Potawatomi History | Tribal Histories

At Devil's Lake, elders Jim Thunder and Mike Alloway, Sr. share the oral tradition of the Potawatomi people. At a time when their language and customs are in danger of extinction, find out what these elders are doing to preserve their culture for generations to come.
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[@lilspiceboi69]

somebody needa teach these men how to get their language in an online language course so even if the last fluent speakers pass their language can still be preserved mannnnnn

[@michaelmetzger8802]

There are a lot of language resources online between different Potawatomi groups and different broader anishinaabe groups but it is pretty fluid. One of these guys may have very well put stuff online. Lot's of good resources but depending on which Potawatomi group you may have more language influence from Ojibwe, or some Kickapoo and even French. From what I have learned we seem to drop a lot of vowels off of words compared to some other Anishinaabe groups and some words almost sound French in ways probably from all the intermarriage and becoming one people.

[@elizabethyow1165]

Mango languages has a course And various libraries offer a Mango language subscription! :)

[@peterowl8144]

I am from the gniw, ginew dodem. My ancestor that moved to Ontario was gokoko, we say kokoko in Ojibway. But my family is Pottawatomie. My dad is fluent, but we migrated into the Ojibway commmunity, I estimate in the 1830-1850

[@BozhoCuz]

I Ke'de' bulmer, will learn the language of my ancestors, as a forest county Potawatomi I promise to keep the tradition ways alive

[@DB-ne7ki]

My ex is deceased. I am here in his honor. He was a warrior and a protector.

[@thehubrisoftheunivris2432]

I am Potawatomi, and I live in Oklahoma. I've always been ashamed because I don't know more of my tribes history. I'd like to learn more. I look like a total white person, but I still feel a connection to my tribe. And I want the knowledge and history to survive.

[@Optimal_thinking]

You are not alone. I live in Alberta and I too am Potawatomi and look very white (my dad is German). Now I’m trying to learn more about my tribe.

[@TheTlminton]

If you live in Oklahoma, I'm assuming you're part of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, the largest Potawatomi band based in Shawnee, OK. There is a Cultural Heritage Center and museum just south of the Nation headquarters that is a great resource for historical and cultural information about CPN, as well as the relationships they maintain with other Potawatomi bands (such as the one featured in this video). It's also free.

[@Jmlatmr87]

I live among the Potawatomi but my great-grandfather and grandfather were Cherokee! Our situation is similar but the opposite. I have great respect for my Potawatomi neighbors. I hope you will find the knowledge and history you seek as I seek mine as well.

[@officialVozie100]

If you white looking then you not POWTAWMONI you WHITE then Im apache and Kickapoo 100% native American here I don't look white and I know a full blood 100% red full blood Potwamoni they don't got time for victim hood WE REAL 100% NATIVE AMERICANS STILL EXIST AND ARE 0% WHITE. Alot of people claim indian but their not 🚫 we natives seen many people claim native American or indian even tho we ain't from India we red brown people aka ABORIGINAL Americans aka native Americans. As a Kickapoo who had relations with these people it's weird for y'all to claim us haha but yeah whatever you do you should help them if you claim ancestry from them I wonder if whites are aware they are related with sammis aka blue eyed Siberian and native American tribe of Finland they probably don't even give a fuck sadly hopefully they will recognize white is red 🍒

[@officialVozie100]

@@Optimal_thinking Da'an'zho pyialli 100% apache and Kickapoo POWTAWMONI are not white they 100% red native American like me so yeah before you claim that just know that we 0% European yes we full blood exist without us whites and mixed wouldn't exist because most of us native Americans know about the Sapmis of Europe

[@dickybirdsnest]

I really enjoyed this. My family name is Ritchie. My dad's family lived on the reservation, he was raised there. I just became an elder myself this past summer.

[@davidjsouth231]

I’m a Michigan native and I always enjoyed going to see the colonial museums and Indian museums. I grew up as a young boy in Europe and studying history fascinated me. I’m a bit of purist and hate seeing good clean lands overrun with houses and commercial industry

[@robertpotrykus8739]

It is important for the children to understand that they are the keepers of our culture. The more traditions and stories that they keep alive is what will preserve our ways of life. Language, History, and our ways of life must not die.

[@jeannekeys4159]

I just learned today I'm potawatomi and i think you for this information.

