In April 1763, Pontiac holds council near Detroit. Over 400 members are present from different tribes, including Ottawa, Huron, Miami, Potawatomi, Shawnee, and others. The purpose of the council is to unite all native tribes against the British. Pontiac relies on the teachings of Prophet Neolin to amass native support; essential in these teachings is the importance of renouncing European ways and returning to a more traditional native lifestyle. Pontiac's appropriation of the Prophet's words, however, calls only for a return to the ways under French control. Nevertheless, when Pontiac announces his plans to take over the forts in the area, including Fort Detroit, he receives unanimous support.

Four days after the council, Pontiac and 50 warriors enter Fort Detroit to perform a ceremonial dance; the real incentive for the visit is reconnaissance. Upon leaving, Pontiac tells Major Henry Gladwin that he will return shortly for a goodwill council. Pontiac's plan is to return to the fort with his warriors. The warriors are to enter the fort with concealed weapons and at Pontiac's signal, they are to attack. Unfortunately for Pontiac, this information reaches Gladwin, the Fort's commander.

On May 7, 1763, Pontiac leads his warriors to the fort. Upon arrival, the number of British soldiers on guard overwhelms them. Pontiac quickly realizes how difficult it would be to stage a successful attack. He does not give his men the signal; instead he retreats to a nearby Ottawa village.

Two days later, Pontiac returns to Fort Detroit with more men and 65 canoes. Gladwin clearly states that only a few chiefs can enter the fort. Furious, Pontiac orders his men to attack all the Englishmen in the vicinity. They kill nine men and take several prisoners; Fort Detroit is under siege.

Expecting the support of the French, Pontiac keeps up the siege for several months. In late July, the British plan a surprise attack on Pontiac's camp. The attack - which becomes known as The Battle of Bloody Run - fails. Pontiac's siege on Detroit continues.

By the summer, Pontiac receives word that the French and British have signed a peace treaty; the French will not be coming to the chief's aid. Pontiac's native allies are losing patience. Many of them have to return to their families for the year's hunt. The Potawatomi, Chippewa, Mississauga, and Miami tribes withdraw from the war, leaving Pontiac with little hope. On October 20, the French urge Pontiac to give up the siege. By mid-November, Pontiac lifts the siege on Detroit.