About Our Heritage and Culture

“The mission of the Brothertown Tribe is to continue a stable and dynamic government which will promote and maintain the spiritual, physical, intellectual, social, and economic well-being of our citizens; to restore and preserve our unique historical, cultural, and traditional beliefs; to preserve and protect our sovereignty in order to achieve self-determination and self-sufficiency; to promote a positive image of integrity, honesty, respect, and fairness when pursuing cultural, economic, and social initiatives; to promote peace and harmony for the fulfillment of our vision as a community when all people can prosper and grow in mind, body, and spirit. The Brothertown Tribe recognizes and accepts the relationship which must be forged between all who will be affected by our sovereignty. It is in faith we undertake these tasks, and it shall be with a spirit of cooperation and friendship that we reach the goals which we have set.”

Continuity, survival, and autonomy are and always have been core to the Brothertown Indian Nations’ identity and foundation. 

The Brothertown came together in the 1700’s under the leadership of Samson Occom, as a means of continuing its common culture and identity. The Tribe descends from Christian Indians of the Mohegan, Pequot (western), Pequot (eastern), Niantic, Narragansett, Montaukett, and Tunxis tribes from seven separate Indian villages in Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Long Island, coming together in Brothertown (Eeyamquittoowauconnuck). 

Use this link to learn more about Brothertown History, our ancestors, and culture…

Today, the Brothertown Indian Nation is one of 12 tribal nations and Indian Communities in Wisconsin and  continues to operate under a Constitutional government. There are four officers (chair, vice-chair, secretary and treasurer) and five general Council members. BIN leadership also includes divisions (e.g., Administrative, Cultural, Economic Development, Land Management, Environment and Natural Resources), as well as a judicial system, consisting of five Peacemakers.

The Tribe’s office is located in the Brothertown Indian Nation Community Center (~10,000 square feet), in the town of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.  The BINCC serves as a base of economic activities and other tribal governmental activities and is located within 15 miles of the original reservation land in current Calumet county, including the town of Brothertown. 

Brothertown Indians from across the country meet in Fond du Lac and hold regional events to practice culture and community. Our annual events include a Spring Powwow, Summer Picnic, and Fall Homecoming, Samson Occom Day, Brothertown (Eeyamquittoowauconnuck) Day,  remembrance events, as well as others.