Potawatomi Nation gathers for the third year, 1996

by Gary E. Mitchell

The Potawatomi Nation, once a powerful force in the Great Lake before historical circumstances intervened, gathered during the 1996 Labor Day weekend to exchange ideas on history, religion, tradition, and culture and in short time became one tribe again.

An estimated 500 representatives from the Prairie Band, Citizen Band, Forest County Band, Pokagon Band, Huron Band and a small group from Canada joined in the weekend festivities sponsored by the Hannaville Potawatomi. Activities included a traditional pow-wow with a Potawatomi princess contest, inter-tribal dancing, workshops, and for many, a chance to retrace ancient steps into the Great Lakes area where many Potawatomi ancestors once roamed and lived. The format of the weekend resembled previous Potawatomi gatherings held in Canada in 1994 and Kansas in 1995, a format that gave old friends and relatives an opportunity to see each other again after a year’s absence and to relive old stories and hear new ones.

The gathering drew many first time visitors to see the historical exhibit, several stands with Potawatomi-made arts and crafts, and most of all a chance to gather and exchange ideas on how to improve the future for all Potawatomi bands scattered from Canada to Oklahoma.

Many speakers came forth to tell the attentive audience about their band experiences with relocation, history, religion, and where they hope to go with a revitalization of the Potawatomi language. All of these messages were valuable source material for future generations. The speakers basically said not much can be done about the past, but the bands can learn from each other to improve the future for all Potawatomi. The Hannaville Band honored the tribal leaders with star quilts and the speakers with hand-carved walking sticks. The Forest County Band also had a huge give-away for the other bands.

The weekend was marked by such hospitality. Generosity is a Potawatomi trait from time immortal. The Hannaville did an outstanding job in putting on this event. One of the most often overlooked people in any gathering are the cooks. The Hannaville cooks worked all day to cook two meals for all the bands and worked late into the night to get ready for the next day’s meals. They did a great job in making the weekend memorable for everyone

Next year’s Potawatomi Gathering is tentatively scheduled for Labor Day in Shawnee, Oklahoma, and will be hosted by the Citizen Band of Potawatomi. If the last three gatherings are an indication, the trip will be worth the effort.

Note: After this article, the gathering in Shawnee and one year later in Athens, Michigan, followed a similar format and were equally successful.