Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma – Legends of America
The Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma, a vibrant and resilient community, stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Shawnee people. Originating from the eastern United States, the Shawnee, an Algonquian-speaking people, once traversed vast territories stretching from Canada to Florida, and from the Mississippi River to the eastern continental coast. Their history is a complex tapestry woven with threads of migration, adaptation, and a steadfast commitment to preserving their cultural heritage.
A Journey Across the Landscape
The ancestral lands of the Shawnee encompassed a wide expanse, including present-day Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, and other neighboring states. These resourceful people were known for their mobility, traveling extensively across the landscape. Their deep connection to the land and their intricate knowledge of its resources allowed them to thrive in diverse environments.
During the tumultuous period of the American Revolution, significant numbers of Shawnee began migrating westward. Some settled in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, while others ventured further into Louisiana. These groups were later joined by additional Shawnee from Alabama and Ohio, forming a diverse and interconnected community. Seeking new opportunities and escaping encroaching colonial settlements, some Shawnee relocated to Arkansas and Texas.
The Louisiana Purchase and the Push Westward
The year 1803 marked a turning point in American history with the Louisiana Purchase, a vast land acquisition that dramatically altered the political landscape. As colonial settlements expanded into the newly acquired territories, the Shawnee in Missouri faced increasing pressure to cede their lands. In 1825, they negotiated a treaty, relinquishing their holdings in exchange for a reservation in Kansas.
However, not all Shawnee were inclined to settle in Kansas. By 1840, many of the scattered groups had migrated further west, seeking refuge in the Indian Territory, which is now present-day Oklahoma. They established settlements along the Canadian River, finding temporary haven within the Choctaw and Creek Nations. Their absence from the Kansas Shawnee reservation led to their collective designation as the "Absentee Shawnee." Despite an 1854 treaty that attempted to entice them to Kansas with the promise of land allotments, many remained in the Indian Territory, forging their own path.
The Civil War and its Aftermath
The eruption of the Civil War in the 1860s brought further upheaval and division. Some Kansas Shawnee, sympathetic to the Southern cause, joined the Absentee on the Canadian River. Other Absentee from Texas sought refuge on the Wichita-Caddo reservation. While some Shawnee men served in the Confederate army, the majority sought to avoid the conflict, living as refugees in Kansas.
Following the war, the Absentee community was further augmented by the arrival of many Kansas Shawnee. The Absentee laid claim to acreage that had been assigned to the Potawatomi tribe, leading to a complex legal and political situation. In 1872, a congressional act granted the Absentee title to the disputed land, solidifying their presence in the region. These lands were subsequently allotted to individual tribal members in 1890 and 1891, marking a significant shift in land ownership and tribal structure.
Reorganization and Federal Recognition
The year 1936 marked a turning point for the Absentee Shawnee Tribe. The tribe officially reorganized and gained federal recognition, solidifying their status as a sovereign nation within the United States. This recognition provided the tribe with increased autonomy and access to federal resources, enabling them to strengthen their governance and promote the well-being of their members.
The Absentee Shawnee Today
Today, the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma is one of three federally recognized tribes of Shawnee people. With approximately 3,050 tribal members, 2,315 of whom reside in Oklahoma, the tribe maintains a strong presence in the region. The tribe operates under a constitution and is governed by an elected five-member executive committee.
The tribe has diversified its economy, generating revenue through various means, including the Thunderbird Casino in Shawnee, Oklahoma. These economic ventures provide vital resources for tribal programs and services, supporting education, healthcare, and cultural preservation initiatives.
Preserving Cultural Heritage
The Absentee Shawnee Tribe is deeply committed to preserving its cultural heritage. Tribal customs and ceremonies are diligently maintained, passed down through generations. The tribe also boasts the largest number of members who speak the native Algonquian language, ensuring the survival of this vital aspect of their identity.
The Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma stands as a powerful symbol of resilience, adaptation, and cultural preservation. Their journey across the landscape, their ability to overcome adversity, and their unwavering commitment to their traditions have shaped them into the vibrant community they are today. As they move forward, they continue to honor their past while embracing the opportunities of the future.