The Arapaho Tribe of the Wind River Reservation, also known as the Northern Arapaho Tribe, stands as a testament to resilience and cultural preservation amidst the sweeping transformations of the American West. This federally recognized tribe, deeply rooted in the Great Plains, boasts a rich history, unique language, and enduring traditions. This article delves into the multifaceted identity of the Northern Arapaho Tribe of the Wind River Reservation, exploring its origins, cultural practices, territorial evolution, and contemporary realities.
Origins and Identity
The Arapaho Tribe of the Wind River Reservation is one of four distinct groups descended from the original Arapaho people who once roamed freely across the headwaters of the Arkansas and Platte Rivers, a region now encompassing northeastern Colorado. What sets the Arapaho apart from other Plains Indian tribes is their linguistic heritage. The Arapaho language, a distinct variant of the Algonquian language family, speaks to a unique and independent cultural trajectory.
The tribe’s traditional name, Inuna-ina, translates to "our people" or Hinonoeino, underscoring a strong sense of collective identity and shared heritage. The name "Arapaho" itself is believed to have originated from the Pawnee word "tirapihu," meaning "trader," or the Crow term for "tattooed people," hinting at the tribe’s historical interactions and distinctive cultural markers. Throughout history, the Arapaho have been known by various alternate names and spellings, including Araphoe, Arapahoe, Arapajo, Arrapahoe, and several variations in their own language, reflecting the diverse ways in which they have been perceived and documented. The Sioux and Cheyennes, their neighbors and sometimes allies, referred to them as "Blue-Sky" men and "Cloud-men," poetic descriptions that evoke the vast open spaces of the Plains and the ethereal quality of their presence.
A Journey Through Territory
The historical footprint of the Arapaho people stretches across a vast expanse of the Great Plains. From their ancestral roots in Minnesota, they migrated westward, establishing a presence in present-day Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska, and Kansas by the 17th century. Their traditional territory once extended from the Big Horn Mountains in the north to the Arkansas River in the south, and from the Black Hills in the east to the Rocky Mountains in the west. This expansive domain encompassed western Nebraska and Kansas, southeastern Wyoming, and eastern Colorado.
Around 1800, the Arapaho shared a common territory with their close allies, the Southern and Northern Cheyenne, while extending access to hunting grounds to other allied groups like the Lakota. Their nomadic lifestyle saw them traversing various mountain ranges, including the Rocky Mountains, Big Horns, Black Hills, and the Medicine Bow Range, seeking sustenance and resources. Trade, hunting, and ceremonial activities often led Arapaho bands into the territories of allied tribes, such as the Lakota and Gros Ventre, fostering intertribal connections and exchange.
By 1840, the Arapaho had diverged into two distinct groups: the Northern Arapaho and the Southern Arapaho. The South Platte River in Colorado served as the approximate boundary between these two entities. The area around modern-day Denver became a significant meeting place for both tribes, facilitating intertribal trade and social interaction.
Today, the Northern Arapaho Tribe primarily resides in the communities of Arapahoe, St. Stephens, and Ethete, all located within the Wind River Reservation in Wyoming. The Southern Arapaho, on the other hand, are centered in Canton and Geary, Oklahoma, with their tribal administration based in Concho.
Treaties and the Wind River Reservation
The history of the Arapaho Tribe of the Wind River Reservation is intertwined with a series of treaties with the U.S. government, each marking a significant shift in their territorial control and sovereignty.
The 1851 Treaty of Fort Laramie initially granted the Northern Arapaho and Cheyenne tribes a vast territory encompassing one-sixth of Wyoming, one-quarter of Colorado, and portions of western Kansas and Nebraska. However, the ensuing gold rush of 1858 brought an influx of settlers, leading to violations of the treaty and escalating conflicts.
In 1861, the Southern Arapaho and Cheyenne signed the Treaty of Fort Wise, ceding their claims to the lands defined in the 1851 treaty and accepting a reservation in western Colorado. The Northern Arapaho chiefs, however, refused to recognize or accept this treaty.
The 1867 Treaty of Medicine Lodge ultimately placed the Northern Arapaho on their present-day reservation in Wind River, Wyoming, alongside the Eastern Shoshone, a tribe with whom they had historically been enemies.
The Treaty of 1868 further complicated matters, leaving the Northern Arapaho without a designated land base. In 1878, they were relocated to the Shoshone Reservation in Wyoming, pending a decision about their own reservation, which never materialized. The Shoshone Reservation was subsequently renamed the Wind River Indian Reservation, and it remains the shared homeland of both tribes to this day.
The Wind River Reservation, extending over two million acres from the Wind River Range of the Rocky Mountains eastward onto the Plains, stands as the fourth largest reservation in the United States. The Northern Arapaho communities of St. Stephens, Arapahoe, and Ethete are situated along the Little Wind River in the southeastern part of the reservation, with tribal administration and governance centralized in Ethete, Wyoming.
Governance and Culture
The Northern Arapaho Tribe of the Wind River Reservation operates under a constitution approved by its tribal membership, the General Council. The tribe’s governing body is the Business Council of the Northern Arapaho Tribe, comprised of a Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and four additional Council members, all elected by the tribal members. Elections are held every two years.
The Arapaho language, classified within the Plains Algonquian subgroup of the Algonquian language family, is a vital component of their cultural identity. While there were once at least five distinct dialects, the "Arapaho proper" dialect is spoken by approximately five hundred senior tribal members today.
Traditional Arapaho society was characterized by a strong emphasis on kinship and community. The extended family served as the core of social life, with specific roles and responsibilities defined by age and gender. An elaborate age-set system structured male social organization, with men progressing through a series of grades, each with distinct functions in policing, defense, and ceremony.
Ceremonies and dances played a central role in Arapaho spiritual life. The annual Sun Dance, a major tribal ceremony held at the time of the Summer Solstice, involved fasting, prayer, and offerings to the Great Spirit. Other ceremonies marked life transitions and honored personal achievements.
Contemporary Life
Today, the Arapaho Tribe of the Wind River Reservation faces both challenges and opportunities. While unemployment rates remain high, the tribe is actively engaged in economic development initiatives, including the operation of casinos, a heritage center, and a ranching operation. Leases in oil and gas provide another significant source of income for the reservation.
The tribe is also committed to preserving its cultural heritage. The Arapaho flag, adopted in 1956, serves as a powerful symbol of their identity and resilience. The flag’s seven stripes represent the seven sacred ingredients of life, while the colors and symbols within the flag embody the Arapaho values of strength, happiness, knowledge, and connection to the Creator.
The Sand Creek Massacre, a tragic event in which a band of Cheyenne and Arapaho were attacked by U.S. soldiers in 1864, remains a significant part of the tribe’s collective memory. The Northern Arapaho followed what is now known as the Sand Creek Massacre Trail from southeastern Wyoming to the Wind River Indian Reservation.
The Northern Arapaho Tribe of the Wind River Reservation stands as a resilient community with deep cultural roots. Their story is one of adaptation, perseverance, and a steadfast commitment to preserving their unique heritage in the face of adversity. As they navigate the complexities of the 21st century, the Arapaho people continue to draw strength from their traditions, their language, and their unwavering connection to the land.