Pawnee people Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids
Pawnee Nation
Chatiks si Chatiks
Studio portrait of four seated Pawnee Chiefs
Total population
3,600
Regions with significant populations
United States (Oklahoma, formerly Kansas and Nebraska)
Languages
English, Pawnee
Religion
Native American Church, Christianity, Indigenous religion
Related ethnic groups
Caddo, Kitsai, Wichita, Arikara

The Pawnee are an Indigenous people of the Great Plains. In their own language, they call themselves Chatiks si chatiks, which means "Men of Men." Long ago, they lived in large parts of Nebraska and northern Kansas. Today, they are a federally recognized tribe based in Pawnee, Oklahoma.

For many centuries, the Pawnee built sturdy farming towns along major waterways like the Platte River and the Loup River. Throughout the year, their daily life shifted between growing healthy crops and hunting buffalo. They developed a rich culture filled with star legends, skilled builders, and brave leaders.

How the Pawnee lived in villages and homes
- Farming and sacred crops
- Hunting the buffalo
Government and tribal bands
History of the Pawnee Nation
Images for kids
See also

How the Pawnee lived in villages and homes

Pawnee communities lived in large round homes called earth lodges. Archeology shows that their ancestors lived in this style on the plains for over 700 years.

To build an earth lodge, builders set sturdy wooden posts in circles and connected them with heavy beams. Next, they covered the wooden frame with willow branches, grassy thatch, and packed soil. The thick dirt walls kept the lodge cool during hot summers and warm during freezing winters. The entrance always faced east toward the rising sun. A special smoke hole in the roof let in sunlight and let campfire smoke drift away.

Dozens of people from extended families shared each lodge. Inside, sleeping beds lined the outer walls, shielded by woven mats for privacy. On the western wall, families placed a clean bison skull, which was respected as great medicine and brought good fortune.

Farming and sacred crops

Pawnee women were expert farmers who planted crops in the rich soil near wide rivers. They grew eight kinds of beans, seven types of pumpkins and squash, and ten kinds of corn. These three vegetables provided all the nutrients needed to stay healthy.

Corn was especially sacred to the tribe. Tribal growers cared for special varieties like flint corn and soft flour corn. They also planted a very ancient breed known as "Holy Corn." Farmers classified different corn types by colors like red, yellow, black, and white. In recent times, tribal members celebrated when rare Pawnee Eagle Corn seeds were successfully grown again.

Hunting the buffalo

During the summer and winter, whole villages traveled across the Great Plains to hunt buffalo. After acquiring horses, hunters could travel hundreds of miles across the plains.

Hunters had to work together very quietly so they did not frighten the giant herd. Tribal officers made sure nobody attacked early. Skilled riders guided their fast horses using their knees while shooting swift wooden arrows. After the hunt, women dried strips of meat over smoky fires for winter food. They used animal hides to make warm blankets, tough moccasins, and storage containers.

Government and tribal bands

Pawnee society was divided into two large regional groups: the northern Skidi and the South Bands. These groups were made up of four main tribal bands called the Cawi, Kitkahaki, Pitahawirata, and Ckiri.

Pawnee society was matrilineal, which means family lines and clan memberships passed down through the mother. When young people married, the husband moved into the lodge of his wife's family. Women held great authority over village land, family property, and trade goods.

Today, the Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma runs its own modern government from Pawnee, Oklahoma. Their government features an elected Business Council, a Supreme Court, and a Chiefs' Council called the Nasharo Council. The nation operates local businesses, manages schools, and runs health programs for thousands of enrolled citizens.

History of the Pawnee Nation

Pawnee ancestors spoke ancient Caddoan languages. In 1541, Spanish explorer Coronado met Caddoan people when searching for a legendary place called Quivira. Over the next two centuries, other European explorers traveled across their lands.

During the 1800s, life became very challenging for the tribe. European travelers brought dangerous diseases like measles, smallpox, and cholera. Because Native Americans had no natural immunity against these illnesses, many people passed away. At the same time, fierce fighting broke out with rival tribes like the Lakota and Cheyenne.

To help protect their people, Pawnee warriors joined the United States Army as official Pawnee Scouts. They earned fame for their exceptional tracking skills across the plains. Eventually, the United States government moved the Pawnee from their Nebraska homes down to Indian Territory, which became Oklahoma. In spite of these hard journeys, the Pawnee people kept their traditions strong and continue to celebrate their heritage today.