[@mravalik]

I live in Michigan, and through some research I’ve seen that Potawatomi was one of the dominant tribes (correct me if I’m wrong), through southern Michigan, and I look all around me thinking what this place looked like before industry took over. Additionally, with the weather, it can be unbearably humid and hot, which I cannot stand anymore and I was curious as to how the indigenous tribes handled the unpredictable Michigan weather.

[@fritzruttimann1517]

"Grandfather" had kept his good sense of humor.

[@JordanHenry-kp5lw]

I am a Potawatomi fierce fighter descendent from the New York area who’s tribe got pushed out in Canada and brought into the Ojibway tribe

[@user-dg2ny2vn1l]

I am a potawatomi from Sault Ste Marie. I would love to learn more history and meet some cousins

[@gailboyd2076]

Oh wow. My great grandmother was Potawatomi What I had been told is her family had been from Michigan area and had been taken to Kansas. Her parents ran away back to their home area. I know her parents got some illness and died, leaving her a very young orphan. She was adopted by a family and raised inKalamazoo area.

[@davidjsouth231]

Schools aren’t teaching good history period. I thrived on history! Loved history class

[@moderngraffics]

super interesting, im from michigan and doing researching and hopeing to visit all the areas and know the history and honor them. when i was a child at a cub scout rally a native american had some fun while he danced around me while i was suppose to pick up this feather and he kept sweeping it out from under me i was embarrassed and it taught me fun in humility.

[@danletras]

Excellent. By hearing the the stories and history from the tribal members, you can really learn so much.

[@TomyGunzMusic]

My great grandpa was part of the Potawatomi tribe their in Oklahoma. I was only passed down 3% but have a strong focus on the Native culture. I would like to go to a powwow one day

[@chriskelly4102]

It's the only time in this long life when I felt I belonged . I'm dying now and for reasons i dont really understand i feel comforted by the hope he was right. It would be such a blessing.

[@chriskelly4102]

@Jeffrey Jain How kind of you. Deeply appreciated.

[@tonyp4536]

I only learned recently that one of my decedents (great-Grandmother) was from the Potawatomi Tribe. I knew that that such a past existed but did not know the tribe until recently. My grandmother was born in Kansas and I suppose might have been in that group that were in the story that moved to Kansas. My grandmother ended up in Michigan and I now wonder if this was just a life circumstance or a choice. She died when I was young so I do not know if she ever talked of her history and my mother never said a word and until a few years back my aunt finally told me the tribe name but not much else. It really was interesting to hear the history and wonder what part one of my descendants played in that history.

[@miriam4091]

Very nice! I can sense a real peace and calm in this community.

[@angelarakestraw2235]

I just recently found out that my great-great grandmother was Potawatomi. Going by the information given in this vid, I'm wondering if her husband wasn't also Potawatomi, as both were born in Potawatomi land and both ended up in Kansas and had ties to Native American events. Their son married a woman of Abenaki/Lenape descent, and his only son married a woman of Lumbee descent. I am currently trying to learn the history and some language from all of the tribes I'm descended from.

[@chriskelly4102]

Many years ago a Chief in Seattle asked me questions over the summer. Lots of questions that I was unsure of the answers. Then on one visit he told me I was Potawatame

[@jamesnash1497]

You know I’m a Potawatomi citizen of the U.S.A - l The sooner we get recorders with language something like the phones we carry around the sooner we will know are language. WE NEED TO GET SMALL LANGUAGE BOXES WITH THE ELDERS INTERPRITATING -WE SHOULD HAVE SOME KIND OF SATELITE TRACKING DEVICES SO THE BOXES COULD BE FIOUND IF LOST - THAT WAY WE CAN HAVE MONEY CONTESTS FOR ALL AGE GROUPS MAN OR WOMEN. WE NEED TO REWARD THE PARTISAPENTS FOR THERE EFFORTS AND I THINK WE SJOULD PAY THEM ALOT BECAUSE LEARNING A LANGUAGE IS NOT EASY ITS HARD HARD HARD SO MY POTAWOTOMI PRINCESS IS LOVE I HAVE LOVE IONLY FOR POTOWATOMI. THE BOW WILL EVEN ALLOW US TO 1 know the different dialects of other tribes. THE BOX IS A SOLUTION.

