The Meherrin Indian Tribe, a name resonating with history and resilience, stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Native American people. This article delves into the rich tapestry of their culture, traditions, and journey through time, offering a comprehensive look at the Meherrin Nation.
Identity and Recognition
The Meherrin Indian Tribe is uniquely positioned as the only non-reservation indigenous community in North Carolina that continues to inhabit their ancestral reservation lands. This fact underscores their deep connection to their heritage and their commitment to preserving their cultural identity. Officially recognized by the state of North Carolina in 1986, the Meherrin Indian Tribe is one of eight state-recognized Native American nations within the state. Their presence is particularly concentrated in the rural northeastern region of North Carolina, nestled near the Meherrin River, which forms a natural border between North Carolina and Virginia.
- Official Tribal Name: Meherrin Nation
- Address: P.O. Box 508, Winton, NC 27986
- Phone: 919-358-4375
- Fax: 919-358-1472
- Email: obsntribe@gmail.com
- Official Website: www.obsn.org
- Recognition Status: State Recognized
Names and Meanings
The Meherrin Indian Tribe carries a name steeped in significance. Their traditional name, Kauwetsâ’a:ka (pronounced Gauwentch-AAga), translates to "People of the Water," reflecting their historical and spiritual connection to the waterways that have sustained them for generations. The common name, Meherrin, is directly linked to the Meherrin River, their traditional homeland. Today, "Meherrin" also designates a small village in Southside Virginia, further cementing the tribe’s geographical legacy.
Throughout history, the tribe has been known by a multitude of names, reflecting the varied spellings and interpretations recorded by European colonists and other tribes. These alternate names include:
- Cowonchahawkon
- Cowinchehoccauk
- Kauwetsaka
- Kauwetsâ’a:ka
- Akawenchaka
- Mangoak
- Maherrin
- Meherine
- Meterries
In the Tuscarora language, the Meherrin are referred to as Akawencâ’a:kaâ’, highlighting the linguistic connections between the two tribes.
Geographical and Historical Context
The Meherrin Indian Tribe‘s ancestral lands lie within the Northeastern cultural region of North America. Today, their primary presence is in North Carolina. Archaeological evidence and oral traditions suggest that the ancestors of the Meherrin have inhabited the region encompassing present-day North Carolina and Virginia for at least 1,200 years. This timeframe coincides with the divergence of the Meherrin, Tuscarora, and Nottoway from the Proto-Iroquois group, which also gave rise to the Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca, and Conestoga nations.
Originally residing in Piedmont Virginia, above the fall line, the Meherrin migrated southward into North Carolina during the early 18th century. This relocation was driven by increasing encroachment from Anglo-American colonists. Linguistic analysis indicates a shared ancestry between the Meherrin, Tuscarora, and Nottoway, suggesting a common language or closely related dialects. Tuscarora oral history further supports this shared origin. By 1706, the Meherrin had established a new settlement on lands formerly occupied by the Chowanoke, near the mouth of the Meherrin River.
Confederacy and Treaties
The Meherrin Indian Tribe holds a significant place within the broader context of Iroquois history. According to Tuscarora language expert Blair Rudes, the Tuscarora, Meherrin, and Nottoway formed a North Carolina Iroquois League, highlighting their political and cultural alliances.
During the Tuscarora War of 1711-1712, the Meherrin sided with the Tuscarora against colonial forces. Following the departure of the majority of the Tuscarora from the colony, the Meherrin’s reservation was officially recognized and affirmed through a treaty with the North Carolina colony in 1726.
Contemporary Life and Governance
Today, the majority of the Meherrin Nation’s citizens reside in and around the Little California, Pleasant Plains, and Union areas of Hertford County, North Carolina. The tribal headquarters are located in Ahoskie, NC.
