The Prairie Potawatomi Return ~ 2000 ~

 

The Prairie Potawatomi were the last tribe to inhabit the Illinois River Valley. They lived here on Sac and Fox land with the blessing of their allies. This was the tribe that named many of the creeks and rivers in our valley, The names of their chiefs, Senachwine, Gomo and Shabbona, are familiar to all of us. It was a special dream of Steve Colburn and myself to see this  tribe return.

 

And we worked for years on the idea of having the people from the Mayetta Ks. reservation return to Peoria to attend the Powwow, and in the year 2000, it was finally accomplished. Our host drum, Whistlin Wind; our religious leader, Jim McKinney; and our head dancers all turned out from Mayetta, bringing with them a host of dancers.

 

Religious Leader and Honored Elder  Jim McKinney

 

Head Dancers ~  The head dancers for the year 2000 Return of the Potawatomi were Thunderchild Thomas, and Olivia Pewamo.  These two cousins from the Mayetta Reservation are both g-grandchildren of Shabbona. And while very young, they carried the honor of their positions extremely well, and in fact, really made this one of the best dancing powwows that we have had.  They loved the snake dance, and they were excellent at getting everyone out in the circle, when they lead the dance.  Relatives of Olivia and Thunder, made up a part of the "Whistlin Wind" drum. In talking with Olivia and her mother, I asked about our famous chiefs from this area, who were Potawatomi.  It was fascinating to hear them relate who was the grandchild of Gomo, and Senachwine was an uncle to this or that one. It brought the history of the Illinois River Valley into a wonderful framework of family ties.

 

~Click to Enlarge these Photos~

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Olivia and Thunderchild Captivate the Crowd!