Potawatomi tribal council reaches consensus to ascertain 12-nation confederation

A nationwide gathering of Potawatomi tribal council members in Battle Creek voted on July 27 to kind a historic confederation of 12 Nations representing tens of 1000’s of members throughout North America.

The gathering, hosted by the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi (NHBP), noticed seven out of 12 Tribal Councils voting in favor of the decision to kind a confederation and the 5 remainders being unable to vote on the assembly. 

Articles of Confederation might be ratified at a later date, however a preamble has been established declaring intent to unite Potawatomi Nations.

“We, the Bodéwadmi Confederation of Tribal Nations, characterize a various community of Potawatomi tribal nations and want to work collectively towards furthering ideas and insurance policies that promote Tribal Sovereignty,” the preamble reads. 

NHBP Tribal Council Chairperson Jamie Caught mentioned in a press release that the brand new Confederation will current new alternatives for advancing the objectives of all Potawatomi Nations.

“This marks a historic second,” Caught mentioned. “First-of-its-kind for the Potawatomi Nations, this Confederation will allow our Nations to have a stronger and far bigger voice, with all of us collaborating to attain the frequent objectives not just for our Folks in the present day but in addition for the subsequent Seven Generations.”

The Nations of the Potawatomi stretch throughout the American midwest and elements of Canada to the north, but in addition lengthen as far south into Oklahoma and Texas. Match-E-Bash-She-Nash-E-Want Tribal Council Member Ben Brenner expressed his assist for the doc’s capacity to hitch the Nations of their efforts to protect Potawatomi tradition. 

“This doc and the brand new confederacy symbolize our dedication to the preservation and data of our tradition, language and methods,” Brenner mentioned.

The deliberate Confederacy will embody the Anishanabeg of Kettle and Stony Level First Nation, Beausoleil First Nation, Chippewas of Nawash First Nation, Citizen Band Potawatomi Nation, Forest County Potawatomi, Hannahville Indian Neighborhood, Pokagon Band of Potawatomi, Prairie Band Potawatomi Indian Nation, Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Want (Gun Lake Potawatomi), Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi, Walpole Island First Nation and Wasauksing First Nation.