The Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma, a vibrant and historically significant nation, traces its origins to a specific band of Shawnee people who, along with Seneca allies, journeyed to the Indian Territory in 1832. This group, distinguished as the mixed Seneca-Shawnee band, had previously resided in Lewistown, Ohio, before embarking on their westward migration. Officially recognized as a distinct tribal entity in 1867, the Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma formally organized under its current name during the 1930s, solidifying its governance and identity in the modern era.
This article delves into the rich history, cultural heritage, and contemporary status of the Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma, providing a comprehensive overview of their journey from the Ohio Valley to their present-day home.
A Legacy of Movement and Resilience
The story of the Shawnee people is one of continuous movement and unwavering resilience in the face of displacement and hardship. The name "Shawnee" itself offers a glimpse into their early history. Derived from the Algonquin word "shawun" (or shawunogi), meaning "southerner," the term reflects their geographical location relative to other Algonquin tribes in the Great Lakes region. While this designation might suggest a southern origin, it’s important to note that it refers to their position in the Ohio Valley rather than a historical connection to the American Southeast. The Shawnee often prefer to call themselves Shawano, a name that carries a deep sense of cultural identity and belonging.
Historically, the Shawnee inhabited a vast territory encompassing present-day Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. However, their presence in this region was disrupted in the late 17th century by the Iroquois Confederacy, their traditional adversaries. Driven from their ancestral lands, the Shawnee dispersed, seeking refuge in various locations, including South Carolina, eastern Pennsylvania, and southern Illinois.
The arrival of European settlers further complicated the Shawnee’s existence. The relentless westward expansion of colonial settlements forced them to move again and again, pushing them further west, initially to Missouri, then to Kansas, and ultimately to Oklahoma, where they reside today. This forced migration, though fraught with hardship, shaped the Shawnee identity, instilling in them a spirit of adaptability and a deep connection to their cultural heritage.
Treaties, Removal, and Re-establishment
The history of the Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma is interwoven with a series of treaties and agreements with the United States government, which often resulted in the loss of land and the disruption of their way of life.
The 1817 Treaty of Fort Meigs granted the Shawnee still residing in northwest Ohio three reservations: Wapakoneta, Hog Creek, and Lewistown. By 1824, the Shawnee population in Ohio numbered around 800, while approximately 1,383 lived in Missouri. In 1825, Congress ratified a treaty with the Cape Girardeau Shawnee, exchanging their Missouri lands for a 1.6 million-acre reservation in eastern Kansas.
The passage of the Indian Removal Act of 1830 marked a turning point in the Shawnee’s history. The Ohio Shawnee living on the Wapakoneta and Hog Creek reservations were compelled to sign a treaty with the U.S. government, ceding their lands in exchange for lands on the Kansas Reservation.
The Lewistown Reservation Shawnee, along with their Seneca allies and neighbors, negotiated a separate treaty with the federal government in 1831, opting to move directly to Indian Territory, which is now Oklahoma. This group eventually became the Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma, while their Seneca allies formed the Seneca-Cayuga Tribe of Oklahoma.
However, the challenges did not end with their relocation to Kansas. In 1854, the U.S. government drastically reduced the size of the Kansas Reservation to 160,000 acres. This, coupled with the brutal treatment inflicted upon them by white settlers during and after the Civil War, prompted the Kansas Shawnee to relocate to the Cherokee Nation in northeastern Oklahoma.
In 1869, the federal government facilitated a formal agreement between the former Kansas Shawnee and the Cherokee Nation, granting the Shawnee allotments and citizenship within the Cherokee Nation. These Shawnee communities settled in areas around White Oak, Bird Creek (Sperry), and Hudson Creek (Fairland), maintaining their distinct cultural identities and becoming known as the Cherokee Shawnee, later referred to as the Loyal Shawnee.
The efforts to separate the Shawnee Tribe from the Cherokee Nation, which began in the 1980s, culminated in the enactment of Public Law 106-568, the Shawnee Tribe Status Act of 2000. This landmark legislation restored the Shawnee Tribe to its position as a sovereign Indian nation, reaffirming their self-governance and cultural autonomy.
The Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma Today
Today, the Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma is a federally recognized tribe with its headquarters located at 127 West Oneida Street, PO Box 350, Seneca, Missouri 64865. The tribe operates under its own government, with a governing body and a constitution that guide its decisions and policies.
The Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma actively works to preserve and promote its cultural heritage, including its language, traditions, and ceremonies. The tribe also focuses on improving the well-being of its members through various programs and services, such as education, healthcare, and economic development initiatives.
Key Information:
- Official Tribal Name: Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma
- Address: 127 West Oneida Street, PO Box 350, Seneca, Missouri 64865
- Phone: 866-674-3786
- Official Website: www.estoo-nsn.gov
- Recognition Status: Federally Recognized
- Registered Population: Approximately 1,600 members
Culture and Traditions
The Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma maintains a rich cultural heritage that is deeply rooted in its history and traditions. The Shawnee language, an Algonquin dialect closely related to Fox, Sauk, Mascouten, and Kickapoo, is an integral part of their cultural identity. Efforts are underway to revitalize and preserve the language for future generations.
Traditional Shawnee ceremonies are closely tied to the agricultural cycle, reflecting their historical reliance on farming. These ceremonies include the spring bread dance at planting time, the green corn dance when crops ripened, and the autumn bread dance to celebrate the harvest.
The Shawnee are also known for their artistic skills, including beadwork, pottery, and wood carving. Like other Eastern American Indian tribes, they crafted wampum from white and purple shell beads, which served as both a form of currency and an artistic medium for storytelling and representing family lineages.
The Shawnee Legacy
The story of the Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma is a testament to the enduring spirit of the Shawnee people. Despite facing displacement, hardship, and cultural disruption, they have persevered, maintaining their unique identity and cultural heritage. Today, the Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma stands as a proud and sovereign nation, committed to preserving its past while building a brighter future for its members. Their journey serves as an inspiration, reminding us of the importance of resilience, cultural preservation, and self-determination in the face of adversity. The Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma are a testament to the strength of the human spirit.