The Coharie Tribe, a vibrant and historically significant community, holds state recognition in North Carolina. Their story is woven from the threads of several ancestral tribes, their resilience echoing through the centuries. This article delves into the history, culture, and contemporary life of the Coharie Tribe, offering a comprehensive look at this unique Native American community.
Ancestry and Origins
The Coharie Tribe traces its lineage to a rich tapestry of indigenous peoples who once inhabited the central regions of North Carolina. Among their ancestors are the Iroquoian-speaking Neusiok and Coree, alongside the Carolinian Iroquoian Tuscarora and the Siouan Waccamaw. These tribes, each with their own distinct culture and traditions, contributed to the formation of the Coharie identity.
Historical records suggest that the Coree people once thrived along the banks of the Big Coharie and Little Coharie Rivers, in what is now Sampson County, North Carolina. These waterways, vital for transportation and sustenance, played a crucial role in the lives of the early inhabitants.
Over time, the Coharie Tribe has also experienced intermarriage with other prominent Native American groups, including the Lumbee and Tuscarora Indians of Robeson County, as well as members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. This intermingling has further enriched the cultural heritage of the tribe, creating a diverse and dynamic community.
Historical Context and Migration
The 18th century was a period of significant upheaval for Native American tribes in the region. Escalating conflicts with English colonists, coupled with intertribal warfare over land and resources, created an environment of instability and danger. The deerskin trade, while economically important, also led to the capture and enslavement of Native Americans by rival tribes, further exacerbating tensions.
Adding to the challenges were devastating epidemics of Eurasian infectious diseases, such as measles and smallpox. These diseases, to which the Native populations had no natural immunity, decimated entire communities and disrupted their traditional way of life.
Faced with these immense pressures, families from the Coree, Waccamaw, and Neusiok tribes began to seek refuge. They migrated from the coastal areas of northern and northeastern North Carolina, venturing into the frontier regions of present-day Harnett and Sampson counties. In this new territory, they established a small base, intermarrying and forging a new community that would eventually become the Coharie Tribe. This migration, occurring between 1729 and 1746, marked a pivotal moment in the tribe’s history, as they sought to preserve their cultural identity and way of life in the face of adversity.
Community Development and Civil Rights
Throughout the 1800s, the Coharie Tribe worked diligently to build and strengthen their community in Sampson County. As free people of color, they initially possessed certain rights under state law, including the right to own and use firearms and participate in local elections.
However, the tide began to turn in the 1830s. The federal Indian removal policy, which forced tribes from the eastern United States to relocate west of the Mississippi River, created a climate of fear and uncertainty. Furthermore, Nat Turner’s slave rebellion in 1831 led to the passage of restrictive legislation in 1835, which significantly curtailed the rights of free people of color. The Coharie Tribe, along with other free Black communities, lost their right to vote and bear arms, highlighting the pervasive racial prejudice of the era.
Education and Self-Determination
Despite these challenges, the Coharie Tribe remained steadfast in their commitment to education and self-determination. In 1859, they established their own subscription school, demonstrating their proactive approach to providing educational opportunities for their children.
In 1911, the tribe petitioned the state of North Carolina to provide Indian schools in Sampson County. This request led to the establishment of the New Bethel Indian School in New Bethel Township in the same year. The following year, the Coharie Tribe established a school in Herring Township; however, state support for the school was discontinued after the first year, leaving the tribe to rely on their own resources.
Drawing inspiration from the Croatan (now Lumbee) tribe of Robeson County, the Coharie Tribe established a semi-independent school system. While the state legislature initially rescinded its permission for this system in 1913, it was reinstated four years later, thanks to the tribe’s persistent lobbying efforts and the assistance of their attorney. In 1917, the East Carolina Indian School was built in Herring Township, providing a much-needed educational resource for the community.
Recognition and Governance
The state of North Carolina officially recognized the Coharie Tribe in 1971, marking a significant milestone in their ongoing quest for self-determination. The tribe is governed by the Coharie Intra-Tribal Council, a private non-profit organization consisting of seven council members. The council is led by a Chief, who serves as the executive officer.
The tribal headquarters is located in Clinton, North Carolina. While the Coharie Tribe does not have a formal reservation, their community consists of four settlements in Harnett and Sampson counties: Holly Grove, New Bethel, Shiloh, and Antioch.
Membership and Enrollment
The Coharie Tribe has approximately 2,700 enrolled members, with about 20 percent residing outside the tribal communities. Regular contact with the tribal communities is a requirement of tribal membership, with exceptions made for individuals serving in the military or incarcerated in a prison.
To be eligible for tribal enrollment, individuals must be able to trace their lineage to an ancestor listed as Indian on the 1900 and/or 1910 Federal Indian census records for Robeson and adjoining counties (excluding Columbus County, NC). Additionally, applicants must demonstrate involvement in tribal activities and knowledge of the tribe’s culture. The enrollment process requires an in-person application.
Culture and Traditions
The Coharie Tribe maintains a strong connection to its cultural heritage. The name "Coharie" is derived from "Schohari," which means "Driftwood." The tribe is named after its primary community, which in turn is named after Tuscarora Chief Coharie (Cohary), who was killed alongside Chief Hancock during the Tuscarora War.
Many members of the Coharie Tribe are affiliated with churches in their communities, reflecting the importance of faith in their lives. An annual pow wow is held on the second weekend in September, providing an opportunity for tribal members and visitors to celebrate their heritage through traditional music, dance, and crafts.
Contemporary Life
Today, the Coharie Tribe continues to thrive as a vibrant and self-determined community. They are actively engaged in preserving their cultural heritage, promoting education, and advocating for the well-being of their members. The tribe’s official website, www.coharietribe.org, provides valuable information about their history, programs, and events.
The Coharie Tribe stands as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of Native American communities in the face of adversity. Their story is one of perseverance, cultural preservation, and a deep commitment to their heritage.