Dr. Kelli Mosteller, Citizen Potawatomi Nation’s Cultural Heritage Center director, oversees the Nation’s efforts to uphold NAGPRA by working with Native communities across the United States to ensure the accountability of museums and other institutions.
Although many cultures across the globe give presents during the holidays, for Potawatomi, the practice spans all seasons. Native customs vary between small presents on a daily basis to larger exchanges during ceremonial gatherings and diplomatic meetings. “Gift giving is one of those things that is often used to open lines of communication and to Read More »
Before colonialism, the Potawatomi lived semi-nomadically as hunter-gatherers, picking Earth’s bounties seasonally. Often, they collected nuts, which provided fats and nutrients to cook, fry and survive the harsh Great Lakes’ winters. Because of the Potawatomi removals from the Great Lakes region, the Tribe not only lost ancestral lands, but it also left behind the plant Read More »
Every year, the Tribe selects 10 students from across the country for the Potawatomi Leadership Program. The PLP, recognized by the Harvard Project on American Indian Economic Development, brings together young Tribal members to learn about the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. This year’s group traveled from as far as Vashon, Washington, and as near as Tecumseh, Read More »
The Citizen Potawatomi Nation Cultural Heritage Center’s treaty gallery features several documents that defined Tribal relationships with the government, including peace, reservation and removal treaties. The Potawatomi signed 44 treaties with the federal government, more than any other tribe. “The treaties help illustrate that Potawatomi groups were autonomous in the Great Lakes region, but that Read More »
Tribal members and families can experience the recently renovated Cultural Heritage Center during Family Reunion Festival 2018. In January, the CHC wrapped up nearly four years of renovations and revealed 11 new exhibits. Each section takes visitors through Potawatomi historical eras starting with pre-European contact through the 21st century. “If you are a Tribal member Read More »
Before French explorer Jean Nicolet introduced colonialism to the Potawatomi in the 17th century, its society interlaced a respect for nature, an emphasis on community and a thankfulness for the gifts and knowledge bestowed upon the people by the Creator into daily life. CHC’s third exhibit highlights the balance once held between the Potawatomi, the Read More »
The Cultural Heritage Center’s vast basketry collection inspired the creation of a limited line of commemorative dinnerware pieces available for purchase through the CHC’s gift shop. “Rather than highlighting one individual, we wanted to highlight the styles and techniques that are really quintessential to Potawatomi people,” said CHC Director Kelli Mosteller. “They represent not just Read More »
This January, after years of planning and reconstruction, the Citizen Potawatomi Nation Cultural Heritage Center held its official grand reopening, revealing 11 new exhibits. The first explains one of the Tribe’s oral traditions, the Seven Fires Prophecy. “Our oral traditions are our history,” said CPN Cultural Heritage Center Director Kelli Mosteller, Ph.D. “Before written Read More »
The Citizen Potawatomi Nation Cultural Heritage Center’s completed remodel recently opened to visitors for the first time since March 31, 2014. “We’re reopening this center for the heritage of our people,” said CPN Cultural Heritage Center Director Kelli Mosteller “These renovations and upgrades will allow us to continue to educate our community about the Potawatomi Read More »