to be a lawyer when she grows up