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Following The Brothertown Council meeting at the new Cultural Center

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
Faith Ottery 215-694-1600 – faithotterymdphd@gmail.com
Dawn Kraintz 920-929-9964

The Cultural Center is located at N1866 Hwy 151 in Brothertown. (GPS: N1866 Hwy 151, Chilton, WI 53014)

This will be our first picnic on original Brothertown lands since our move to become recognized as the 12th federally recognized Wisconsin Tribe was held on July 16, 1982 (42 years ago).

Historically, many Brothertown members have fond memories of the annual picnic as a peaceful time to sit without extended family, hear stories and unknown tales of our ancestors from our esteemed Elders, and reconnect with our extended family. This vital event reaffirms our common roots, goals, and family ties once a year.

UW Oshkosh Today
by Alex Hummel | Jul 16, 2024

Austin Hammond, ’21, who is pursuing a UWO Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree, was elected mayor of the City of Menasha in April.

Hammond is a member of the Brothertown Indian nation and a member of the tribal council. He served on the Menasha city council since 2022. His first full day leading the city of nearly 18,000 residents was his 27th birthday.

“As I got involved (on the Menasha council) I enjoyed the things we were working on at the council level and the amazing staff that works for the city,” Hammond said. “The city is filled with great people… I have a heart for government and policy and serving others, and government is a good tool if you know how to use it. You can do great things with it.”

To view the entire article, click here….

A memorial celebration for former Brothertown Peacemaker Debbie Pickering, will be held July 27, from 1 to 4 PM, at the Courtyard by Marriott, 901 Melrose Avenue, Iowa City, Iowa. If you can attend, please contact Steve Bissell here who is coordinating the event.

View more about Debbie’s life and obituary here…

Deborah (Debbie) Pickering (Cedar Rapids, IA) passed on May 28, 2024.  Debbie will be missed and remembered by many. For those not familiar with her, a brief summary of her involvement with the tribe is below:

• Debbie was a close friend of many and relished speaking to others about her Brothertown heritage. As an educator/PHD college professor, she spent much of her life in the Midwest, but made a point of being involved and supportive of the Tribe.
• She helped organize the Brotherton Circle.
• The Brothertown recognition petition to the BIA included Debbie’s interviews with Chair June Ezold, Rudi Ottery, Caroline Ander, and Madeline Crowe.
• Debbie was also one of our first modern-day Peacemakers
• She routinely volunteered for things like homecoming, grants, the Progeny initiative, and our first tribal trip to Connecticut and NY lands (1999).

Read Debbie’s report about the tribe’s first group trip to New England and New York in the 1999 Brothertown September Quarterly Report here.

From a grateful Brothertown Tribal Family, all our hearts and feelings are with Debbie’s family and friends at this difficult time.

Dakota saying: “We will be known forever by the tracks we leave.”

This is a must attend event via Zoom for all Brothertown members and those interested in learning more about one of our founders Samson Occom. Author Ryan Carr has generously agreed to do a special talk on Occom in honor of Brothertown’s annual Samson Occom Day (Sunday, July 14). Ryan’s recent book, “Samson Occom, Radical Hospitality in the Native Northeast,” maintains that Occom’s writings were deeply rooted in Indigenous traditions of hospitality, diplomacy, and openness to strangers as well as Christian themes. By emphasizing the Native sources of Occom’s evangelicalism, Ryan Carr offers new ways to understand the relations of Northeast Native traditions to Christianity, colonialism, and Indigenous self-determination.

This is a fitting and informative way for members to honor Samson Occom Day and learn more about this revered Founder.

Please consider joining us this Sunday at 4 pm CT/ 5 pm ET/ 2 pm PT over Zoom (or telephone) to request Zoom login information, click here: webmaster@brothertownindians.org

About Ryan Carr:
Ryan Carr (Yale, 2016) teaches Indigenous Studies at the center and classes on other topics in transatlantic cultural history. His current research focuses on the Native Northeast and on the intertwinement of settler colonialism with early ideas about secularism. His recent work appears in Critical Research on Religion, New England Quarterly, English Literary History, and other journals. His book on the Mohegan-Brothertown minister Samson Occom, is detailed below.

