POTAWATOMI-Economics
Traditional Economy
The Wisconsin lands originally settled by the Potawatomi offered
the tribes rich soil, prosperous water, and dense forests. The
tribes lived in harmony with the land by moving with the seasons
to allow replenishment of plant and animal life. They practiced
agriculture extensively and took pride in their stable agricultural
products. Their homes were built next to their crops and gardens
for easy access. They cultivated many crops, including “present
corn” and their own “Calico corn” which has a sweet taste and is
amongst the early sweet corn.
Maple sugar was one of their most cherished foods. Since they
didn’t have salt until contact with the Europeans, maple sugar
was used as the main seasoning. In addition to maple sugar, the
Potawatomi tribes frequently harvested wild rice which was
another of their staple foods.
Although the Potawatomi were mostly farming tribes, they
incorporated meat into their diets through hunting. Deerskins in
particular were often traded with the early Europeans.
Modern Times Economy
In 1913, the United States Congress determined that the
Potawatomi were due money promised to them for their land
cessions in earlier treaties. Congress allocated $447,339 with
$150,000 to be used by the Forest County Potawatomi to buy
their own land. Many Potawatomi families purchased forty-toeighty-acre farms in Forest County, Wisconsin. The roughly
15,000 in acres in Forest County constitute the Potawatomi’s
reservation in the state of Wisconsin today.
Tourism-The Forest County Potawatomi have worked hard to
preserve their culture and past. They maintain a Cultural Center,
Library, and Museum on the reservation that provides tourism
dollars for the tribe.
Wildlife/Fishing-The Forest County Potawatomi also maintain a
Wildlife Program designed to conserve, protect, monitor and
enhance tribal wildlife resources and provides harvesting
opportunities to its members.
Casino-In 1990, the tribe bought about seven acres of land in one
of their old village sites-Milwaukee-and opened a high-stakes
bingo hall one year later. The Potawatomi Bingo Casino is one of
the most popular entertainment destinations in Wisconsin. It
offers award-winning dining experiences, the latest games, and
features top performers in the theater.
School-Also in 1990, the tribe acquired the old Concordia College
campus site in Milwaukee. The campus had been home to the
Indian Community School of Milwaukee since 1986, and the
school’s board of directors entered into an agreement with the
Potawatomi to put the site into federal trust status in the tribe’s
name. The Potawatomi currently lease the site to the school.
By pursuing diverse business investment, the Forest county
Potawatomi of today are the largest employer in Forest County.
With revenues from various tribal enterprises, the Potawatomi
have invested in the health, wellness, education and future of
their people.
http://www.aihd.ku.edu/foods/Potawatomis.html
http://www.paysbig.com/business/about-our-business/#sthash.i2OImIbo.dpuf
http://www.fcpotawatomi.com/government/natural-resources/wildlife-resources/
http://www.fcpotawatomi.com
http://www.mpm.edu/wirp/icw-152.html