Sac and Fox Nation

Sac and Fox Nation
Group	Sac and Fox Nation
Native name	Thakiwaki • Meshkwahkihaki
Caption	Flag of the Sac and Fox Nation
Population	4,357 (2023)
Popplace	United States (Oklahoma)
Languages	English, Sauk, Fox
Religions	Native American Church, Christianity, traditional beliefs
Related	Kickapoo, Meskwaki, Ojibwe

Sac and Fox Nation is a federally recognized Native American tribe primarily located in central Oklahoma, representing the unified government of the Sauk people (Thakiwaki) and Meskwaki (Fox) peoples. The nation's headquarters are in Stroud, within its reservation in Lincoln, Pottawatomie, and Payne counties. Governed by an elected Tribal Council, the nation maintains its distinct Sauk and Fox languages and cultural traditions while engaging in diverse economic enterprises.

History

The ancestral homelands of the Sauk people and Meskwaki were around the Great Lakes region, particularly near the St. Lawrence River and later in present-day Wisconsin, Illinois, and Iowa. Early conflicts with European powers included alliances during the Fox Wars against the French and later involvement in the War of 1812 and the Black Hawk War of 1832, led by the war chief Black Hawk. Following defeat, the tribes were forcibly relocated west through a series of treaties, including the Treaty of St. Louis and the Treaty of Chicago, culminating in their removal to a reservation in Kansas. In the late 19th century, following the Dawes Act, many tribal members accepted individual allotments and moved to present-day Oklahoma, where the Sac and Fox Nation was formally established.

Government

The Sac and Fox Nation operates under a constitution approved in accordance with the Oklahoma Indian Welfare Act and is governed by a five-member elected Tribal Council, including a Principal Chief and a Second Chief. The government provides services through departments such as the Sac and Fox Nation Tribal Court, the Sac and Fox Nation Police Department, and various health, education, and social service programs. The nation maintains a government-to-government relationship with the United States Department of the Interior and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and it is an active member of inter-tribal organizations like the National Congress of American Indians.

Culture

Traditional culture centers on the clan system, with clans like the Bear clan, Fish clan, and Thunder clan playing vital social and ceremonial roles. Key cultural events include the annual Powwow and ceremonies of the Native American Church. The Sauk language and Fox language, both part of the Algonquian language family, are actively preserved through language programs. Artistic traditions include beadwork, ribbonwork, and the crafting of wampum belts, while oral history preserves stories of figures like Wisaka, the culture hero.

Economy

The nation's economy is diversified, with significant revenue generated by the Sac and Fox Nation Casino in Shawnee and the Sac and Fox Nation Convenience Store in Cushing. Other enterprises include tobacco shops, agricultural operations, and real estate leasing. The tribal government is a major employer, administering programs funded by the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act and grants from federal agencies like the Department of Health and Human Services.

Notable people

Prominent historical figures include the war chief Black Hawk, who led resistance during the Black Hawk War, and the spiritual leader and prophet Wabokieshiek. Modern notable members include Jim Thorpe, the Olympic gold medalist and professional athlete often considered one of the greatest of the 20th century, and his brother, Charles "Buck" Thorpe. Other distinguished individuals are artist and author Thomas J. Dorsey and former Principal Chief of the nation, George H. King.

Communities

The primary community and seat of government is Stroud, located within the nation's trust lands. Other significant communities with tribal populations include Shawnee, Cushing, Davenport, and Tecumseh. The nation's jurisdictional area encompasses parts of Lincoln, Pottawatomie, and Payne counties in central Oklahoma.

Category:Sac and Fox Nation Category:Federally recognized tribes in the United States Category:Native American tribes in Oklahoma