Born from French roots The story of the Nadeau family begins in 1611 in Genouillae Angoumois, Charente, France when Mascia dit Lavigne Nadeau was born. Mascia and his wife, Jeanne Despins, moved to Quebec, Canada. It is unclear when and why the family emigrated from France to Canada, but they may been among the French seeking more openness and economic …
Traditionally, nakneshk or soft stemmed bulrush, was harvested by women of the Human Clan in dgwaget. Growing in large colonies, this cool season perennial is commonly found in wet prairies, non-tidal marshes, swamps, the fringes of lakes and ponds, sloughs, freshwater or brackish shorelines and inland shallow waters throughout the United States. This species prefers silty or peaty soils, seeding …
Recognized historically as one of the most powerful leaders and warriors among the Michigan and Indiana Potawatomi. He was a veteran of the French and Indian War, fighting with the Native-French alliance at the siege of Ft. William Henry. The qualities that earned him respect were passed down to his sons, Topinabee, Chebass and Shissahecon, who would also play pivotal …
The roots of the Navarre family reach back to the 1834 wedding of Kechoueckquay [Kisnawkwe] and Pierre Navarre in the Indiana village of Potawatomi leader, Pokagon. Kechoueckquay was the daughter of Potawatomi leader Wabaunsee, later taking the Christian name of Angelique upon her baptism. Born at Detroit and raised in Monroe, Michigan, Pierre is recognized as the first non-Native settler …
23in W x 45in L The dress was made by Citizen Potawatomi tribal member Julia Navarre and worn by Eva L. Navarre, Viola A. Navarre and granddaughter Gladys B. Small. It is made of a light brown cotton material and yarn [white, orange, red and green]. A handwritten note that was donated with the dress reads, “dress worn by Eva …
Born at Detroit, Pierre Navarre is recognized as the first non-Native settler of Michigan’s St. Joseph River Valley. From Monroe, Michigan, Navarre was considered well-educated and a top agent for the American Fur Company. He would later leave the American Fur Company to establish his own trading post along the St. Joseph River. His experience in trapping and trading with …
Father Albert Negahnquet, also known as Dom Bede, was Citizen Potawatomi and the first full‐blood American Indian ordained Roman Catholic priest in the United States. Oral stories tell us that at a young age, Albert “wanted to educate the Potawatomi people in the teachings of the Bible in their own language.” Understanding his son’s path, Albert’s father Nebawqua or Stephen …
Born on the Kansas River Reservation, Stephen Negahnquet quickly rose to become a community fixture in Kansas. After the Treaty of 1867, he removed with his family to Indian Territory and was allotted several sections of land. He is listed on the 1872 Citizen Potawatomi allotment census as well as recorded first on the 1887 Dawes allotment census. On the …
Neswake was a leader of much influence and distinguished orator among the Wabash Potawatomi. He served as principle speaker for the Indiana Potawatomi during land cession and removal negotiations. Neswake gave the keynote address at the 1837 Keewaunay emigration council, expressing grievances and deep concern regarding the survival of his people post-removal. Despite his mixed opposition to removal, his name …
Niben was the time of plenty. Villages converged to dance, celebrate and play games, strengthening the bonds among Potawatomi people and culture. With an abundance of natural resources, our ancestors tended to their fields, gathered fruit, nuts and wild plants, and harvested a variety of animals for food, tools and clothing. What was not used, shared or traded was stored …