The Arikara, also known by various names including Aricara, Arickaree, Ricara, and Rees, are a Native American tribe with a rich history intricately woven into the tapestry of the Great Plains. Over centuries, they developed a distinct culture, societal structure, and relationship with the land, marked by both periods of prosperity and immense hardship. Their interactions with the United States government resulted in a series of treaties, pivotal documents that shaped their destiny and continue to hold significance today. This article delves into the world of the Arikara Treaties, exploring the tribe’s history, their way of life, and the circumstances surrounding these agreements.
The Arikara: People of the Plains
Before delving into the specifics of the Arikara Treaties, understanding the Arikara people themselves is crucial. They were a semi-nomadic group, meaning they practiced a blend of settled agriculture and seasonal hunting. Originating from the Pawnee, the Arikara diverged before European contact, establishing their own unique identity. Their lives were deeply connected to the land, and they developed sophisticated methods for thriving in the challenging environment of the Great Plains.
Earth Lodges and Tipis: A Tale of Two Homes
During the sedentary seasons, the Arikara primarily resided in earth lodges, substantial and durable structures built from timber, earth, and grass. These lodges provided protection from the harsh weather conditions of the plains, offering a stable and communal living space. In contrast, when traveling for seasonal bison hunts or moving between villages, the Arikara utilized portable tipis. These conical tents, made from animal hides stretched over a frame of poles, were easily erected and dismantled, allowing for a mobile lifestyle essential for following the bison herds.
Mother Corn: The Heart of Arikara Society
Agriculture played a central role in Arikara society, with women responsible for cultivating various crops, most notably corn, also known as maize. Corn was not merely a source of sustenance; it held a profound cultural and spiritual significance. So vital was this crop that it was reverently referred to as "Mother Corn," reflecting its life-sustaining properties and its connection to the earth and the cycle of life. Other crops included beans, squash, and sunflowers, which supplemented their diet and contributed to a balanced and sustainable way of life.
A History of Hardship: Smallpox and Tribal Alliances
The late 18th century brought immense suffering to the Arikara people in the form of devastating smallpox epidemics. These outbreaks, introduced through contact with Europeans, decimated their population, disrupting their social structure and traditional ways of life. The dramatic reduction in numbers forced the Arikara to seek mutual protection by living closer to the Mandan and Hidatsa tribes, who shared similar cultural practices and faced similar threats. This alliance proved crucial for survival and laid the foundation for their future as the Three Affiliated Tribes.
Migration and Displacement: Facing External Pressures
Throughout the 19th century, the Arikara faced increasing pressure from other tribes, particularly the Sioux, as well as from the encroaching European-American settlers. This pressure led to a gradual migration from their ancestral lands in present-day Nebraska and South Dakota northward into North Dakota. This movement was a direct response to the changing landscape of the Great Plains, as competition for resources and land intensified.
The Three Affiliated Tribes: A Shared Destiny
Today, the Arikara, along with the Mandan and Hidatsa tribes, reside on the Fort Berthold Reservation in North Dakota. They are collectively known as the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation, a testament to their shared history, cultural similarities, and mutual support. Notably, the Arikara have remained in this region for approximately 140 years, dating back to the time of the Lewis and Clark expedition. Unlike many other Native American tribes, they have not been forcibly removed from their original homeland, preserving a vital connection to their ancestral lands.
The Arikara Treaties: A Complex Relationship
The interactions between the Arikara and the United States government were formalized through a series of treaties, each reflecting the evolving power dynamics and the changing political landscape of the 19th century. These Arikara Treaties, while intended to establish peaceful relations and define boundaries, ultimately had a profound and often detrimental impact on the tribe’s sovereignty and way of life.
The 1825 Treaty: Establishing Supremacy
The first major treaty involving the Arikara was signed in 1825. This agreement was part of a broader effort by the United States to establish its dominance over the tribes of the upper Missouri River region. A delegation led by Indian Agent Benjamin O’Fallon and General Henry Atkinson traveled up the Missouri River with a large military escort, negotiating treaties with various tribes, including the Teton, Yankton, and Yanktonai Dakota, Cheyenne, Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara.
In this treaty, the Arikara acknowledged the supremacy of the United States, effectively relinquishing their claim to independent sovereignty. In return, the United States promised to provide protection to the tribe. The treaty also stipulated that the Arikara would only trade with authorized American citizens and that disputes between American citizens and members of the tribe would be subject to United States law. This agreement, while seemingly offering protection, ultimately served to undermine the Arikara’s autonomy and economic independence.
Subsequent Agreements: Defining Boundaries and Land Rights
While the 1825 treaty was the first formal agreement, other agreements and treaties followed, including the Agreement at Fort Berthold in 1866 and the Treaty of Fort Laramie with the Sioux, Etc., in 1851. These agreements further defined the boundaries of the Arikara territory and addressed issues related to land rights, resource management, and interactions with other tribes. However, these treaties were often negotiated under duress and resulted in the loss of significant portions of the Arikara’s ancestral lands.
The Fort Laramie Treaty Delegation: A Journey to Negotiation
In 1851, a delegation including members of the Mandan, Hidatsa, Arikara, and Assiniboine tribes embarked on a long and arduous journey to Fort Laramie to participate in treaty negotiations. Accompanied by Alexander Culbertson, the Agent in charge at Fort Union, and Fr. Jean-Pierre DeSmet, a Jesuit Missionary, the delegation traveled for weeks, facing challenging terrain and encountering other tribes along the way. Their journey provides a glimpse into the logistical complexities and the human element involved in these treaty negotiations.
The delegation’s experiences, including observing unusual atmospheric phenomena and navigating treacherous landscapes, highlight the cultural differences and the challenges of communication between the tribes and the United States government. The Arikara Treaties negotiations themselves were often fraught with misunderstandings and conflicting interests, further complicating the already complex relationship between the two parties.
Conclusion: The Legacy of the Arikara Treaties
The Arikara Treaties represent a significant chapter in the history of the Arikara people. These agreements, while intended to establish peaceful relations, ultimately resulted in the loss of land, sovereignty, and cultural autonomy. Despite the challenges they have faced, the Arikara people have persevered, maintaining their cultural identity and working to preserve their traditions for future generations. The legacy of the Arikara Treaties serves as a reminder of the complex and often unjust relationship between the United States government and Native American tribes, and the ongoing need for reconciliation and respect for tribal sovereignty.