Alabama–Quassarte Tribal Town
Oola Albaama-Kowassaati | |
---|---|
Total population | |
350 | |
Regions with significant populations | |
United States (Oklahoma) | |
Languages | |
Creek, and Seminole |
The Alabama–Quassarte Tribal Town (
Other federally recognized Coushatta tribes are the
History
The
The two tribes shared many similarities in their language and culture, as they were both Muskogean-speaking.
Before removal of the
Those who stayed in Alabama joined forces and became a single town.[4] The Indian Removal Act of 1830 forced the tribal town, along with the rest of the Muscogee, to Indian Territory west of the Mississippi River. They settled in what would become Hughes, McIntosh, Okfuskee, and Seminole counties.[4] The Dawes Allotment Act of 1887 and the Curtis Act of 1898, intended to increase assimilation, provided for allotments of land to individual households from the communal reservation lands and sale of the "surplus"; in addition, it required the extinguishing of tribal governments and courts. The Bureau of Indian Affairs took an increased role on the reservations.
The Alabama–Quassarte Tribal Town maintained its cultural identity. It practiced traditional dances and beliefs at the Alabama Ceremonial Grounds near Wetumka.
Government
The Alabama–Quassarte Tribal Town is headquartered in Wetumka, Oklahoma. Its tribal jurisdictional area, as opposed to a reservation, spans Creek, Hughes, Mayes, McIntosh, Muskogee, Okfuskee, Okmulgee, Rogers, Seminole, Tulsa, and Wagoner counties in Oklahoma.[5]
The Alabama–Quassarte Tribal Town is governed by a chief, second chief, secretary, floor speaker, solicitor, chairman of the governing committee, and the governing committee itself, with twelve elected members.[6] Wilson Yargee is the elected chief, currently serving a four-year term.
Tribal enrollment is based on lineal descent from 1890 and 1895 tribal rolls. It does not require a minimum
The tribe maintains a close relationship with the Muscogee Creek Nation and falls under the jurisdiction of their tribal courts. Some members are dually enrolled in the Muscogee Nation.[2]
Economic development
The Alabama–Quassarte Tribal Town operates a tribal housing program and a gaming center (Red Hawk Gaming) in Wetumka.[7]
References
- ^ "Oklahoma Tribal Pocket Guide" (PDF). Oklahoma Historical Society. Office of American Indian Culture & Preservation. 2014. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2015-12-11. Retrieved 2016-06-24.
- ^ a b "Kialegee Tribal Town v. Muskogee Area Director, Bureau of Indian Affairs." Archived 2013-02-18 at the Wayback Machine Interior Board of Appeals. 17 April 1991 (retrieved 26 April 2010)
- ^ a b c Moore, John H. "Alabama–Quassarte Tribal Town" Archived 2013-01-27 at the Wayback Machine, Oklahoma Historical Society's Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture. (retrieved 31 Jan 09)
- ^ a b c d e f Official Website of the Alabama–Quassarte Tribal Town. 2009. (retrieved 31 Jan 09)
- ^ "2011 Oklahoma Indian Nations Pocket Pictorial Directory". digitalprairie.ok.gov. Oklahoma Indian Affairs Commission. 2011.
- ^ a b "Constitution and By-Laws of the Alabama-Quassarte Tribal Town Oklahoma" (PDF). January 10, 1939.
- ^ "Redhawk Gaming Center, Wetumka". Alabama Quassarte Tribal Town. Archived from the original on 2016-03-03. Retrieved 2016-06-24.