Home - Wyandotte Nation (original) (raw)

About Us

The Wyandotte Nation is a federally recognized Native American tribe headquartered in Wyandotte, Okla.

Who are we?

The Wyandotte Nation consists of remnants of the Tionontati, Attignawantan and Wenrohronon (Wenro), all unique independent tribes, who united in 1649-50 after being defeated by the Iroquois Confederacy.

Our Symbol

• Turtle: Signifies the Tribe’s ancient belief the world was created on the back of a snapping turtle, also known as the “moss-back turtle.”
• Willow Branches: Because of its resilience after winter or famine, the Tribe’s ancestors believed the willow tree signified the perpetual renewal of life.
• War Club and Peace Pipe: Shows that the Tribe is ready for war or peace at any given moment.
• Council Fire: Many tribes of the Northeast looked upon the Tribe for leadership and advice, when they came together for council, the Tribe often hosted and presided over the councils and are considered “Keepers of the Council Fire.”
• Points of the Shield: Represent each of the Tribe’s 12 clans — Big Turtle, Little Turtle, Mud Turtle, Wolf, Bear, Beaver, Deer, Porcupine, Striped Turtle, Highland Turtle, Snake and Hawk.

A few interesting facts

• We were instrumental in the founding of Detroit, Mich., and Kansas City, Kansas. At one time Kansas City was named Wyandotte City.
• We adopted many white captives into the Nation. Many obtained high tribal status and made significant contributions to the betterment of the Tribe.
• During the French and Indian War, we sided with the French against the British. During the American Revolution, we sided with the British against the Americans.
• The Wyandot were the last tribe to leave Ohio in July of 1843.
• Twice we were terminated then reinstated as a tribe. In 1995, we were granted “self governance” by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
• There are two other bands of Wyandot people, the Wyandot of Anderdon Nation located in Michigan, and the Wyandot Nation of Kansas. We are the same people separated by fate, the passing of time and choices made by our ancestors.

Here are some of the latest entries from our News & Events section.

Meet the Chiefs

The Wyandotte Nation operates according to a 1999 constitution and by-laws.

The Tribe is governed by the Wyandotte Nation Council comprised of a Chief, Second Chief and 4 Council persons.

Billy Friend

CHIEF

Friend has served as Chief of the Wyandotte Nation since 2011.

Norman Hildebrand, Jr.

SECOND CHIEF

Hildebrand, Jr. has served as Second Chief of the Wyandotte Nation since June 2011.

Services

The mission of the government of the Wyandotte Nation is to improve the quality of life for all tribal citizens. The Nation accomplishes this through providing quality governmental programs and services managed by sound decision-making and competent administration. Considering future generations and the protection of our tribal sovereignty, the Wyandotte Nation will utilize effective stewardship of our human, financial and natural resources. Concentration will be focused on development of strong leadership skills through education, accountability, experience and positive reinforcement.

Family

We provide a variety of general services for tribal citizens, including enrollment, tags, supplemental health benefits, family violence prevention, and general assistance programs.

477 Program

We provide services under Public Law 102-477, which allows us to combine certain formula-funded federal grants into a single plan, including Employment, Education, and Training; Youth Services; Childcare Services; Child Welfare Services; Victim Services; and Related Supportive Services.

Education

Educational opportunities are available, including tribal scholarships, preschool, infant/toddler program, childcare programs, after school and summer programs as well as a library for our citizens.

Elder

We provide nutrition, healthcare screenings, transportation, information, referrals, family caregiver programs, arts/crafts, and host activities and events all year for tribal elders.

Housing

We provide housing and rentals, including single family and duplexes, as well as Down Payment Assistance for tribal citizens. In addition, we provide Indian Health Services for water and sewage.

Healthcare & Fitness

We provide healthcare for the entire family, fitness, wellness and educational programs, and a pharmacy, as well as activities and events for tribal citizens and the community.

Planning & Natural Resources

We manage and implement environmental protection programs, provide educational opportunities and operate a recycling center. In addition, the department includes a grant writing team.

Tribal Police

We operate our own Tribal Police Department. The police department is unique in that it is the only tribal department in the U.S. that provides a non-tribal community with their sole source of police services.

Careers

We offer competitive pay, a great working environment and fantastic benefits. The Wyandotte Nation is a GREAT place to work! See our available job listings below: