Alabama–Quassarte Tribal Town

The Alabama–Quassarte Tribal Town is a group of Native American people recognized by the government. They are made up of two peoples who speak Muskogean languages: the Alabama and Coushatta, also called Quassarte. Their traditional languages are Alabama, Koasati, and Mvskoke.

The tribe’s main office is located in Wetumka, Oklahoma.

Other groups of Coushatta people are recognized tribes in Louisiana and Texas. There are also other recognized Muscogee tribal towns, and many more are part of the large Muscogee Creek Nation.

History

The Quassarte and Alabama were two tribes who lived along the Alabama River from Mobile, Alabama. The river and the state got their names from the Alabama tribe. The Quassarte are also known as the Coushatta or Koasati.

These tribes shared similar languages and cultures. In the early 1600s, they joined together and married each other. In 1763, they joined with the Muscogee Nation Confederacy, also called the Creek Confederacy.

Before the 1830s, some Quassarte and Alabama people moved to Louisiana and Texas. Their descendants today form the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana and the Alabama–Coushatta Tribe of Texas.

Those who stayed in Alabama joined into one town. The Indian Removal Act of 1830 made them move west of the Mississippi River. They settled in parts of Oklahoma. Later laws tried to change their way of life, but they kept their traditions. They continued their dances and ceremonies.

In 1939, they became a separate, federally recognized tribe. Because of their old ties to the Muscogee Creek Nation, members can belong to both tribes.

Government

The Alabama–Quassarte Tribal Town has its main office in Wetumka, Oklahoma. The tribe controls many counties in Oklahoma.

The tribe is led by a chief, a second chief, a secretary, and other leaders chosen by the people. The current leaders are Chief Wilson Yargee and Second Chief Rovena Yargee. To join the tribe, you must show that you are related to people who were part of the tribe long ago, in 1890 or 1895. You do not need a certain amount of tribal ancestors, but you must show your family ties. Some benefits need a certain amount of tribal ancestors. The tribe works closely with the Muscogee Creek Nation, and some members are also part of that nation.

Economic development

The Alabama–Quassarte Tribal Town has a tribal housing program and a gaming center named Red Hawk Gaming in Wetumka.