Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas

Home :: US Tribes A to Z :: US Tribes A-B :: Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas

Who are the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe?

The Alabama and Coushatta formed an inter-tribal friendship shortly after each tribe migrated into Texas. In the early 1800s, their original homelands were taken over by white settlers. Sam Houston recommended that the state purchase 1,280 acres for the Alabamas and set aside 640 acres for the Coushattas. The land for the Coushattas never materialized, so either through marriage or special permission, the Coushatta came to live on the allotted lands of the Alabamas - uniting the two to become the Alabama-Coushatta. Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas entrance sign By ishwar via Wikamedia Commons

Official Tribal Name: Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas

Address: 571 State Park Rd 56, Livingston, TX 77351 Phone: (936) 563-1100 Email: information@actribe.org Official Website: www.alabama-coushatta.com/ Recognition Status: Federal Recognition The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas was officially federally  recognized as a sovereign tribe by the federal government in 1937. This recognition acknowledges the tribe's political autonomy and provides access to various federal programs and services. Traditional Name / Traditional Meaning: Alibamu - Means "cleared thicket" or "vegetation gatherers" Koasati - Means "white cane" Common Name: Alabama-Coushatta Meaning of Common Name: Alabama - Means "cleared thicket" Coushatta - Means "white cane" Alternate names: Albaamaha, formerly Alabama-Coushatta Tribes of Texas Region: Southeast Region State(s) Today: Texas Traditional Territory: The Alabamas were once part of the Moundville chiefdom located in western Alabama and eastern Mississippi, and the Coushattas were connected with the Coste chiefdom, located near Bussell Island in present-day eastern Tennessee. During the 19th century, both tribes moved to Western Louisiana and Eastern Texas. Confederacy: Muscogee Creek Confederacy Treaties: Reservation: Alabama-Coushatta Reservation The Alabama share the Alabama-Coushatta Indian Reservation in Texas with the Coushatta, who also speak a Muskogean language. Land Area: ,280 acres (5 km²) Tribal Headquarters: Livingston, Texas Government: The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas operates under a tribal government structure. The government consists of elected officials, including a tribal council or committee, which oversees the administration of tribal affairs and the implementation of tribal policies. The council is responsible for making decisions related to the welfare and development of the tribe. Charter: Name of Governing Body: Tribal Council Number of Council members: The Alabama-Coushatta Tribal Council consists of a total of seven members. Dates of Constitutional amendments:  Number of Executive Officers: The number of executive officers within the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas may vary. However, typically, there are positions such as a tribal chairman, vice-chairman, secretary, treasurer, and other executive roles that are responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the tribal government. Elections: Elections for the Alabama-Coushatta Tribal Council and executive officers are typically held at regular intervals, as determined by the tribal constitution and applicable laws. The specific frequency and procedures for elections may vary and are determined by the tribe's governing body. Population at Contact: Registered Population Today: In 1990, there were more than 1,000 Alabama and Coushatta, combined. Genealogy Resources: Black Creeks adopted through the Dawes Commission between 1898 and 1916 Tribal Enrollment Requirements: Language Classification: Hokan-Siouan >> Muskogean >> Apalachee-Alabama-Koasati Language Dialects: Alabama and Koasati, which are mutually intelligible Number of fluent Speakers: Dictionary: Origins: Similar origin myths indicate these two tribes were connected long before encroachment by Europeans. The origin myths of both tribes focus on the interconnectedness of the tribes. One myth states that the two tribes sprouted from either side of a cypress tree. According to their tribal folklore, the ancestors of the two groups traveled from deep beneath the Earth before reaching the surface. After much time had passed, they surfaced at the opposite ends of the tree's roots, and once they saw the light of day, their ancestors discovered the great Alabama River. The emerging Alabamas and Coushattas established their villages in two separate bodies but often hunted together and eventually began to intermarry. Another legend was recorded in 1857 from Se-ko-pe-chi, one of the oldest Creeks in Indian Territory. He said that the Alibamu and Koasati tribes “sprang out of the ground between the Cohawba and Alabama Rivers.” Bands, Gens, and Clans The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas is composed of two distinct groups: the Alabama and the Coushatta. Historically, they were separate tribes with their own bands, gens (also known as clans), and social structures. Each band or clan had its own leadership and played a vital role in the social and political organization of the tribe. Social Organization: Related Tribes:

• Alabama-Coushatta Tribe (Texas) (F)
• Alabama-Quassarte Tribal Town (Oklahoma) (F)
• Alibamu Indians
• Chattahoochee Creeks
• Cher-O-Creek Intra Tribal Indians (S)
• Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana (Louisiana)
• Creek Freedmen
• Kialegee Tribal Town (Oklahoma) (F)
• Lower Muskogee Creek Tribe (East of the Mississippi) (S)
• Machis Lower Creek Indian Tribe (Alabama) (S)
• Mississippian Moundbuilders
• Muscogee (Creek) Nation (Oklahoma) (F)
• Ochese Creeks
• Poarch Band of Creek Indians of Alabama (F)
• Star Clan of Muscogee Creeks (Alabama) (S)
• Thlopthlocco Tribal Town (F)
• Also see Creek Tribes

