Overview:
The 2026 Potawatomi Gathering concluded Saturday with one of its most cultural traditions—the ceremonial passing of a cedar box containing the ashes from the original Potawatomi Gathering fire.
Bodéwadmi Gathering 2026
FOREST COUNTY POTAWATOMI CONFEDERACY, Wis. – With the exception of 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic forced its cancellation, Potawatomi tribes and First Nations from the United States and Canada have gathered every year since 1994 for the Potawatomi Gathering. The annual event concludes with one of its most meaningful traditions: the passing of a cedar box containing the ashes from the fire that burned at the first Potawatomi Gathering.
Early Saturday evening, Forest County Potawatomi Community Tribal Chairman Brooks Boyd Sr. made one final trip around the dance circle beneath the powwow arbor, surrounded by citizens of the host tribe. As he completed the circle, Boyd passed the cedar box and its ashes to Citizen Potawatomi Nation Chairman John “Rocky” Barrett, whose tribe will host the 2027 Potawatomi Gathering in Shawnee, Oklahoma.
The Citizen Potawatomi Nation safeguard the ashes for the next 12 months as they plan to host the some 5,000 attendees.
Earlier on Saturday at noon, a Grand Entry began an all-day powwow.
Photos from Saturday’s Powwow
