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Calling all members, singers, and non-singers- get your practice materials here!

Shape Note Recording Event May 17, 2026
Time: 11 am practice, 1 pm recording
Place: BIN Cultural Center
N1866 US-151, Chilton, WI 53401

Stipends available (no paperwork required) from the Mark Baldwin Memorial Fund to help offset travel expenses. Please get in touch with Megan at BrothertownCitizen@aol.com

The two songs chosen from Indian Melodies by Thomas Commuck were “Algonquin” and “Brothertown” for the Wisconsin Historical Society archive recordings.

If you’re not sure if you are a soprano, alto, tenor, or bass, you can download all parts easily (small-sized audio files) and will find the right range for you.

“Algonquin hymn” recordings to practice from: To download, (computer or Phone) click the three dots on the right on the page that opens.

• Algonquin – soprano (2x):https://brothertownindians.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Algonquin-soprano-2x.m4a
• Algonquin- alto (2x): https://brothertownindians.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Algonquin-alto-2x.m4a
• Algonquin – tenor (2x): https://brothertownindians.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Algonquin-tenor-2x.m4a
• Algonquin – bass (2x): https://brothertownindians.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Algonquin-bass-2x.m4a
• Algonquin – 4 parts together: https://brothertownindians.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Algonquin-4-parts.m4a

“Brothertown hymn” recordings to practice from: To download, (computer or Phone) click the three dots on the right on the page that opens.

• Brothertown – soprano (2x): https://brothertownindians.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Brothertown-526-soprano.m4a
• Brothertown – alto (2x) Shape Note: https://brothertownindians.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Brothertown-alto-2x.m4a
• Brothertown – tenor (2x) Shape Note: https://brothertownindians.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Brothertown-526-tenor-2x.m4a
• Brothertown – bass (2x) Shape Note: https://brothertownindians.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Brothertown-bass-2x.m4a
• Brothertown – 4 parts together: https://brothertownindians.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Brothertown-526-4-part-2x.m4a

Shape note sheet music download of the two pieces for practice, downloadable in one PDF:

Brothertown Indian Nation documentary, edited and produced by Seth Wenger, 2018. (recorded song begins at 4:02 following the interviews). This hymn is entitled “Old Indian Hymn”. This hymn is not one chosen for this recording, but it shows what a shape-note hymn sounds like in a group.

On February 3rd, 2018, Brothertown Indian Nation Tribal Council members and Brothertown citizens from across the country united in New England, Thomas Commuck’s (Brothertown/Narragansett) ancestral home. These Brothertown citizens were joined by members of their parent tribes, members of various other Native communities, and singers from the New England shape note community.

Support the Veterans and the tribe on May 16, 2026, for their popular and much-anticipated Brat Fry once again

Saturday, May 16th
311 Winnebago Drive, FDL
10 AM – 2 PM

Date of Recording: May 17th
Time: 11 am practice, 1 pm recording
Place: BIN Cultural Center N1866 US-151, Chilton, WI 53401

Calling all Brothertown descendants—we need YOU!  Please join us on Sunday, May 17th, on our original Wisconsin Brothertown Reservation land for a unique Brothertown cultural event: shape-note singing!  The plan is to record 2 songs from the Indian Melodies tune book (Algonquin and Brothertown), written by Brothertown’s own Thomas Commuck (1804-1855), to accompany the Wisconsin Historical Society’s Indigenous display at its new Madison museum. 

You do NOT need to know how to read sheet music, nor do you need a good singing voice.  Brief instructions and practice will precede the actual recording.  Please see the details in the attached.

Additional information is coming shortly, which will include both downloadable music sheets (as well as downloadable MP3 piano recordings for all parts to practice from). Including for each piece: soprano line alone, alto line alone, tenor line alone (this is the melody in shape note), and bass line alone.  The final recording will be a reduction of all parts, like a Church Hymn, for each piece.

On November 15th, 2025, the Brothertown Tribal Council hosted a Veterans luncheon to honor our Brothertown Indian Family Veterans. Tribal Council members, Brothertown members, Veterans, and their families attended. The council provided a lovely luncheon for the gathering.

