Ponca

Treaty of June 25, 1817

The Treaty of June 25, 1817, was established between United States commissioners William Clark and Auguste Chouteau and chiefs of the Poncarar tribe to restore peace and friendship following the War of 1812. It emphasized mutual forgiveness for past hostilities, reaffirmed friendly relations that predated the conflict, and acknowledged the Poncarar tribe’s allegiance to the United States for protection. This treaty marked a significant step in re-establishing diplomatic ties and fostering a cooperative relationship between the United States and the Poncarar tribe.

Nebraska Land Patents – Ponca Tribe

A compiled list of Nebraska land patents for members of the Ponca Tribe, showing patentee names, dates, document numbers, and accession numbers from the early 1900s. The record includes many family names such as Baker, Bear, Glick, Roy, Sherman, and Whitecoat, offering a historical snapshot of land transactions and tribal allotments.

Treaty of March 10, 1865

On March 10, 1865, a supplementary treaty was established between the United States and the Ponca tribe, facilitated by Commissioner William P. Dole and tribal leaders. The Poncas ceded approximately 30,000 acres of their reservation while receiving compensation in the form of additional land, including their old burying grounds and corn-fields. The United States agreed to pay the Poncas $15,080 for previous spoliation and covered negotiation expenses, emphasizing the ongoing relationship and promises made to the tribe following their loyalty.

Treaty of March 12, 1858

On March 12, 1858, the United States and leaders of the Ponca tribe signed a treaty in Washington, D.C. The Poncas ceded their lands while reserving a specific tract for their future homes. In return, the U.S. promised financial aid, support for education, and agricultural resources. The treaty emphasized the Poncas’ dependence on U.S. governance, stipulating they would maintain friendly relations with settlers and refrain from violence, with provisions for penalties for violations. This agreement was foundational for the Poncas’ transition and adaptation to new circumstances.

Treaty of June 9, 1825

On June 9, 1825, the United States and the Poncar tribe signed a treaty aimed at solidifying their friendship and regulating trade. The Poncar acknowledged U.S. sovereignty and agreed to protect authorized U.S. traders. The treaty stipulated that grievances would be handled through U.S. authorities without personal retaliation. Additionally, the Poncar committed to not supplying war materials to hostile tribes. This treaty marked a significant step in establishing formal relations and governance between the United States and Native American tribes.

Ponca Indians

Cornelius Hardman, Jr., Ponca

The Ponca Indians, associated with the Dhegiha group of the Siouan linguistic family, are historically linked to the Omaha tribe. Originating near the Missouri River, they experienced significant changes in population and location, especially due to forced removal to Indian Territory in 1877. Their estimated population fluctuated over the years, reflecting the impacts of disease and displacement. Today, their name persists in geographical locations such as Ponca City, Oklahoma. The Ponca tribe continues to maintain its cultural heritage in the United States.

Houses of the Ponca Tribe

Punka Indians encamped on the banks of the Missouri - Karl Bodmer 1833

The Ponca Tribe, once united with the Omaha, maintained cultural similarities even after their separation. In 1804, the Lewis and Clark expedition encountered a deserted Ponca village near Ponca Creek, Nebraska, revealing their earlier existence in earth-covered lodges. By 1833, they had transitioned to skin tipis due to conflicts with the Sioux and Pawnees. Their nomadic lifestyle included skillful and rapid assembly of tipis by women, creating a temporary village in moments, illustrating the tribe’s adaptability in response to environmental and social pressures.

Ponca Tribe

Chief Standing Bear

The Ponca Tribe is part of the Dhegiha group of the Siouan family, closely related to the Omaha. Their history parallels that of the Omaha until the final separation near the Niobrara River. Historically, they lived in earth lodges, cultivated land, and hunted. By the early 19th century, their numbers had declined significantly due to disease and conflict with the Sioux, leading to their forced relocation to Indian Territory in 1877. The tribe’s current population is divided between Nebraska and Indian Territory with distinct gentes and surnames reflecting their interactions with Europeans.

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.

Ponca Indian Bands, Gens and Clans

The Ponca tribe is organized into various sub-tribes, bands, and gens, including Chizhu, the first Ponka half-tribe, and several others like Dhighida, Dtakhtikianpandhatazhi, and Dtedhezedhatazhi. Many of these sub-gentes possess names whose meanings have been lost, while others, such as Dtepaitazhi and Dtesinde, refer to specific practices or attributes. The information about these divisions is often scarce, yet it remains crucial for understanding the complex structure of Ponca society.