Forest County Potawatomi
In the 1800's, the Potawatomi settled along the southern shore of Lake Michigan and formed an alliance with the Ottawa and the Chippewa. These two tribes designated the Potawatomi as "Keeper of the Fire." This meant they would be responsible for tending the Sacred Fire symbolizing the three-tribe alliance.
By 1833, all lands east of the Mississippi were ceded to the US Government. Some Potawatomi were forcibly removed in a march that became known as "The Trail of Death," while others remained in the area.
The Forest County Potawatomi Tribe was created in 1913 by the groups that remained. Ironically, their current lands in northeastern Wisconsin were purchased with funds promised in 1833, but not paid until much later. Their formal recognition was in 1937.
About the Flag:
The warrior tending to the fire represents the Potawatomi as Keepers of the Sacred Fire during their alliance with the Ottawa and Chippewa in the 1600-1700's. The circle in the background stands for the circle of life or medicine wheel. The four colors symbolize the four directions. Yellow represents the East and new life, red stands for the South and rejuvenation, white symbolizes the North and dormancy, and black represents the West and life's end.
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