Shawnee Tribe facts for kids
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 2,226 | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
 United States ( Oklahoma) |
|
| Languages | |
| Shawnee, English | |
| Religion | |
| Christianity, Native American Church, traditional tribal religion | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| other Shawnee tribes and the Sauk people |
The Shawnee Tribe is a federally recognized Native American tribe located in the state of Oklahoma. People often called them the Loyal Shawnee in the past. They are one of three separate, self-governing Shawnee tribes in the United States today. The other two groups are the Absentee-Shawnee Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma and the Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma.
Today, the Shawnee Tribe has over two thousand citizens. They work hard to protect their history, culture, and sovereign government.
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Discover the History of the Shawnee Tribe
The ancestors of the Shawnee lived as an Indigenous people of the Northeastern Woodlands. Their original homelands were located in Ohio and Pennsylvania. As more European settlers arrived in the late 1700s, Shawnee lands were crowded out. One group traveled west toward Missouri, later becoming known as the Absentee Shawnee.
In 1817, the United States government signed the Treaty of Fort Meigs. This treaty created three separate reservations in Ohio: Wapakoneta, Lewistown, and Hog Creek. However, the United States passed the Indian Removal Act in 1830. This law forced many Native American nations to leave their eastern homes.
In July 1831, one group moved to Indian Territory, becoming the Eastern Shawnee Tribe. Another group moved to Kansas in August 1831. This Kansas group eventually became the modern Shawnee Tribe. Life in Kansas was difficult. In 1854, the United States reduced their reservation size. In 1858, the government split the communal land into separate family plots.
How Did the Shawnee Help During the Civil War?
When the American Civil War broke out, many Shawnee men decided to serve. They enlisted as soldiers to fight for the United States Union army. Because of their faithful service to the country, people called them the "Loyal Shawnee."
After the war ended, these brave soldiers returned home to Kansas. Sadly, they discovered that non-Indian homesteaders had moved onto their lands. The United States government gave away about 130,000 acres (530 km2) of Shawnee lands to new settlers. Only 70,000 acres (280 km2) remained for the tribe, and 20,000 acres (81 km2) of that went to the Absentee Shawnee.
Becoming the Cherokee Shawnee
Kansas became a full state in 1861. New state leaders wanted Native American nations to move outside the state borders. To find a secure home, the Loyal Shawnee signed a special pact in 1869 with the Cherokee Nation. Under this agreement, 722 Shawnee people joined the Cherokee tribe. They received plots of land inside Cherokee territory.
For many decades, people referred to this group as the "Cherokee Shawnee." Many families settled together in Craig and Rogers County, Oklahoma. They built strong communities around Bird Creek (now known as Sperry), Hudson Creek (now known as Fairland), and White Oak. Even though they moved south, their old Kansas reservation was never officially dissolved by law.
How the Tribe Regained Independence
During the 1980s, tribal members wanted their own independent government again. They worked for years to separate from the Cherokee Nation. Their hard work paid off in the year 2000 when the United States Congress passed the Shawnee Tribe Status Act.
This historic law restored the Shawnee Tribe as a fully independent, federally recognized sovereign nation. A tribal leader named James R. Squirrel helped lead this successful effort. Today, the Shawnee Tribe governs its own people directly.
Understanding Shawnee Tribal Government
The headquarters of the Shawnee Tribe is located in Miami, Oklahoma. The tribe has around 2,226 enrolled citizens, and over one thousand live within Oklahoma. The tribe holds democratic elections where citizens choose their leaders.
The tribe is led by an executive team and a Business Council:
- Chief: Ben Barnes
- Second Chief: Roy Baldridge
- Treasurer: Mark McDowell
- Secretary: Carolyn Foster
- Council Members: John Sparkman, Diana McLean, Drew Dixon, Corey Winesburg, Monty Coombes, Lee Bluejacket, and Keni Hood
Before this administration, Ron Sparkman served four-year terms as the elected chairman. Tribal leaders manage community programs, protect treaty rights, and plan for the future.
Community Life and Economic Growth
The Shawnee Tribe runs several programs to help its citizens thrive. It issues its own official vehicle license plates and operates a housing authority. It also manages businesses like the Shawnee Trails Gift Shop and Gallery.
In 2001, the government created Shawnee Development LLC as an economic development corporation. This business branch operates separately from daily political duties. The tribe also runs Shawnee Heritage Government Solutions. Together, these programs create jobs and provide essential services. The tribe also publishes a free community newspaper called The Shawnee Journal.
Exploring Shawnee Traditions and Culture
The Shawnee people take great pride in their living traditions. Families gather regularly to share stories, food, and music. Every year, people meet at the historic ceremonial grounds in White Oak, Oklahoma.
They celebrate traditional ceremonies like the Spring and Fall Bread Dance. They also gather for the sacred Green Corn ceremony and take part in lively stomp dances. Music, dancing, and singing help pass tribal history to younger generations. Some citizens practice Christianity, while others are members of the Native American Church or follow ancient spiritual ways.
Famous Citizens of the Shawnee Tribe
Many Shawnee citizens have achieved great things in the arts:
- Heidi BigKnife, a talented modern jewelry artist and silversmith
- Ruthe Blalock Jones, a famous painter, printmaker, and art teacher
- Yvonne Chouteau, an internationally famous prima ballerina
- Timmy Lee Jr, a well-known blues and rock guitarist
Learn More About Shawnee History
