The Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas, a vibrant and resilient people, boasts a rich history marked by migration, cultural preservation, and unwavering determination to maintain their unique identity. While their name may suggest a close affiliation with the Shawnee – the term "Kickapoo" is believed to be derived from a Shawnee word meaning "wanderers" – their linguistic and cultural connections are more strongly rooted in the traditions of the Fox and Sauk tribes, their close neighbors throughout much of their history.
Origins and Early History
The story of the Kickapoo people begins in the Great Lakes region, specifically present-day Wisconsin and the upper peninsula of Michigan. This area served as their ancestral homeland for generations. However, the arrival of European colonists and the ensuing westward expansion of the United States brought immense pressure upon the Kickapoo, forcing them into a long and arduous journey southward.
The Kickapoo were fiercely independent and deeply committed to preserving their traditional way of life. Unlike some other Native American tribes, they resisted assimilation into European-American culture. This resistance led them to repeatedly relocate, seeking refuge further and further south, away from the encroaching influence of settlers. This pattern of migration became a defining characteristic of the Kickapoo experience.
As they moved, the Kickapoo faced numerous challenges, including conflicts with other tribes, pressure from colonial powers, and the ever-present threat of displacement. Despite these hardships, they maintained their cultural identity and their strong sense of community.
The Long Journey Southward
The Kickapoo’s southward migration took them through Illinois and into the territories of Missouri and Arkansas. They faced constant pressure to cede their lands and relocate to reservations. Some Kickapoo groups were captured and forcibly removed to reservations in Kansas and Oklahoma. However, a significant number refused to submit to this forced relocation and continued their journey southward.
This group, determined to maintain their independence, eventually crossed the border into northern Mexico. There, they sought and obtained land from the Mexican government, finding a temporary respite from the pressures they faced in the United States. This split in the Kickapoo population created distinct communities that exist to this day: the Kickapoo Tribe of Kansas, the Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma, and the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas, with a related band residing in Mexico.
The Kickapoo in Mexico and the Emergence of the Texas Band
Life in Mexico presented its own set of challenges. The Kickapoo faced hardships such as droughts, which devastated their crops, and poor hunting conditions. These difficulties forced many to seek work as migrant laborers in the United States, blurring the lines between their lives in Mexico and their need to find sustenance across the border.
Over time, the Kickapoo community in Mexico began to seek greater stability and recognition within the United States. They eventually applied for U.S. citizenship and, in 1983, were federally recognized as the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas. This recognition marked a significant turning point in their history, providing them with a land base and a formal relationship with the U.S. government.
The Kickapoo Reservation of Texas
Following federal recognition, the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas was granted a small reservation located just south of Eagle Pass, Texas, in Maverick County. This land, though relatively small at approximately 118.6 acres (0.4799 square kilometers), represents a vital homeland for the tribe.
The tribal headquarters is located in Rosita South, Texas, a small community near Eagle Pass, situated on the banks of the Rio Grande, which forms the border between the United States and Mexico. As of the 2000 census, the reservation population was approximately 420.
While the Kickapoo Reservation of Texas provides a physical base for the tribe, many members continue to maintain strong ties to their traditional lands in Mexico. In fact, it is in Mexico that they are best able to preserve and practice their traditional customs and ceremonies. Their homes in Mexico are often arranged according to tribal custom, reflecting their deep connection to their heritage.
In addition to the reservation, a subgroup known as the "South Texas Subgroup of the Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma" owns approximately 917.79 acres (3.7142 square kilometers) of non-reservation land in Maverick County, primarily north of Eagle Pass. This subgroup maintains an office in the city.
Language and Culture
The Kickapoo language is an Algonquian language closely related to Mesquakie-Sauk. Some linguists even consider it a dialect of Mesquakie-Sauk. However, unlike Mesquakie-Sauk, Kickapoo is a tone language, meaning that the pitch of a vowel can change the meaning of a word. This tonal quality adds a unique layer of complexity to the language.
Historically, the Kickapoo also utilized a unique linguistic code known as "whistle speech" to convey simple messages. While this practice has largely disappeared in the United States, it is still used to some extent by the Kickapoo in Mexico.
Today, the Kickapoo language is spoken in three distinct areas: Kansas, Oklahoma, and northern Mexico. It is estimated that there are approximately 800 fluent speakers across these regions. Unfortunately, there are no known fluent Kickapoo speakers in Texas. The language faces the threat of extinction in the United States, but revitalization efforts are underway to preserve this important aspect of Kickapoo culture. The language remains most vigorous in Mexico, where some children still learn it at home.
Traditional Kickapoo culture is rich and diverse, reflecting their history as wanderers and their strong connection to the natural world. They are known for their artistic skills, including pottery, quillwork, and woodcarving. Elaborately carved wooden war clubs were historically used in battle.
Deerskin was traditionally used for clothing, but calico materials became popular with the arrival of European traders. The Kickapoo traditionally lived in dome-shaped structures called wickiups. In the northern regions, these wickiups were covered with birch bark. After migrating to Texas, they used woven cattail mats. Even today, the Kickapoo in Mexico continue to live in wickiups, while most American Kickapoo reside in modern houses and apartments.
The Kickapoo were traditionally semi-sedentary farmers. Their staple food was corn, which was cultivated by the women, along with other crops such as squash, beans, potatoes, pumpkin, and sweet potatoes. The women primarily ground and baked the corn into a bread similar to cornbread, called pugna. Men hunted deer, bear, and small game, while women gathered roots, nuts, and berries.
Government and Contemporary Life
The Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas is governed by a tribal council. The tribe actively works to improve the lives of its members through various programs and initiatives, including education, healthcare, and economic development.
Today, the Kickapoo continue to face challenges in preserving their culture and language in the face of assimilation and globalization. However, they remain committed to maintaining their unique identity and passing on their traditions to future generations.
Conclusion
The Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of the Kickapoo people. Their long journey from the Great Lakes to Texas and Mexico is a story of survival, adaptation, and unwavering commitment to cultural preservation. Despite the challenges they have faced, the Kickapoo have maintained their distinct identity and continue to thrive as a vibrant and vital community. Their story serves as an inspiration to all who strive to preserve their heritage in the face of adversity.