The Narragansett Indian Tribe, an enduring presence in the landscape of Rhode Island, holds a significant place in the history and culture of the Northeastern United States. For millennia, the Narragansett people have navigated the waters and walked the lands of this region, developing a deep connection to their environment and a vibrant cultural heritage. This article explores the history, traditions, and contemporary status of the Narragansett Indian Tribe, shedding light on their journey through time and their ongoing efforts to preserve their identity and sovereignty.
Official Tribal Information
Official Tribal Name: Narragansett Indian Tribe
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Recognition Status: Federally Recognized
Traditional Name / Traditional Meaning: Information unavailable from source.
Common Name / Meaning of Common Name: Information unavailable from source.
Alternate Names / Alternate Spellings / Misspellings: Formerly known as the Narragansett Indian Tribe of Rhode Island.
Name in other languages: Information unavailable from source.
Region: Northeast (Eastern Woodland)
State(s) Today: Rhode Island
Historical Overview
The Narragansett Indian Tribe are indigenous to the coastal region of southern Rhode Island, their history stretching back at least 30,000 years. Their traditional territory encompassed a significant portion of present-day Rhode Island, extending along the coast and inland. This strategic location allowed them to develop a sophisticated understanding of both the land and the sea.
The arrival of Europeans in the 16th century marked a turning point in the history of the Narragansett. The first documented contact occurred in 1524 with the arrival of Italian explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano. However, sustained interaction and its consequences would develop later. The influx of European settlers brought with it disease, competition for resources, and shifting alliances that destabilized the existing power dynamics among the Native American tribes. The Narragansett, initially a powerful and influential nation, found themselves increasingly entangled in conflicts with their neighbors, including the Wampanoag, Pequot, and Mohegan.
Culture and Traditions
The Narragansett were a water-going people, skilled in the art of building dugout canoes. These canoes were not merely simple vessels; they were marvels of engineering, capable of carrying as many as 40 men. This maritime prowess allowed them to navigate the coastal waters, engage in fishing and trade, and maintain connections with other communities.
The Narragansett were an Algonquin-speaking people of the Y-dialect. Their language, a vital component of their cultural identity, was closely related to that of the Shinnecock and Pequot tribes. However, the encroachment of European languages and the disruption of traditional ways of life led to a decline in the use of the Narragansett language. Today, revitalization efforts are underway to preserve and promote the language for future generations.
Like many Northeastern tribes, the Narragansett practiced a seasonal pattern of living, migrating between winter and summer homes. In the winter, they resided in longhouses, substantial structures that could accommodate 20 or more people. These longhouses provided shelter and warmth during the harsh New England winters. In the summer, they moved to the coast and constructed wigwams, also known as "wetus." These dome-shaped dwellings were well-suited to the warmer months and provided easy access to the resources of the sea.
Subsistence for the Narragansett was based on a combination of hunting, fishing, gathering, and agriculture. They cultivated crops, including corn, beans, and squash, the "Three Sisters" that formed the cornerstone of their agricultural practices. They also hunted game such as deer and turkey, fished in the coastal waters, and gathered wild plants and berries.
Governance and Social Structure
The Narragansett society was governed by a system of sachems, or chiefs. These leaders were responsible for making decisions on behalf of the tribe, negotiating with other groups, and maintaining order within the community. The sachems could be allied with other smaller nations, such as the Wampanoag or the Niantic, forming political and military alliances. The Narragansett were known for being a populous and powerful nation in the region.
Conflicts and Displacement
The 17th century was a period of intense upheaval for the Narragansett and other Native American tribes in the region. The Pequot War of 1637-1638 resulted in the defeat of the Pequot and the expansion of English control over their territory. The Narragansett, who had been promised some of the Pequot lands by the English, were ultimately denied those lands, leading to renewed conflicts with the Mohegan and growing resentment towards the colonists.
Increasing tensions between the Wampanoag and the colonists eventually erupted into King Philip’s War in 1675. The Narragansett were drawn into the conflict, siding with the Wampanoag in an attempt to resist further encroachment on their lands. In December 1675, colonial forces attacked a Narragansett fort in the Great Swamp Fight, a devastating massacre that resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Narragansett men, women, and children. The fort was burned to the ground, and the Narragansett resistance was effectively crushed.
Following King Philip’s War, the surviving Narragansett scattered among other tribal and settler communities throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. They intermarried with African-Americans and white Americans, leading to a mixed-race population that retained Narragansett cultural traditions.
Detribalization and Reassertion
In the aftermath of the Civil War, the US government attempted to "detribalize" the Narragansett based on their multiracial heritage. This policy aimed to dismantle tribal structures and assimilate Native Americans into mainstream society. The state of Rhode Island also sought to undermine the Narragansett’s treaty rights and autonomy.
Despite these challenges, the Narragansett people resisted these efforts and worked to preserve their cultural identity. In 1880, the tribal roll listed 324 members. They organized to reclaim their ancestral lands, which had been sold to the state.
Federal Recognition and Contemporary Issues
In 1978, the Narragansett regained 1,800 acres of land in an agreement with the state of Rhode Island as a result of a lawsuit. However, this agreement stipulated that the tribal land would be subject to state law, unlike most reservation lands in the US. In 1983, the Narragansett Indian Tribe was granted federal recognition, a significant milestone in their struggle for self-determination.
The Narragansett’s land is not currently considered a federal reservation because the land is not held in federal trust status. Additionally, they own a 31-acre parcel which they acquired after the implementation of the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934, and for which they could be granted trust status under that law through the Department of the Interior.
However, the state of Rhode Island sued the DOI and won in the Supreme Court (Carcieri v. Salazar, 2009); the decision set a dangerous precedent for Indian country, delivering a crippling blow to tribal sovereignty. Congress is currently considering legislation reversing the precedent, and is known as the “Carcieri Fix.”
Conclusion
The history of the Narragansett Indian Tribe is a testament to their resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Despite centuries of colonization, conflict, and displacement, they have persevered in maintaining their cultural identity and asserting their sovereignty. Today, the Narragansett Indian Tribe continues to play an active role in the life of Rhode Island, working to preserve their traditions, protect their land, and promote the well-being of their community. Their story serves as an important reminder of the enduring legacy of Native American tribes in the United States and the ongoing need to respect their rights and cultures.