One Nation – One Spirit
Annual Potawatomi Gathering
August 10-14, 2011
Hannahville Indian Community
Wilson, MI
Tentative Agenda
More information will be added following the next Gathering Committee Meeting
All times are Eastern Standard
Tuesday, August 9th: Travel day for Gathering guests. Language Conference begins.
Wednesday, August 10th: –Language Conference continues– Lighting of Sacred Fire (early morning), All Potawatomi Tribal Council meeting and Economic Developement conference. Language Conference.
Thursday, August 11th: Breakfast served 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. –Language Conference continues– Golf Tournament (possible golf banquet). Lunch served 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Gathering registration begins at the Gathering Grounds. Registration for Miss Potawatomi Contest closes. Dinner served 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Pow Wow Comedy Jam.
Friday, August 12th: Breakfast served 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. –Language Conference continues– Registration continues… Miss Potawatomi contest begins. Full programs of various subjects: i.e., cultural geneology, basket making, hand drum making, other arts and crafts. Language conference, Youth conference, sports events, tours of community. Lunch served 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Dinner served 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Pow Wow Grand Entry/Parade of Nations at 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, August 13th: Breakfast served 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. –Language Conference continues– Registration continues… Full programs of various subjects: i.e., cultural geneology, basket making, hand drum making, other arts and crafts. Language conference, Youth conference, sports events, tours of community. Lunch served 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Community Feast at 4:00 p.m. Pow Wow at 6:00 p.m. Crowning of our 2011-2012 Miss Potawatomi. Give-a-ways. Transfer of Staff to next year’s host, The Nottawaseppi Band of Huron Potawatomi
Sunday, August 14th: Bama Pii, Send off of Family and Friends
Absolutely NO alcohol, illegal drugs or weapons on the grounds.
The Hannahville Indian Community will not be responsible for any accidents, lost or stolen property.
History of the Potawatomi Gatherings
Flags of the different Potawatomi Nations
There are a number of different dates which I have heard mentioned as our first group meeting. Some say the first Potawatomi Gathering was in the early 1990's in Canada while other point to a much older origin that being a meeting in the 1980's in South Bend, Indiana between the Pokagon Potawatomi, Citizen Potawatomi and a few other groups of Potawatomi.
Vendors galore
Needless to say these Gatherings have been going on for a number of years and have really become quite a doing in the last several years. For those of you who dont know there are seven bands of Potawatomi in United States and two in Canada. There are four in Michigan, one in Wisconsin, one in Kansas, us in Oklahoma, one on Walpole Island,Ca, and one at Wasaksing,Ca.
Cultural classes Language Classes
These Gatherings using beging with the passing of the ashes of the sacred fire and the lighting of the fire and then continue for four more days. The first day often begins with a tribal council meeting between the various officials in attendance. In the last couple of years our annual Potawatomi language conference has been held either during the Gathering or directly in front of the Gathering depending on the host tribe.
There are often a number of craft classes which are not readily available on all reservations such as quill box classes, making black ash baskets, birch bark boxes, ect.
Also every morning is a sunrise ceremony which is a great opportunity to meet and connect with other Potawatomi. Throughout the four days there is often a golf tournament, softball games and a variety of other activities.
The participants are fed the entire time which is great. The Citizen Potawatomi Nation usually charters a bus and allows members to ride for free as space is available so contact Cathie Hanson at 405-275-3121 for bus information. The members have to pay for their hotels up and back and have a choice to either campout at the gathering or get a hotel while they are there.
If you have never been I highly recommend going. You see new people every year but also you often run into old aquaintances year after year. Its great to renew our bonds with our brothers who live all over the country.
