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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.”

Chairperson Phyllis Tousey will speak on Brothertown Restoration at the Democracy Tour hosted by the Brothertown Indian Nation.

Date: Monday, May 20, 2024 – the program will run from 6:00 to 8:30 pm.

Location: Brothertown Indian Nation Community Center – 311 Winnebago Drive, Fond du Lac

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.

Thank you all for your Support!

Our latest winners were announced in our Volunteer Mystery Drawing, they include: Christina Straw, who won the “lucky feather” (which means Christina receives an extra 10 drawing chances for the “BIG” Dec. 14, 2024, gathering prize, and Scott Nelson who won a $25 Subway gift card. Congratulations!

ALL candidates, citizens, and Brothertown descendants are invited to attend the “Meet the Candidates” forum via Zoom. Event is Sunday, May 5th at 4:30pm PT/ 5:30 pm MT/ 6:30pm CT/ 7:30pm ET

• The candidates for the 2024 Brothertown Indian Nation elections have been announced as follows:
  • Vice Chair (one position to fill): Jessica Ryan (incumbent), Craig Cottrell
  • Council (two positions to fill): Dawn Kraintz (incumbent), Hector Marroquin, Will Ottery
  • Peacemaker (one position to fill) : Greg Elsen (incumbent)

To obtain log-in information, please visit the Election Page here on the tribal website to request your access. The Election Committee will send you the link to join via email.

Candidate Forum Ground Rules:

• We will treat each other with mutual respect
• We will maintain a decorum which exemplifies how our Ancestors lived
• Focus upon issues affecting our community today and tomorrow
• Arrive at this particular time with a good heart and spirit

Below is the agenda and the questions that will be presented to help voters better understand each candidate’s goals and views concerning issues facing the Tribe today. Please also note the forum’s ground above.

Agenda:

• Invocation 
• Candidate introductions and brief bios
• Candidate questions (listed below)
• Open floor questions if candidates so desire 
• Wrap up with reminders on how/when to vote

Candidate Questions:

1. What are 1 or 2 of the Brothertown Indian Nation’s greatest strengths?

2. What are 1 or 2 opportunities that our nation could improve upon?

3. What is the most important issue facing BIN & Tribal Council(Council candidates) or Peacemakers (Peacemaker candidate) today?

4. What qualities or resources do you possess that you feel will best serve the citizens of Brothertown?

We have new information on the upcoming Minnesota gathering!

Now we can start planning… Stay tuned if additional information becomes available….

During the April 6^th Brothertown Powwow, winners were announced in our Volunteer Mystery Drawing as well as the Powwow Raffle.  Winners included Annette Pownell and Rose Pelky (winners of gift cards) and Tijana Williams (winner of a hand-carved walking stick for the Powwow Raffle).

Congratulations, Winners!

This is the Brothertown Tribe’s way of thanking our valued volunteers, the lifeblood of our Tribe! Thank you all for your support!