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Narragansett Heritage

A Chronicle of Resilience and Enduring Culture.

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Who Are the Narragansett?

Indigenous Roots

The Narragansett people are an Indigenous group of the Northeastern Woodlands, historically inhabiting the region around Narragansett Bay in present-day Rhode Island. Their language, Narragansett, belongs to the Algonquian language family.

Today, they are federally recognized as the Narragansett Indian Tribe, with their headquarters located in Rhode Island.

Language and Name

The Narragansett language is a member of the Algonquian family, specifically an "Y-dialect" similar to Massachusett and Wampanoag. While the language faced near extinction, revival efforts are underway using historical texts.

The name "Narragansett" is believed to mean "People of the Small Point," possibly referring to a geographical location near Point Judith Pond.

Population and Region

The current population is estimated at approximately 3,000 individuals, primarily residing in Rhode Island. Their historical territory encompassed lands west of Narragansett Bay, extending into parts of Connecticut and Massachusetts.

Their traditional spiritual practices include tribal religions alongside Christianity.

A History of Resilience

Early Encounters

First contact with Europeans occurred in 1524 with Giovanni da Verrazzano. By the time English colonists arrived in 1620, the Narragansetts were a powerful tribe, largely unaffected by earlier epidemics that had devastated neighboring groups.

Their initial interactions with the Plymouth Colony were marked by both diplomacy and tension, including a symbolic challenge involving a sheaf of arrows wrapped in a snakeskin.

Conflict and Survival

During the Pequot War of 1637, the Narragansetts allied with the colonists but were later disturbed by the war's brutality. Internal conflicts and disputes over territory led to further challenges, including the capture and execution of their sachem, Miantonomi.

King Philip's War (1675-1676) proved devastating. Despite initial neutrality, the Narragansetts were attacked by colonial forces in the Great Swamp Fight, leading to significant loss of life and subsequent dispersal. Many survivors were sold into servitude or assimilated into other tribes.

Endurance Through Centuries

In the 18th century, land sales and emigration reduced the tribe's territory. The Narragansett Indian Church was founded in the 1740s, serving as a crucial center for cultural continuity.

The 19th century saw persistent state efforts at "detribalization," challenging the tribe's identity due to its multiracial ancestry. However, the Narragansett people maintained their cultural identity, asserting their rights through treaties and a vision of themselves as a distinct nation.

Federal Recognition and Modern Era

The tribe regained federal recognition in 1983 after extensive documentation of their lineage and continuity. This followed a period of land acquisition and legal battles, notably the Supreme Court case Carcieri v. Salazar (2009), which impacted tribal land trust rights.

The 21st century has seen ongoing efforts to preserve cultural heritage, manage tribal lands, and navigate complex legal and governmental relationships.

The Narragansett Tongue

Linguistic Heritage

The Narragansett language is part of the Algonquian language family, specifically a "Y-dialect" closely related to Massachusett and Wampanoag. This linguistic connection highlights the shared heritage among tribes in the region.

Early colonial figures like Roger Williams extensively studied and documented the language, providing invaluable historical records.

Revival and Loanwords

Despite a significant decline in speakers during the 20th century, the Narragansett Tribe is actively engaged in language revival initiatives. These efforts utilize early 20th-century texts and new teaching programs to reintroduce the language.

Several words from Narragansett and related languages have been integrated into American English, including "quahog," "moose," "papoose," "powwow," "squash," and "succotash."

Cultural Expressions

Archaeological Discoveries

The Salt Pond Archaeological Site in Narragansett, Rhode Island, has yielded significant findings, including the remains of a Late Woodland period village dating from 1100 to 1300 AD. This site is crucial for understanding early coastal settlements.

Excavations revealed evidence of permanent structures, storage pits, and, notably, the first physical confirmation of maize cultivation this far north on the Atlantic Coast, shedding light on agricultural practices.

Traditions and Gatherings

The Narragansett Tribe hosts its annual powwow on the second weekend of August in Charlestown, Rhode Island. This gathering, dating back centuries, serves as a celebration of thanksgiving and a commemoration of Narragansett heritage.

Events typically include a grand entry, traditional dances, ceremonial fire lighting, and offerings of food and crafts, reflecting enduring cultural practices.

Notable Individuals

The Narragansett community has produced numerous influential figures across various fields. These include athletes like marathon runner Ellison "Tarzan" Brown, artists like sculptor Nancy Elizabeth Prophet, and cultural historians such as Princess Red Wing and Ella Sekatau.

Educators, journalists, and community leaders like Loren Spears continue to contribute to the tribe's cultural preservation and advancement.

Tribal Governance

Leadership Structure

The Narragansett Tribe is led by a Chief Sachem and an elected Tribal Council. Major decisions require the approval of the entire tribal membership, emphasizing a collective approach to governance.

