Peoria Tribe – Legends of America
The Peoria Tribe, a resilient and historically significant group, traces its roots back to the Algonquian-speaking peoples of the American Midwest. Their ancestral lands encompassed regions of present-day Illinois, Michigan, Missouri, and Ohio, marking them as integral to the cultural landscape of this vast territory. The tribe’s journey through history is one of adaptation, perseverance, and a deep connection to their heritage.
Origins and Cultural Identity
The history of the Peoria people is deeply intertwined with the Cahokia culture, a sophisticated society of Moundbuilders who thrived in the Mississippi River valley centuries ago. The name "Peoria" itself is derived from their autonym in the Illinois language, "Peewaareewa," which translates to "Comes carrying a pack on his back." This name reflects the tribe’s traditional way of life, where members often carried essential supplies and belongings as they traversed their ancestral lands.
The Peoria, along with other Illinois tribes, first encountered European explorers in the 17th century. Father Jacques Marquette and Louis Jolliet, prominent figures in the exploration of the Mississippi River, documented their interactions with these indigenous communities. Later, French Jesuit missionaries established missions among the Peoria, introducing them to Roman Catholicism and initiating a period of cultural exchange and religious conversion.
Migration and Displacement
As European colonization expanded westward, the Peoria faced increasing pressure on their lands and way of life. By the mid-18th century, they began a gradual migration towards the Missouri Territory, seeking refuge from the encroachment of settlers and the disruptions caused by intertribal conflicts.
However, even in Missouri, the Peoria’s security was short-lived. In 1818, the Treaty of Edwardsville compelled them to cede their remaining lands in Illinois, forcing them to relocate further west. This was followed by the Treaty of Lewisville in 1832, which extinguished their land claims in Missouri in exchange for a new territory in Kansas, near the Osage River.
These forced removals had a devastating impact on the Peoria people. Disease, warfare, and the loss of their ancestral lands led to a significant decline in their population and cultural cohesion. Faced with these challenges, the Peoria sought strength in unity.
Confederation and Relocation
In 1854, the Peoria joined forces with three other related tribes – the Kaskaskia, Piankashaw, and Wea – to form a confederacy under the Peoria name. This alliance aimed to preserve their shared heritage, protect their remaining lands, and negotiate more effectively with the U.S. government.
Following the American Civil War, the U.S. government pursued a policy of consolidating tribal lands in Indian Territory, which is now the state of Oklahoma. In 1867, most of the tribes within the confederacy signed the Omnibus Treaty, which purchased land from the Quapaw tribe and relocated the majority of the Peoria and their allies from Kansas to Indian Territory.
Allotment and Termination
Despite the relocation to Indian Territory, the Peoria’s struggles were far from over. The General Allotment Act of 1887, also known as the Dawes Act, aimed to break up tribal lands and assimilate Native Americans into mainstream society. Under this act, the communal lands of the Peoria and other tribes were divided into individual allotments, with the remaining "surplus" lands opened to white settlers.
By 1893, the allotment of Peoria tribal land was complete, and by 1915, the tribe had lost control of virtually all of its land base. This loss of land, coupled with the forced assimilation policies of the U.S. government, had a profound impact on the Peoria’s cultural identity and self-determination.
In the 1950s, the U.S. government pursued a policy of Indian termination, seeking to end its special relationship with tribes and further integrate Native Americans into mainstream society. As part of this policy, the Peoria tribal government was dissolved in 1959, and the tribe lost its federal recognition.
Restoration and Resilience
The termination of the Peoria Tribe was met with strong opposition from tribal members, who refused to let their heritage and sovereignty be erased. They organized and began the long and arduous process of seeking federal re-recognition.
After years of dedicated effort, the Peoria Tribe successfully regained federal recognition in 1978. This landmark achievement marked a turning point in the tribe’s history, restoring their status as a sovereign nation and enabling them to access federal programs and resources.
The Peoria Tribe Today
Today, the Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma is a federally recognized tribe based in Miami, Oklahoma. With over 2,800 enrolled members, the tribe is committed to preserving its cultural heritage, promoting economic development, and providing essential services to its members.
The Peoria Tribe operates a variety of programs and services, including healthcare, education, housing, and cultural preservation initiatives. They also manage several businesses, including a casino, hotel, and convenience store, which generate revenue to support tribal programs and services.
The Peoria Tribe’s journey through history is a testament to their resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to their cultural identity. Despite facing numerous challenges, including forced removal, land loss, and termination, the Peoria people have persevered and continue to thrive as a sovereign nation.
The Peoria Tribe’s story is an important reminder of the complex and often tragic history of Native Americans in the United States. It also highlights the importance of tribal sovereignty, cultural preservation, and the ongoing efforts to address the injustices of the past.
See Also:
- Cahokia Mounds
- Indian Removal Act
- Native Americans – First Owners of America
- Native American Photo Galleries
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