<p>The Odawa (Ottawa) chief called Pontiac was known in his village as Obwandiyag. He was likely born about 1720 somewhere along the Detroit River. One of his parents was Odawa and he was raised in that tradition. Descriptions of Pontiac as an adult are contradictory. Contemporaries described him as “remarkably well-looking, of medium stature,” or “a tall man, not handsome.” He had several wives and at least one son.<p/>
<p>By the age of 25 or 30, Pontiac was a leader who took part in anti-English councils and negotiations with the allies of the French. During this time, he also came under the influence of Neolin, a member of the Delaware tribe who was viewed as a prophet. This movement had some references to Christianity, but also urged the members of the tribes to return to their old ways of doing things. Pontiac adopted only part of the message, turning this message into an anti-English campaign that kept the European technology.<p/>
<p>By 1763 Pontiac was an influential leader in the Detroit area. That year he led a surprise uprising against the British at Detroit, which failed when the British learned of the attack. He and his forces later returned and laid siege to the fort, but ultimately it was never taken. While his attack on Detroit failed, many of the other attacks made on other regional outposts by members of the loosely organized confederation, did succeed - 8 out of 12 resulted in victory for the Native Americans and their allies. These attacks are known as Pontiac’s War.<p/>
