The Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska, a federally recognized sovereign nation, holds a unique position in the history and landscape of the Great Plains. Their story is one of resilience, adaptation, and a deep connection to the land. This article delves into the rich cultural heritage, historical trajectory, and contemporary life of the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska.
A Homeland Straddling Two States
The physical heart of the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska lies along the Missouri River, on a reservation encompassing approximately 2,100 acres. This land straddles the border between northeast Kansas (Brown County) and southeast Nebraska (Richardson County), reflecting the tribe’s long association with this vital waterway and the surrounding fertile lands. The Missouri River, a historical artery of trade and transportation, continues to be a significant geographical and cultural landmark for the tribe.
Official Identity and Contact Information
The official tribal name is the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska. For those seeking to connect with the tribal government or learn more about the tribe’s initiatives, the following contact information is available:
- Address: 3345 B. Thrasher Rd., White Cloud, KS 66094
- Phone: (785) 595-3258
- Fax: (785) 595-6610
- Official Website: http://iowatribeofkansasandnebraska.com/
Tracing the Roots: Traditional Names and Meanings
The tribe’s traditional name, Baxoje/Pahoja, carries a nuanced meaning. While often translated as "dusty noses," this interpretation stems from a misinterpretation of the first syllable. The Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma offers an alternative interpretation, suggesting that Bah-Kho-Je signifies "grey snow," a reference to the winter lodges covered in snow stained grey by the smoke of their fires. This alternative meaning evokes a powerful image of the tribe’s adaptation to the harsh winter climate of the Great Plains.
The common name, Ioway, is derived from a word in their language meaning "sleepy." The precise origin of this name and its connection to the tribe remains unclear, adding an intriguing layer to the tribe’s etymological history. Alternate names for the tribe include Ioway and Northern Iowa.
A Journey Through Time: From the Northeast to the Great Plains
The Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska has a history stretching back centuries. Their ancestral roots lie in the Northeast region of North America. They were originally part of a larger moundbuilder Indian nation of the upper Mississippi, which included the Oto, Missouri, and Winnebago tribes.
By the 1600s, this original nation had fragmented into the distinct identities of the Ioway, Otoe, Missouri, and Winnebago. The Otoe migrated to Nebraska by the mid-1700s, and the remnants of the Missouri tribe joined them in the early 1800s after enduring devastating wars. The Iowa remained in Iowa and northern Missouri until 1836, when they were forcibly removed to a reservation in Kansas. Later, some members of the Iowa tribe relocated to Oklahoma. All of the Otoe eventually moved to Oklahoma.
This historical journey reflects the profound impact of westward expansion and government policies on Native American tribes. The Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska‘s story is a testament to their ability to maintain their cultural identity in the face of displacement and adversity.
Cultural Affiliations and Treaties
The Iowa tribe traces its ancestry to the Mississippi Moundbuilders and the Oneota Culture, highlighting their connection to ancient traditions and sophisticated societal structures. Throughout their history, the tribe entered into numerous treaties with the United States government, including those of 1805, 1815, 1824, 1825, 1830, 1836, 1837, 1838, 1854, and 1861. These treaties, while often fraught with complexities and injustices, represent key moments in the tribe’s relationship with the U.S. government.
Land and Governance
The Iowa (KS-NE) Reservation and Off-Reservation Trust Land constitute the tribe’s land base. According to 1995 figures, the tribe owns 947.63 acres in Kansas, with an additional 181.01 acres allotted to tribal members. In Nebraska, the tribe holds 280 acres, and tribal member allotments account for 210.06 acres. In 1995, the BIA reported 1,618.7 acres of Iowa tribal lands held in trust.
The Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska operates under a constitution adopted on November 6, 1978, as part of the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934. The tribe is governed by an Executive Committee consisting of five members, including executive officers such as the Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary, and Treasurer. Elections are held every three years, ensuring regular opportunities for tribal members to participate in their government.
The Chiwere Language: A Struggle for Survival
The Iowa language, Chiwere (also known as Iowa-Otoe-Missouria or Báxoje-JÃwere-Ñút’achi), is a Siouan language closely related to Ho-Chunk (Winnebago). It was once spoken by the Ioway, Otoe, and Missouria peoples. Sadly, the Chiwere language is now critically endangered. The last two fluent speakers passed away in 1996. As of 2006, a few members of the Otoe-Missouria Tribe of Indians and the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma spoke the language semi-fluently. There are no fluent speakers left in the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska. This loss underscores the urgent need for language revitalization efforts to preserve this vital aspect of the tribe’s cultural heritage.
Contemporary Life and Culture
The Missouri River provides opportunities for fishing, and limited hunting is available for various game species. The Native American Heritage Museum in Highland, Kansas, houses exhibits on the tribe, offering a glimpse into their history and culture. The tribe hosts annual events, including the Chief White Cloud Rodeo in June and the Baxoje Fall Encampment (powwow) in September, which showcase the tribe’s vibrant traditions and provide opportunities for community gathering.
The tribe’s economy is diverse, with interests in agriculture, gaming, and other enterprises. They operate a farm that raises cattle, as well as Flaky Mills (grain-processing) and a grain elevator. The tribe also owns and operates Casino White Cloud, which contributes significantly to the tribal economy. Additionally, the tribe provides various social services and operates a gas station and a fire station. The tribe also provides burial assistance for tribal members.
Education and Media
The Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska recognizes the importance of education for its members. While the tribe does not have its own tribal college, the Nebraska Indian Community College, located on the Omaha and Santee Sioux Reservations, serves the educational needs of tribal members in Nebraska.
Conclusion
The Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska stands as a testament to the endurance and adaptability of Native American cultures. Their journey from the Northeast to the Great Plains, their efforts to preserve their language and traditions, and their commitment to self-governance demonstrate their resilience in the face of historical challenges. As they continue to navigate the complexities of the 21st century, the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska remains a vibrant and important part of the cultural landscape of the Great Plains.