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Otoe-Missouria - Oklahoma (U.S.)

Native American

image by Donald Healy, 21 January 2008

The band
The flag

See also:

The Band

map image by Peter Orenski based on input from Don Healy

Otoe-Missouria - Oklahoma

The Otoe-Missouria were once part of a greater Nation around the Great Lakes that comprised what are now the Ho-chunk (Winnebago), the Iowas, and the two current tribal entities, the Otoe and the Missouria. As the ancient great Tribe moved ever farther south and west from their original homes, they broke apart, slowly forming the current Nations. They were four separate Nations by the time the white man arrived.

The final split occurred while the people lived along the banks of the Missouri. The Otoe separated from the Missouria after a quarrel between the chiefs of the combined Tribes. The son of the chief of what would become the Otoe supposedly seduced the daughter of the other chief. Because of the son's actions, his Tribe was driven away and became known as the Otoe, or "Lechers" (ENAT, 172). Those who remained became the Missouria, or the "People with Dugout Canoes" (ENAT, 136).

In 1829, the Missouria, after repeated attacks by nearby tribes, especially the Osage, rejoined their relatives, the Otoe, forming the Otoe-Missouria of today (ibid..). The 1,250 members (REAI, 11) are currently based in Red Rock, Oklahoma.

The Flag

The clan totems of the Nation - the bear, eagle, beaver, bison, deer, owl, and pigeon - ring a prayer feather at the center of its seal. All appear in natural colors on a white background. A serrated band of inner yellow triangles and outer red triangles rings the totems. Beyond this in black is "SEAL OF THE OTOE MISSOURIA TRIBE". The wording is highlighted by five thin black lines forming the outer edge of the seal and running behind the words. At the top of the seal is a pair of feather decorations similar to those worn as warrior headdresses. A member of the Tribe designed the seal, which appears on a white flag. Although the flag's legal status is not known, it has become the de facto flag of the Otoe-Missouria through common usage.

© Donald Healy 2008
information provided by Peter Orenski, 21 January 2008