American Indians in Milwaukee

Description

Milwaukee is an Algonquin word meaning “the gathering place.” Wisconsin’s 11 American Indian tribes have long gathered in the city| contributing to its name and origins. American Indians continue to assist in Milwaukee’s growth through nationally recognized innovations in education| gaming| and cultural representation. The city’s “founding mother|” a Menominee Indian| continued trading partnerships with the area’s native residents until Indian removal in the 1830s. Over the next century| Indians returned to Milwaukee as visitors| creating villages at the state fair and lakefront grounds. By the 1930s| Indians again called the city home and expressed their common heritage through Pan-Indian organizations. Later the new ideals of the national Red Power movement helped transform those organizations into successful city institutions such as the Indian Community School| Potawatomi Bingo and Casino| and Indian Summer Festival.