Native Nations

UMATILLA

The Umatilla tribe lived along the Columbia river plateau in northeastern Oregon and southwestern Washington. They largely depended on the salmon that they found in the river. They not only used it for food and trade, but they also used the dried fish as fuel. "Dried salmon served the same purpose corn and buffalo product did throughout the North American plains" (National Geographic). They were often raided by neighbor Paiute, which is why they were very hesitant when Lewis and Clark approached them as part of their expedition. Clark had to force his way into one of the lodges and pursed the Umatilla tribe with numerous gifts. Lewis and Clark included the Umatilla as part of the Walla Walla tribe that lived near by, even thought the had separate language dialect. It look many years till they were seem as independent from the other tribe.

                                                   Actress                                  chief Tin Tin


MOJAVE

The Mojave tribe lived along the Colorado river in California and Arizona. They had an advanced agricultural culture. They grew corn and beans along with hunting and fishing. The Mojave culture also stood out because of the family unit system the tribes was based one. For men within the tribe, personal value depended on the courage you showed in battle. Another thing that set the Mojave tribe apart from other native nations is there belief in one supreme entity. Today there are only about 1500 members of the Mojave tribe living on  reservation in Arizona. Majority of them still speak the native language Yuman.

Mojave chairman                         Olivia Oatman: taken by Mojave tribe after her family was killed

LAKOTA

The Lakota is part of the Sioux nation and consists of 7 tribes. The Lakota were originally settled in Minnesota until thy started using horses is the 1700's. They moved west to Wisconsin, iowa, and the Dakotas. The men and women had very strick roles within the tribe. Men were suppose to provide and protect the family, while the women stay home and take are of the kids. While they lived in Minnesota they mainly lived off for small huntinf, such as deer and the wild rice that grw in the area. After moving west, they lived off hunting buffalo.The Lakota had many battles and wars with rival tribes and the U.S during the 1800's. The most famous battle is the Battle of Little Big horn where chef Sitting Bull and his worriers defeated General George Custer and 300 of his troops.  Today there are over 70'000 Lakota member compaired to the 20'000 members in the mid- 18th century. They live on a reservation in South Dakota called Pine Ridge. Around 1/3rd of the population still speak the native language.

Chief Sitting Bull

JEMEZ

The Jamez tribe is the last remaining Towa speaking tribe. They live in the pueblo village of Walatowa in New Mexico. There is around 3400 members. They lived off of farming, but they were gatherers and hunters as well. In the 1600's, Spanish settlers invaded the tribe and tried to forcefully convert the Jemez to Christianity. Many people did accept the new religion and way of life to a certain point but there was also a lot of rebelling against the Spaniards. Wen the Spaniards started publicly humiliating and hanging Jemez religious leaders, a huge uprising occurred and the Spanish settlers were forced out of New Mexico. 12 years later, the Spaniards reconquered the Jemez in what was known as the Bloodless Reconquest.

Chiefs daughter                artist

ALABAMA

The Alabama tribe originally settled in Alabama. That is how they got their name. From the push of white settlers, they moved to Mississippi and then to Texas. Along with farming corn, beans, and other crops, the Alabama tribe hunted deer and bear. They used bow and arrows as their main weapon to get food, but they also used advanced techniques to make hunting easier. They would burn away the tall grass and gather acorns and other nuts to eat, then wait for new shirt grass to grow to attract the deer. The Alabama tribe also had many religious ceremonies. Fire was always a big part of these ceremonies and their beliefs. They kept fires burning in very home and temple at all times.   Today 550 members live on a reservation in in Texas. In 1987, they became a Federal recognized tribe called the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas and were given 4500 acres of land for the reservation. The symbol of the tribe is very complex with many meanings. In total the symbol represents "the creator" or the egg, seed, or cell. There are 4 points that represents the 4 elements and seasons. The 7 feathers on each wing equal the 7 sacred ceremonial pieces and when multiplied together equal 49, which is when a men or women is recognized has surviving all tests and being spiritually powerful. They built temples of dirt that resemble pyramids and commonly the spiritual buildings and chef's houses were built on top.

                                                       council chairman                   chief Oscola

"Alabama - Coushattas, Texas Indians." Alabama - Coushattas, Texas Indians. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Jan. 2015.

"Marlon Magdalena Art & Music." A Brief History of Jemez Pueblo. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Jan. 2015.

"National Geographic: Lewis & Clark—Tribes—Umatilla Indians." National Geographic: Lewis & Clark—Tribes—Umatilla Indians. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Jan. 2015.

"Summary of Native American Tribes - J-K." Summary of Native American Tribes - J-K. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Jan. 2015.