The Negotiator: Billy Caldwell feature documentary
As one of the treaty signers in 1829 and 1833, Billy Caldwell and others negotiated the sale of 5,000,000 acres of land in northwest Illinois, resulting in the removal of all Native American tribes in the state of Illinois.
Billy Caldwell, also known by his Indian name, Sauganash, was an influential figure in both Native American and early American history. Born in 1780 after the Revolutionary War to a British Army officer and a Mohawk mother, he grew up amidst a confluence of cultures—British, Irish, and Indigenous. He later became a prominent chief of the Potawatomi people, known for his diplomatic skills and efforts to negotiate land treaties with the U.S. government during a time of great upheaval for Native American tribes in the Midwest. Caldwell's legacy includes his work on two important treaties here in Chicago, the 1829 Treaty of Prairie du Chien and the 1833 Treaty of Chicago, which not only resulted in the cession of vast tracts of land but also helped secure land for his people, ensuring their future during a time of forced relocations and growing tensions between Native tribes and the U.S. government.
Beyond his political and diplomatic work, Billy Caldwell is remembered for the complexity of his life. He straddled two worlds—advocating for his Native community while also navigating the growing American political landscape. His efforts to preserve peace during turbulent times, and his ultimate displacement with his people, reflect the broader story of Native American resilience and adaptation in the face of colonial expansion.
Caldwell’s life can be seen as a mirror to the struggles and complexities faced by many Native American leaders during the 19th century, torn between survival and resistance. His story opens up discussions on how we remember historical figures and the perspectives that are often left out of mainstream narratives. The fact that he is not more widely known speaks to the erasure of Native history in the American consciousness, something we hope to change with the projects we’re working on.
Caldwell had a remarkable ability to navigate both Native American and U.S. political spheres during a time of incredible turmoil. His life represents a bridge between two very different cultures, and his efforts to protect the rights of his people while negotiating with the U.S. government resonate deeply with me. His story speaks to themes of identity, resilience, and leadership—issues that are as relevant today as they were in his time.
Caldwell’s story is more than just a historical curiosity—it’s a lens through which we can explore broader themes of cultural survival, adaptability, and the negotiation of identity. His life intersects with some of the most critical moments in early American history, including the westward expansion, the displacement of Native peoples, and the growth of Chicago as a major urban center. Understanding his role in these events offers us a deeper, more nuanced view of our shared history.
Caldwell’s life also invites us to think about how we tell history—whose stories get remembered, and whose are forgotten? By focusing on him, I aim to shift the spotlight toward Indigenous contributions and influence on American history, particularly in the Midwest. His life story is a vital piece of the puzzle that has been missing from the narrative for far too long.
Our upcoming documentary, The Negotiator: Billy Caldwell, will bring Billy Caldwell’s life to the screen, offering an in-depth look at his personal struggles, triumphs, and the lasting impact of his decisions. The film features interviews with local historians, Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation Tribal leaders, and descendants of Caldwell’s contemporaries, creating a compelling narrative that we hope will captivate audiences and inspire a broader recognition of Native American leaders in U.S. history.
Together with leaders and elders from the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, we have spearheaded several initiatives aimed at raising awareness of Billy Caldwell’s contributions. The most prominent is a documentary film, The Negotiator: Billy Caldwell, that explores his life, focusing on his role as a diplomat and leader of the Potawatomi people. Additionally, we are working on educational outreach programs in schools across the Midwest to integrate his story into curriculums, so students can learn about this important figure and his impact on Native American history and the development of Chicago. We have a 40-minute school film and a complete curriculum companion with it.
Another project involves working with local Chicago institutions such as the Mitchell Museum of the American Indian to create public exhibits and lectures that delve into Caldwell’s role in shaping the city’s early history. These exhibits aim to highlight the often-overlooked Indigenous influence on Chicago’s founding and development.
Why make a film about Billy Caldwell?
A film is one of the most accessible and engaging ways to tell a story, especially one as complex and compelling as Billy Caldwell’s. This documentary was co-produced with Michelle Simon and Joe Mitchell, leaders at the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation in Mayetta, Kansas. The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation was one of the Tribes removed during the treaty negotiations and during Caldwell’s time.
Through film, we can reach a broad audience and provide a visual, emotional, and intellectual connection to his life. The power of cinema lies in its ability to bring history to life in a way that resonates with people on a personal level, and that’s exactly what we aim to do with The Negotiator: Billy Caldwell.
There is something uniquely powerful about seeing history unfold on screen. By telling Caldwell’s story through film, we’re giving voice to a figure who has largely been forgotten by mainstream history. We want to humanize him, show his struggles and triumphs, and place him within the broader narrative of Native American resistance and negotiation during the 19th century. The film will serve as both an educational tool and a work of art that can inspire new conversations about Indigenous contributions to American history.
Moreover, this film will help challenge the dominant narratives about U.S. history, which often marginalize or erase Native American perspectives. By bringing Caldwell’s story to the forefront, we hope to inspire viewers to learn more about other forgotten figures and understand the importance of Indigenous leadership and resilience in shaping our country.
Why didn't Billy Caldwell stay in Chicago? Why did he leave and live his final days in Council Bluffs, Iowa? What was his intention in signing the treaties? Today, Caldwell’s Band of Prairie People now live in Mayetta, Kansas as the federally-recognized tribe of Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation.
This documentary explores these actions through research and interviews with local subject experts.
April 19, 2024–In a Historic Announcement from the U.S. Government, Illinois is Once Again Home to a Federally Recognized Tribal Nation
The U.S. Department of Interior placed portions of Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation’s northern Illinois Reservation land into trust today
DEKALB COUNTY, ILL. – In a historic decision announced today, the U.S. Department of the Interior placed portions of the Shab-eh-nay Reservation land into trust for Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, making it the only federally recognized Tribal Nation in Illinois.
The news comes 175 years after the U.S. government illegally auctioned off 1,280 acres of Prairie Band’s Reservation land in northern Illinois when Chief Shab-eh-nay traveled from his home Reservation in what is now DeKalb County to visit his family in Kansas.
“Prairie Band has sought to continue our history as an original part of DeKalb County and right historical wrongs,” said Prairie Band Chairman Joseph Rupnick, the fourth generation great grandson of Chief Shab-eh-nay. “We have been asking for this recognition and for what is rightfully ours for nearly 200 years, and we are grateful to the U.S. Department of Interior for this significant step in the pursuit of justice for our people and ancestors.”
By placing the land into trust, the legal title is transferred to the United States, which holds it in trust for the Prairie Band. This confirms the land as an “Indian country” and solidifies jurisdictional boundaries, ensuring that the Nation can exercise sovereignty over the land.
