He fought like a warrior for the good of our Nation
wielding paper and pen and vociferous oration
He’d let fly the arrows of well-organized thought
Feathered with wording so precisely wrought

The Brotherton Messenger, grants, and petitions
Documentaries, errands, and Council positions
Brothertown Forward and Calumet and Cross
Now struggle to recover from this gigantic loss

In Wisconsin or California; wherever he’d roam
His heart was with Brothertown; his ancestral home
He now sings in Heaven’s own “hollowed out square”
With Occom, Commuck, and the Brotherton there

https://legcy.co/3fnhxPu

Over the weekend, our Tribal Historic Preservation Officer gave birth to our very first 2021 Brothertown baby!* Mother and son look very happy and well. A new baby is always welcome news, and particularly after a year like 2020. Likewise, a new Brothertown baby is always special news, but Oliver’s birth seems especially poignant. Perhaps because it follows so closely after Lani’s departure; perhaps because I’ve seen Oliver’s grandfather serve our Tribe in many ways over the years, and his mother as well; or perhaps it’s because Oliver’s birth, like the heralding of spring, sparks renewed hope.

In mostly subtle ways, Brothertown has been gaining renewed strength in recent years. We’ve always had folks ready and willing to serve our Tribe and we’ve always had friends helping us when we’ve needed them. But recently, we’ve seen a renewed increase in participation, greater communication and camaraderie, and our young people are becoming increasingly more involved. Indeed, 4 of our 9 Council members are in their early 30’s or younger. [I believe that this is the youngest group of leaders we’ve ever had; save for our beginning in the 1770’s and ‘80’s.] We’ve also seen renewed interest from those outside of Brothertown who want to know how they can help. There are many exciting things upon the Brothertown horizon and it may be Oliver’s generation that bears the fruit thereof. Oliver’s birth, like all of our Brothertown children, is a sign of hope, a renewal of strength, and a glimpse into our future. Welcome, Oliver!

Please spare a moment to pray for Oliver and his parents as they begin a new life together. May God bless, guide, and guard them.

*I just found out that Baby Oliver (who was due on the 21st of January) actually missed the new year by 15 minutes! So, he was born in 2020 but didn’t wait long to help us usher in the New Year.

“We Keep a Fire For the Dead”

We keep a fire for the dead whose spirits walk before us
Who, shoes exchanged for eagle’s wings, now sing angelic chorus
Though they no longer walk the land in Brothertown today
Our hearts remain forevermore where’er our brethren lay
~A Brothertown Citizen

This has been a difficult week in Brothertown.  Many of our people were diagnosed with Covid-19.   On December 1, elder Lani Bartelt walked on.  Lani began volunteering with the Tribe in the 1980’s and never looked back.  Here is a link to a YouTube video that Lani did with us a couple of years ago: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=dQFMQeCuH_c. 

Lani, you will be sorely missed but we are comforted by the thought that the ancestors are there to welcome you with open arms at the gates of our Heavenly Reservation.

The auctions for Brothertown’s 2020 Virtual Homecoming are underway! If you’d like to purchase some unique gifts while also helping to support the Brothertown Tribe, please visit the Brothertown Facebook auction page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/3630594243630943. Some of the items being auctioned include a wool blanket, fleece and deerhide gauntle mitts, ribbon skirt, books, jewelry, dolls, and many other works of art created by Brothertown artists. All auctions are set to end at 8pm Central Time Monday, October 19th!

If you would like to join us in making some traditional recipes this weekend, please click here:

For some coloring and activity pages for the kids, click here:

This year, the Brothertown Indian Nation Homecoming will be a virtual one. EVERYONE is welcome to gather with us on Saturday, October 17 from 9:30 CT until about 12:30. Stay all morning or just drop in when you’re available. Festivities will include a story time for kids, roundtable discussion on “Old Brothertown”, a musical performance, a menu and recipes you can make and enjoy at home, plus auctions running all weekend long.

Please see the official event page for more details and updates: https://fb.me/e/1ylwjrFd1