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About the shawnee tribe
About the Shawnee Tribe
The Shawnee Tribe is a federally recognized sovereign nation with over 4,000 tribal citizens. Shawnee citizens reside not only in Oklahoma, but also live and work throughout the world. Citizens serve as scientists, nurses, lawyers, entrepreneurs, firefighters, teachers, and many other professions, while also fulfilling roles as culture bearers, traditional practitioners, and language learners. The Business Council ensures accordance with the Tribe’s Constitution, advancing economic independence and social progress through a variety of endeavors.
There is no singular narrative that describes Shawnee history or culture. The nation has a complex history of migration and sovereignty. Shawnee people once lived in their ancestral homelands of the Middle Ohio Valley. Beginning in the sixteenth century, Shawnee people quickly adapted to encroaching European colonists. Swift travelers and prolific traders, Shawnees were kind friends to many and equally fierce foes to some. Warriors formed allegiances and fought battles to protect their nation, while Shawnees leaders formed alliances with other tribal nations that persist today. Although many lifeways have changed, as true with all cultures, many Shawnee people practice traditions that have been passed down through the generations. The community maintains inclusive engagement and healthy dialogue to foster innovation and cultural perpetuation.
Artwork credit: Charles Banks Wilson (1918-2013), Shawnee Ribbon Bets, 1948 | Oil on canvas | Overall: 27 1/4 x 35 x 2 1/2 in. (69.2 x 88.9 x 6.4 cm) | GM 0127.1468 | Gilcrease Museum, Tulsa, Oklahoma
