Potawatomi Nation

 

Somewhat unique to the BCSC are the presence of an Indian History Room and a curriculum of courses which study the history of the Prairie Band of the Potawatomi Nation. This tribe is indigenous to the area and presently has a nearby reservation. It is our belief that a greater understanding of the Potawatomi Nation – by the surrounding communities – will facilitate better relations between all concerned. Simultaneously it should contribute to a higher level of mutual respect and appreciation for the Tribe’s beliefs, customs and activities.

The Potawatomi tradition dates back to the 1400’s when the Odawa, Ojibiwas and the Potawatomi were originally one tribe. These members of the “three fires” shared a similar way of life. They were also called the “three brothers”, with the Potawatomi being considered the youngest brother. According to legend, the tribes braided three trees together to signify their brotherhood. It is said that this tree has grown together over the years and is now fully grown and flourishes in the Lower Peninsula of Michigan. Loyalties between the three tribes ran deep and they often came to the defense of one another during the times of war. So it is with this history that this coalition was solidified over the early years. Coalitions such as this were to become an essential element to the tribe’s social fabric throughout the early years, and as such they served the tribes well. In the years of prolonged conflict, territorial expansion and other common goals of advancement, these coalitions were absolute necessities and therefore heavily utilized by all members.

Another aspect of this coalition was a very close trade relationship, from which each tribe benefited. And, each tribe had a certain function to keep the alliance strong. The Odawa were the “Trader People”, responsible for providing food and supplies. The Ojibiwas were the “Keepers of the Faith” and therefore kept the sacred teachings. The Potawatomi were in charge of the ceremonial fire burning. It was around this fire that the nations came together in peace and made decisions regarding the welfare of the people. All three groups spoke related languages that linguists classify as part of the Algonquin tongues. It was said that this language could carry an Indian traveler across more than a thousand miles of land – from east to west – in the Great Lakes region, and in doing so, these travelers could understand the other tribes well enough to enjoy successful travel.

In time this coalition was ended, when the Potawatomi elected to go out on their own and build a new “fire” – which is Indian Parlance means to set up as an independent tribe. But the background of being a part of the coalition remains with The Potawatomi (People of the Place of the Fire) still. Today each of the tribes still retains much of the same characteristics and language, despite being located in vastly different locations.

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