Once a united and mighty native American people group, the "Sagebrush People" were a remnant divided from their brother tribe, the southern division, and eventually relegated to the Wind River Indian Reservation in Wyoming. This land had already been given to the Shoshone, but the Northern Arapaho tribe, left without a home under the Treaty of 1868, was also moved to Wind River.
Today the tribe is a federally recognized, independent people with its own government. The Arapaho won the right to operate gaming establishments on the reservation and now operate Wyoming's largest hotel and casino, the Wind River Casino that opened in 2005. The revenues from this casino are supposed to improve the lot of tribal members with better education and health services, as well as employment opportunities.
At least 3000 years ago, the original Arapaho were an agricultural people of southern Manitoba, Canada and upper Minnesota. They were pushed out by more aggressive tribes and became nomads, roaming the Great Plains. Research reveals that five sub-tribes developed, each with a distinctive dialect which all have Algonquian roots.
The tribes formed alliances with the Cheyenne, who also roamed the Plains. Both were able to greatly extend their range after they got horses in the early 1700s. The Arapaho roamed over parts of Wyoming, Montana, Nebraska, Colorado, Oklahoma, and Kansas. Their culture was based on prowess in warfare and hunting. Their society was a complex one, with a carefully structured camp and spiritual life.
The Arapaho were mostly peaceful toward early traders and explorers, coming to the trading posts and sharing their knowledge of the terrain. However, they resented settlers either stopping on or crossing their land. The fierce warriors struck terror in the hearts of the pioneers, who banded together for safety as they headed further west. Several influential chiefs saw the wisdom of seeking peace with the invaders, however.
Of course, most are familiar with the sad story of how understandings were broken again and again, mostly by rapacious settlers and government officials. Although the Treaty of 1851 granted the Native Americans a wide swath of land covering part of at least four states, the Treaty of 1868 left the Arapaho homeless. The Sand Creek Massacre, when army soldiers attacked a sleeping camp of mostly women and children, was an example of how the natives were treated.
Those interested in the history of the tribe can visit the Wind River Reservation and the Arapaho Cultural Center. There are displays of artifacts and a craft area that is open to the public. The Cultural Center is a great way to experience the traditions that have come down over the centuries. There is also a virtual museum online, with wonderful photographs and detailed descriptions of artifacts. This virtual tour can be taken at windrivervirtualmuseum.org.
Many of the more romantic aspects of this heritage are familiar from western movies and books. 'Counting coup' helped a warrior gain respect; various societies within the tribe kept order and protected the people; hunting fed the people and provided everything from tipi decorations to clothing; the tribes had sacred pipes and sacred lances for ceremonial purposes; war paint helped prepare both warriors and their horses for battle.
Today the tribe is a federally recognized, independent people with its own government. The Arapaho won the right to operate gaming establishments on the reservation and now operate Wyoming's largest hotel and casino, the Wind River Casino that opened in 2005. The revenues from this casino are supposed to improve the lot of tribal members with better education and health services, as well as employment opportunities.
At least 3000 years ago, the original Arapaho were an agricultural people of southern Manitoba, Canada and upper Minnesota. They were pushed out by more aggressive tribes and became nomads, roaming the Great Plains. Research reveals that five sub-tribes developed, each with a distinctive dialect which all have Algonquian roots.
The tribes formed alliances with the Cheyenne, who also roamed the Plains. Both were able to greatly extend their range after they got horses in the early 1700s. The Arapaho roamed over parts of Wyoming, Montana, Nebraska, Colorado, Oklahoma, and Kansas. Their culture was based on prowess in warfare and hunting. Their society was a complex one, with a carefully structured camp and spiritual life.
The Arapaho were mostly peaceful toward early traders and explorers, coming to the trading posts and sharing their knowledge of the terrain. However, they resented settlers either stopping on or crossing their land. The fierce warriors struck terror in the hearts of the pioneers, who banded together for safety as they headed further west. Several influential chiefs saw the wisdom of seeking peace with the invaders, however.
Of course, most are familiar with the sad story of how understandings were broken again and again, mostly by rapacious settlers and government officials. Although the Treaty of 1851 granted the Native Americans a wide swath of land covering part of at least four states, the Treaty of 1868 left the Arapaho homeless. The Sand Creek Massacre, when army soldiers attacked a sleeping camp of mostly women and children, was an example of how the natives were treated.
Those interested in the history of the tribe can visit the Wind River Reservation and the Arapaho Cultural Center. There are displays of artifacts and a craft area that is open to the public. The Cultural Center is a great way to experience the traditions that have come down over the centuries. There is also a virtual museum online, with wonderful photographs and detailed descriptions of artifacts. This virtual tour can be taken at windrivervirtualmuseum.org.
Many of the more romantic aspects of this heritage are familiar from western movies and books. 'Counting coup' helped a warrior gain respect; various societies within the tribe kept order and protected the people; hunting fed the people and provided everything from tipi decorations to clothing; the tribes had sacred pipes and sacred lances for ceremonial purposes; war paint helped prepare both warriors and their horses for battle.
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