The Ioway Tribe – People of Iowa
The Ioway Tribe, also known as the Iowa or Baxoje, represents a significant chapter in the history of the American Midwest. This Native American group, belonging to the Siouan language family, left an indelible mark on the landscape, most notably lending its name to the state of Iowa. Their story is one of migration, adaptation, and resilience in the face of immense challenges. Understanding the history and culture of the Ioway Tribe offers a valuable perspective on the rich tapestry of Native American heritage in the United States.
The origins of the name "Ioway" are debated. The French believed they derived it from "Ayuhwa," a Dakota term meaning "sleepy ones." However, the tribe members identified themselves as "Pahodja," which translates to "dusty noses." This self-designation reflects a connection to the land and perhaps alludes to their lifestyle or environment. Linguistically, the Ioway Tribe shared close ties with the Missouri and Otoe tribes, forming a group known as the Chiwere-speaking peoples. They considered the Ho-Chunks (Winnebago) their "grandfathers," indicating a shared ancestry and cultural heritage.
Tracing the Ioway Tribe‘s origins leads back to a common ancestry with the Winnebago, Otoe, and Missouria tribes. Oral traditions and migration legends passed down through generations provide valuable insights into their movements and the circumstances surrounding their separation. These narratives offer a glimpse into the social structures and cultural values that guided their journey. The preservation of these legends is crucial for understanding the complex history of these related tribes.
According to these traditions, the Ioway-Otoe-Missouri mother tribe, after separating from the Winnebago, embarked on a westward journey. They first settled near the confluence of the Rock River and the Mississippi River in Illinois. From there, they moved to the Des Moines River, further inland. At the Iowa River, the group split into two bands. One band, which became the Ioway Tribe, headed northwest. The Otoe-Missouri continued to the mouth of the Grand River, where some remained, while the rest, the Otoe, moved further west along the Missouri River. This intricate migration pattern highlights the adaptability and resourcefulness of the tribe as they navigated unfamiliar territories.
The Ioway Tribe continued their nomadic lifestyle, exploring the region and eventually settling in the northwestern part of present-day Iowa around the Okoboji Lakes. Their territory likely extended into southwestern Minnesota, reaching the Red Pipestone Quarry and the Big Sioux River. During the late 18th century, they crossed the Missouri River and established settlements south of present-day Council Bluffs. Around 1760, they moved eastward, residing along the Mississippi River between the Iowa and Des Moines Rivers. Their principal village was located on the Des Moines River, in what is now northwestern Van Buren County. In the early 19th century, some ventured further up the Des Moines River, while others settled on the Grand and Platte Rivers in Missouri. This period also marked increased contact with the Dakota, which resulted in significant hardship for the Ioway Tribe.
In 1760, the estimated population of the Ioway Tribe was around 1,100 individuals. However, by 1804, their numbers had dwindled to approximately 800. This drastic decline was primarily attributed to outbreaks of smallpox, a disease to which they had no natural immunity. The devastating impact of European diseases on Native American populations is a recurring theme in history, underscoring the vulnerability of these communities to external threats. The decimation of the Ioway Tribe‘s population highlights the profound consequences of disease on their culture and way of life.
The 19th century brought significant changes to the Ioway Tribe as the United States government expanded its presence in the region. In 1814, they were granted lands within the "Platte Purchase," an area spanning from the Platte River in Missouri through western Iowa and into Dakota territory. However, through a series of treaties signed in 1824, 1830, 1836, and 1837, the tribe ceded all claims to their lands in Missouri and Iowa. The Treaty of Prairie du Chien in 1825 further relinquished their claims to land in Minnesota. A subsequent treaty in 1836 assigned them a reservation along the Great Nemaha River, located in present-day Richardson County, Nebraska, and Brown County, Kansas. This reservation was significantly reduced through treaties in 1854 and 1861. Later, a portion of the tribe was relocated to Oklahoma, settling in what are now Lincoln and Noble Counties. Eventually, the Oklahoma tract held by the Ioway Tribe was divided and granted to individual members.
Today, the descendants of the Ioway Tribe are enrolled in two federally recognized tribes: the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma and the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska. These tribes work to preserve their cultural heritage, promote the well-being of their members, and advocate for their rights. They serve as a testament to the resilience and enduring spirit of the Ioway Tribe, ensuring that their story continues to be told and their legacy honored.
The Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma is located at 335588 E. 750 Road, Perkins, Oklahoma 74059. They can be contacted at 405-547-2402. Their website is bahkhoje.com.
The Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska is located at 3345 B. Thrasher Rd., White Cloud, Kansas 66094. They can be contacted at 785-595-3258. Their website is iowatribeofkansasandnebraska.com.
The story of the Ioway Tribe is a reminder of the complex and often tragic history of Native American peoples in the United States. Their journey from the Great Lakes region to the plains, their encounters with European diseases and westward expansion, and their ongoing efforts to preserve their culture are all vital parts of the American narrative. By understanding their past, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the contributions of Native Americans to our society and work towards a more just and equitable future.