The tribal emblem of the Meherrin Nation is rich in symbolism. The primary colors, purple and white, represent the significance of wampum in their culture. The seal depicts the Meherrin people standing in an unbroken circle, symbolizing the interconnectedness of ancestors, present generations, and future descendants. The clan animals of the Meherrin Nation are prominently featured at the center of the circle. Upon the back of the Great Turtle, representing North America, stands the Tree of Peace, symbolizing the tribe’s adherence to the Great Binding Law established by Deganawida, the Peacemaker. The water surrounding the turtle symbolizes their name, Kauwetsâ’a:ka, or "People of the Water."
History and Cultural Practices
The Meherrin have maintained distinct communities throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, preserving their cultural identity through their own schools and churches. In 1975, descendants of the Meherrin reorganized the tribe, reclaiming their heritage under the leadership of Chief Wayne Brown. The tribe was officially chartered in 1977, following increased activism among its members. Many Meherrin can trace their ancestry back to Sally M. Lewis (1838-1904), who played a role in the sale of several tracts of reservation land.
The Meherrin language is classified as Iroquoian. Skaru:re is the Iroquois language that was spoken by the Tuscarora, Meherrin and Nottoway collectively. While few Meherrin speak Skaru:re fluently today, many tribal members are actively engaged in efforts to revitalize and learn the language.
The Meherrin Indian Tribe traditionally had several clans, many of which were shared with the Tuscarora and Nottoway. Today, they recognize the Dawis Dawis (snipe, or plover) Clan, Rakwis (Turtle) Clan, Utsihreh (Bear) Clan, Thkwari:ne (Wolf) Clan, and the Tsunak’ (Beaver) Clan. Clan membership is inherited through the matrilineal line, emphasizing the importance of women in the clan system. The clan system plays a central role in Meherrin culture, influencing ceremonies, leadership selection, decision-making processes, and even marriage customs.
Alliances and Conflicts
Historically, the Meherrin Indian Tribe were allied with the Tuscarora and other Iroquois nations. They were taken under the protection of the Haudenosaunee (Five Nations/Iroquois Confederacy) in 1712, along with the Tuscarora and Tutelo. Some Meherrin descendants reside among the Tuscarora in New York and on the Six Nations Reserve in Canada, while those remaining in North Carolina maintain an independent tribal entity. The tribe’s traditional enemies included the Nanticokes.
Ceremonies and Traditions
The Meherrin Indian Tribe embraces the Kayanashakowa – The Great Law of Peace, the binding constitution of the Iroquois Confederacy. The Meherrin Lunar Calendar guides their cycle of ceremonies and thanksgiving, with each moon marked by the New Moon and associated with specific festivals and observances.
The tribe’s gatherings often include smoke dances and Iroquois social dances, such as the Standing Quiver, Stomp Dances, Old Moccasin Dance, Fish Dance, Round Dance, Alligator Dance, and the Stick or Skin Dance. Traditional musical instruments include the water drum, horn rattles, and turtle rattles.
Contemporary Events and Cultural Expression
Each year, the Meherrin Nation hosts an annual pow wow, open to the public, on the first weekend in October at the Meherrin Tribal Grounds.
Archaeological evidence suggests that the ancestors of the Meherrin were living in the North Carolina/Virginia region by 1000 AD. The pottery style shared by them and other North Carolina Iroquois people is known as Cashie. Wampum, or Chu-teche, holds significant cultural importance for the Meherrin. Made from clam and whelk shells, wampum beads are used in jewelry, wampum belts, ceremonies, and even burials.
Subsistence and Economy
Archaeological evidence indicates that the Cashie people/Meherrin cultivated corn and beans, and supplemented their diet with hickory nuts, turkey, deer, raccoon, bear, possum, rabbit, fish, turtle, and mussels. Today, tribal members work in various professional fields, and a high proportion of the tribe holds college degrees.
Conclusion
The Meherrin Indian Tribe‘s story is one of enduring resilience, cultural preservation, and unwavering commitment to their ancestral lands and traditions. Through their continued presence in northeastern North Carolina, the Meherrin Nation serves as a vital link to the past and a beacon of hope for future generations. Their rich history, vibrant culture, and dedication to their heritage ensure that the legacy of the Meherrin Indian Tribe will continue to thrive for years to come.