by Kerri Wilhelm
I’ve been working with one of our visiting researchers in the Human Osteology collection to provide information that may assist them in determining potential descendant populations of the Akikosa and Atakapa. Making use of resources such as Texas Beyond History, our indispensable site files and archeological reports, as well as publicly available resources drawn from the UT libraries, the THC’s documentation on tribal claims and contacts (http://www.thc.state.tx.us/project-review/tribal-consultation-guidelines/tribal-contacts) and the online NAGPRA Native American Consultation Database, I can help researchers make connections between archeologically represented indigenous people and potentially descendant modern Native American groups. Being able to make those connections allows researchers to investigate topics like cultural evolution, affiliation and identity, gene flow and admixture, and provides a larger context for their specific research goals. It’s really exciting when the collections at TARL support what the documentation is telling us and a clearer image of the past begins to take shape.
There is a group of people who self-identify as being descendants of the Atakapa who are currently in the process of applying for federal recognition as a Native American tribe (“Atakapa-Ishak Nation”).
“We were called Atakapa by the Choctaw. The name was used by the Spaniards and French colonizers in Louisiana, as a slur word to refer to the Ishak people. This gave us a reputation and rumor of being “man eaters”, which continues through today. We, the descendants of the Atakapa-Ishak Indians exist unrecognized and misnamed under various names of choice like Creoles, Creole Indians, and Creoles of Color. The term “colored” has clouded our racial identity. Atakapa-Ishak descendants show a wide range of complexions which is attributed to the genes for light or brown complexions. Many Atakapa-Ishak no longer know their correct racial identity.”
For more information on this tribe, their journey toward federal recognition and their ties to southeastern Texas, please visit their website at: http://www.atakapa-ishak.org/history/
This is welcome news, indeed. For some reason, I had harbored the notion that the Atakapans were virtually extinct along with the other Coahuiltecan speakers. Years ago I had read that the displaced Tonkawas in Oklahoma had diminished to some 76 individuals. Are there any Karankawas still living?
Thank you for sheading light on the Native American Tribe, Atakapa-Ishak Nation. I have been told my people are Atakapa Indians. I have also been labeled creole, creole of color. It is definitely a difficult pill to swallow having to fight for Federal Recognition. All the loops and holes many tribes face.
Sirica Augustine-Simmons. You said you are creole as in the Black creoles right? If so, that could mean that you are mixed with Native American, though it may not be Atakapa. I’m an Afro Native myself of the Shinnecock tribe, but my mother’s family is from Texas and they do have Navajo/Zuni Native American and Cherokee as well. A lot of African Americans in the south of Native blood.