Sleeper-Smith, suggests that in the early 19th century, Catholicism became a tool in Pottawatomie

In the selections from Sleeper-Smith, she suggests that in the early 19th century, Catholicism became a tool that Pottawatomie in southwestern Michigan were able to use to prevent their removal from the area during the 1830s and 1840s. How did the process work? What was the continuing role of women in the process? What happened to the Pottawatomie as a group as a result of this policy? Support your answer with examples drawn from the readings.