Dweget brings the return of the anniversary of the Bodéwadmik Trail of Death, we are reminded of the difficulties our families have faced as a result of forced removal. As Shishibéni (Citizen Potawatomi), we were party to many removals, such as those in 1832, 1835, 1836, 1837, the Trail of Death in 1838, the re-removal of escaped Bodéwadmik in 1851, 1872, and the removal of Shishibéni in 1891 by the Seventh Cavalry from Kansas to Oklahoma, to name a few.
Since the beginning of time, Bodéwadmi have looked to the stars for answers and enlightenment. When creator instructed Original Man, known to us as Nishnabé, to seek out Dbekgises (Grandmother Moon), Nishnabé used the stars to guide his path.
Our words and language not only help us communicate, but preserve our Bodéwadmi heritage. The origin or root of each word and its meaning are keys to understanding who we were in the past, are in the present and will be in the future.
Translated as “the time when plants stop growing,” dgwaget (autumn) was traditionally a time of harvest and final preparation for winter. Food and supplies collected during the warmer months were readied for storage and travel. Still today, Bodéwadmi honor the season and Creator for what was provided, hosting feasts and ceremonies during the moons of autumn.