[@Nitronerd]

Wenet she egi kiktoyak ode zheshmoen. It is good we talk the language

[@rhonda-lynnrobson-heafey4104]

This is such a beautiful narrative...is there anyone out there familiar with the name Waiekwakamig? Apparent Potawatomi family who lived in Garden River, Ontario Canada

[@castor5398]

good video

[@asherjayne5418]

Thank you. I found out I am Potawatomi and this was a very informative video

[@fleadoggreen9062]

I like that story of the fort Dearborn massacre, not being a smartass, it was wartime, but I remember reading the Indian war party done a like warrior trot ,like that’s how they traveled before horses were prevalent, the warriors kinda jogged from like 50 miles southwest of fort Dearborn I wanna say Kankakee, that’s a long ass way, I go hiking 3 hours and I’m wiped out, gives me reference to how good of shape people can be in ,just crazy

[@sunflowerheather7019]

Rochester, Michigan along the paint creek was a location for the Potawatomi. There is a burial ground under the cellar of ‘home bakery’ on main street. Anyone with more information would be appreciated.

[@markrichardsocioprojectgo1800]

That is very interesting. How do you know about that? The Willow springs area by me that I'm going to be making a video on within the next couple weeks hopefully for my channel, I guess there's a burial site in a healing Waters there. I already recorded The healing Waters today. It used to be a really rural area back in the day but now it's really popular.

[@conniehenry2714]

Yes I seem to understand this a little

[@tcfolstrom599]

It is to bad that organized education of some type such as adult education is not offered to teach and learn all this history and knowledge . No math no English no science class , just Anashinaabe history and culture , I for one would attend ! My family has a very colorful history amongst these people ( just as other families do as well ) and I would be proud if others knew their stories. The lives they lived were amazing . I hope and pray it doesn’t all slip away …..

[@matrixdropout3077]

Youre right in that younger people aren't interested in learning about their ancestors...but I think its because my generation has failed to honor your beauty; stories, culture, traditions... But we can fix that.

[@markrichardsocioprojectgo1800]

I was working on a short video on my KZbin channel that involves the potawatomi. I am going to visit this museum for further insight.

[@markrichardsocioprojectgo1800]

Are you in history much? Do you read or research history?

[@xhedcak]

Can anyone help me identify the map that is shown at 5:11? Curious about maybe the year or the cartographer so I can get a closer look of it online, thanks!

[@castor5398]

try redit

[@Happy_HIbiscus]

dude, this is cool

[@melisah711]

Learned my great great grandfather was Potawatomi. Sadly he was given up for adoption and the history was lost.

[@JP-qb6jy]

You can always learn!!

[@marcellclark4015]

Where is this located. I would love to visit

[@markrichardsocioprojectgo1800]

I think this is at Potawatomi Cultural Center & Museum

[@markrichardsocioprojectgo1800]

I am researching the potawatomi for a short video clip on my channel. I started working on it today. I probably won't be complete for a couple weeks. Hopefully sooner. Are you into history?

[@RezzyNitro99]

Crandon Wisconsin or Stonelake Wisconsin

[@KIIKAAPOA]

My ancestor led that group of Kickapoos that went to Mexico

[@debragoldsmith6040]

I'm trying to research my native ancestry from Tomahawk Wisconsin. What tribe comes from that area

[@malcomshaw5962]

💜

[@pontiacaztec917]

Thanks for share may you'es walk in beauty all my relations of turtle 🐢 Island memory stone's pathfinder's!!.

[@maijafromdetroit6285]

Cannot imagine why there would ever be shame for being descended from Native Tribes. Strand to Pocahontas in my lineage , my Grandmas moms etc side came from Texas , my ways of Comanche make for wonder . World is a mix .

[@kissmeoscarify]

Chi Miigwetch for this video.

[@Windds]

I’m from west Michigan I’ve always wanted to know more about the history of my home before my white ancestors colonized it. I want to be able to tell my kids and grandchildren someday the history because it’s important to know❤️

[@amymontanez8442]

I’m trying to find out who Okeos is? She married James Knaggs who had a son named James Knaggs who owned a ferry.

