Are there any Native Americans left in Illinois or Missouri?

[Sojourner2013]

Originally Posted by SerpentSun

While the Europeans have committed genocide and stripped away tribal identity across the globe, we are victims as well. The Celts, Slavs, and Goths lost their tribal identity to the Romans long ago. That's why the "white man" feels the need to deny others what he has lost.

But despite the interference of European bloodlines and modern ways, there are still many tribes who have followed the old ways for 50,000 years. I think Brazil alone has 50-100 uncontacted tribes. The San in Africa are believed to be one of Earth's oldest stable societies, as are the aboriginals of Australia and the surrounding islands. I long to be part of such a rich natural culture.

But my bloodline is from Ireland, Germany, and Russia. Places with pagan hunter-gatherers found only in history books. A little bit of Cherokee too, but the Native Americans suffered horrible losses upon European colonization. I think perhaps because many were so peaceful. The people on North Sentinel Island near India have remained uncontacted for 50,000 years; when anyone approaches the island, the locals shoot arrows at them. Good for them. But since I lack any roots to my own tribal roots, I must plant myself where I am.

I'm in the low wet montane forests of the Ozarks, along the New Madrid fault where two continents smashed together. I think the Mississippi River might be what remains of the sea that divided them. Dormant volcanoes to the south may slumber but rumble, perhaps to be awakened by frakking for gas. I also wander to the plains of the east in search of food.

So are there any Native American tribes left in Missouri or Illinois who might teach me the ways of this land? Or if not, any reservations or native communities near the Ozarks? People with some roots in a tribal culture that may be open to helping a lost white girl?

Hi Serpent Sun,
Being Native American (Seneca), I know of a place in Missouri called Seneca, MO. It was a project by the federal government to break up the tribes in the North by sending tribal people to other geographical locations. Seneca, MO is one of those locations that was created for this purpose.

It didn't really work, but there is a notable population of Native Americans in this area that never left. Most of the tribal people sent to this area gradually returned back to their homes in the north, but some stayed.

I didn't know this until I actually drove through the area, on my way to visit someone in Missouri. I got the weirdest sensation when I went through this small town, like as if I was home. I couldn't understand it. So, I asked about the area, found out its history and realized that the energy that I was feeling was ancestral.

There is definitely some residual energy there, if you get the chance to visit the small town. I definitely felt it. Best wishes!

[PlatitudePluto]

Originally Posted by Sojourner2013

Hi Serpent Sun,
Being Native American (Seneca), I know of a place in Missouri called Seneca, MO. It was a project by the federal government to break up the tribes in the North by sending tribal people to other geographical locations. Seneca, MO is one of those locations that was created for this purpose.

It didn't really work, but there is a notable population of Native Americans in this area that never left. Most of the tribal people sent to this area gradually returned back to their homes in the north, but some stayed.

I didn't know this until I actually drove through the area, on my way to visit someone in Missouri. I got the weirdest sensation when I went through this small town, like as if I was home. I couldn't understand it. So, I asked about the area, found out its history and realized that the energy that I was feeling was ancestral.

There is definitely some residual energy there, if you get the chance to visit the small town. I definitely felt it. Best wishes!

That's very interesting, is it a reservation at all? I'm new to Missouri. I hadn't heard about that place. You learn something new every day!

[Sojourner2013]

Originally Posted by PlatitudePluto

That's very interesting, is it a reservation at all? I'm new to Missouri. I hadn't heard about that place. You learn something new every day!

Hi PlatitudePluto,

There was a reservation in the area in the early 1800's, but it was dissolved. If you run the federal census data for that area, you'll see it has significant native american population.