Council of Three Fires facts for kids

The Council of Three Fires (also known as the People of the Three Fires or the Three Fires Confederacy) is a very old alliance of three Native American tribes: the Ojibwe, the Odawa, and the Potawatomi. These tribes are all part of the larger Anishinaabe group.

History of the Council

Long ago, the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi were one group of people. As they traveled west from the Atlantic coast, they settled in different areas and developed their own unique identities. A Potawatomi elder named Shup-Shewana, using special birch bark scrolls, said that the Council of Three Fires was formed in the year 796 AD at a place called Michilimackinac.

In this alliance, each tribe had a special role:

• The Ojibwe were called the "Older Brother." They were seen as the "keepers of the faith."
• The Odawa were the "Middle Brother." They were known as the "keepers of trade."
• The Potawatomi were the "Younger Brother." They were the "keepers of the fire," which is why their name Potawatomi means "those who tend the fire."

When these three nations are mentioned in this specific order (Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi), it often means they are talking about the Council of Three Fires.

Meeting Places and Relations

The Council of Three Fires met in several places, but Michilimackinac was their favorite. It was a great central spot for them to gather for important military and political discussions. From here, they managed their relationships with other Anishinaabe nations and other tribes like the Sac, Meskwaki, Menominee, Ho-Chunk, Iroquois Confederacy, Wyandot, and Sioux.

They also dealt with European groups who came to North America: the French, the English, and later the Americans.

Wars and Alliances

The Council usually lived peacefully with their neighbors, thanks to their totem system and focus on trade. However, sometimes disagreements led to wars. The Council fought against the Iroquois Confederacy and the Sioux.

During the French and Indian War and Pontiac's War, they fought against Great Britain. Later, during the Northwest Indian War and the War of 1812, they fought against the United States.

After the United States was formed in 1776, the Council became a key member of the Western Lakes Confederacy. This larger alliance also included the Wyandots, Algonquins, Nipissing, Sacs, Meskwaki, and others.

Important Treaties

The Council of Three Fires signed many treaties, which are formal agreements, with different governments.

Treaties with Great Britain

• Treaty of Fort Niagara (1764) – This was signed as part of the larger Western Lakes Confederacy.

Treaties with the United States

• Treaty of Fort Harmar (1789)
• Treaty of Greenville (1795)
• Treaty of Fort Industry (1805)
• Treaty of Detroit (1807)
• Treaty of Brownstown (1808)
• Treaty of Springwells (1815)
• Treaty of St. Louis (1816)
• Treaty of Fort Meigs (1817)
• Treaty of Chicago (1821)
• First Treaty of Prairie du Chien (1825) – This treaty included the Council, as well as separate agreements with the Ojibwe and Odawa.
• Second Treaty of Prairie du Chien (1829)
• Treaty of Washington (1836) – This treaty was signed with the Ojibwe and Odawa.

See also

In Spanish: Consejo de los Tres Fuegos para niños