The Forest County Potawatomi tribe was forced out of their homes along the Menomonee River Valley 188 years ago. However, on Aug. 14, they returned to the river so their youth could experience navigating the waterway in five handcrafted birch canoes.
This project was part of a larger program led by Forest County Potawatomi tribe member and canoe builder Lawrence Mann.
“This summer we did a birchbark canoe project and part of their reward for the end of the program was bringing the kids here to the Menomonee River to paddle their canoes,” Mann said, pointing out a group of students who have gathered for a traditional drum circle before the boat launch. “I’m hoping that they reclaim part of their culture and bring that back to encourage younger people to build canoes, so we don’t lose this form of art for our people.”…