The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska, a resilient and historically significant Native American tribe, has persevered through numerous challenges, from forced relocation to termination of federal recognition, ultimately achieving restoration and working diligently to revitalize their culture and traditions. This article delves into the rich history, cultural practices, contemporary status, and ongoing efforts of the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska.
A Glimpse into the Past
The earliest documented encounters between the Ponca people and European explorers occurred during the westward expedition of Lewis and Clark in 1804. The explorers noted that the Ponca had once been part of the Omaha Tribe but had separated and established themselves along a branch of the Red River, near Lake Winnipeg. However, the dynamics of the Great Plains shifted dramatically in the 18th century. Pressured by the expanding Sioux Nation, the Ponca, along with other smaller Plains cultures, were compelled to relocate to the west bank of the Missouri River.
Official Recognition and Location
The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska is a federally recognized tribe with its headquarters located in Niobrara, Nebraska. While the tribe does not possess a traditional reservation in the conventional sense, they maintain a service area encompassing fifteen counties across Nebraska, South Dakota, and Iowa. This area spans approximately 1,800 square miles and is home to a significant portion of the tribe’s membership.
The Ponca people maintain a strong connection to their ancestral lands, asserting their right and responsibility to safeguard the environment and resources within the boundaries of their historical territory through the development of tribal codes and regulatory mechanisms. This authority extends to all rights-of-way, waterways, and streams within their designated areas, as well as any lands that may be added to their jurisdiction in the future under the laws of the United States.
Names and Identity
The official tribal name is the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska. The tribe has been known by various names throughout history, including Mahairi, Ppankka, and Umanhan. The alternate spelling of Ponka is also sometimes used. The term "Northern Ponca Tribe" is also occasionally used to distinguish them from the Ponca Tribe of Oklahoma, which resulted from the forced removal and subsequent division of the tribe in the 19th century.
The Ponca people belong to the Plains Indians cultural region and are primarily located in Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Iowa today. Historically, their traditional territory centered around Ponca Creek in Knox County, Nebraska, near present-day Verdel.
Treaties and Land Loss
The Ponca Tribe entered into several treaties with the United States government, starting with a treaty of "peace and friendship" in 1817. The Treaty of 1825 acknowledged the United States’ territorial limits and authorized the government to regulate trade and commerce with the tribe.
However, subsequent treaties resulted in the loss of vast amounts of Ponca land. The Treaty of 1858 nullified the Ponca’s title to all their lands except for a small portion intended for colonization. The Treaty of 1865 ceded an additional 30,000 acres, establishing a reservation of 96,000 acres in present-day Knox and Boyd counties in Nebraska.
A pivotal and devastating event occurred with the Fort Laramie Treaty of 1868. This treaty mistakenly included the Ponca Reservation within the boundaries of the Great Sioux Reservation, effectively making the Ponca trespassers on their own ancestral homeland. This error set the stage for the forced removal of the Ponca from Nebraska.
The Ponca Trail of Tears and Division
In 1877, the United States government forcibly removed the Ponca Tribe from their Nebraska homeland to Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma). This tragic event, known as the "Ponca Trail of Tears," resulted in immense suffering and loss of life. One-third of the tribe perished during the arduous journey and in the unfamiliar environment of Indian Territory. The Ponca struggled with malaria, food shortages, and a harsh climate.
The removal and subsequent hardships led to a division within the tribe. Some Ponca remained in Oklahoma, forming the Ponca Tribe of Oklahoma, while others eventually returned to Nebraska after a landmark legal battle led by Chief Standing Bear.
Standing Bear’s Stand for Justice
The story of Chief Standing Bear is a testament to the Ponca’s unwavering spirit and their fight for justice. After the death of his son, Standing Bear sought to bury him in their ancestral homeland in Nebraska. This act of defiance led to his arrest and a landmark court case, Standing Bear v. Crook (1879).
In a historic ruling, Judge Elmer S. Dundy declared that Native Americans were "persons" within the meaning of the law and entitled to the same rights as other citizens. This decision was a significant victory for Native American rights and allowed Standing Bear and his followers to remain in Nebraska.
Termination and Restoration
Despite the legal victory, the Ponca’s struggles continued. In 1962, the United States Congress terminated the federal recognition of the Northern Ponca Tribe. This action dissolved their tribal government, terminated their trust relationship with the federal government, and resulted in the loss of their land and resources.
However, the Ponca people refused to accept this fate. During the 1970s and 1980s, members of the tribe organized and worked tirelessly to restore their federal recognition. In 1990, their efforts culminated in the passage of the Ponca Restoration Act, which officially restored the federal recognition of the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska.
Contemporary Status and Governance
Today, the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska is a thriving and self-governing nation. They operate under a constitution consistent with the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934. The tribe is governed by a Tribal Council consisting of 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.
The tribe’s headquarters are located in Niobrara, Nebraska, and they operate field offices in Lincoln, Norfolk, and Omaha, Nebraska, as well as Sioux City, Iowa.
Cultural Revitalization
Since their restoration, the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska has been actively engaged in revitalizing their culture and language, which were significantly impacted by forced removal and termination. The Department of Cultural Affairs plays a crucial role in this effort, organizing programs to reintroduce Ponca culture and language to tribal members.
The department assists tribal members in researching their families and tribal history, provides language restoration programs, and encourages involvement in Ponca cultural activities. They also work to repatriate artifacts and historical materials under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) and maintain a tribal museum and library.
Language and Traditions
The Ponca language is closely related to Omaha, with both languages being mutually intelligible. However, the number of fluent speakers has declined significantly. The tribe is actively working to revitalize the language through language classes, immersion programs, and the development of language resources.
Traditional Ponca culture is rich in ceremonies, dances, and oral stories. The annual Northern Ponca Powwow, held on the second weekend in August, is a major event that celebrates Ponca culture and traditions.
The Ponca flag is a powerful symbol of tribal identity. The border of the flag consists of four colors: black, red, yellow, and white, representing the four winds (directions) and the four races of people. The center of the flag features a teepee surrounded by important symbols, including the sun, a pipe and crossed arrows, and a spirit hoop with four eagle feathers.
Economic Development
The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska is committed to economic development to improve the lives of its members. The tribe operates several businesses, including the Ponca Tannery, Ponca Smoke Signals smoke shops, Ponca House Services, and White Eagle Express. They are also reintroducing bison to their native homelands with the assistance of the Intertribal Bison Cooperative (ITBC).
Enrollement
To be eligible for enrollment in the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska, individuals must trace their ancestry to an ancestor listed on the Ponca Base Rolls of 1934, 1935, or 1965. They must also provide a state-certified birth certificate with a stamped or raised seal. If the Ponca parent is not listed on the birth certificate, a chain of custody DNA test may be required.
Conclusion
The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska is a testament to the resilience and determination of Native American people. Despite facing immense challenges, including forced removal, land loss, and termination, they have persevered and are now working to revitalize their culture, language, and economy. The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska stands as a symbol of hope and a reminder of the importance of honoring and preserving Native American heritage.