Traditional Allies: The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas had various alliances and relationships with neighboring tribes and groups. Some of their traditional allies included the Caddo, Choctaw, and Cherokee. These alliances often served as a means of mutual defense, trade, and cultural exchange. Traditional Enemies: Chickasaw, and at various times, the Choctaw, and Cherokee. Ceremonies / Dances: Ceremonial dances held a significant place in the cultural and spiritual life of the Alabama-Coushatta people. These dances were performed for various occasions, including religious ceremonies, harvest celebrations, and social gatherings. Each dance had its specific meaning and purpose, often tied to tribal mythology, historical events, or the natural world. Traditional dances incorporated intricate footwork, gestures, drumming, and singing. They served as a way to connect with ancestral spirits, seek blessings, and connect socially. Modern Day Events & Tourism: The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas has a rich cultural heritage that is rooted in their historical connection to the Southeastern United States. The tribe actively participates in community involvement and outreach initiatives. They collaborate with neighboring communities, organizations, and government entities to promote cultural awareness, foster positive relationships, and contribute to the overall development of the region. They have preserved and continue to practice many traditional customs, including language, crafts, music, and storytelling. Powwows and other cultural events are held regularly to celebrate and share their traditions with both tribal members and the broader community. Museums: Oral Stories: Alabama Legends Coushatta Legends Art & Crafts: The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas has a rich tradition of arts and crafts that reflect their cultural heritage and skills. Some popular arts and crafts among the tribe include: Basketry: Basket weaving is a traditional craft practiced by the Alabama-Coushatta people. They create intricate and beautiful baskets using a variety of natural materials, such as river cane, palmetto, and sweetgrass. These baskets are often adorned with patterns and designs that have cultural significance. Beadwork: Beadwork is another significant art form within the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe. They create intricate beadwork designs using a combination of traditional and contemporary techniques. Beaded items may include belts, purses, moccasins, and ceremonial regalia. The designs often incorporate traditional patterns, symbols, and vibrant colors. Woodworking: Woodworking is a traditional skill among the Alabama-Coushatta people. They carve and shape wood to create various items, including intricate wooden masks, sculptures, and utensils. These objects may feature designs that reflect tribal symbols, animal motifs, or mythological figures. Pottery: The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe also engages in pottery-making. They create handcrafted pottery vessels using traditional methods, including coiling and shaping clay by hand. The pottery is often decorated with intricate designs and may be used for both functional and ceremonial purposes. Textile Arts: Textile arts, including weaving and embroidery, are practiced by the Alabama-Coushatta people. They create woven textiles using traditional looms, producing items such as blankets, sashes, and clothing. Embroidery techniques are used to add decorative elements and intricate designs to fabric. Animals: Historically, the Alabama-Coushatta people engaged in hunting, fishing, and gathering as their primary means of subsistence. They did not practice extensive animal husbandry or domestication of animals. Instead, they relied on hunting a wide range of animals, including deer, bear, small game, and various fish species from nearby rivers and lakes. Clothing: In the past, the Alabama-Coushatta people wore clothing made from animal hides, particularly deerskin. Men typically wore breechcloths or leggings, while women wore wraparound skirts or dresses. They decorated their clothing with intricate beadwork, quillwork, and shell ornaments. Adornment: Adornment with feathers, bone, and metal jewelry was also common, serving both decorative and ceremonial purposes. Housing: Traditional housing for the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas varied depending on the season and availability of resources. During the warmer months, they lived in dome-shaped, thatch-roofed houses called chickees. Chickees were constructed using a framework of wooden poles covered with palmetto thatch, providing shade and ventilation in the hot climate. In colder seasons, they utilized larger communal structures known as Wattle and Daub houses, which were made of wooden frames and covered with a mixture of mud, grass, and other natural materials. Subsistance: The Alabama and Coushatta tribes had similar lifestyles. They farmed corn, beans, squash, sunflowers, and other crops. They would also hunt deer and gather berries, roots, and nuts. They used bows and arrows to hunt larger animals in the forests like deer. One favorite food was bear. To hunt smaller animals like birds and rabbits they used blow guns made from long lengths of cane. Early European explorers reported finding the woods around Alabama and Coushatta towns cleared like a European park. The Indians would set fires in the woods to burn away the old taller grass and small shrubs and bushes without hurting the old trees with thick bark. Done every year or two, the fires kept the bushy undergrowth from taking over. The Indians would do this in the fall and winter. In the spring the new green grass would get more sun and grow better on the burned areas than in heavy undergrowth and made hunting with a bow and arrows easier. This tender green grass would attract deer and animals to hunt. These fires also made it easier to find acorns and nuts on the ground. The Southeastern Indians used a lot of acorns for food. Economy Today:  The tribe engages in various economic activities to support its community and promote self-sufficiency. These activities include tourism, gaming, agriculture, and forestry. The Alabama-Coushatta Casino, located on the reservation, is a significant source of revenue and employment for the tribe. Religion Today: Traditional Tribal Religion, Protestant Christianity Traditional Religion & Spiritual Beliefs: Fire was an important part of their religious tradition. Each house kept a sacred fire going all the time. At the main temple there was also a fire that burned all the time. These fires were built a special way. They would place four logs in the shape of a cross around the central fire. One log would point north, one east, one south and one west. As the fire burned the ends of these logs the people would push them in to the center. A home fire would have small logs and a dance ground, would have big logs to last longer. Fire was believed to be a part of the sun and the sun represented the highest God. Burial Customs: The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas had various burial customs, which reflected their spiritual beliefs and traditions. Specific burial customs may have varied across different time periods and clans within the tribe. However, in general, deceased individuals were often prepared for burial with personal belongings and items of significance. Burial sites were typically located in designated areas, such as communal graveyards or family plots. Rituals and ceremonies accompanied the burial process, often involved prayers, songs, and offerings to honor the deceased. Burial customs practiced by Creek Freedmen Wedding Customs Marriage customs within the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas traditionally involved complex rituals and ceremonies. The selection of marriage partners was often guided by familial and social considerations. Courtship typically involved a series of negotiations and exchanges between the families of the bride and groom. Ceremonies included rituals such as the exchange of gifts, feasting, and the participation of tribal members in dances and songs. Marriage was not only a union between two individuals but also a joining of families and a means of reinforcing social ties. Education and Services: The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas provides education and services to its members. The tribe operates a school on the reservation, offering educational programs from pre-school to high school. Additionally, they provide healthcare services, social services, and cultural preservation programs to support the well-being of tribal members. Radio: Newspapers: Alabama-Coushatta Chiefs & Leaders: Catastrophic Events: Tribe History: History timeline of the Alabama Coushatta Tribe of Texas In the News:

