The Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma stands as a testament to resilience and adaptation in the face of historical challenges. As one of three federally recognized Kickapoo tribes within the United States, and a fourth located in Mexico, the tribe maintains a distinct identity while sharing a common heritage with its sister nations. This article delves into the history, culture, governance, and contemporary life of the Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma, offering a comprehensive overview of this vital Native American community.
Identity and Location
Officially recognized as the Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma, the tribal headquarters are located in McLoud, Oklahoma. Geographically, the tribe is situated within the Eastern Woodland region, though its historical journey has taken it across vast territories, from the Great Lakes to the prairies of the Midwest and ultimately to its present location in Oklahoma. While Oklahoma serves as the primary home for this particular tribe, other Kickapoo communities reside on reservations and lands in Kansas, Texas, Illinois, and northern Mexico, reflecting the diaspora caused by historical events.
Historical Overview
The story of the Kickapoo people is one of migration, conflict, and adaptation. Their early history is intertwined with the dynamics of the Eastern Woodlands and the arrival of European colonizers. The name "Kickapoo" itself carries deep roots, though the specific traditional meaning is currently not documented.
Early Encounters and Alliances
Initial estimates place the Kickapoo population at around 4,000 individuals. In 1684, French traders estimated approximately 2,000 Kickapoos. During the 1650s, the Kickapoo faced incursions from tribes moving into the Great Lakes region, driven by the fur trade with the French. The Iroquois Confederacy, a powerful and formidable force, instigated these attacks, forcing the Kickapoo to relocate westward to the Mississippi River in southwestern Wisconsin.
However, this new territory presented its own challenges. Conflicts with the Dakota arose, leading to tribal warfare along the Mississippi. Furthermore, the Kickapoo discovered that the land was not conducive to their traditional crops, necessitating a shift towards hunting as their primary source of sustenance. Overhunting and the introduction of European diseases compounded their difficulties.
The first documented encounter between the Kickapoo and Europeans occurred around 1665, when they met French trappers. Initially, the Kickapoo were wary and aloof, showing little interest in the newcomers or their religion.
Alliance with the French and Subsequent Conflicts
Nicolas Perrot, a French trader, managed to gain the trust of the Kickapoo, leading to the establishment of a trading post near their village on the Mississippi. This alliance led the Kickapoo to join an intertribal alliance with the French against the Iroquois League of Nations in 1687. The ensuing war lasted for 14 years and ultimately resulted in the defeat of the Iroquois.
However, the alliance with the French fractured when the Europeans attempted to prevent their Native allies from attacking other tribes who were also French trading partners. This led to the First Fox War, in which the Kickapoo played a significant role. After three years of intense fighting, the Kickapoo eventually agreed to peace terms.
Migration and Division
During the mid-1750s, the Kickapoo migrated south from Wisconsin to the prairies of Illinois and Indiana. This move provided better buffalo hunting opportunities and easier access to British traders. Despite these benefits, the Kickapoo remained cautious and primarily traded through neighboring tribes.
During this period, the Kickapoo divided into two distinct bands. The Prairie Band resided in northern Illinois and allied themselves with the Sauk and Fox tribes, while the Vermillion Band settled in the south and maintained friendly relations with the Illinois. Notably, the Prairie Band held a hostile stance towards the Illinois.
Involvement in American Conflicts and Forced Relocation
Initially, the Kickapoo attempted to remain neutral during the American Revolution. However, by the mid-1770s, they increasingly engaged in raids against American settlers. The Kickapoo were actively involved in Little Turtle’s War, which began in 1790. Following the capture of many of their women and children in 1792, they withdrew from the tribal alliance.
In 1795, the Kickapoo signed the Treaty of Fort Greenville, ceding all of their territory in Ohio. Subsequent treaties in the early 1800s resulted in the relocation of the Kickapoo west of the Mississippi River to Missouri. However, this relocation was met with resistance. Lacking strong leadership and cohesion, individual groups rebelled, facing the repercussions of the American government.
It wasn’t until 1834 that the U.S. Army successfully moved all of the Kickapoo to their designated area in Missouri. However, conflicts with white squatters soon arose, leading to another relocation to Kansas. In the 1880s, a portion of the Kickapoo were allotted land in Oklahoma, which is where the majority of the Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma resides today.
Governance and Organization
The Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma operates under a constitution established under the Indian Welfare Act of 1936, demonstrating a commitment to self-governance and tribal sovereignty. The Business Committee serves as the governing body, consisting of five members, including executive officers.
Population and Enrollment
As of 2003, there were 2,522 enrolled members of the Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma.
Culture and Traditions
While specific details about traditional ceremonies, dances, legends, oral stories, art, crafts, clothing, housing, subsistence practices, religion, spiritual beliefs, burial customs, and wedding customs are not provided in the source material, it is understood that the Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma, like all Native American tribes, possesses a rich cultural heritage that has been passed down through generations.
Economy
Information regarding the current economic activities of the Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma is not included in the provided text.
Contemporary Life
The Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma continues to navigate the complexities of the modern world while preserving its cultural identity and striving for self-sufficiency.
The official website, kickapootribeofoklahoma.com, serves as a portal for information about the tribe’s activities, programs, and services.
Conclusion
The Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma has demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of historical adversity. From their origins in the Eastern Woodlands to their present-day home in Oklahoma, the Kickapoo people have adapted to changing circumstances while maintaining their cultural identity. As a federally recognized tribe, the Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma continues to exercise its sovereignty, promote the well-being of its members, and contribute to the rich tapestry of Native American culture in the United States.