Hannahville Potawatomi
The Potawatomi are related to the Ottawa and Ojibwa. They originally migrated from an area northeast of Michigan. In the 1640's, they became quite active in the French fur trade in upper Michigan. Later they moved south into lands vacated by the Illinois and Miami tribes. The Potawatomi along with the Ottawa and the Miami fought for land in the Ohio valley. Their defeat in 1794 led to the dissolution of the Potawatomi into smaller bands. Some went southwest and others, refusing forced removal, remained near the Great Lakes. The Hannahville are one such community that still remains in Michigan today.
At one time, the Potawatomi had over 30 different clans, which were inherited through the father. People could not marry within their own clan.
The Potawatomi were successful farmers and raised crops including corn, peas, beans, and melons. In the winter the Potawatomi hunted for deer, elk, bear, and other animals.
About the Flag:
On the Hannahville Potawatomi flag is a man tending a fire, with the words "Keeper of the Fire." This represents the time when the Potwatomi were the Keepers of the Sacred Fire. This took place during the alliance of the Potwatomi with the Chippewa and Ottawa in the 16th century.
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