Mike Pelky, on behalf of the Brothertown Indian Family Veterans, was presented with the Pendleton “Grateful Nation” blanket from the Tribal Council. The gift will be hung at the BIN Community Center.  This was a very meaningful gift, and our Veterans are honored to have received it.

Below is the description of the meaning of the “Grateful Nation”:
The fabric of our nation is woven with the sacrifices of our Veterans. This USA-made wool blanket honors the selfless service of these brave men and women. Centered on the blanket is a representation of the American flag. Each strip represents a service ribbon awarded to Veterans of historical conflicts from World War II on, and stars represent the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and five US territories. A portion of all sales of the blanket will be donated to the Fisher House Foundation, a non-profit organization providing residences for the families of ill or wounded service members.”

Veterans talked about their service history and enjoyed sharing their more pleasant memories of their service to the United States of America. Many photos of past Veteran events were shared. We had fun with raffle prizes from the Tribal Council and shared many smiles and laughs together. Taps was played at the end of the event to honor Veterans who have passed on.

Indian Veterans have long played a vital role in the US military, and their service will not be forgotten. It is in the telling of Veteran military involvement and the celebration of their service which helps us remember how valuable their contribution to our nation has and will always be. We thank the BIN Tribal Council for acknowledging the Veterans’ role and the sacrifices they and their families have made.

With each event held by BIN Veterans, we see more Veterans attend and participate. There are opportunities to participate in Veterans brat frys, bake sales, grand entries, local flag ceremonies, Flag Day parades, and much more.

Our veteran presence is growing, and we could not be happier about it. BIN Veterans, please reach out to Mike Pelky at 920-892-2556 to join us at future events and gatherings

The Brothertown Indian Nation has been given a significant opportunity to present our heritage and traditions to Wisconsin and our surrounding Communities.  This is an opportunity we can’t miss. Please find below the details of the opportunities.

For application link or additional information, email Courtney Cottrell Gerzetich at Crtncttrll@gmail.com

To access the WIA Program Guidelines, eligibility criteria, and application, click ‘Find Out More’ below. Detailed registration instructions are included in the program guidelines.

Find out more….

Types of activities funded include, but are not limited to:

• Projects focused on the documentation, preservation, or revitalization of arts activities, language, foodways/food traditions, or cultural knowledge in Wisconsin’s Native American communities,
• Technical assistance and professional development to Native artists and arts organizations,
• Professional arts administration positions in support of Native arts,
• Presentation and promotion of Native artists through festivals, markets, exhibitions, various media, and other forms of presentation, and
• Planning grants in preparation for any of the above.

Work Samples

Along with the application, you will need to include a work sample. This is supporting material that gives evidence of the high quality and/or cultural significance of the proposed art and/or the qualifications of the people involved. Applicants may include up to 10 digital images, provide web links to audio or video samples, upload audio or video files, literary work, and – if appropriate to the 6 project – resumes or position description of the key people involved. Use the fields provided in the application form to submit your work samples.

• Images – For each visual artist involved in the proposal, upload excellent quality images of recent work in JPEG format (jpg). Applicants may include up to 10 digital images. Images that show past events or products appropriate to the current proposal are also welcome.
• Audio/Video Files or Links – For each performing artist involved in the proposal, upload an audio or video file, or include a link to an audio or video sample that illustrates high-quality recent work. Video that shows past events or products appropriate to the current proposal are also welcome.
• Literary Work – Upload (or include a link to) a literary sample. If not available electronically, mail a print version.

Important Announcement from Wisconsin Arts Board for all Brothertown Artists in Wisconsin

Once again: Calling All Brothertown Artists!!!

Upcoming Deadline Reminder: Woodland Indian Arts Program

The Wisconsin Arts Board is accepting applications for the Woodland Indian Arts (WIA) grant program until Thursday, February 12th, at 3 pm for projects occurring between March 15 and December 31, 2026.

