"In the nearly two centuries since Leopold Pokagon died, members of the Potawatomi Indian tribe named for him have focused more on melding into the larger community than on protecting their unique place within it.

Their native language, their spirituality, their history, grew threatened much as the bald eagle that once shared southwestern Michigan's forests with the Indians.

We hope an initiative to revive knowledge of Pokagon history and tribal practices will thrive just as the efforts have to bring the eagles back from the brink of extinction.

Reconstructing their cultural foundation can help strengthen the band. Modern times introduced steep challenges, including a soaring rate of diabetes and low college enrollment numbers."

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Editorial: Following on Pokagon's path (The South Bend Tribune 2/12)