Forest County Potawatomi Community

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The Forest County Potawatomi Community is a band of the Potawatomi, many of who live on the Forest County Potawatomi Indian Reservation, most of which lies on numerous non-contiguous plots of land in southern Forest County and northern Oconto County, Wisconsin, USA. There is also a small 6.95-acre plot of land in the city of Milwaukee. The total land area of the reservation is 50.5795 km² (19.529 sq mi). The 2000 census reported a resident population of 531 persons on its territory.

The Forest County Potawatomi run the Potawatomi Bingo Casino in Milwaukee and the Potawatomi Bingo Northern Lights Casino in Carter, Wisconsin.

Along with the Sokaogon Chippewa Community, the Sokaogon bought the nearby Crandon mine in Crandon to prevent its reopening. The tribes argued the reopening of the zinc and copper mine would harm the environment.[1]

[edit] Notes

Long ago the Potawatomi Nation had a population of 10,000. We occupied some 30 million acres of land in the Great Lakes area. When the Europeans arrived in 1630, a period of great change and sorrow had begun. We became reliant on European technology and trade goods. We were drawn into their military and political alliances. When we were no longer useful to them or to the Americans who succeeded them, we were forcibly moved, again and again. So many of our people died on the forced journey to the new lands in the west that the march came to be known as the "Trail of Death."

Today, the Potawatomi are a thriving community. Our first priority is ensuring the social, physical and economic well-being of our people through health services and education. Many of the services and programs offered to tribal members are made possible with revenues generated from the tribe's gaming and other business operations.

The Forest County Potawatomi Cultural Center and Museum were created to educate the public and pass the culture and traditions of the Potawatomi people to the next generations. The Cultural Center is a new way of gathering the people -- to share stories and to learn from one another. We welcome Native Americans and non-Native Americans alike to learn who we are and what we have contributed. We come together to celebrate our language, our culture, and our heritage.

With input from community elders and internationally-known museum designers, a truly unique, informative and entertaining series of exhibits were constructed and are now captivating general public visitors. The 2,700 square foor permanent exhibit, which is bilingual (Potawatomi and English), is divided into four main sections: a history of the Potawatomi entitled: The Long Walk; an interactive kiosk entitled: People Who Share a Language; a display of different traditional elements entitled, Traditional Ways; and a display of the heritage of the present day tribe.

Other highlights of the exhibit include: "People of the Three Fires" main diorama- At one time, the Odawa (Ottawa,), Ojibwe (Chippewa), and Bodewadmi (Potawatomi) were originally one tribe but later separated around the 16th century near the Straits of Mackinac. Each was given a sacred task; The Potawatomi were given the task of keeping the Sacred Fire. Our brothers, the Odawa, are known as Keepers of the Trade. Our brothers, the Ojibwe, are known as the Keepers of the Faith. A recreation of the Council of the Three Fires is located in the center of the exhibition. "The Gathering": video presentation-- there are 8 bands of the Potawatomi Nation located in Kansas, Oklahoma, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Canada. Every year we come together for celebration as Neshnabek (Original People) to remember our past and plan for our future. "The Wall of Treaties" --replicas of 43 United States and 7 Canadian treaties. Wigwas Tthiman (Birchbark Canoe)- This birchbark canoe was constructed on site at the Potawatomi Cultural Center and Museum using traditional methods as a living display. The canoe project took five weeks to complete and visitors were able to watch each step of the process. Living History/Craft Classes- Community instructional classes such as: moccasin, flute, dance regalia, scale model canoe building, language classes, birch/quill and black ash basketry are offered throughout the year. Da we wge mek(Gift Shop)--Hours of operation 9am-4pm, Monday- Friday, and closed on federally recognized Holidays plus Native American Day (Fourth Friday in September), and in Observance of Chief Simon Kahquados (May 18).

The exhibition is just one of the ways that we honor the past, our elders and our veterans. By learning about who we are and our traditional ways, our young people will be proud of their Potawatomi heritage.


  1. ^ Wiltenburg, Mary. "When the Chippewas Are Down" Grist Magazine March 23, 2006
   2. "FCP Museum and Cultural Center to Expand" 
   Potawatomi Traveling Times-
   September 15, 2006 issue, page#9

   3. "FCP Museum News, On the Lake Geneva/Chief Big Foot Issue" 
   Potawatomi Traveling Times-
   August 1, 2006 issue, page#9

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