The Sac & Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa, also known as the Meskwaki, stand as a testament to resilience, cultural preservation, and the unwavering pursuit of self-determination. Unlike many other Native American tribes who were systematically forced onto reservations during the turbulent Removal and Reservation Periods, the Meskwaki carved their own unique path, returning to their ancestral lands and establishing a permanent settlement near Tama, Iowa. This remarkable feat distinguishes them as one of the few tribes who successfully reclaimed their homeland, a story deeply rooted in their traditional beliefs, leadership, and unwavering faith in their ability to prevail.
This article delves into the rich history, cultural identity, and contemporary realities of the Sac & Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa, exploring their origins, traditional lands, unique land tenure system, and ongoing efforts to preserve their language and heritage.
Official Tribal Information
- Official Tribal Name: Sac & Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa
- Address: 349 Meskwaki Road, Tama, IA 52339
- Phone: 641.484.4678
- Fax: 641.484.5424
- Official Website: www.meskwaki.org/
- Recognition Status: Federally Recognized
Naming and Identity
The names associated with the Sac & Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa reflect a complex history and cultural identity. The Fox people traditionally refer to themselves as Osakiwug or Asakiwaki, meaning "people of the outlet." This name is tied to their ancestral homeland on Michigan’s Saginaw Bay, with "Saginaw" itself believed to derive from a term meaning "place of the Sauk." The name is sometimes misinterpreted as "people of the yellow earth."
The Sauk, on the other hand, call themselves Meshkwakihug, Thakiwaki, or Sa ki wa ki, meaning "red earth people." This name, too, has been subject to misinterpretation, sometimes being translated as "people coming forth from the water."
The name "Fox" was given to the entire tribe by the French, derived from the Wagosh or "Red Fox" clan. This highlights the influence of European interaction on the naming conventions of Native American tribes.
The Sac & Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa are also known by various alternate names, including:
- Meskwaki (primarily used for the Fox)
- Sa ki wa ki
- Sac & Fox Tribe of Oklahoma
- Ne ma ha ha ki (The Sac and Fox Nation of Missouri in Kansas and Nebraska)
The diversity in names reflects the tribe’s historical movements, alliances, and interactions with different European powers and other Native American groups.
Linguistic Heritage
The Sac and Fox tribes, deeply intertwined throughout their history, share closely related Algonquian languages. These languages are often considered dialects of a single language, emphasizing the close cultural and historical ties between the two groups. The preservation of these languages is a key priority for the tribe, representing a vital link to their cultural heritage and ancestral knowledge.
Throughout history, the Fox have been referred to by various names in other languages, including:
- Renard (French for Fox)
- Asakiwaki (Sauk)
- Outagamie or Odugameeg (Ojibwe, meaning "people of the other shore")
- Beshdeke (Dakota)
- Skenchioe (Iroquois)
- Skaxshurunu (Wyandot)
- Skenchiohronon (Huron)
- Mshkwa’kitha (Shawnee)
- Squawkies (British)
- Tochewahcoo (Arikara)
- Wacereke (Winnebago)
- Wakusheg (Potawatomi)
Similarly, the Sauk have been known by different names:
- Hotinestakon (Onondaga)
- Osaugee (Ojibwe)
- Quatokeronon (Huron)
- Satoeronnon (Huron)
- Zake (Dakota)
- Zagi (Winnebago)
Historical Territory and Migration
The ancestral homeland of the Sac and Fox people lies in the Great Lakes region. The Sac inhabited the upper Michigan peninsula, while the Fox resided along the southern shores of Lake Superior. As early as 1667, historical records document the tribes’ relocation to the vicinity of Green Bay, Wisconsin, driven by pressure from the Iroquois and French, as well as the Chippewa.
Throughout the 18th century, conflicts with the French further solidified the alliance between the Sac and Fox. Forced southward, they engaged in conflict with the Illinois Tribe, displacing them from lands along the Mississippi River in present-day Illinois, Wisconsin, and Iowa.
This migration led to the distinction between the "Sac and Fox of the Mississippi," who remained closer to the river, and the "Sac and Fox of the Missouri," who settled further south along the Missouri River. The Sac & Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa trace their lineage to the former group.
The Meskwaki Settlement: A Unique Land Tenure
Unlike many other tribes who were relegated to reservations established by the U.S. government, the Sac & Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa reside on a settlement. This distinction is crucial: the land is owned outright by the tribe, granting them greater autonomy and control over their territory. This is in stark contrast to a reservation, where the land is held in trust by the government.
The Meskwaki Settlement is located in central Iowa, encompassing over 8,000 acres in Tama and Palo Alto counties. This land base is fundamental to the tribe’s economic self-sufficiency and cultural preservation efforts.
Population and Governance
The Sac & Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa has nearly 1,400 enrolled tribal members. The tribal government is structured with a governing body comprised of a council of seven members. The executive officers include a Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary, and Treasurer, along with three additional council members. This governing structure is responsible for making decisions on behalf of the tribe and managing its affairs.
Cultural Preservation and Contemporary Life
The Sac & Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa actively work to preserve their cultural heritage, including their language, traditions, and spiritual beliefs. The Grand Medicine Society, with its complex social and religious organization, continues to play a vital role in the community.
Today, the Sac & Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa are engaged in a variety of economic enterprises, including gaming, agriculture, and tourism. These activities contribute to the tribe’s self-sufficiency and provide opportunities for tribal members.
Historical Figures and Events
The history of the Sac and Fox is marked by significant figures and events that shaped their destiny.
- Black Hawk: A renowned Sac warrior who opposed the 1804 treaty and led the "British Band" in the Black Hawk War.
- Kaokuk: A Sac chief who advocated for a more conciliatory approach and agreed to removal.
- Poweshiek: A chief who led the Fox back to Iowa in 1850, defying government removal efforts.
- Jim Thorpe: A Sac and Potawatomi athlete who won Olympic gold medals and achieved international fame.
The 1804 treaty, in which band chiefs ceded Sac and Fox lands east of the Mississippi River, proved to be a pivotal event, sparking conflict and division within the tribe. The Black Hawk War further exacerbated tensions, leading to the tribe’s removal from their ancestral lands.
The return of Chief Poweshiek and his followers to Iowa in 1850 marks a turning point in the tribe’s history, demonstrating their determination to reclaim their homeland and preserve their cultural identity.
Conclusion
The story of the Sac & Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa is one of resilience, determination, and cultural preservation. Their unique land tenure system, their commitment to preserving their language and traditions, and their ongoing efforts to achieve self-sufficiency stand as a testament to their enduring spirit. The Meskwaki people continue to thrive in their ancestral homeland, contributing to the cultural landscape of Iowa and serving as an inspiration to other Native American tribes.