Overview:
The 2026 Bodéwadmi Gathering is underway in Crandon, Wisconsin, where thousands of Potawatomi citizens from the United States and Canada are coming together to celebrate their shared heritage. Hosted by the Forest County Potawatomi Community, the weeklong event begins with a two-day language conference that reflects the Nations’ enduring commitment to preserving and revitalizing the Potawatomi language.
Bodéwadmi Gathering 2026
FOREST COUNTY POTAWATOMI COMMUNITY, Wis. — Thousands of Potawatomi citizens from across the United States and Canada are gathering this week at the Forest County Potawatomi Community for Bodéwadmi Gathering 2026 (Potawatomi Gathering). Hosted in Crandon, Wisconsin, the weeklong event is expected to draw up to 5,000 attendees representing the 12 Potawatomi Nations.
Since 1994—except during the COVID-19 pandemic—the 12 Potawatomi Nations have gathered annually, with each Nation taking turns hosting the event. In 2004, organizers expanded the Gathering by adding two days devoted to language instruction, giving attendees an opportunity to learn and strengthen Bodwéwadmimwen, the Potawatomi language.
The first two days of this year’s Gathering—Monday and Tuesday—are dedicated to the language conference, where more than 500 participants are expected to immerse themselves in Bodwéwadmimwen. The conference highlights the Potawatomi Nations’ ongoing commitment to preserving, revitalizing, and passing their language on to future generations.
