The Kickapoo Indians
The story of the Kickapoo Indians is one of resilience, adaptation, and a fierce determination to maintain their cultural identity in the face of immense pressure. From their ancestral homelands in the Great Lakes region to their scattered settlements across the United States and Mexico, the Kickapoo have navigated a complex history marked by displacement, treaties, and the enduring spirit of a people who refuse to be erased.
Origins and Early History
Prior to European contact, the Kickapoo Indians thrived in the area between Lake Erie and Lake Michigan, encompassing present-day northwest Ohio and southern Michigan. Their history is intertwined with that of the Shawnee, with whom they share a common origin story. According to tradition, the two tribes were once a single entity, separating after a dispute over the possession of a bear’s paw. This tale, whether literal or symbolic, highlights the close relationship and shared ancestry of these two prominent Algonquian-speaking groups.
The name "Kickapoo" itself offers insight into their character. Derived from the word "Kiwigapawa," it translates to "he stands about" or "he moves about," suggesting a people known for their mobility, adaptability, and perhaps a certain restlessness. Linguistically and ethnically connected to the Sac and Fox tribes, the Kickapoo Indians formed a distinct division within the central Algonquian family.
The historical record first mentions the Kickapoo Indians between 1667 and 1670 when French Jesuit missionary Claude-Jean Allouez encountered them near the portage connecting the Fox and Wisconsin Rivers. This encounter marked the beginning of a long and often turbulent relationship with European powers and, later, the United States government.
Westward Expansion and Treaty Cessions
As European settlers pushed westward, the Kickapoo Indians were forced to migrate, initially moving to Wisconsin and then Illinois. This displacement marked the beginning of a long series of land cessions and relocations that would define much of their subsequent history.
The late 18th and early 19th centuries saw the Kickapoo Indians increasingly entangled in treaties with the United States. They were associated with other powerful tribes inhabiting the lands drained by the Ohio, Wabash, and Miami Rivers, participating in the Treaty of Greenville in 1795, negotiated by General Anthony Wayne, as well as treaties in 1803 at Fort Wayne and Vincennes, Indiana. Through these agreements, the tribe ceded significant portions of their territory on the Wabash, White, and Vermilion Rivers.
The Kickapoo Indians also relinquished claims to lands in the Illinois River valley, asserting their right to a large portion of this territory through ancestral descent and conquest from the Illinois nation, coupled with over half a century of uninterrupted possession. These land cessions were often made under duress, reflecting the imbalance of power between the United States government and the various Native American tribes.
In exchange for these vast tracts of land, the Kickapoo were promised a tract of land south of the Osage River in Missouri. This relocation, however, did not bring lasting peace. The tribe, accustomed to their ancestral lands on the Wabash River, moved to Missouri the following year, only to face further pressure to cede their territory.
Further Relocation and Division
On October 24, 1832, the Kickapoo ceded their land on the Osage River in Missouri. Just over a month later, on November 26, they were granted a reservation north of the Delaware tribe in Kansas, along with the promise of an annual subsidy. However, this arrangement proved short-lived.
Another treaty, signed on May 18, 1854, resulted in the cession of their Kansas land to the United States, with the exception of a 150,000-acre parcel in the western part of the territory, designated as a "future and permanent home" for the tribe. Under the terms of this treaty, the tribe was to receive $20,000 and become self-sufficient.
The treaty of June 28, 1862, further eroded the Kickapoo land base. It stipulated that a portion of the reservation would be divided and held individually by tribal members, with the remaining land to be sold. The Atchison & Pike’s Peak Railroad Company was granted the right to purchase these lands at $1.25 per acre. The company subsequently acquired 123,832 acres, primarily in Brown County, Kansas, and advertised the lands for sale in 1866.
These treaties and land cessions led to a significant division within the tribe. Some members chose to assimilate and accept individual land allotments, while others resisted these policies and sought to maintain their traditional way of life. Approximately 600 Kickapoo individuals chose to relocate to the Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma), where they were allotted a portion of the Sac and Fox Reservation.
The Kickapoo in Kansas
The Kickapoo’s initial settlement in Kansas was located in the southeast corner of their reservation, near Fort Leavenworth. Observers noted that they were generally more industrious and orderly than many of the other tribes in the region. This positive assessment may have been influenced by the leadership of Kennekuk, a prominent Kickapoo prophet.
Kennekuk played a crucial role in shaping the Kickapoo Indians’s identity and resilience during a period of immense upheaval. He established a religious sect that emphasized sobriety, industry, and honesty. His teachings resonated with a large segment of the tribe, and he exerted a significant influence on their adaptation to changing circumstances. Kennekuk’s leadership provided a sense of stability and purpose during a time of great uncertainty.
Contemporary Kickapoo Tribes
Today, the Kickapoo people are organized into three federally recognized tribes in the United States: the Kickapoo Tribe of Indians of the Kickapoo Reservation in Kansas, the Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma, and the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas. In addition to these U.S.-based tribes, there is also a significant Kickapoo community in the Mexican state of Coahuila, as well as a group in Arizona. The total number of Kickapoo tribal members is estimated to be around 3,000.
The existence of multiple Kickapoo tribes reflects the complex history of displacement, adaptation, and division that has shaped their identity. Each tribe has its own unique history, governance structure, and cultural practices. However, they all share a common ancestry and a deep connection to their Kickapoo heritage.
The story of the Kickapoo Indians is a testament to the enduring strength and resilience of Native American peoples. Despite facing immense challenges, including displacement, land loss, and cultural assimilation, the Kickapoo have maintained their cultural identity and continue to thrive in the 21st century. Their story serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving and honoring the history and traditions of all Native American tribes.