To access the WIA Program Guidelines, eligibility criteria, and application, click ‘Find Out More’ below. The “Apply Here!” link will take you to WAB’s online grants system. Detailed registration instructions are included in the program guidelines.

Types of activities funded include, but are not limited to:

• Projects focused on the documentation, preservation, or revitalization of arts activities, language, foodways/food traditions, or cultural knowledge in Wisconsin’s Native American communities,
• Technical assistance and professional development to Native artists and arts organizations,
• Professional arts administration positions in support of Native arts,
• Presentation and promotion of Native artists through festivals, markets, exhibitions, various media, and other forms of presentation, and
• Planning grants in preparation for any of the above.

New, expanded, or existing projects are eligible. Traditional and contemporary art forms are welcome.

As a reminder, the program’s maximum request amount increased from $4,000 to $6,000 in FY24, and there was a change to the program’s match requirement. Please be sure to review the WIA Program page, guidelines, and eligibility details before beginning an application

If you have questions regarding the application process or would like to discuss a project proposal, please contact Kaitlyn Berle at (608) 266-8106 or kaitlyn.berle@wisconsin.gov. 

__________________________________________________________________

Copyright © 2026 Wisconsin Arts Board, All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
Wisconsin Arts Board
PO Box 8690
Madison, WI 53708

Time again for our exciting Snow Snake Event with the Ho-Chunk Nation

Setup February 13th and Event Saturday February 14th

More information coming shortly about volunteers needed for the snow snake track setup the day before…

For application link or additional information email Courtney Cottrell Gerzetich at Crtncttrll@gmail.com

Proposal Deadline: March 31, 2026

With the utmost respect, we thank each our current veterans for their selfless service and to our Country.

Today, November 11th, please take a moment not only to thank the ones you know, but also keep a warm thought in your heart for our many ancestors who have served this country for almost 2+ centuries.

The Brothertown Indian’s record of service began with the American Revolution and continued serving freedom for almost 250 years.  Many of our members have given their lives in service to our country while protecting the freedoms and ideals we hold dear.

Brothertown’s legacy of service to our country has extended not only in peacetime but to virtually every American military conflict, including the American Revolution (19), the War of 1812 (1+), the Civil War (122), WWI (very many), WWII (many more), Korea, Vietnam, the Middle East (Desert Storm, Afghanistan), as well those who served in times of peace.

In memory of our fallen heroes, you are remembered and not forgotten.

Here are a few links to learn more about our veterans:

• View the names of Brothertown ancestors who served in the American Revolution (1775-1783).
• View Brothertown Veterans on float in the 2014 Flag Day Parade in Appleton.
• Indigenous Veterans Day Films from PBS (Honoring Native American military Service men and women):
  • The People’s Protectors
  • The Warrior Tradition

Links for our veteran members to VA services are included here (for the States of Wisconsin, Minnesota, and the VA in Washington, DC. The latest Veteran Newsletters can also be found on this page.

Brothertown Veterans attending Homecoming 2014 (photo courtesy of Paul Werth)

Letter from the Brothertown Indian Nation’s Veterans’ Chair Mike Pelky:

We observe Native American Heritage Month in November to recognize the achievements and contributions of Native Americans. We celebrate the remarkable diversity of American Indian peoples while remembering and honoring our veterans who have sacrificed so much to defend our Nation.

It is also a time to educate others with pride, that Indigenous peoples are the holders of unique languages, knowledge systems, and beliefs, and possess invaluable knowledge of practices for the sustainable management of our natural resources.

Additionally, Indigenous and Native communities have shown resilience, perseverance, and strength amid challenges like displacement and cultural suppression. We certainly must celebrate our successes, our heritage, and our culture, as well as who we are as a people.

We should, likewise, take a moment to recall the obstacles we have overcome. Our ancestors’ courage and strength were tested as they faced countless obstacles and overcame unimaginable challenges; they deserve to be honored.

Below is one such fact that was intended to separate us from who we are. Our ancestors’ courage and resilience were tested as they faced countless obstacles and overcame unimaginable challenges. While very costly, we persevered and “we are still here…”