Before European contact, ‘Mississippi’ was not what Native Americans called the river. In fact, they had quite a few different names for it. One of the most well known names was Hokshi ni ya ni, which translates to ‘river of snapping turtles’. According to historical accounts, the river was known by at least seven different names. Some of these names included Kickapoo (People of the Great Rock), Nelumme (Sun River), Nipishapootsioui (River of Cries), Wadv poe (long grass), and Wadu’ Shandi (Sandy Bottom).
The original name of the river—before Europeans gave it a Christian name—was deeply rooted in Native American heritage and culture. It was known as an important and highly valued resource for the region. Native Americans from many tribes relied on the Mississippi for sustenance and transportation. The Natives made use of the fish and plants that lived in the river and its tributaries, as well as the river itself to traverse land. In addition, the river was seen as a boundary marker of tribes and territories, which provided additional socio-political and economic importance.
Most Native American tribes had sacred and spiritual beliefs associated with the Mississippi River. Many tribes believed that the origin of the river was associated with “Manito”, a godlike being in the spiritual beliefs of Native Americans. Tribes believed that the sacred waters could carry prayers and heal their ailments. To stay in balance and alignment with their spiritual beliefs, tribes frequently gave up ceremonial offerings such as tobacco, plants and other items to the river.
The Mississippi River was a connection point for trade for American Indians living along its shores. Native American tribes used its waters in commerce and travel, trading goods such as animal skins and root-based medicines. It is believed that traders from different tribes also used the river to exchange cultural products, such as music, language, art, and customs. Through trade, the American Indians living on the banks of the Mississippi influenced and interacted with the civilizations upstream and downstream.
In present times, Native American communities in the region have retained their ancient spiritual and cultural connections to the river. The Mississippi is seen as a sacred symbol that is an integral part of the traditions and lifestyles of many tribes. Therefore, the healing of the river is also important to the revival of Native American cultures and traditions. The river is still considered an important economic resource, particularly for small fishing and agricultural businesses, that depend on healthy, diverse and productive ecosystems.
Cultural Heritage
The Mississippi River is more than a waterway; it is also the interplay between land and water. Many Native American tribes consider their relationship with the Mississippi to be spiritual; it is reflected in the places they live, their identities, and the ceremonies they perform. For example, the Omaha tribe, traditionally from the upper-midwest, identify as “the people of the big river.”
Native American tribes living near the Mississippi River have a longstanding history of caring for the river and its associated wetlands. Natives believed that the waters, animals and plants of the river were gifts from the creator and must be shared and respected. They believed that the conservation and management of the river was essential and practised sustainable hunting and fishing traditions.
The tradition of caring for the river is strong among Native American communities today. Groups such as the Mississippi Valley Indian Nations Coalition and the Mississippi River Delta Restoration Project are formed in order to support and promote practices such as the preservation of wetlands and the return of fish and wildlife habitats. The Mississippi River is a part of their heritage and an important source of cultural and spiritual identity.
Environmental Protection
In recent years, due to the effects of industrialization, pollution, and climate change, the Mississippi River and its surrounding wetlands have been severely damaged. Native American communities, especially those living near the river or in the Delta region, suffer from the environmental degradation of the river. Reports of water contamination, the disappearance of fish and wildlife, the destruction of traditional hunting grounds, and air and water pollution have become increasingly frequent.
Native American communities have done much to restore the health of their rivers. Organizations such as the Mississippi River Native Fish Council and the Great Rivers Attack Team are working to restore the ecological integrity of the river and its associated wetlands. They focus on treatments such as reconnecting rivers to their natural floodplain and restoring habitats.
The tribes are also becoming an important player in the state’s water conservation efforts. Even though most tribal governments lack the authority to regulate their own water resources, tribes are uniting and connecting their work to the goals of federally funded water conservation programs.
Tribal Sovereignty
The sovereignty of Native American nations is closely linked to the Mississippi River. Tribes have been fishing in the river for thousands of years, and continue to rely on it for sustenance and commercial activities. Natives are looking for ways to protect their rights to the fish and water sources by forming agreements with the US government. Several tribes have pursued federal recognition, meaning that the US government recognizes their right to their ancestral lands and resources.
For example, the Quapaw tribe recently won a dispute over fishing rights by negotiating a pact with the federal government. The tribe was granted permanent rights to fish and harvest aquatic species in the river, while at the same time the state of Arkansas and the federal government will lead a monitoring and restoration effort to protect and improve the water quality of the river.
Native American nations are also fighting to recognize their winery and water rights through legal battles before state and federal courts. In recent years, several Native American tribes have won court victories, guaranteeing their rights to the Mississippi River and its tributaries, commonly referred to as the Winery Compact.
Restoration Projects
The majority of the Mississippi River’s wetlands have been lost due to industrial activities such as oil drilling, construction of dams and levees, and contamination from runoff. To restore and protect this valuable resource, multiple projects are being conducted. For example, the Mississippi River Delta Restoration Project has undertaken a large-scale restoration and regeneration of wetlands and aquatic habitats.
The project has worked to enhance the river’s ecological health and return its vibrant wildlife, while also costing less than traditional flood control methods. Other agencies, non-profit organizations, and tribes are working to restore the Mississippi River’s natural habitats and ecological integrity, including the restoration of wetlands and the creation of riverfront parks and trails.
In addition, there are efforts being made to improve the water quality of the Mississippi River. These include efforts to reduce nutrient runoff, increase pollution control and monitoring, and create living shorelines to reduce wave energy and improve water flow.
Sociopolitical Significance
The Mississippi River has a significant value in terms of the American citizen’s rights and the US position in international affairs. The river is the lifeblood of the nation’s economy, serving major cities and trading ports; it is closely linked to America’s position in international trade. The river’s use as a strategic military asset has been documented since the American Revolution.
The Mississippi is also significant as a symbol of regional identity and perspective. The region has a long history of Mississippi River-based settlements, and its global image of freedom continues to be shaped by the iconic river. The Mississippi River serves as a benchmark—not only in economic and military power, but also in the value of innovative imagination and idealistic humanity.
The Native American tribes have kept up their connection to the Mississippi River despite political and environmental disruptions. The tribes’ relationship with the river reflects the tribe’s culture and traditions, as well as their spiritual beliefs. They use the river for subsistence, trade, and to maintain a spiritual connection to their ancestors and their land. The Mississippi River is considered sacred by many Native American tribes, and will continue to remain so far into the future.
