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. In 2014, the tribe had 369 members living in several states including Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana, and Arizona.

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. The Alabama–Quassarte Tribal Town’s main office is located in Wetumka, Oklahoma.

History

The Quassarte and Alabama were originally two different tribes who lived along the Alabama River from Mobile, Alabama up to its upper reaches. The river and the state got their names from the Alabama tribe. The Quassarte are also known as the Coushatta or Koasati in their own language.

These two tribes shared similar languages and cultures because they were both Muskogean-speaking. In the early 1600s, after some trouble with French settlers, they formed an alliance. They married each other and traded together. In 1763, they joined together with the Muscogee Nation Confederacy, also called the Creek Confederacy.

Before many Muscogee people were moved away from Alabama in the 1830s, their confederacy included over 44 tribal towns. The Alabama and Quassarte peoples made up six to eight of these towns. Because more and more European-American settlers were moving in, some Quassarte and Alabama people moved to Louisiana and Texas in the late 1700s and early 1800s. Their descendants today form the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana and the Alabama–Coushatta Tribe of Texas.

Those who stayed in Alabama joined together into one town. The Indian Removal Act of 1830 made this town, along with the rest of the Muscogee, move to Indian Territory west of the Mississippi River. They settled in what are now Hughes, McIntosh, Okfuskee, and Seminole counties. Later laws tried to change their way of life, but the Alabama–Quassarte Tribal Town kept its traditions. They continued their dances and ceremonies at the Alabama Ceremonial Grounds near Wetumka.

In 1939, they officially became a separate, federally recognized tribe, thanks to laws passed in the 1930s. Because of their old ties to the Muscogee Creek Nation, which was recognized in 1972, members can belong to both tribes.

Government

The Alabama–Quassarte Tribal Town has its main office in Wetumka, Oklahoma. The area where they have control covers many counties in Oklahoma.

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

Economic development

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