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Remembering Samson Occom

2023 marks the 300th anniversary of the birth of Samson Occom and the 4th annual tribal celebration of “Samson Occom Day” on July 14.  This Brothertown holiday was established in June of 2020 by the Nation’s Council at their monthly meeting.  The resolution, which passed unanimously, cites, in part, the Reverend Occom’s sizable role in the organization and the propagation of the Brothertown tribe.  

Samson Occom (Mohegan/Brothertown) was born in a wigwam (see right) in present day Connecticut in 1723. He converted to Christianity in his late teens, received an education through the Reverend Eleazar Wheelock and went out among his brethren with the dual intent of converting and educating them.

In December of 1765, in an effort to serve his people and answer what he felt was God’s call, Occom sailed to England to raise funds for Eleazar Wheelock’s Indian Charity School. He spent over 2 years preaching and raising money in Britain where he was well received and helped to collect, by today’s standards, the equivalent of about 2 million dollars.

When he returned to America in 1768, Occom found that Wheelock, instead of living up to his promise to care for Occom’s wife and children in his absence, had left them destitute. Later, the school he had helped to raise funds for and expected to be built in Connecticut and educate Indians, was moved to New Hampshire, and educated mainly whites. Occom felt this was a serious misuse of the funds donors had entrusted to him and a rift began between he and his mentor that never healed before Wheelock’s death.

Toward the end of his life, Occom was involved in the formation of a new tribe formed from portions of seven Native communities in New England. This new tribe began in New York on land given them by the Oneida. Occom noted in his journal entry of November 7, 1785, “…we named our town by the name of Brotherton, in Indian Eeyawquittoowauconnuck.”

Occom died on July 14, 1792, but his contributions continue to be felt to this day. His hymns are still sung, he is honored with a feast day among the Brothertown Indians and in the Episcopal Church, his numerous journals, letters, and sermons are studied in countless colleges and universities, and several Native American tribes have been helped by his writings in their re-recognition process. He was an integral part of the founding of Dartmouth College (the school created with the funds he helped raise), father of numerous descendants, and a co-founder of the Brothertown Tribe.

A few links to read in celebration of our great ancestor whom we owe so much to...

The Federal Government is terminating leases for at least 16 federal offices in Wisconsin, including the Bureau of Indian Affairs

The Department of Government Efficiency is terminating leases for at least 16 federal offices in Wisconsin, including the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Ashland.

By Danielle Kaeding – March 4, 2025

The Ashland office employs more than 40 full-time workers, according to a company fact sheet. Tanenbaum’s subsidiary RTD Ashland-BIA, LLC leased the building to the federal government for nearly $645,000 a year, according to data from the GSA website. DOGE claims terminating the lease will save $1.5 million. The office was under a 10-year lease that was set to expire in January 2028.

Tehassi Hill, chair of the Oneida Nation, said it’s an important office to tribes in Wisconsin. He said they work with the Bureau of Indian Affairs on real estate transactions, reporting mortgages and the process of converting individually owned properties into lands that are held in trust for tribes by the federal government. He said it’s unclear what would happen to the office’s employees, which would have the most significant impact on tribes.

To learn more about this developing story, click here to view the entire article on Wisconsin Public Radio’s news website.

The Tribe cannot fail this challenge, read more…

This update involves Dawn (during her busy daily duties) and the bottle challenge that she is spearheading for needed funds for the new cultural center to open. This is urgent as it has a deadline of July 15th.

So, let’s hear Dawn talk more about it:

“The nation has been put to a test. I had a gentleman stop by the office to spend some time with me, going over his family line, looking at the museum, etc. He asked about learning more about the Bottle Challenge and then made another challenge on top of that!

His challenge is from July 1 ending on July 15, then he will match all donations up to $1,500.00! (please be sure note in the comments section for the “Bottle drive for the Cultural Center”). (click here to donate)

Remember, I put a challenge out there to fill any bottle with change last month, then cash it in and send a check, money order or pay on pay-pal. My goal is $5,000; this will help with the few items that need to be fixed at our new Culture Center before we can do an Open House. SO, the challenge is on, we need your donations in the office from July 1st to July 15th.

Watch out Mr. Matthews!”

To donate and support this “should not fail” challenge – Click here….

Let’s all answer the call! I for one just sent my $100 donation on the above link – to this worthy cause which Dawn has worked so hard on… we simply can’t miss losing this generous additional support!

Call For All Brothertown Nation Graduates 2023!

The Tribe is calling for all 2023 Brothertown Indian Nation Graduates! Please let us know as we are preparing our annual honor of all our Youth celebrating milestones in their educational accomplishments.

