The Three Fires: A look into the lives of the Ottawa, Pottawatomie, and Chippewa Indians

Who were the three fires?

The Ottawa: “The Middle Brother”

Ottawa The Ottawa Indian tribes claimed territories from the northern shores of Lake Huron to the west side of Michigan.

“Ottawa” means “to trade.”

The Ottawa were expert traders. Each family owned a trade route. Birch bark canoes like this one helped the Ottawa mange their extensive trade routes.

The Ottawa traded furs with other tribes The Ottawa traded furs with other tribes. They traded with the French after they arrived. Ottawa fur trader Beaver Beaver Pelt

They were also excellent fishermen.

The Ottawa lived in small huts and lodges called, “Wigwams The Ottawa lived in small huts and lodges called, “Wigwams.” They were usually made of birch bark.

The Ottawa painted their faces, had piercings, and wore trinkets on their bodies.

The Potawatomi “The Younger Brother”

Potawatomi The Potawatomi Indian tribes claimed territories from southern Michigan to the western shores of Lake Michigan.

The Potawatomi called themselves “Bodéwadmi,” or “Keepers of the Fire

The Potawatomi were excellent farmers

The Potawatomi planted corn, beans, squash, and medicinal herbs.

Each Potawatomi Indian was part of a clan.

The Chippewa or Ojibwa “The Oldest Brother”

Chippewa Chippewa The Chippewa Indian tribes claimed territories from northeast lower Michigan, north through Canada, and west to the Dakotas.

This came from the “puckered” style of their moccasins. Chippewa was derived from the word "Ojiibwabwe" or “cook until it puckers” This came from the “puckered” style of their moccasins.

The Chippewa were hunters, fishermen, and farmers.

The Chippewa also gathered Wild Rice.

In late winter and early spring the Chippewa would collect syrup from maple trees.

The Chippewa mined and traded copper throughout the North American continent.

Like the Ottawa and Potawatomi, the Chippewa also lived in Wigwams. They were typically made of birch bark.

They were: The Bullhead, Crane, Pintail Duck, Bear, and Moose The Chippewa lived in clans named after FIVE main animal totems, or “doodems.” They were: The Bullhead, Crane, Pintail Duck, Bear, and Moose