The Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma, a federally recognized tribe, carries a history deeply intertwined with the lands of the Great Plains. Originally inhabiting present-day Nebraska and northern Kansas, the Pawnee people were eventually compelled to relocate to a reservation within Indian Territory, now Oklahoma, in 1876. This marked a significant turning point in their history, a transition from a life of relative autonomy to one shaped by government policies and the challenges of reservation life.
Origins and Identity
The traditional name for the Pawnee is Chaticks-si-Chaticks, meaning "men of men." This name reflects the Pawnee’s self-perception as a strong and capable people. The term "Pawnee," by which they are commonly known, originates from the Plains Indians, who referred to them as "Wolves," acknowledging their cunning and courage.
The Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma is located at 881 Little Dee Dr., PO Box 470, Pawnee, OK 74058. Their phone number is 918-762-3621 and their fax number is 918-762-6446. Further information about the tribe can be found on their official website: www.pawneenation.org.
Traditional Territory and Confederacy
Historically, the Pawnee occupied a vast territory along the tributaries of the Missouri River, specifically the Platte, Loup, and Republican rivers in what is now Nebraska and northern Kansas. This region provided fertile land for agriculture and abundant resources for hunting.
The Pawnee were not a single unified tribe but rather a confederacy comprised of four distinct bands:
- [The original document does not list the four bands of the Pawnee Confederacy]
This confederacy structure allowed for a degree of autonomy within each band while maintaining a shared cultural identity and a unified front in matters of common concern.
Treaties and Displacement
The 19th century was a period of immense upheaval for the Pawnee. A series of treaties with the United States government in 1818, 1825, 1833, 1848, 1857, and 1892 resulted in the cession of vast tracts of their ancestral lands. In 1857, they were settled in Nebraska, and finally, in 1875, the Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma was forcibly moved to Indian Territory.
Faced with the prospect of life on a reservation and the erosion of their traditional way of life, many Pawnee men chose to enlist in the US cavalry as scouts. This decision, though fraught with complexity, offered a means of maintaining some semblance of independence and utilizing their knowledge of the land and their skills as warriors.
Tribal Identity and Governance
The Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma has persevered through immense challenges to maintain their cultural identity and self-governance. The Oklahoma Indian Welfare Act of 1936 played a crucial role in this process, establishing the Pawnee Business Council, the Nasharo (Chiefs) Council, and a tribal constitution, bylaws, and charter. The Pawnee Business Council serves as the governing body of the tribe.
Population and Demographics
In 1780, the Pawnee population was estimated to be around 10,000. However, the 19th century brought devastating epidemics of smallpox and cholera, which decimated the population, reducing it to approximately 600 by 1900. As of 2002, the registered population of the Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma was approximately 2,500.
Cultural Symbols
The tribal emblem of the Pawnee Nation is rich in symbolism, reflecting their history, beliefs, and values:
- The Wolf: As mentioned earlier, the Plains Indians referred to the Pawnee as "Wolves" due to their cunning and courage.
- The Banner: The inscription "Chaticks si Chaticks" in the Pawnee language, meaning "Men of Men," underscores their strong sense of identity.
- Sprigs of Cedar: Cedar is used in sacred ceremonies and prayer, representing a token of prayer and peace.
- The Morning Star: The Morning Star symbolizes God, particularly for the Skidi band, who believed it was the dwelling place of God.
- The Peace Pipe and Tomahawk: These represent the duality of peace and war, reflecting the complexities of the Pawnee’s history and their relationship with other tribes.
- Pawnee Colors: Red symbolizes courage, white represents purity, and blue stands for truth.
The original tribal seal was designed by Brummett Echohawk.
Way of Life
The Pawnee traditionally lived in permanent earth lodge villages where they cultivated crops. These villages were strategically located along fertile river bottomlands. However, their lives were not solely sedentary. They also embarked on seasonal buffalo hunts, using tipis as temporary dwellings while traveling.
Housing: The Earth Lodge
The Pawnee earth lodge was a remarkable feat of engineering and a testament to their resourcefulness. The construction involved a frame covered with smaller poles tied with willow switches, followed by layers of thatch and earth. A central hole served as both a chimney and a skylight. The entrance was always oriented to the east, welcoming the rising sun.
A long, low passageway led to an entry room with a buffalo-skin door that could be closed and wedged shut at night for security and protection from the elements. Opposite the door, on the west side of the central room, a buffalo skull with horns was displayed, considered a powerful symbol of medicine.
Mats were hung around the perimeter of the main room to create smaller, private spaces for sleeping and storage. The lodges were semi-subterranean, with the base recessed approximately three feet below ground level, providing insulation against extreme temperatures. These structures were sturdy enough to support adults and children alike.
Each lodge could house as many as 30-50 people, typically related families. A village might consist of 10-15 households and 300-500 people. Upon marriage, a young couple usually resided with the bride’s family.
Agriculture and Subsistence
Pawnee women were highly skilled horticulturalists, cultivating a diverse range of crops, including ten varieties of corn, seven of pumpkins and squashes, and eight of beans. These crops provided a balanced and nutritious diet. The Pawnee also cultivated a special variety of corn called "Wonderful" or "Holy Corn," specifically for use in sacred bundles.
The cycle of corn determined the annual agricultural calendar, with planting and harvesting ceremonies involving priests and other members of the tribe. Different colors of corn – black, spotted, white, yellow, and red – were classified according to the four semi-cardinal directions and maintained as pure strains by the women.
Buffalo Hunts
After acquiring horses, the Pawnee adapted their culture and expanded their buffalo hunting expeditions. These hunts took place in both summer and winter, often extending hundreds of miles westward onto the Great Plains. The hunts were carefully organized, with the timing determined by medicine men. Hunters used bows and arrows to incapacitate buffalo, often targeting cows and young bulls. The women processed the meat and skin, preserving the meat for long-term storage and using the skins for clothing, shelter, and other essential items.
Religion and Spirituality
The Pawnee cosmology incorporated elements of all of nature, with rituals often oriented to the four cardinal directions. Medicine men created sacred bundles containing items of symbolic value, such as ears of corn, used in ceremonies to maintain balance and harmony with the gods and spirits. The Pawnee did not participate in the Sun Dance tradition but did embrace the Ghost Dance movement in the 1890s.
The Pawnee believed that the Morning Star and Evening Star gave birth to the first Pawnee woman, while the first Pawnee man was the offspring of the Moon and the Sun. This belief in their celestial origins played a central role in their daily and spiritual lives. They planted their crops according to the position of the stars and offered sacrifices of maize and other crops to the celestial bodies.
Historical accounts also mention instances of human sacrifice, possibly linked to their connections with Aztec cultures to the south.
Modern Day
Today, the Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma continues to thrive, preserving their cultural heritage while adapting to the challenges of the modern world. Pawnee Nation College serves as a vital institution for education and cultural preservation. The annual Pawnee Homecoming for veterans in July is a significant event that honors their service and strengthens community bonds.