To learn more or order Ryan Carr’s new book on Amazon: “Samson Occom: Radical Hospitality in the Native Northeast“ (2023) click here to learn more…

A Native American Declaration of Independence

This piece written by Ryan O. Carr appeared in The Atlantic July 4, 2024
author of “Samson Occom: Radical Hospitality in the Native Northeast” (2023)

On November 7, 1785, a group of Native American families gathered in a farmhouse near present-day Deansboro, New York—about 15 miles southwest of Utica—and established a new nation, the first American republic to be founded in the aftermath of the Revolutionary War.

The families derived from seven tribes along the Northeastern Seaboard: Narragansett, Niantic, Groton Pequot, Stonington Pequot, Tunxis, Montauk, and Mohegan. They were united by a common Algonquian language, shared traditions, and a desire to distance themselves from the colonial chaos of their coastal homelands. Their founding moment was recorded in the diary of one of the group’s leaders, a minister from the Mohegan nation named Samson Occom. “Now we proceeded to form into a Body Politick,” he wrote. “We Named our Town by the Name of Brotherton, in Indian Eeyawquittoowauconnuck.” The tribe established a governing committee to be reelected yearly, appointed various officials, and commenced the business of self-government. Soon after, their counterparts in Philadelphia started doing the same under their new federal Constitution.

One of these foundings eventually became much more famous than the other. But as a historian and teacher of early-American culture and politics, I’ve found that knowing about both can upend some common misconceptions concerning the Revolutionary era. The United States founding was undoubtedly a momentous event in world history, but it happened on a continent where other communities were seeking independence at the same time. If the Revolutionary era marked a “birth of freedom,” per President Abraham Lincoln’s famous metaphor, then the United States was not the only baby in the delivery ward.

One of these foundings eventually became much more famous than the other. But as a historian and teacher of early-American culture and politics, I’ve found that knowing about both can upend some common misconceptions concerning the Revolutionary era. The United States founding was undoubtedly a momentous event in world history, but it happened on a continent where other communities were seeking independence at the same time. If the Revolutionary era marked a “birth of freedom,” per President Abraham Lincoln’s famous metaphor, then the United States was not the only baby in the delivery ward.

There are two options to read the entire interesting article:

• View the entire article through Microsoft here… (this one opens to the entire article, but may be available for a limited time)
• The Atlantic magazine here… (you may need to create an account to read, no charge until you subscribe, but should be able to read this article)

To learn more or order Ryan Carr’s new book on Amazon: “Samson Occom: Radical Hospitality in the Native Northeast“ (2023) click here to learn more…

Oshkosh Herald June 26, 2024

By Patti Lee Herald Contributor

Folks traveling on the lake between Oshkosh and Neenah on June 14^th may have noticed some interesting people along the way.

That was the second day of the Brothertown Indian Nation Water Walk, an annual spiritual journey of walkers. Some traveling from as far as Minneapolis. Mother and son Jenny and Jayce Bender made that trek and spent a little time to talk about the sacred steps.

“We do this annually to give thanks to water and Mother Earth to show our appreciation and to protect her,” Jenny explained.

Since both women and water give life, women carry a traditional copper vessel that holds the nupi (water) and are keepers of the water. Walkers also carry inpawok (tobacco) to offer to any rivers or streams they cross and also honor animals along the roads or trails as they travel.

Before the walk begins, participants are smudged to clear negative energy and good thoughts. The water carriers are reverent, immersed in spiritual thoughts and saying prayers of gratitude to the water….

View the rest of the article here.

Our members are the lifeblood of our Tribe, and the Mystery Drawing is only one way we show our appreciation for all members and their daily efforts in helping our tribe succeed.

————-Our latest Winner—————-

Todd Hephner who was helping with the cleanup at the cultural center, was the winner of our mystery prize and won an essential oil diffuser and mood lighting.

The 2024 Shelley Family Reunion will be held at Elk Lake Park in Phillips, Wisconsin, 54555. It starts at 10:00 a.m. and until at least 5 pm, (but there is no official end time). Please bring a dish to pass and your own beverages. I will provide water. Brats and beef Hot Dogs, and buns will also be provided.