The current administration includes a Chief Sachem, Tribal Secretary, Treasurer, and various council members, reflecting a blend of traditional and modern governance structures.

Distinguished Narragansetts

Figures of Influence

The Narragansett people have made significant contributions across diverse fields. Notable figures include:

  • Ellison "Tarzan" Brown: Two-time Boston Marathon winner and Olympian.
  • Nancy Elizabeth Prophet: Renowned sculptor of African-Narragansett descent.
  • Princess Red Wing: Historian, museum curator, and Squaw Sachem.
  • Ella Sekatau: Poet, historian, and Medicine Woman.
  • Loren Spears: Educator and director of the Tomaquag Museum.

This list represents a fraction of the individuals who have shaped Narragansett heritage and contributed to broader society.

Lineage of Leaders

Sachem Succession

The following table outlines the historical succession of Narragansett sachems, providing insight into the tribe's leadership over centuries.

Name Regency Liaison Remarks
TashtassuckHistorically uncertain
WessoumDescendant of TashtassuckReferenced by Uncas as an ancestor
Canonicus1600sโ€“1636Grandson or son of WessoumFirst of two periods of sachemdom for this famous chief
Miantonomi1636โ€“1643Nephew of Canonicus
Canonicus1643โ€“1644Uncle of MiantonomiSecond Sachemdom of the same Canonicus
Pessicus1644โ€“1647Brother of Miantonomi
Mriksah1647โ€“1657Son of Canonicus
Canonchet1657โ€“1676Son of Miantonomi, great-cousin of Mriksah
Ninigret1676โ€“1682?Sachem during King Philip's War
WeunqueshDaughter of Ninigret
Ninigret IIended 1722Son of Ninigret I, half-brother of his predecessorDepicted in the oil painting on display at the RISD museum
Charles Augustusbegan 1722Eldest son of Ninigret II
GeorgeSecond son of Ninigret II
Thomasended 1746Son of GeorgeKnown as "King Tom"
Estherbegan 1770daughter of GeorgeKnown as "Queen Esther"

Land and Sovereignty

Land Claims and Trust

The Narragansett Tribe controls approximately 1,800 acres of trust land in Charlestown, Rhode Island. The tribe's efforts to have newly acquired lands taken into federal trust faced legal challenges, particularly concerning tribes recognized after the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934.

The U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in Carcieri v. Salazar (2009) addressed these complexities, impacting the ability of post-1934 recognized tribes to have lands taken into federal trust status, thereby removing them from state jurisdiction.

Legal Disputes

Disagreements have arisen between the state and the tribe regarding jurisdiction and rights on reservation lands, notably concerning tax regulations on goods sold at tribal smoke shops. Court decisions have addressed issues of sovereign immunity and the application of state law based on prior agreements.

The tribe has also pursued federal civil rights lawsuits concerning alleged excessive force during law enforcement actions on tribal lands.

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References

References

  1.  Narragansett Reservation, Rhode Island, United States Census Bureau
  2.  "Supreme Court will rule on Narragansett dispute with Rhode Island", Boston Globe, 25 Feb 2008, accessed 3 Aug 2008
  3.  William S. Simmons, The Narragansett, "Indians of North America" series, New York: Chelsea House, 1989, p. 14.
  4.  Barry M. Pritzker, A Native American encyclopediaย : history, culture, and peoples, Oxford University Press, 2000, p. 442.
  5.  See references given in S. Rider, The Lands of Rhode Island As they were Known to Caunounicus and Miantunnomu When Roger Williams Came in 1636, Providence, 1904, p. 200-201.
  6.  J. Hammond Trumbull, editorial note to Roger Williams's Key into the Language of America, Publications of the Narragansett Club, first series, vol. 1, 1866, p. 82.
  7.  For a more detailed analysis see S. Rider, The Lands of Rhode Island As they were Known to Caunounicus and Miantunnomu When Roger Williams Came in 1636, Providence, 1904, p. 202-205.
  8.  https://vimeo.com/160483127
  9.  William Bradford, chapter 33, History of Plymouth Plantation
  10.  "Paul Campbell Research Notes", Rhode Island Historical Society, April 1997, accessed 3 Aug 2008
  11.  Emily Bazar, "Native American? The tribe says no", USATODAY.com, 28 Nov 2007, accessed 3 Aug 2008
A full list of references for this article are available at the Narragansett people Wikipedia page

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This content has been generated by an AI for educational purposes, drawing upon publicly available data from Wikipedia. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and adherence to the source material, the information may not be exhaustive or entirely up-to-date.

This is not professional advice. The information provided herein is not a substitute for consultation with historians, anthropologists, legal experts, or cultural authorities. Always consult qualified professionals for specific guidance related to historical research, cultural practices, or legal matters.

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