Always remember and celebrate your success, there was a time when our people could not obtain even a basic education or have a chance at a college education and so we do not take it lightly. The Tribe is proud of each and every one of you!

Please include a digital color Photo (and additional information: School, Town, State, Degree, etc.) and email the website here...

May 28th, a very important date, that many missed.

193 years ago, unbeknownst to our Ancestors, the US government set in motion something we as Brothertown’s are still dealing with in 2023.

May 28, 1830, President Andrew Jackson signed the Indian Removal Act.

The 7th President Andrew Jackson

The Act established a process whereby the president could grant land west of the Mississippi River to Indian tribes that agreed to give up their homelands. As incentives, the law allowed the Indians financial and material assistance to travel to their new locations and start new lives and guaranteed that the Indians would live on their new property under the protection of the United States Government forever.

With the Act in place, Jackson and his followers were free to persuade, bribe, and threaten tribes into signing removal treaties and leaving the Southeast portion of the country. By the end of President Jacksons presidency almost 70 removal treaties were signed, and nearly 50,000 eastern Indians were moved further west. Many of our Brothertown ancestors chose a different path rather than be removed from their lands for a 3rd time. Ultimately signing the 1838 treaty which became The Act of 1839.

A sad note to is The Indian Removal Act by the Government, was that it set in motion the Trail of Tears, which attributed to the genocide of thousands of American Indians and the death of one-quarter Cherokee people alone.

Original resource article through Yahoo News and Native News Online

Important: Volunteers needed for Walleye Weekend Parking

Calling all Brothertowns! There is an urgent request from Dawn for volunteers to cover the fundraising event for June 7, 8 and 9. See Chart below of times needed critically needed for coverage.

This event and full coverage is vital for help funding our new Cultural Center

Please Contact Dawn at 920 949-9964 or email at dmkraintz@brothertownindians.org

Remember our Fallen Warriors….

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 the recent 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 for 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.”

Lake Winnebago Water Walk 2023

Join The Brothertown Indian Nation June 15, 16,17 2023

(Thursday, Friday and Saturday)

Ceremony/Walk Begins at 6:00 am

Columbia County Park: N10340 Calumet Harbor Road, Malone WI 53049

Map to Columbia County Park here

  • Wear: Comfortable Sneakers, long Skirts (women)
  • Bring: Tobaco & Pouch, Water Bottle and dry socks
  • Provided: water to refill bottles, simple lunch
  • Upon Arrival: smudge (have tobacco pouch handy).
  • For more information contact: Jessica Ryan (612) 508-3364

DONATIONS WELCOME: Meals. snacks, gas cards or money

Photos of Lake Winnebago Water Walk 2022

Season Opening Celebration! Fond du Lac County Historical Society

Our 2023 Season Opening Celebration starts a summer of fun events and programs! Join us at the Historic Galloway House and Village for exploration and entertainment for the whole family. See the Brothertown Indian Exhibit, up for this summer only.  In addition, the state of Wisconsin is celebrating its 175th anniversary on May 29, and we’re joining in the fun with an exhibit dedicated to all things Wisconsin. Don’t miss a minute of this fun-filled day! For additional information click here...

  • 11am – 1pm Cristo Rey Ranch Petting Zoo
  • 11am – 2pm Zoomalata Balloon Twisting
  • 11am – 3pm Tours of the Galloway House, Blakely Museum, and Veterinary Office
  • 11am – 3pm Living History throughout the Village
  • 11am – 3pm Kids’ Crafts and Games
  • 12pm – 1pm Burdocks & Rust Presentation
  • 1pm – 2pm Great Fire of 1871 program, followed by a guided tour of our Village Fire House
  • 1:45pm – 2:30pm Music in the Mansion
  • All day: food available from Mr. and Mrs. Catering, beverages available, Fond du Lac Society of Model Railroad Hobbyists, and Scavenger Hunts.

Announcing “Bottle Fundraiser” for the New Cultural Center….

CHALLENGE: I challenge you to grab a bottle and fill it with coins, when full, cash in and send check, money order or on pay-pal for this challenge. Thank you to all who have made a donation towards this since the February 19 th meeting.

Goal: $5,000 – for the NEW Brothertown Indians Cultural Center…

Now that we have new property. Let’s raise some money for repairs and getting it ready for a Grand Opening!

We’ll need your professional help as well. Calling all Painters, electricians, plumbers, carpenters, roofers, etc.

Contact me at dmkraintz@brothertownindians.org or call 920-929-9964