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Before America

Before America | How Michigan’s Indigenous Nations Sparked the American Revolution

Season 2025 Episode 4 | 4m 51s

Michigan history is Indigenous history. At Middle Village, Michigan a thriving 1700s Odawa hub, Anishinaabe communities shaped events that helped ignite the American Revolution. Their resistance after the French & Indian War led to the 1763 Proclamation Line, fueling colonial anger echoed in the Declaration of Independence.

Aired: 12/06/25
Extras
Watch • 6:02
Before America
Before America |Michigan’s Forgotten Women of Pontiac’s War
The untold story of Indigenous women whose power shaped Pontiac’s War and Michigan’s history.
Episode: S2025 E3 | 6:02
Watch • 5:07
Before America
Before America | The Lacrosse Game That Sparked a Native Uprising
A 1763 lacrosse match at Fort Michilimackinac turns into a daring Native rebellion.
Episode: S2025 E1 | 5:07
Watch • 0:30
Before America
Official Trailer | Before America
Reframing America’s origins through Native resistance in the Great Lakes.
Preview: S2025 | 0:30