When thinking of American Indian tribes who lived along the Mississippi River, many people historically name the famous three: the Chickasaw, Choctaw and Natchez. In reality, more than 10 tribal nations lived, traded, and competed in this area. The region was populated by Indians since long before the first Europeans arrived. Over time, European settlers interacted with American Indians in a myriad of ways, from decimating their populations to trading and allying with them.
Before the 1600s, many tribal nations resided in the Mississippi area, most notably the Choctaw, Chickasaw, Tunica, Natchez, and Houma. Another indigenous group in the area was the Quapaw, who were actually ancestors of the Missouri, Osage and Omaha. At the mouth of the Mississippi, the Biloxi and Yazoo tribes were also present. A few smaller tribes that called the area home included the Koroa, Taensa, Ofo, Avoyel, Acolapissa, and Bayagoula.
These tribes developed distinct and individual cultures and languages. Mississippi Valley tribes spoke several distinct dialects and had a variety of religious practices. Over time, they adopted some European customs, and adopted various ways of living that encompassed more traditional and modern systems than previous generations.
All of these River Valley natives had a fascinating and intricate relationship with the surrounding landscape. Communities relied upon nearby water sources and gathered food and other materials from the banks of the river and its tributaries. Further inland, the river served as a border between warring tribes, and helped create an open corridor for the traiding of goods.
The Mississippi River played an indelible role in the history and culture of American Indians living along its banks. In the 1700s and 1800s, American Indians in this area were caught up in the clashes between the United States and Spain, as well as in trade and intermarriage among the American Indian nations.
By the late 18th century, the tribes that called the Mississippi Valley home had developed a new social system. Tribal membership was revised in order to reflect the newly blended population, and one’s power in the region hinged on his or her ability to make alliances and gather resources.
At the start of the 19th century, many of these tribes were displaced by European settlers. Many of the Mississippi Valley Native Americans left their lands and relocated to Oklahoma. Despite this displacement, Mississippi Valley American Indians left an indelible mark on the rich history of the United States.
Choctaw Tribe
The Choctaw is a federally-recognized tribe that nominally was given its own homeland along the central Mississippi River. The Choctaw lived in what is currently the south-central Mississippi area and spoke the Caddo language. It is believed they initially settled in the region around A.D. 900 and by the mid-1800s they had established villages throughout the region.
The Choctaw were prolific traders and the central Mississippi area was rich in the resources they needed. Muskets and other weapons were popular trade items. Additionally, the Choctaws provided the French and other Europeans with food, hides, and other materials. This trading relationship allowed them to assimilate some of the French ways and in turn create a new and unique culture.
The Choctaw were renowned for their rich culture, including music and dance that is still seen and heard today. When playing the drums, the Choctaw used a combination of sticks, rattles, and their hands. The music is loud, energetic, and fast and would occasionally include singing. The Choctaw also were known for their distinctive two-step dance “The Big Rabbit”. Traditional dances like the Big Rabbit were used to celebrate, rally the troops, and elicit a sense of community.
However, the lives of the Choctaws were greatly affected by European settlement and the territorial wars that occurred throughout the area in the early 19th century. The U.S. government forced the Choctaws to sign multiple treaties, moving them further away from their homelands. Now, a large majority of the Choctaw population resides in Oklahoma, although several communities are still located in the central Mississippi area.
Chickasaw Tribes
The Chickasaw were a powerful and proud tribe in the early 18th century and were widely known for their skilled warriors. They were one of the largest tribes to occupy the Mississippi Valley and were located mainly in the northern, central Mississippi Valley. Their language was distantly related to the Choctaw language, with some of its words similar to Choctaw.
Like the Choctaw, the Chickasaw were an influential trading nation, although their trading territory extended much further than the Choctaw’s. Additionally, the Chickasaw adopted horseback riding from the Spaniards, leading to major changes in their lifestyle. Horseback riding allowed the Chickasaw to transcend the water-bound forests and swamps of the Mississippi Valley.
The Chickasaw tribe is still alive today, and current members are actively working to preserve their culture and language. The Chickasaw Nation is the primary self-governing entity and provides access to healthcare and other services, vocational training, and universities. The Chickasaw Nation also plays a major role in maintaining their rich history and tradition through their various cultural festivals and events, many of which commemorate the historical figures and accomplishments of the tribe.
The Chickasaw were one of the major forces in the early 18th century, and their legacy has been carried forward by current Chickasaw Nation members. With a strong government, proud culture, and vibrant language, the Chickasaw tribe is still alive and thriving.
Tunica Tribe
The Tunica were Native American inhabitants of the present-day state of Mississippi. Their territory was located in the Mississippi Delta region, stretching from the banks of the Mississippi River to what is now the Louisiana border. The Tunica spoke the Tunica language, a language isolate, and were of the Siouan linguistic family.
Historically, the Tunica lived in villages along the waterways in the area, growing crops like corn and squash, and relying heavily on the resources in the rivers. They were great fishermen and traders, exchanging goods with the surrounding tribes. Similarly, the Tunica traded extensively with Europeans and were in frequent contact with the French until their displacement in the 1800s.
The presence of Europeans in the region had a drastic impact on the Tunica’s culture and way of life. Their population decimated as a result of infectious diseases, as well as warfare. The Tunica were eventually forced to relocate to lands that would eventually become the state of Louisiana.
Today, although their population is much smaller, the Tunica still occupy the same region that they originally did. Members of the tribe are actively working to preserve their culture and language.
Natchez Tribe
The Natchez Indians were a Native American tribe that originally lived in what is now the state of Mississippi. The Natchez language is a language isolate, having no affiliations with any other language or dialect.
The Natchez were a powerful tribe that had established an extremely organized and complex political system by the early 1600s. The tribe was divided into two distinct segments: the Sun people and the Chief people. The Sun people, also called the Sacred Sun Clan, were believed to be the descendants of the Choctaw, Chickasaw, and Pawnee Tribes. The Chief people were comprised of the royalty and nobility.
The Natchez were traders and actively engaged in trade with the French and other Europeans in the 1600s and 1700s. The influx of goods, guns, and horses allowed the Natchez to expand their authority, at times establishing their dominance over the other tribes in the Mississippi Valley.
The Natchez Indians were forced to relocate in the 1730s and now have a population of around 5,000 members, with most living in Oklahoma. The tribe still participates in various powwows and other cultural gatherings, in order to celebrate their heritage and honor their ancestors.
Houma Tribe
The Houma were a Native American tribe located primarily in what is now known as southeastern Louisiana, along the banks of the Mississippi River. Their language was distinct from other Native American languages, and is believed to be related to the Choctaw language.
The Houma were skilled fishermen and traders and actively participated in the trade conducted by Europeans in the region. They were also known for their intricate crafts, including basket weaving and pottery making.
Unfortunately, the Houma tribe’s population was decimated due to infectious diseases brought by European settlers. In the 19th century, the Houma were forcefully relocated to Oklahoma and Arkansas, in order to make way for European settlement.
Currently, the Houma are a federally-recognized tribe located in southeastern Louisiana, and the second-largest tribe in the state. As with most tribes, the Houma are actively working to revive their culture and language, with an emphasis on social, political and economic self-sufficiency.
