About Caddo Indians Today
The Caddo Nation is today a federally recognized tribe of the United States, subject to both the laws of that country and to its own tribal laws. Understanding the Caddo today necessitates a look into its history to understand its changes, from geography to organizational rules. Its story is a familiar one for many recognized and nonrecognized tribes; interaction with many other groups resulted in much of its once-wide swath of land falling from its hands. However, the Caddo Nation is active today, joining together what were once various Caddo tribes, and it concerns itself with everything from social welfare to cultural events.
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History
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The Caddo Nation, now based in Oklahoma, once occupied territory in Texas, Arkansas and Louisiana, as well. Through centuries of interaction with invading and exploring nations, among them the Spanish, French, Mexican and America, the Caddo was displaced to where it now resides. Some interactions were peaceful, others not, but they culminated in a forced ceding of all its lands in Arkansas, after which the tribe moved to Oklahoma. Today's generation of Caddo may visit the sites of its ancestors, whether it is as tourists, or as representatives of the Caddo culture.
Identification
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To be identified as Caddo today, by the Caddo Nation and the government, one must submit documents showing proof of identity such as lineage and percentage of Caddo Indian blood. As the Caddo Nation is recognized by the U.S. government, one must also have a social security card, birth certificate and Indian Monies Account Number, if one owns property.
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Size
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An April 2008 Census numbers the Caddo people at 5,268 members, as stated on the Caddo Nation's official website. The Nation also mentions that 20 applications are awaiting approval from the Tribal Council. The population distribution for the Caddo people breaks down as such: 65 percent are between the ages of 16 and 65, 28 percent are under 16, and 7 percent are over the age of 65. In order to become a part of the Caddo Nation, one must be a descendant of at least one-sixteenth Caddo Indian blood, among other rules.
Function
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The Caddo Nation functions like its own country and a region within the United States, as Caddos are also American citizens. The Nation has its own government, which includes a set of laws, police and other services. This identity as both Caddo and American can also be seen in the way in which Caddo hold events; its dances during a powwow, for example, may be attended both by the public and other tribes. All events, however, may not follow this rule.
Potential
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The Caddo Nation appears to be looking to the future, working to strengthen the tribe as well as address universal concerns, such as social and health services. In addition, it hosts cultural events such as dances and bow shoots. It is also concerned with keeping membership up, if not raising it. The Caddo Nation's chairperson notes recent accomplishments such as two monuments erected to honor Caddo veterans, modernizing the government office, and land acquisition (363 acres).
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Resources
- Photo Credit http://encyclopediaofarkansas.net/encyclopedia/entry-detail.aspx?entryID=549
