The negosek (stars) and their constellations help steer our thoughts and teachings, as much of our ancient knowledge originates from the sky. Each season the sky changes and familiar constellations are seen again. During mnokme, the mdodowgemek (sweat lodge) constellation can be seen within the Roman constellation, Corona Borealis. The stars create the dome-shaped structure we recognize as our sweat …
Our bmadzewen [existence] is built on a sacred principle of four. Our medicines, lifecycles, directional powers, and the creation and destruction of worlds are connected through this belief, symbolized by our medicine wheel. Color: White [each color represents the four races of man Creator placed on earth] Direction: Wech-ksenyak [North] Season: Bbon [Winter] Life Cycle: Elder Medicine: Wishkpemishkos [Sweetgrass] Element: …
Metea was a highly celebrated warrior and leader among the Indiana and Illinois Potawatomi. His village, known as Meskwawasebyéton, was located near Fort Wayne, Indiana. As a warrior, Metea was instrumental in numerous campaigns against the encroaching Americans. He was an active leader during the War of 1812 and a valued ally to Shawnee leader Tecumseh. His reputation as a …
64in L x 45in W x 48in H The Chandler and Price printing press was used at Sacred Heart Mission and later St. Gregory’s University. The press was used to print religious and educational materials, notices and one of the earliest publications in Oklahoma, the Indian Advocate. The printing press is on loan from the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art and …
For millennia, Native communities have occupied the southern region of Wisconsin the area that would become Milwaukee. In the early 17th century, Potawatomi refugees fleeing Iroquoian raiding parties in central Michigan, established settlements in the Green Bay and Milwaukee areas. As the settlements grew into large trade centers, French-Canadian explorers and traders were lured to the area known by the …
In early 2019, the Citizen Potawatomi Nation and the Pottawatomie Board of County Commissioners reached an agreement regarding approximately 20 acres of land known as the Mission Hill property. Pottawatomie County Commissioners conveyed the property to Citizen Potawatomi Nation. Pottawatomie County was given the property under the mandatory legal requirement that it would be used by the county exclusively for …
In mnokme, meaning time of good rain, the spirits reawaken and life is restored. With the thunder of approaching storms, it was believed the mnedok (spirits) return home. Ceremonies were performed to thank the spirits for their winter protection and for fertility as new life emerged. In regions of the Great Lakes, the Potawatomi new year began with nmébnégises (sucker …
“You will find the path to the chosen ground, a land in the west where food grows on water.” Migrating from the east and led by our sacred Megis shell, our ancestors established a new home in the Great Lakes. Here they found the prophesized food on water, mnomen (the good seed) or wild rice. A sacred and essential food, …
Marking the end of summer is Mnomneké-Gizes (Ricing Moon), when Bodéwadmi and other Nishnabé travel to their annual wild rice camps for harvest. Harvest is a time to strengthen community bonds, connect with and bring balance to Segmekwé (Mother Earth). A sacred and essential food, mnomen was and is still eaten throughout the year. Highly nutritious, it was traditionally the …
One of the most prominent and competitive winter games among Bodéwadmi is the Moccasin Game. Forming two teams, each are comprised of a finder/hider, scorekeeper, drummers and singers. Using theatrics, each team is tasked with hiding a small wooden ball under one of four moccasins in an attempt to disguise its location and confuse opponents. With the ball concealed, drummers …