Dec 16, 2015
Gzhemnido Gokmuskegnon Mamogosnan Spirits of the directionsAll designed to honor the multiple
expressions of who the Creator is and the evidence of the power of Creation
We had:Families, clans, towns and cities, tribes and
nationsClan ceremoniesSeasonal celebrationsWomen’s ceremonies, men’s ceremoniesCelebrations of birth, marriage, childbirthHealing ceremonies and ritualsBurial rituals and Ghost feasts
The Potawatomi language was shared with Odawa, Ochibwe: Three Fires Confederacy
We had religious language, diplomatic language, language of the women and language of the men
We had language that children spoke, language that elders used, and language used with other tribes/nations
Miami, Lenape, Shawnee, Wea, tribes of the Illinois Confederacy
We had language for:Lakes, rivers, mountains, towns, regions; a
language related to our sacred geography
That geographic language was tied to our religious and sacred language
We understood the world to be a sacred place, a gift from Gzhemnido and in our language were constant reminders of those gifts
Chigwe dodem: Strikes the earth people,Language related to clan ceremoniesRelated to the weatherRelated to the sacred geography of the Thunder Clan responsbilities
Mko: related to “digging with pawsMko Dodem knew the medicines and properties of the earthMandozhit: “Bear Walker” language of dreams of visionsDuties included hunting for rogue bears, knowing the medicines and foods of the woodsKnowing the bears: Natural scientists
Earth Sky Cycle Ceremonies Center of the world ceremonies Planting ceremonies Harvest ceremonies Daily offerings to the
sunrise/moon cycle
Earth Sky Cycle Ceremonies
Center of the world ceremonies
Planting ceremonies
Harvest ceremonies Daily offerings to
the sunrise/moon cycle
Life cycle rituals: Birth, puberty,
marriage, childbirth, healings and Death
Puberty, menses and childbirth ritual locations are secret/sacred
Kikyago: Young girl, innocence, purity, special ceremonial role, Mnokmek-Spring
Qua: Mature or fecund woman: Nibnek: Spiritual growth, fertility, mother, wife
Nokmis: Grandmother; teacher, healer, keeper of the traditions; Dgagwek mine Bbomgek-Fall and Winter
Gogmuskegnon mine Sukmukwe; the everchanging aspects of the Earth
Indians are Savages, Redskins, Primitive. Primarily male images “God worship” is to “Great Spirit.” Ceremonies and dances are domain of
the male priests Economics based in male roles: hunting,
fishing, bows/arrows and spears
Women were passive participants in the culture
There were no women religious or political leaders
Native women were beasts of burden and secondary to economics
High god was male figure “Great Spirit,” nothing to do with the feminine
Hunters supplied a small percentage of the food, 15-20%
Potawatomi Indian society was agricultural
Farms and gathering lands were owned by women
Most Indian societies were matriarchal, matrilineal, and matri-local
Should be Gatherer-Hunters
“The United States flag, carried by a dragoon; then one of the principal officers, next the staff baggage carts, then the carriage, which during the whole trip was kept for the use of the Indian chiefs; then one or two chiefs on horseback led a line of 250 or 300 horses ridden by men, women, children singled file, after the manner of savages. On the flanks of the line at equal distance from each other were the dragoons and volunteers, hastening the stragglers, often with severe gestures and bitter words. After this cavalry came a file of 40 baggage wagons filled with luggage and Indians. The sick were lying in them, rudely jolted, under a canvas which, far from protecting them from the dust and heat, only deprived them of air, for they were as if buried under this burning canopy - several died thus.”
Father B. Pettit, September 1838
ChristianMale High GodMale Creative PowersNature to be feared
and subduedCelibacy is the only
real spiritual pathFormulaic prayers
and rituals
Indian/PotawatomiFemale Creative forceNatural world is the
source of powerSexuality/fertility is a
celebration of lifeSpontaneous prayers
and rituals
Among the Potawatomi, primarily Jesuits and Benedictines
Conversion of Indians will lead to the Second Coming of Jesus
Colonial settlements to support missions Breakdown traditional society Sacred language is no longer
Podwewadmi mowen but Latin, French or English
God does not hear prayers in Potawatomi
“Despite the innumerable lamentations, apologies and justifications, there can be no serious denial that the mission system in its economics was built upon forced labor.” Sherbourne F. Cook
“it is the practice to imprison them for a few days and then allow them to breathe a little fresh air . . .after which they are again shut up, and thus continue to be incarcerated until they declare their readiness to renounce the religion of their forefathers.” Captain F. Beechey, 1827
“it is a strange truth that a man shall generally find more free entertainment and refreshing among these barbarians, than amongst thousands that call themselves Christians." Roger Williams: 1643
“Clearly the Word of God was something these people needed if they were to stop worshiping creation and false gods, and learn to worship the true Creator.” Rev. Craig Lampe, 2005
Hail Mary, full of grace. Blessed art though among women and blessed is the fruit of they womb, Jesus. Hail Mary, Mother of God pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death,
8] Juwenitakosig pániteë'djik; KijeMenniton okuwapimauwan. 8] Juwenitakosig pániteë'djik; KijeMenniton okuwapimauwan. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
[9] Juwentakosig tokam pim[i]tisídjig [2] KijeMennito onitchanissan [9] Juwentakosig tokam pim[i]tisídjig [2] KijeMennito onitchanissan kuim[]wak[3]. kuim[]wak[3]. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.God.
[10] Juwenitakosig nênikadjìidjik ikimìnojuwêpisauwat; okumauwìn [10] Juwenitakosig nênikadjìidjik ikimìnojuwêpisauwat; okumauwìn Wakwig okutaiánauwa. Wakwig okutaiánauwa. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.is the kingdom of heaven.
[11] Kijuwenìtakosím, pì metchitejimìkoyég, pitch kakatchiïkoy~eg [11] Kijuwenìtakosím, pì metchitejimìkoyég, pitch kakatchiïkoy~eg mòtch pìnichimìkoyèk Nin otchi. mòtch pìnichimìkoyèk Nin otchi. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
[12] papinêwmòg, ketchi papìn[êa]móg, kitchi mitchê`ch kikutipamákóm [12] papinêwmòg, ketchi papìn[êa]móg, kitchi mitchê`ch kikutipamákóm Wakwíg: nowa iw kitotakowan kanikanikikentakúk keïcha." Wakwíg: nowa iw kitotakowan kanikanikikentakúk keïcha." Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
Culture/religion/language are tied together, they are inseparable
Must hold the Catholic Church accountable for culture and language loss
Recognize the continuing contributions of Indian people to world culture
Hand down to our children and grandchildren more than we received