The Indiana Indian tribes are somehow of the same plight as those in Illinois; they were in conflict with the cultures of the whites, especially the French people. The segregation of the Indiana Indians was a result of the conclusion of the Indian Confederacies. Different tribes were driven to reside beside big rivers somewhere in the east, west, and northwest territories. Major Native American Tribes in Indiana were said to have originated in Ohio and Wabash. It was said that these tribes participated in the Mound Building times, which means to say that they have somehow a background in architecture and engineering, not to mention an already strong culture even before they fully settled in Indiana.
Early Life of the Indiana Indians
According to some available records, the way of living of the Native Americans in Indiana was somehow of stone-age style. They were too absorbed in making tools out of the many strong stones within their settlements. Moreover, the Indiana Indians were known to have no strong knowledge when it comes to transportation that involves horses or wheels. Their culture was mainly in the form of the Northeast Woodlands Cultural Group. Major languages used by the Indian tribes in Indiana include Iroquoian and Algonquian.
As for their means of living, aside from the fact that they were dependent in stones for their day to day living, Indiana Indian Tribe were also known to be good in hunting, gathering, fishing, farming and trapping of wild animals. Indeed, these tribes were so accustomed to the wild. On the other hand, in terms of housing, Indian reservations in Indiana are full of wigwams and longhouses.
Indiana Indians and the French
It was during the year 1500 when the two groups crossed path. One known French explorer who set foot in Indiana was Hernando de Soto. There was also Simon Daumont de Saint-Lusson and Rene-Robert Cavelier de La Salle. The members of the Indiana Indians were torn between the British and French armies, and in the end, some of them clashed within their territories.
Before revealing the names of the specific Indiana Native American tribes, first, look at this Indiana Indian tribes map in order to have a visual idea on the territories of the people:
Follows are some of the major Indiana Indians in history:
Indiana Indians – The Miamis
Aside from having settlements in Illinois, the Miami tribe also established a territory in the Indiana. They were considered one of the largest Indiana Indians, with them consisting both Wea and Piankeshaw tribes. The majority of the tribe was situated in St. Joseph River region, northwest of Indiana. After some time, The Miami tribe journeyed to the east until they reached the town of Kekionga. However, their highly established settlement, with villages and all, was situated in Mississinewa and Maumee rivers. According to records, Miami tribe in Indiana reached 1,400.The said Indiana Indians were a constant in the wars against the white population. However, in 1812, the result of the war has led them to surrender their lands through treaties. Around 1838, there were only little Miami tribe members left in Indiana as they migrate to the Mississipi River.
Indiana Indians – The Delawares
This group originated in Chesapeake Bay. After leaving the bay, they travelled to Ohio and Pennsylvania around the 18th century. Upon establishing a good relationship with the Miamis and Piankeshaws, the Delawares were given the permission to have their own settlement within Indiana just in the middle of Ohio and White Rivers.They mostly occupied the upper west fork. During the peak of their stay, they were able to establish approximately 6 villages, some of them known as the Anderson’s Town, Buckstown, Kiktheswemud, Little Munsee Town, and Woapikamikunk. Among the many Indiana Indians, the Delawares were considered as one of the friendliest. They participated in the Indian-white exchanges. During the last year where they were staying in the White River, they approximately have 800 population.
Indiana Indians – The Shawnees
It was also discussed in this site that Shawnees also established a settlement in Illinois. As for their Indiana settlement, they first set foot in the land towards the end of 1780s. Just like the Delawares, they were also from Ohio. They primarily migrated to the south part of Indiana. They grew by going through the flow of the Wabash River heading to the north. Their villages reached Fort Wayne. They ended staying near the Delawares through invititation during the year 1798, with them transferring to the White and Mississinewa Rivers. During the war between the French and British, the Shawnee Tribe took the side of the French army. Tenskwatawa was one famous Shawnee tribe member known for his prophetic capabilities. Their last final journey headed to the west until they reached the now Kansas and Oklahoma.
Aside from these three mentioned tribes, other Indiana Indians include the Chippewa, Erie, Illinois, Iroquois, Wyandot and Kickapoo.
