The Choctaw Apache Tribe of Ebarb stands as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of Native American peoples in the face of historical adversity. Located in the western region of Sabine Parish, Louisiana, this vibrant community holds a unique place among the state’s recognized tribes, carrying within its identity the echoes of Choctaw, Apache, and Adai ancestry. As a state-recognized tribe, the Choctaw Apache Tribe of Ebarb actively seeks federal recognition, a pursuit that underscores its commitment to preserving its cultural heritage and securing its future.
Location and Recognition
The Choctaw Apache Tribe of Ebarb is geographically centered in western Sabine Parish, Louisiana, with a significant portion of its members residing in the towns of Zwolle and Ebarb. This area, steeped in history and tradition, serves as the heartland for the tribe’s cultural and community activities. The tribe’s official recognition by the state of Louisiana in 1978 marked a significant milestone, solidifying its status as the second largest among the eight officially recognized American Indian communities within the state.
A Tapestry of Ancestry
The historical narrative of the Choctaw Apache Tribe of Ebarb is woven from diverse threads, each contributing to the tribe’s unique cultural identity. The tribe’s origins can be traced to several distinct groups:
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Mission Indians of Texas: Descendants of various indigenous groups who sought refuge and were assimilated into the Spanish missions of Texas. These missions, established to Christianize and acculturate Native Americans, played a significant role in shaping the early history of the region.
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Apache Slaves: During the French and Spanish colonial eras, Apache individuals were often captured and sold into slavery in markets such as those in Natchitoches, Louisiana. These enslaved individuals, forcibly displaced from their ancestral lands, became part of the complex social fabric of the region.
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Choctaw Hunters: Beginning in the late 1700s and early 1800s, Choctaw hunters migrated into the area that is now Sabine Parish. These individuals, seeking new hunting grounds and opportunities, contributed to the growing Native American presence in the region.
The Adai Connection
Historical research has revealed a strong connection between the Choctaw Apache Tribe of Ebarb and the Adayes people. Many of the tribe’s ancestors originated from the Spanish mission and presidio of Los Adaes, which served as the capital of Spanish Texas for nearly fifty years. This historical link has imbued the tribe with a distinct Adayes identity, further enriching its cultural heritage.
Tribal Information
Official Tribal Name: Choctaw Apache Tribe of Ebarb
Address: P.O. Box 1428, 35 Lonnie Road, Zwolle, LA 71486
Phone: (318) 645-2588
Email: achoctaw@yahoo.com
Official Website: http://www.choctaw-apache.org
Recognition Status: State Recognized
Traditional Name/Meaning: Chahta – The name of a legendary chief.
Common Name: Choctaw
Alternate Names/Spellings: Chactaw, Chaktaw, Chatha, Chocktaw, Lipan Apache
Region: Southeastern
State(s) Today: Louisiana
Traditional Territory and Migration
The Choctaw Apache Tribe of Ebarb‘s traditional territory is located in western Sabine Parish, Louisiana. Choctaw hunters began migrating into their present area in the late 1700s and early 1800s, establishing a presence in the region before the town of Zwolle was settled. Dr. John Sibley, a prominent figure in the early history of Louisiana, played a role in the tribe’s settlement by providing refuge to Choctaw families seeking protection from persecution by neighboring Creek and Chickasaw tribes. These families were present in the area prior to the 1830 Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek, a significant event in Choctaw history.
Confederacy and Treaties
The Choctaw Apache Tribe of Ebarb‘s ancestors were associated with various confederacies, including the Five Civilized Tribes, the Muskogean linguistic group, and the Apache Nations. The Choctaw Nation, from which the tribe derives part of its heritage, signed nine treaties with the United States before the Civil War. These treaties, beginning with the Treaty of Hopewell in 1786, initially established boundaries and sought to ensure peace between the two nations. However, subsequent treaties led to the reshaping of borders and the cession of millions of acres of Choctaw land. In 1830, the United States seized the last of the Choctaw’s ancestral territory and forcibly relocated the tribe to Indian Territory west of the Mississippi River, an event known as the Trail of Tears.
Tribal Enrollment
To be eligible for enrollment in the Choctaw Apache Tribe of Ebarb, individuals must possess at least 1/64th degree of Lipan Apache, Choctaw, or other American Indian blood, as historically documented within the tribe. They must also have resided in Sabine Parish, Louisiana, at the time the tribal constitution was enacted, or be a lineal descendant of such a person. The tribe also considers blood quantum from other federally recognized tribes for enrollment purposes.
Government and Language
The Choctaw Apache Tribe of Ebarb has its own form of government, with a governing body composed of council members and executive officers. The tribe’s language is classified as Muskogean, specifically Western Muskogean, and is related to the Choctaw language. While the number of fluent speakers may vary, the tribe actively works to preserve and promote its language and cultural heritage.
Origins and Clan System
The Choctaw Apache Tribe of Ebarb draws upon the rich cultural traditions of both the Choctaw and Apache peoples. Like other Muskogean tribes, the Choctaw had a matriarchal and clan-based society. The Choctaw clans include the Wind, Bear, Deer, Wolf, Panther, Holly Leaf, Bird, Raccoon and Crawfish Clans.
Alliances and Conflicts
Historically, the Choctaw were early allies of the French, Spanish, and British during the 18th century. However, the tribe also experienced internal conflicts, such as the Civil War of the 1750s, which was driven by factions affiliated with the Spanish and French. Additionally, the Choctaw were often at war with the Creeks or Chickasaw Indians during the 18th century.
Culture and Traditions
The Choctaw Apache Tribe of Ebarb has a rich cultural heritage that includes traditional ceremonies, dances, and games such as Choctaw stickball. The tribe also has its own creation story and oral traditions that have been passed down through generations.
Modern Day and Museums
Today, the Choctaw Apache Tribe of Ebarb actively engages in cultural preservation, community development, and advocacy for its members. The tribe also maintains connections with various museums and cultural institutions that showcase Apache history and culture.
Marriage and Customs
Apache culture is matrilineal. Once married, the man went with the wife’s extended family, where she is surrounded by her relatives. Marital harmony is encouraged by a custom forbidding the wife’s mother to speak to, or even be in the presence of, her son-in-law. No such stricture applies to the wife’s grandmother, who frequently is a powerful presence in family life.
Tribe History
During World War I and II, the U.S. Military used members of the Choctaw Nation for secure communications. They became the first code-talkers. In the 1960s and 1970s, the states of Texas and Louisiana staked its claim on over 180,000 acres of ancestral land. This forced the people to sell their land for as little as $25 an acre. The Choctaw – Apache people were removed from their land so Toledo Bend Reservoir could be created.
The Choctaw Apache Tribe of Ebarb continues to thrive as a vibrant and resilient community, preserving its unique cultural heritage while adapting to the challenges of the modern world. Its story is a testament to the strength and perseverance of Native American peoples and their enduring connection to their ancestral lands.