We, the Wisconsin Potawatomi
Our Tribal Constitution was formed by 47 tribal member in the mid 1930’s. A time when there was not much hope for tribal members. They formed their own tribal government with-in the the State of Michigan boundaries and often make government to government agreements with the State.
The tribal government has an agreement with Potawatomi and Indian people that forms the basis for our National Constitution, as some may perceive the document, but non the less it is our forming documents that establishes a relation ship with the people and elected tribal government (s).
The following is an expert of our forming documents:
UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
OFFICE OF INDIAN AFFAIRS
CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS OF THE
HANNAHVILLE INDIAN COMMUNITY
MICHIGAN
APPROVED JULY 23,1936
UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE
WASHINGTON: 1936
CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS OF THE HANNAHVIILLE
INDIAN COMMUNITY
PREAMBLE
We, the Potowatomies residing near Wilson and Harris in Menominee County, Michigan, on lands reserved for the Wisconsin Pototatomies residing in Michigan, in order to form a representative organization, to promote the welfare of our people, to preserve the land for ourselves and our children, and to provide homes for all the Indians of this Community who need them, do establish this Constitution.
No where in the document is it stated the tribal government formed this arrangment.
Just like the US Constitution, ours begins with,
WE the Pottawatomie, not We the Tribal Government, or State Government.
