Native America Calling: How the Pontiac rebellion changed history

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Monday, September 25, 2023

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How the Pontiac rebellion changed history

The British acquired a large expanse of North American territory following the French and Indian War. But their oppressive treatment of the resident Native people fostered discontent.

It all boiled over in 1763 as Odawa Chief Pontiac or Obwaandi’eyaag, formed an alliance among several tribes against the British occupation. Violence spread from the Great Lakes region to West Virginia. The resistance forced the British to change their official stance toward Native people.

Native America Calling will recount how Chief Pontiac and his allies changed the direction of colonial expansion 260 years ago.

At a gathering on April 27, 1763, Odawa Chief Pontiac urged fellow tribes to rise up against the British. Image of engraving by Alfred Bobbett

Guests on Native America Calling

Ben Hinmon (citizen of Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians), elder, education program administrator with Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, and the great-great-great-great grandson of Chief Pontiac

Leon Sam Briggs (Tonawanda Seneca [Hawk Clan]), historical reproduction specialist and traditional teacher