[@delarrettewillliams9747]

Chief of Choctaw return of greatness in body I’m named Delarrette God chosen shalom Family we all one unity

[@HillaryMarek]

I am looking for any information about the THE ORCOQUIZA/AKOKISA INDIANS (East Texas) the last known tribes native to the Cypress Creek/ Tomball area lived here around 1830 when the area was taken over by German settlers. Nothing is posted anywhere on line about what happened to them after this. I'm reaching out to anyone who has access to tribal information about tribes that assimilated into other larger tribes. If there's any one reading this post who is our knows someone who is a history buff and can tell me a bit more than what's on Wikipedia, I will give you FULL accreditation and thanks in the book I'm writing about "Lost and Forgotten Tribes of early America. " I am an avid believer that history should be written down, even if that history had no significant conflicts that made headlines, they are still a significant part of our history and as such, deserve to be remembered and recognized for their importance in shaping our world.

[@coreyswanborg906]

To the comment left I would call the nearest tribe in that area that lives near by the area you are researching and ask about the tribe you are looking for also tribes in that area may have oral history or traditional knowledge that you are seeking

[@animeobssesor]

East Texas is Caddo territory in general so you could start with reaching out to them and asking questions. The Texas Historical Commission is a pretty good resource too.

[@markrichardsocioprojectgo1800]

I am going to be doing more Indian history on my channel. Do you research engine tribe peoples?

[@davy1458]

my great great grandmother was full blooded potawatomi .....but you cant tell by looking at me with my blonde hair. but im 6'2 tall so maybe i inherited some of that height native americans are sometimes known for.

[@davy1458]

i live in indiana so i dont guess my potawatomi family made it all that far.

[@chriskelly4102]

Pardon my poor spelling . I know what I mean to write but my disease takes over just for laughs I guess.

[@user-vo8uc8pu8l]

The truth is coming out over a period of time. People who abused Native children in the name of the Christian Faith do NOT speak for me. The abuse by nuns and Priests combined with government is appalling to say the least. I know the Pokagon Potawatomie and I 'm grateful for my mind and soul for being expanded beyond my present self to seeing the world beyond what I was taught in a midwestern high school and University. I'm part Native and Catholic--and the Potawatomie ( and other Natives who I would meet expanded my world and spiritual view far beyond the Church Pew and desk in a classroom. ) Notice I did NOT say ANYTHING against Jesus and Judeo-Christian beliefs. Indeed, my world was expanded beyond what I knew and ---and made me more aware of who Jesus really is and what Faith TRULY is -----I've met Apache ( a gentle people with a demeanor which is both comforting and welcoming and one which I've learned from) ------ I love the ideals of America--but the practices via the government polices of the time has mad em e think twice and thrice about my place in the universe. I try to give it to God. I was changed by the ceremonies of the Long House and Sweat Lodge and insight and reference in history--and I learned ( and will always be ) learning about the Native history in my own family. Im NOT one of those people who claim an "Indian Princess" lineage ( which is false--uggh) and IM not a " wanna bee" bur Im one who has seen things in life in the Universe via the Potawatomie and some Ojibway---- The Potawatomie are unique and blessed and wonderful people and the Pokagon are superb and beautiful. I pray for them--- i have found much of my roots due to them--- God Please protect them--now and always--the Ottawa, the Ojibwe and especially the Potawatomie ( and yes---the Native people in my family ) God understands--the neighbors might not------think about that. Ceremonies-- intercede for us---Creator God--Wakan Tanka--Jesus-Mashamanodoo and Unsen and Tankashila pray for us---- God protect the Indian

[@princekiro1596]

While I'm not of Potawatomi descent (more of Blackfoot and/or Cherokee descent) even I find it hurting that school hardly teach any Native American history. If at all. All the focus is always on black history. And it's fine to learn about black history, but where is all the topics of Native American history? The ORIGINAL Americans before European settlers showed up.

[@MezmerEyes1992]

I am the great great great great great great granddaughter of the Chieftess, Massaw. I am Little Rabbit, I was named by Chief Standing Bear. My grandmother still has pieces of her clothes some place. I was born in Toledo Ohio, very close to the Michigan border.

