Tonkawa

Treaty of May 15, 1846

On May 15, 1846, a treaty was established at Council Springs, Texas, between U.S. commissioners and various Native American tribes, including the Comanche and Wichita. The agreement recognized the tribes’ allegiance to the United States, granted exclusive trading rights, and outlined procedures for handling prisoners and disputes. Provisions aimed to curb horse theft and ensure mutual protection of property. The tribes pledged to maintain peace and share information regarding threats, highlighting a commitment to diplomacy and cooperation.

Tonkawa Tribe

Portrait of John Williams a Tonkawa Indian 1898 Wellcome

The Tonkawa Tribe, part of the Tonkawan linguistic family, primarily inhabited central Texas during the 18th and 19th centuries. Their name derives from Waco terminology meaning “they all stay together.” Historically, they engaged in complex relationships with neighboring tribes, often shifting alliances, particularly against the Apache. Linguistic studies indicate that various subtribes, such as the Yojuane, were associated with the Tonkawa. Known for their warlike nature and reliance on buffalo, they faced significant population declines due to disease and conflict, leading to their eventual relocation to Oklahoma.

Yojuane Tribe

The Yojuane were a Tonkawan tribe located in northern and central Texas, prominently noted in 18th-century Spanish records. They were allied with the Tonkawa, sharing hostilities toward the Apache and, earlier, the Hasinai. By the mid-18th century, they migrated southward and participated in missions near the San Gabriel River. However, they began to be absorbed by the Tonkawa, with indications of their existence diminishing by the late 18th century, eventually leading to references of a related group, the Yuganis, in the early 19th century.

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.