–Park amenities–

The park has fishing docks, a boat landing, a playground, a splash pad, a basketball court, a volleyball court, disc golf, a walking path, and, of course, the Shelter, which we can open or close the sides of. Bathrooms are located in the shelter.

 There is a campground just across the bridge, which I am guessing is maybe 1/4 to 1/2 mile from the shelter (don’t quote me on that, though). However, they do not have reservations. It’s first come, first served. Maybe if you let me know you want to camp, I can work something out. All campsites have electricity, and there is a beach nearby, as well as toilets and showers. It’s $35 a night.

There are two motels in Phillips: The Super 8 at 715-339-2898 and The Timber Inn at 715-339-3071. Both are located right on Hwy 13. There is also one in Prentice about 15 miles South of Phillips called Amerivu Inn & Suites at 715-428-2333 (at the corner of Hwy 8 and 13). If you like Airbnb, check their site online for Phillips, WI.

Directions are easy: As you drive through Phillips on Hwy 13 you will turn onto Hwy H (which only goes one direction which is right for most of you and the Courthouse will be on your left just before you turn). Then drive down the hill and over the railroad tracks. It will be right there on your left. Handicapped people can drive up and park by the shelter. There is parking right across the road from the shelter also.

There will be an auction this year. Please bring something you no longer need or want from your home, wrapped or put in a brown paper bag. Please do not go out and buy something. If you wish not to bring anything or participate, that is okay, too. The money will go to the next reunion. Our younger generation needs to keep this going, so please consider it. I will give you the information needed.

Friday night information for early arrivals:  My son John will be the host for Trivia Night at the VFW sponsored by Moose Lodge 2661 of Phillips. We would like to get a Shelley Reunion team together and play.  You can have up to 6 members. Less is okay, also. The cost is $20, which is split amongst the team.  The payouts will be for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place for winning teams. The game starts at 6 pm with registration starting at 5:30 pm. Let’s show the locals what our family is made of!

*Please let me know if you are coming to the reunion and how many. * If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact me on Facebook (Jean Klimowski). Keep in mind that I am out at the farm and may be outside, but will get back to you.

I know this may be short notice but please consider coming and having a great time.  Meet a lot of your relatives and enjoy all the wonderful games and other options in the area.  I hope to see you there!

This is an opinion by Levi Rickert and is worth reading retrospectively on our ancestors’ ultimate Sacrifice for our country.

Many consider Memorial Day the kickoff to summer, a day off to grill your favorite meat for a holiday cookout with family and friends.

Memorial Day represents much more!

Sort excerpt: read the entire article here…

“Next Sunday [June 2nd] marks the 100th anniversary of the 1924 Indian Citizenship Act, often referred to as the Snyder Act. I have been reflecting on how many Native Americans served and died in the U.S. Armed Forces even before they were made citizens. Native Americans making their contributions and sacrifices in the U.S. Armed Forces date back to the Revolutionary War.

During World War I, more than 12,500 Native Americans served in the U.S. Armed Forces. These Natives fought for freedom when they weren’t yet citizens of the country. 

True to their reputation as warriors, almost two-thirds of the Native Americans served in the infantry. They won widespread praise for their bravery, achievement, and sacrifice. Nearly 5% of these warriors died—the ultimate sacrifice—compared to 1% of American infantry soldiers overall.”

Click here to read the entire article on NATIVE NEWS ONLINE…

On this Memorial Day, please take a moment to reflect on our fallen warriors.   The Brothertown Indians have had a proud history of Serving since the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, the Civil War, and every war to the present day. While having family picnics and other events, remember our ancestors and family who have fallen.

To use a sentence or two from Smithsonian magazine: “Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian men and women have always been defenders of their lives, lands, and way of life. The call to serve in the U.S. armed forces has resonated with Native people from the country’s founding—long before they were recognized as American citizens—to the present day. At the same time, Native communities have never taken casualties lightly. Native nations pay homage to fallen warriors as heroes with ceremonies, feasts, and prayers—formal, reverent memorials held throughout the year.”