[@jamesnash1497]

I want to make language boxes to Remember our language WE REALLY NEED TO GET THE WORD OUT SO WE CAN GET THOSE BOXES IN EVERYONES HANNDS we should also have rights of passages and reward the different level of language WE COULD ALSO GIVE THEM EXTRA CREDIT FOR RECOGNIZING THE OTHER INDIAN TRIBES WORDS WAYS. LANGUAGE BOXES AND COLOR BOOKS LANGUAGE BOOKS FOR ADULTS AND CHILDREN . MAYBE ITS THE INDIANS FAR GONE IN THE PAST THATS CALLING ON ME TO ACT OUT. We need to have a meeting so we can make it easy for kids to carry . I DREAM OF THE PAST AND BOTH HOW NICE AND HOW BAD IT WAS. The gadgets or language boxes can be glow in the dark with a clip on the box. WE CAN REWARD OURSELVES AND CONDUCT OUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY. I use to go see GODZILLA movies and they were boring as heck but when they met that’s Godzilla and his enemy and when Godzuki came into the picture every one was happy - THEN AFTER THAT WE GOT VOUTURES FROM McDonalds for cheese burgers and French fries and there were tickets on the floor everywhere - We need to do some kind of rewards center for learning the languages. That are on the language box and color book and study guide for the older population and even the older POTOWATOMI Well I think when I open my non- profit I WILL PUT A SOLID PLAN FOR THE TRIBAL COUNSEL TO REVIEW AND GRADE IT FOR A REAL PLAN TO BE IMPLEMENTED. The language boxes should also have a clocking devise on it so they wont get forgotten or lost. Yeah maybe hide the object with clues to where a chunk of gold and real money and diamonds are but the only way to get the pass is by passing the test the language test then they can receive a hint as to we’re this money is gold or diamonds or rubies WELL YOU ALL DOES THAT SOUND COOL LETS FIND OUT Tribal member Jimmy Nash

[@heavinhell630]

North west south east go north Sacramento California apostolic god and the devil Jesus Christ name amen

[@jamesnash1497]

That’s my calling I MAY BE A USELESS CRIPPLE THAT PUTS HIS FOOT IN HIS MOUTH just defending myself against mean bully thugs and

[@brucelachniet8698]

I was never allowed to learn of my Native lineage. I took a DNA 3 years ago and am saddened that my own tribe kept this from me. I was raised as a dirty Indian. Chief Joseph Me-tay-wis -1908 BIRTH Unknown DEATH JUN 1908 maternal grandfather of wife of great-grandfather Chief Louis Mcsauba -1849 BIRTH Unknown DEATH 1849 • Allegan County, Michigan, USA 3rd great-grandfather Add MyTreeTags™ Chief Paul Chief Wejabanowe Ance 1781-1855 BIRTH 1781 • Pte Aux Chenes, Mackinac County, Michigan, USA DEATH 10 JAN 1855 • Moran, Mackinac County, Michigan, United States 3rd great-grandfather Chief Addison (Flying Hawk) Ahgosa 1794-1881 BIRTH 1794 • Mackinaw City, Cheboygan, Michigan, United States DEATH 1881 • Ahgosatown, Leelanau County, Michigan, United States of America 3rd great-grandfather Chief Maketoquit Black Cloud Pontiac 1740-1810 BIRTH ABT 1740 DEATH 1810 maternal grandfather of wife of father of brother of granduncle Chief Joseph Wakazoo 1750-1835 BIRTH 1750 • Red River Valley, Manitoba DEATH ABT. 1835 • Michigan, USA paternal grandfather of wife of 2nd great-granduncle Chief Louis Paul Cornstalk (Gebeose) Kaybayosay -1899 BIRTH High Island, Michigan, USA DEATH MAY 12, 1899 • Beaver Island, Charlevoix County, Michigan, United States of America paternal grandfather of husband of stepdaughter of granduncle

[@ndn-mand.a.n.1236]

Well they took my kids away and won't let them be called by their native american names.

[@stephengrams9584]

What? I used to get the Corson County news in South Dakota. There were cases of progenitors :"losing" their children through adoption as well. I think a lot of children were raised by aunties as the parents for one reason or another couldn't. I feel your pain, maybe it happened to me too

[@neilparedes-chavez1688]

Potawatomi Casino In Milwaukee is the tightest casino in the world. I will never go back to that scumbag/crooked place. That Pota Casino all they do is rob you and put you in debt. that's their personality-bait and switch..and the payout is non existent. Please folks stop going to their casino and stop making these people rich with your hard earned money.

[@poopy_pants_joe1194]

Weren't the Potawatomi involved in the Salk genocide?