Cultural Events

The Department of Language and Culture schedules events throughout the month to promote the understanding and appreciation of Neshnabe traditions and lifeways.

Reoccurring Programs

Mens Drumming

Twice a month, John T. Warren (Pokagon Potawatomi) leads drumming classes to share drum teachings, practice drumming and singing, and to learn songs.

Womens Hand Drumming

Twice a month women gather to learn and practice hand drum songs, learn drumming and singing techniques, and drum teachings. Guest presenters are invited to attend to share their teaching and songs.

Native Healing

Native Healing is a monthly wellness program that works to restore balance to the mind, body, spirit, and emotions. Three days each month, traditional healer Jake Pine works with the Pokagon community to offer wellness assistance in the form of physical and spiritual healing. Individual appointments are scheduled with Mr. Pine over three full days with a co-ed healing sweat lodge on Tuesday evening.

Please call Andy Jackson to schedule your individual appointment (269) 462-4261

Monthly Cultural Workshop

Once a month, a Cultural Workshop is held to learn about Neshnabe' traditions and life ways.

Annual & Quarterly Programs

Community Wellness Gathering

Community Wellness Gatherings are quarterly programs that strive to make a “head to heart” connection. Through culture, wellness, and knowledge, participants will make a journey to awareness and potential positive behavior change. In turn, they will be better equipped to make healthier choices to ultimately be a positive and contributing member to his/her family, workplace, community, and the tribe as a whole. Each Community Wellness Gathering has a theme. The Department works with the Native Wellness Institute trainers to facilitate the quarterly Community Wellness Gatherings.

Seasonal Teachings

Seasonal teachings are held in conjunction with seasonal ceremonies which revolve around the equinoxes and solstices. Elders and spiritual leaders are invited to share original teachings about the changing season and other topics.

Summer Youth Culture Camp

The Summer Youth Culture Camp is an overnight camp for Pokagon citizens and JOM eligible students in the 2nd – 12th grades. The focus of the camp is language, culture, spirituality, traditional ecological knowledge, Anishnaabe history, and education. Many of the camp activities are built around cultural teachings and language lessons, but also include many favorite conventional camp activities.