Alabama–Quassarte Tribal Town facts for kids
| Oola Albaama-Kowassaati | |
|---|---|
| Total population | |
| 350 | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| United States (Oklahoma) | |
| Languages | |
| English, Mvskoke, Alabama language, Koasati language | |
| Religion | |
| Protestantism, traditional tribal religion | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Muskogean peoples: Miccosukee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Creek, and Seminole |
The Alabama–Quassarte Tribal Town is a special group of Native American people. They are recognized by the United States government. This means they have their own government and land.
This tribe is made up of two main groups: the Alabama and the Coushatta (also called Quassarte) peoples. They speak languages like Alabama, Koasati, and Mvskoke. As of 2014, there were 369 members in the tribe. Most members live in Oklahoma, but some also live in Texas, Louisiana, and Arizona.
There are other recognized Coushatta tribes too. These include the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana and the Alabama–Coushatta Tribe of Texas. Many other tribal towns are part of the larger Muscogee Creek Nation.
Contents
History of the Alabama-Quassarte People
The Quassarte and Alabama tribes were once separate groups. They both lived along the Alabama River in what is now Alabama. The river and the state are even named after the Alabama people. The Quassarte are also known as the Coushatta.
Early Life and Alliances
These two tribes shared many things. Their languages were similar, and their cultures were alike. In the early 1600s, they faced problems with French settlers. Because of this, the tribes decided to become allies. They married each other and traded goods often. In 1763, they joined the Muscogee Nation Confederacy. This was a large group of different tribes.
Moving West and New Laws
Before the 1830s, the Muscogee Nation Confederacy had over 44 tribal towns. The Alabama and Quassarte peoples made up several of these towns. European-American settlers began moving onto their lands. So, some Quassarte and Alabama people moved to Louisiana and Texas. Their families later formed the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana and the Alabama–Coushatta Tribe of Texas.
Those who stayed in Alabama joined together as one town. In 1830, a law called the Indian Removal Act forced them to move. They had to leave their homes and go to Indian Territory, west of the Mississippi River. This area is now part of Oklahoma.
Later, new laws like the Dawes Act (1887) and the Curtis Act of 1898 changed things. These laws tried to make Native Americans live more like European-Americans. They divided tribal lands into smaller pieces for families. They also tried to end tribal governments.
Keeping Their Culture Alive
Even with these changes, the Alabama–Quassarte Tribal Town kept its culture strong. They continued their traditional dances and beliefs. They held ceremonies at the Alabama Ceremonial Grounds. Many other Native American groups also worked hard to preserve their ways of life.
In the 1930s, new laws helped Native American tribes. The Indian Reorganization Act of 1934 and the Oklahoma Indian Welfare Act of 1936 allowed tribes to set up their own governments again. The Alabama–Quassarte Tribal Town formed its own government in 1939. Because of their history, members can also be part of the Muscogee Creek Nation.
Economic Development
The Alabama–Quassarte Tribal Town helps its members in many ways. They have a program that provides housing. They also run a fun place called Red Hawk Gaming in Wetumka. This helps create jobs and money for the tribe.
