The Kickapoo Tribe of Indians of the Kickapoo Reservation in Kansas stands as a testament to resilience and cultural endurance. A federally recognized tribe within the United States, the Kickapoo people have navigated centuries of change, conflict, and displacement, while striving to maintain their distinct identity and traditions. This article delves into the history, culture, governance, and contemporary life of the Kickapoo Tribe of Indians of the Kickapoo Reservation in Kansas, offering a comprehensive overview of this vibrant community.
Origins and Early History:
The story of the Kickapoo begins in the Great Lakes region, specifically the southern portion of Michigan near Lake Erie. They were one of several tribes inhabiting this western woodland area, thriving on a mix of agriculture, hunting, and gathering. Their traditional way of life was disrupted by the Iroquois Confederacy during the tumultuous Iroquois Wars, which spanned from 1641 to 1701. This period of intense conflict forced the Kickapoo and other tribes to migrate westward, seeking refuge and new territories.
This migration led the Kickapoo to Wisconsin, where they initially settled. However, they did not remain there permanently. Recognizing an opportunity to expand their territory, they engaged in conflicts with the Illinois tribes, eventually claiming lands in present-day Illinois and western Indiana. For much of the 18th and early 19th centuries, the Kickapoo and their allies controlled this region, establishing villages and maintaining their traditional lifestyle. Their presence in the Illinois country persisted until approximately 1832.
Historical accounts indicate that Catholic missionary Father Allovez first encountered the Kickapoo around 1667, placing them between the Fox and Wisconsin Rivers in southern Wisconsin. Over time, they gradually moved southward into Illinois, extending their reach along the Sangamon River and eastward toward the Vermillion and Wabash Rivers. The Kickapoo Tribe of Indians of the Kickapoo Reservation in Kansas played a significant role in the history of this region, particularly up to the end of the War of 1812.
Treaties and Land Cessions:
The relationship between the Kickapoo and the United States government was defined by a series of treaties, ten in total, spanning from 1795 to 1854. These treaties often involved land cessions, as the U.S. government sought to acquire Native American territories for westward expansion.
The first treaty, signed at Greenville in 1795, marked the beginning of this complex relationship. Subsequent treaties in 1809 and 1819 stipulated the cession of all Kickapoo land claims in Illinois, which amounted to approximately half of the state’s territory. In exchange, the Kickapoo were promised land along the Osage River in Missouri.
However, this relocation was short-lived. The Osage people, who had long used the area as hunting grounds, protested the Kickapoo’s arrival, fearing that their presence would deplete the game resources. In response, an amendment to the 1819 treaty was signed in St. Louis in 1820, granting the Kickapoo a reservation in Kansas instead.
The actual removal of the tribe to Kansas did not begin in earnest until 1832. On October 24 of that year, tribal leaders, including Pa-sha-cha-hah (Jumping Fish) and Kennakuk, the renowned Kickapoo prophet, signed an agreement at Castor Hill, Missouri, committing to the move.
The initial reservation in Kansas encompassed 1,200 square miles, located in what are now Brown, Atchison, and Jackson counties. Through a treaty signed on March 16, 1854, this area was reduced to 150,000 acres at the head of the Delaware River in Brown County. A further reduction occurred in 1864, leaving the tribe with an area measuring five miles by six miles. Subsequent land sales have further diminished tribal holdings, resulting in approximately 3,338 acres of tribal land and 3,653.41 acres in individual ownership today.
The Kickapoo Reservation in Kansas Today:
The Kickapoo Tribe of Indians of the Kickapoo Reservation in Kansas is located in Brown County, Kansas, approximately 5 miles west of Horton. Kansas Highway 20 traverses the southern portion of the reservation, providing access to the community. The reservation spans six miles in length and five miles in width. The Tribal Office is situated six miles west of Horton on Highway 20, then half a mile north and a quarter mile west at the Senior Citizens Complex.
Name and Identity:
The traditional name of the tribe is Kiikaapoi. According to the Smithsonian Institution Handbook of American Indians, the word Kiikaapoi derives from Kiwigapawa, meaning "he stands about" or "he who moves about, stand now here, now there." Alternate spellings and names include Kikapoo. In Spanish, the tribe is referred to as Kikapu.
Population and Enrollment:
Historical estimates place the original Kickapoo population at around 4,000. In 1684, French traders estimated their numbers at approximately 2,000. Today, the Kickapoo Tribe of Indians of the Kickapoo Reservation in Kansas has approximately 1,600 enrolled members, excluding those residing in Oklahoma, Texas, and Mexico. Around 783 tribal members live on or near the reservation.
Tribal enrollment requirements are based on blood quantum and parental enrollment. Automatic enrollment is granted to individuals who possess at least 1/4 degree of Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas blood and have both parents enrolled with the tribe. General enrollment requires 1/4 Kickapoo blood and one enrolled parent, subject to a vote of acceptance by the General Council. Required documentation includes a certified birth certificate, social security number, and a paternity affidavit if the father’s name is not on the birth certificate.
Government and Governance:
The Kickapoo Tribe of Indians of the Kickapoo Reservation in Kansas operates under a constitution consistent with the Indian Reorganization Act of June 18, 1934. The governing body is the Kiickapoo Tribal Council, consisting of seven members. The Tribal Council includes a Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, and three additional council members, all elected by the tribal membership. The Tribal Council Chairman serves as the administrative head of the tribe. Elections are held every two years, with staggered terms for officers and council members.
Language and Culture:
The Kickapoo language belongs to the Algonquin linguistic family. While the number of fluent speakers has declined over time, efforts are underway to revitalize the language and preserve its cultural significance.
Kickapoo artists are renowned for their pottery, quillwork, and woodcarving. Historically, they also crafted wampum from shell beads, using them for regalia, currency, and commemoration of important events. Carved wooden war clubs were used in battle.
Alliances and Conflicts:
Historically, the Kickapoo were allies of the Ojibway, Ottawa, Sauk, and Fox tribes. They fought alongside these tribes against the Illini and the British. They also joined Tecumseh in the Shawnee wars. Their traditional enemies included the Iroquois and the Dakota.
Contemporary Life:
Today, the Kickapoo are divided into four separate bands: the Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas, the Kickapoo Tribe in Oklahoma, the Texas Band of Kickapoo, and the Mexican Kickapoos.
The Kickapoo Tribe of Indians of the Kickapoo Reservation in Kansas is actively involved in economic development, education, healthcare, and cultural preservation. They operate various tribal enterprises and programs to benefit their members and strengthen their community.
Famous Kickapoo People:
Notable Kickapoo figures include Kennakuk, a famous Kickapoo prophet, and Pa-sha-cha-hah (Jumping Fish), a tribal leader.
The story of the Kickapoo Tribe of Indians of the Kickapoo Reservation in Kansas is a story of adaptation, resilience, and cultural survival. Despite facing numerous challenges throughout their history, the Kickapoo people have persevered, maintaining their identity and traditions while building a vibrant community in Kansas. They are committed to preserving their heritage and ensuring a prosperous future for generations to come.