Missouri

Treaty of September 26, 1825

On September 26, 1825, the United States, represented by Brigadier-General Henry Atkinson and Major Benjamin O’Fallon, entered into a treaty with the Ottoe and Missouri tribe of Indians to solidify friendship and regulate trade. The treaty established U.S. supremacy over the tribe, recognized their protection, and laid out guidelines for trade, the resolution of grievances, and the handling of foreign traders. The tribe also pledged to refrain from supplying arms to unfriendly nations. The treaty aimed to enhance mutual respect and cooperation.

Treaty of December 9, 1854

On December 9, 1854, a supplemental agreement was established in Nebraska City between the United States, represented by George Hepner, and the chiefs of the Ottoe and Missouria tribes. This accord modified the original treaty from March 15, 1854, by changing the boundaries of the tribes’ reservation. The revised area, prompted by dissatisfaction over the initial ceded land’s location, is now to be the designated home for the confederate tribes, ensuring a more suitable environment according to their needs.

Treaty of March 15, 1854

On March 15, 1854, representatives of the Ottoe and Missouria tribes and U.S. Commissioner George W. Manypenny signed a treaty ceding tribal lands west of the Missouri River to the United States, except for a reserved strip along the Big Blue River. The treaty outlines various stipulations, including financial compensation for the tribes, provisions for their relocation, and commitments to provide agricultural resources and skilled laborers. The tribes pledged to maintain peace with U.S. citizens and to abstain from alcohol, reflecting their desire for improvement and stability.

Treaty of September 21, 1833

On September 21, 1833, a treaty was established at Otoe Village, where the Otoes and Missourias ceded their land south of a specified line to the United States. In return, the U.S. pledged to continue financial support, including annuities for ten years, funds for education, and the establishment of agricultural assistance. The tribes agreed to adopt an agricultural lifestyle and maintain peace with other tribes, with arbitration for any disputes. The treaty would take effect upon ratification by the U.S. President and Senate.

Treaty of October 15, 1836

On October 15, 1836, a convention was held at Bellevue, Upper Missouri, between U.S. officials and chiefs of the Otoes, Missouries, Omahaws, and Yankton and Santee Sioux. The tribes ceded land between Missouri and the Missouri River to the U.S., seeking to establish a clear boundary and avoid conflicts. In return, the U.S. promised goods valued at $4,520 and assistance in agriculture, including corn and land preparation, acknowledging their commitment to support the tribes’ transition to farming.

Treaty of June 24, 1817

On June 24, 1817, William Clark and Auguste Chouteau representing the United States, concluded a treaty with the Ottoes tribe, aiming to restore peace and friendship post-war. The treaty stipulated mutual forgiveness for past hostilities, reaffirmed perpetual peace between citizens of the United States and the Ottoes, and acknowledged the tribe’s loyalty solely to the United States. The agreement was signed by the commissioners and various tribal leaders, marking a significant step in U.S.-Native American relations.

Treaty of July 15, 1830

On July 15, 1830, a treaty was signed between the United States, represented by William Clark and Willoughby Morgan, and several Native American tribes including the Sacs and Foxes, and various Sioux bands. The tribes agreed to cede significant land for compensation, including monetary payments and provisions for blacksmiths and agricultural tools. Additionally, the treaty outlined the establishment of land for half-breeds and ensured annual allowances for education. The treaty aimed to foster peaceful relations and secure a future beyond hunting grounds.

Houses of the Missouri Tribe

The Lewis and Clark expedition documented the remains of the ancient village of the Missouri Tribe on June 13, 1804, noting its destruction and the subsequent displacement of its people due to conflicts with the Sauks and other tribes. Once a populous settlement, it was reduced to about thirty families, who sought refuge with neighboring tribes. The expedition’s account highlights the significance of the village site near Grand River, offering insight into the architecture of the Missouri’s mat and bark-covered lodges.

Missouri Tribe

George Bates

The Missouri Tribe, part of the Chiwere group of the Siouan family, refers to itself as Niútachi. Historically, they migrated westward alongside the Iowa and Oto tribes, settling near the Missouri River. The tribe faced significant declines in population due to conflicts and epidemics, notably smallpox. In the early 19th century, they joined treaties with the United States, ceding lands across several states. By the late 1800s, their numbers dwindled, and today they are officially grouped with the Oto in Oklahoma.

Tipi and Earth Lodges of the Plains Tribes

Fig. 8. Setting up a Crow Tipi. (Tetzold photo.)

The Plains Indian tipi, made of dressed buffalo skins, was a vital structure for many tribes, primarily erected by women. Its conical shape varied slightly across tribes, with distinct methods of construction using either three or four poles as a foundation. Beyond tipis, tribes like the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara utilized earth-covered lodges, characterized by a circular depression for a fireplace and sturdy frameworks. These lodges were typically permanent, contrasting with the nomadic use of tipis, which adapted to the lifestyle of buffalo hunting.

Plains Indian Culture

Fig. 34. The Cheyenne Camp Circle. (Dorsey).

Museum collections often lack comprehensive representations of Plains Indian social organization, which is complex and varies among tribes. While tribes like the Crow and Blackfoot have distinct political units, they often unite culturally. Clans and gentes play significant roles in regulating marriage, predominantly favoring exogamy. The camp circle, a notable aspect of Plains culture, showcases organized living arrangements. Marriage customs prioritize sister marriages, and child-rearing practices include unique naming ceremonies. Death rituals typically involve scaffolding rather than burial, reflecting deep cultural beliefs about the afterlife.

Industrial Arts of the Plains Tribes

Fig. 17. Firedrill. Northern Shoshoni.

Among Plains tribes, families practiced self-sufficient manufacturing with limited specialization based on gender. Each member contributed to various industrial arts, particularly in skin and textile processing. Fire-making techniques primarily involved the simple fire drill, while textiles were largely replaced by skin use. Notable basket-making skills were reported among the Shoshoni and Ute. The dressing of hides, essential for creating clothing and tools, involved labor-intensive methods. Overall, the Plains tribes demonstrated unique cultural practices in their industrial arts, reflecting both necessity and resourcefulness.

Hunting and Food of the Plains Tribes

Fig. 1. Sinew-backed Bow and Quiver from the Blackfoot and a Compound Bow of Mountain Sheep Horn from the Nez Percé.

The Plains Indians primarily relied on buffalo as their main food source, supplemented by smaller game and cultivated crops like corn. They employed various hunting methods, notably cooperative techniques using horses, which enhanced their mobility and hunting efficiency. The introduction of horses significantly transformed their culture, encouraging nomadism over agriculture. Hunting techniques included organized surrounds and impounding, which were practiced across several tribes. They also relied on bows and lances for hunting and created pemmican for preserving meat.

Indian Tribes of the Southern Plains Region

The Southern Plains Regional Office of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, led by Regional Director Dan Deerinwater and two Deputy Regional Directors, focuses on enhancing cooperation among Federally-recognized tribes in the region. The office engages with various tribal entities while supporting the needs and history of tribes, including the Apache, Caddo, Comanche, and others in both the Anadarko and Concho Agencies. Each tribe is recognized for its distinct heritage and culture, contributing to the rich tapestry of the Southern Plains.