Coushatta Legends

Here are some of the main characters and gods featured in Coushatta tribal legends:

The Great Spirit: The Great Spirit is the Supreme Being in Alabama tribal legends. The Great Spirit is all-powerful and all-knowing. The Great Spirit created the world and everything in it. The Great Spirit is also the source of all good and all evil.

The Corn Mother: The Corn Mother is a benevolent goddess who is associated with fertility and abundance. The Corn Mother is often depicted as a beautiful woman who is made of corn. The Corn Mother is a symbol of hope and prosperity.

The Eagle: The Eagle is a powerful bird that is associated with strength and courage. The Eagle is often seen as a messenger of the Great Spirit. The Eagle is also a symbol of protection and guidance.

The Bear: The Bear is a strong and gentle animal that is associated with wisdom and compassion. The Bear is often seen as a teacher and a protector. The Bear is also a symbol of strength and endurance.

The Rainbow Snake: The Rainbow Serpent is often seen as a trickster figure. It is also a symbol of change and transformation.

Here are some of the Alabama Tribal legends:

The Legend of the Sleeping Giant: This legend tells of a giant who once lived in the mountains of Alabama. The giant was so large that he could sleep for years at a time. One day, the giant was awakened by the sound of a war drum. The giant was so angry that he woke up and began to destroy everything in his path.

The people of Alabama were terrified and they did not know what to do. Finally, a wise old man came up with a plan. He told the people to build a fire on top of the mountain. The fire would keep the giant warm and he would go back to sleep. The people did as they were told and the giant went back to sleep. The people of Alabama were safe and they lived happily ever after.

The Legend of the Talking Turtle: This legend tells of a turtle who could talk. The turtle was very wise and he was always willing to help the people of Alabama. One day, a group of people were lost in the forest. They did not know how to get home.

The turtle came to their rescue and he led them out of the forest. The people were so grateful to the turtle and they promised to never forget his help.

The Legend of the Magic Arrow: This legend tells of an arrow that could never miss its target. The arrow was owned by a brave warrior who used it to protect his people from their enemies. The arrow was so powerful that it could even kill a bear with a single shot.

The warrior was very proud of his arrow and he used it to great effect. He saved his people from many dangers and he was a hero to all.

The Legend of the Rainbow Serpent: This legend tells of a serpent that could control the weather. The serpent lived in a cave in the mountains of Alabama. The serpent was very powerful and it could cause storms, floods, and droughts.

The people of Alabama were afraid of the serpent and they did not know how to stop it. One day, a brave warrior came to the people’s rescue. He fought the serpent and he was able to defeat it. The people were so grateful to the warrior and they celebrated his victory.

 

The Legend of the Lost City: This legend tells of a city that was once hidden in the mountains of Alabama. The city was very beautiful and it was home to a wealthy people. The city was lost when a great flood destroyed it.

The people of Alabama have searched for the city for many years, but they have never been able to find it. The legend of the lost city is a reminder of the beauty and mystery of the Alabama mountains.

More Alabama Legends:

The Creation of the World
The Origin of the Sun and Moon
The Story of the Flood
The Legend of the Talking Snake
The Story of the Lost Princess
The Tale of the Two Brothers
The Legend of the Corn Mother
The Story of the Medicine Man
The Tale of the Warrior
The Legend of the Chief/p>

Further Reading: The Alabama-Coushatta Indians Journey to the West: The Alabama and Coushatta Indians (Civilization of the American Indian Series) The Texas Indians Texas Indian Myths & Legends