Like many Potawatomi, the origins of the Bruno family stretch back to the fur trading and trapping industry.
The Bergeron Potawatomi family roots begin along the Kankakee River in Bourbonnais Grove, Illinois, with Watchekee, the daughter of Potawatomi/Odawa headman Shabonna and Monashki. Watchekee was one of the very few to live in the Great Lakes, experience removal and eventually settling on the reservation in Indian Territory.
The Acton Potawatomi family connection began with Chief Ashkum (James Acton, Sr.) and his marriages to Madeline Oscum and later to Angeline Bellaire, or Azhnick. Chief Ashkum was born in the 1700s and served as a headman and leader during the 1800s, speaking out against the loss of the Potawatomi’s ancestral homelands in the Great Lakes region.
The Hownikan regularly highlights founding Citizen Potawatomi families, such as the Peltier family, with photographs and family history.
Brief histories of the 2025 Citizen Potawatomi honored families: Bourassa, Burnett, Melot, Navarre, Peltier, Wamego, Willmet, and Vieux.
The roots of the Navarre family reach back to the 1834 wedding in Pokagon’s village in Indiana of Kis-naw-kwe, a daughter of Potawatomi chief Wabaunsee (Break of Day). Descendants of Kis-naw-kwe and Pierre Navarre were instrumental in establishing present-day Harrah, Oklahoma.
One of the founding Citizen Potawatomi Families, the Melot family traces their roots to French immigrants Joseph Melot and Claude Melot. Joseph’s wife Katy Melot was among those who accepted citizenshp and land in Indian Territory; Katy and Joseph owned the land that would eventually become Wannette, Oklahoma.
The Hownikan routinely features histories and photographs of founding Citizen Potawatomi families, such as the Burnett family’s long and rich history.
Members of the Bourassa family, from early roots among French fur traders to current service to their Nation, have distinguished themselves with their work ethic and leadership qualities.
The Smith family history traces back to northern Illinois and an interpreter named Countryman. The family would go on to establish the Smith’s Ferry in Kansas before being removed once again to present-day Oklahoma.