The Tuscarora Nation stands as a testament to resilience, adaptation, and enduring cultural identity. This Iroquoian tribe boasts a rich history interwoven with the landscapes of North Carolina, New York, and Ontario, Canada. Today, the Tuscarora Nation maintains a vibrant presence in these regions, navigating the complexities of modern life while preserving its ancestral heritage.
Official Tribal Name: Tuscarora Nation of New York
The federally recognized Tuscarora Nation of New York operates from its administrative center located at 5616 Walmore Road, Lewiston, NY 14092. The tribal office can be reached by phone at (716) 297-4990.
Recognition and Nomenclature
The Tuscarora are a federally recognized tribe in the United States. Their traditional name, Skarureh, translates to "long shirt people," a reference to the distinctive long shirts historically worn by Tuscarora men. The common name, Tuscarora, is often interpreted as "hemp gatherers," highlighting the tribe’s traditional use of Indian hemp or milkweed for various purposes, from crafting rope and textiles to medicinal applications. The tribe was formerly known as the Tuscarora Nation of New York. In Algonquian languages, they were historically referred to as Mangoag.
Geographical Distribution and Traditional Territory
The Tuscarora’s historical narrative is one of migration and adaptation. While rooted in the Northeast cultural region, their journey took them far south before a significant return northward. Originating around the Great Lakes, possibly contemporaneously with the rise of the Five Nations of the Iroquois Confederacy, the Tuscarora migrated south well before European contact, settling in what is now Eastern Carolina.
In North Carolina, the Tuscarora were the most populous indigenous group, inhabiting the lands along the Roanoke, Neuse, Tar, and Pamlico rivers. Their primary settlements were concentrated in the areas surrounding present-day Goldsboro, Kinston, and Smithfield. Although diminished in numbers, some Tuscarora descendants still reside in this region, maintaining a connection to their ancestral homeland.
Their initial encounters with Europeans occurred in the colonies of North Carolina and Virginia, marking the beginning of a transformative period in their history. The Tuscarora War (1711–1713) against English colonists and their Native American allies proved to be a pivotal event, prompting a mass migration northward. Over a period of 90 years, most surviving Tuscarora relocated to Pennsylvania and New York, seeking refuge and reaffirming their ancestral linguistic and cultural ties with the Iroquois Confederacy.
Today, the Tuscarora Nation maintains a reservation in Lewiston, New York, serving as a central hub for tribal members and activities. Additionally, a Tuscarora First Nation band exists in Ontario, Canada, further illustrating the tribe’s dispersed presence across North America.
Iroquois Confederacy
The Tuscarora Nation formally joined the Iroquois Confederacy, also known as the Haudenosaunee, in 1722, becoming the Sixth Nation. This alliance solidified their cultural and political ties with other Iroquoian-speaking tribes, including the Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, and Seneca.
Demographics
Prior to European contact, the Tuscarora population is estimated to have been around 25,000. In the late 17th and early 18th centuries, European colonists in North Carolina documented two main Tuscarora divisions: a northern group under Chief Tom Blunt and a southern group led by Chief Hancock. Historical accounts from 1708 to 1710 estimated the number of Tuscarora warriors at 1,200 to 2,000 men.
One historian writing in the early 1800s noted that the Tuscarora in North Carolina traditionally occupied the "country lying between the sea shores and the mountains, which divide the Atlantic states," encompassing 24 large towns and capable of mobilizing 6,000 warriors. Historians estimate the total population may have been three to four times the number of warriors, including women, children, and the elderly.
As of 1995, the Tuscarora Nation’s enrollment stood at approximately 1,200 members. An estimated 20,000 Tuscarora individuals reside in Canada, reflecting the significant migration northward.
Language
The Tuscarora language, Skarure, belongs to the Iroquoian language family, specifically the Northern Iroquoian branch. It is closely related to the Nottoway language. Sadly, Tuscarora is now considered a severely endangered language. In the mid-1970s, only about 52 fluent speakers remained, primarily residing on the Tuscarora Reservation in Lewiston, New York, and the Six Nations of the Grand River First Nation near Brantford, Ontario.
Efforts to revitalize the language are underway at the Tuscarora School in Lewiston, where children from pre-kindergarten to sixth grade receive instruction in Skarure. However, the remaining fluent speakers are primarily older adults, highlighting the urgent need for language preservation initiatives.
Historical Overview
The history of the Tuscarora is marked by periods of prosperity, conflict, and adaptation. Their traditional territory in Eastern Carolina provided fertile lands and abundant resources, fostering a thriving agricultural society. However, the arrival of European colonists brought new challenges, including disease, territorial encroachment, and armed conflict.
The Tuscarora War (1711–1713) was a watershed moment in the tribe’s history. Triggered by colonial expansion and mistreatment, the war resulted in significant losses for the Tuscarora. Facing defeat, many sought refuge in the north, joining the Iroquois Confederacy and establishing a new chapter in their history.
Those who remained in North Carolina faced continued pressure and displacement. Despite signing a treaty with the colony in 1718, the Tuscarora were subjected to land cessions, discrimination, and exploitation. Over time, many migrated north to join their relatives in Pennsylvania and New York, while others intermarried with neighboring communities.
In the 20th century, some descendants of the southern Tuscarora organized into bands, seeking to reclaim their cultural identity and pursue state and federal recognition. However, these efforts have been met with challenges, including internal divisions and legal obstacles.
Cultural Practices and Traditions
The Tuscarora Nation possesses a rich cultural heritage, deeply rooted in their connection to the land and their Iroquoian traditions. Agriculture played a vital role in their subsistence, with corn, beans, and squash forming the basis of their diet. They were also skilled hunters and gatherers, utilizing the resources of the forests and rivers to supplement their food supply.
Traditional Tuscarora society was organized around clans, each with its own distinct identity and responsibilities. These clans played a crucial role in social and political life, regulating marriage, inheritance, and dispute resolution.
Spiritual beliefs were an integral part of Tuscarora culture, with a focus on maintaining harmony with the natural world. Ceremonies and dances were performed to honor the Creator, give thanks for the harvest, and promote healing.
Contemporary Life
Today, the Tuscarora Nation faces the challenges of preserving its cultural heritage while navigating the complexities of modern life. The Tuscarora Reservation in Lewiston, New York, serves as a center for tribal activities, providing housing, education, and healthcare services to tribal members.
The Tuscarora Nation government works to promote economic development, protect tribal sovereignty, and advocate for the rights of its people. They are actively involved in issues such as environmental protection, education, and cultural preservation.
Despite the challenges they face, the Tuscarora Nation remains a vibrant and resilient community, committed to preserving its cultural heritage and ensuring a brighter future for generations to come. The Tuscarora Nation‘s story is one of survival, adaptation, and unwavering commitment to their identity.