Wichita Tribe
The Wichita Tribe: History, Culture, and Modern Presence
Who Are the Wichita Indians?
The Wichita Tribe, officially known as the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes, is a Southern Plains Native American nation originally from what is now Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. They speak a Caddoan language and historically lived in grass-lodge, earth-covered villages along river valleys.
Early History & Territory
Archaeological evidence traces Wichita ancestors back to the Plains Village cultures beginning around 900 CE. By the mid-1500s, Spanish explorers like Coronado described vast Wichita towns such as Etzanoa in present-day Kansas, possibly home to tens of thousands of people (Etzanoa discovery).
Pre‑Contact & European Encounters
The Wichita Confederacy consisted of several allied bands: Wichita proper (Kitikiti’sh), Taovaya, Tawakoni, Waco, and Kichai. They traded with the French and Comanche, and were noted for their extensive tattooing and horticultural villages in the 17th and early 18th centuries (Wichita Cultural History).
Treaties, Removal & Reservation Era
- Early 19th century: Wichita lands ceded through treaties; tribal population declined sharply due to epidemics and displacement.
- 1859: Forced relocation into Indian Territory (modern-day Oklahoma), joining other tribes in the Washita Valley (Oklahoma Historical Society).
- Post‑Civil War: Wichita returned north and permanently settled in present-day Caddo County, Oklahoma. By 1867, they were among the first tribes assigned allotments under federal reservation policies (Days of Darkness).
Population: Then & Now
Historic Estimates
- 16th century: settlements like Etzanoa may have housed up to 20,000 Wichita (Etzanoa Conservancy data).
- By 1820: the combined affiliated tribes (Wichita, Taovaya, etc.) numbered only around 1,400 due to disease and displacement (Wichita and Affiliated Tribes).
- By 1860s: tribal population dropped to under 300 individuals during reservation era (Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History & Culture).
Modern Enrollment
Today, the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes have around 2,953 enrolled members (2018 data), with over 1,800 residing in Oklahoma. Blood quantum of at least 1/32 is required for enrollment (Tribal Enrollment page).
Culture, Language & Revival
Wichita historically farmed maize, squash, beans, tobacco, and hunted bison. They lived in distinctive grass lodges and adorned themselves with tattoos and stanched hairstyles.
The Wichita language (Kirikirʔi:s) belongs to the Caddoan family and was declared extinct in 2016 with the passing of the last fluent speaker, Doris McLemore. Revitalization efforts continue through classes and archival projects in partnership with universities (Wichita Language Project).
Today’s Tribal Government & Economy
The tribe is headquartered in Anadarko, Oklahoma and operates its own government, housing authority, and economic enterprises—including casinos, event centers, and cultural centers like the Tribal History Center. They host an annual powwow and community events celebrating tribal identity (Wichita Tribal official site).
Quick Facts About the Wichita Tribe
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Language Family | Caddoan (Wichita / Kirikirʔi:s) |
| Historic Town | Etzanoa (“Great Settlement”) in Kansas |
| Forced Relocation | 1859 – moved to Indian Territory (Oklahoma) |
| Population Circa 1820 | ~1,400 affiliated Wichita |
| 2018 Enrollment | 2,953 enrolled members |
| Language Status | Declared extinct (2016); revival ongoing |
| Governance | Tribal Council in Anadarko, OK |
Sources
- Wichita and Affiliated Tribes – In the Beginning: 1540‑1750
- Wichita and Affiliated Tribes – Days of Darkness: 1820‑1934
- Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History & Culture – Wichita Entry
- CityPopulation.de – Caddo County Demographics
- KMUW – Wichita Tribal History & Legacy
- NPS – (context on Plains tribes interactions)