Arapaho

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NCWHM - Arapaho Dress

Algonquian language map with states and provinces

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Pouch, Arapaho (Native American), Late 19th or early 20th cent., 08.434

Black Man - An Arapaho warrior - By E.A Burbank, 1899

Ledger Drawing - Arapaho warrior fighting Navajo or Puebloan warriors

Arapaho is a Native American tribe traditionally inhabiting parts of the modern-day states of Colorado and Wyoming. The Arapaho are a Plains Indian tribe who historically were closely allied with the Cheyenne and occasionally with the Lakota Sioux. They are part of the large Algonquian language family and speak the Arapaho language, which is considered endangered with efforts underway for its preservation.

History

The Arapaho historically lived as nomadic hunters, following the vast herds of bison across the Great Plains. Their first contact with European Americans was generally peaceful, but as settlers encroached on their lands throughout the 19th century, tensions and conflicts arose. Notable events during this period include the Sand Creek Massacre in 1864, where a peaceful Arapaho village, along with Cheyenne villagers, were attacked by a Colorado militia, resulting in significant loss of life among the Native Americans.

Following such conflicts, the Arapaho were eventually relocated to reservations. Today, they are divided between two federally recognized tribes: the Northern Arapaho, who share the Wind River Reservation in Wyoming with the Eastern Shoshone, and the Southern Arapaho, who are part of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes in Oklahoma.

Culture

The Arapaho culture is rich in spiritual beliefs, ceremonies, and rituals. They are known for their Sun Dance, a religious ceremony that seeks to connect the physical and spiritual worlds. The Arapaho also place a strong emphasis on family and community, with elders playing a crucial role in the education and cultural transmission to younger generations.

Traditional Arapaho art includes beadwork, quillwork, and the crafting of ceremonial objects. Music and storytelling are also integral parts of their cultural heritage, with oral traditions preserving the tribe's history, beliefs, and legends.

Language

The Arapaho language is an Algonquian language with distinct northern and southern dialects, reflecting the division between the Northern and Southern Arapaho tribes. Efforts to revitalize the language include educational programs, language preservation projects, and the incorporation of Arapaho language courses in schools on the Wind River Reservation.

Contemporary Issues

Like many Native American tribes, the Arapaho face challenges related to economic development, education, and the preservation of their cultural heritage and language. They are involved in various initiatives aimed at improving the health, welfare, and education of their members, as well as the economic development of their reservations.

The Arapaho also participate in legal and political efforts to protect their sovereignty, land rights, and natural resources. Environmental conservation is a significant concern, particularly in relation to the management and preservation of the bison, which holds cultural and spiritual significance for the tribe.

See Also

• Cheyenne
• Plains Indians
• Algonquian languages
• Sand Creek Massacre