By Amy Howe
As we approach Nov. 15, 2024, the Quapaw Nation prepares to mark a significant milestone—the 200th anniversary of the signing of the 1824 Treaty with the United States. This treaty, which profoundly changed the lives and land of the Quapaw people, is a reminder of their incredible resilience, survival and unwavering strength over the past two centuries.
The Treaty with the Quapaw of 1824 was a formal agreement between the Quapaw Nation and the United States, in which the Quapaw were forced to cede their ancestral lands in the Arkansas Territory. In return, the U.S. government agreed to pay the four head chiefs $500 each and provide the Quapaw Nation with $4,000 in goods. Additionally, the treaty promised an annual payment of $1,000 in specie (coin) for 11 years, along with provisions for the tribe’s relocation to a territory inhabited by the Caddo Indians.
Lame Chief, who signed the treaty as “Kiahhacktetady.” Source ancestry.com
However, as Executive Director of Culture for the Quapaw Nation Everett Bandy reflects, the 1824 treaty is not a celebration of its terms but a commemoration of the endurance and perseverance of the Quapaw people in the face of adversity.
“To me, the 200th anniversary of this treaty is not a celebration of this document. It is a commemoration of 200 years of Quapaw perseverance, survival and fortitude despite intentional efforts to deprive the Quapaw people of our land and birthright,” says Bandy.
A Public Display of History: The 1824 Treaty on Exhibit
In honor of this historic anniversary, The Quapaw Nation Culture Division in partnership with the Arkansas State Archives is offering the tribal community and the public a unique opportunity to view the treaty. On Nov. 15 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., the original treaty will be on display in the lobby of Downstream Casino Resort, and on Nov. 16, it will be showcased in the Downstream Pavilion from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m during the Quapaw Fall Gathering. This is a rare chance to see the document that marked a shift in the course of history for the Quapaw people and to reflect on its enduring impact.
While the treaty represents a dark chapter of land loss and forced relocation, the exhibit is also a testament to the survival and continued sovereignty of the Quapaw Nation. Visitors will not only witness a piece of history but also celebrate the resilience of a community that has maintained its culture, language and governance for the last two centuries despite efforts to remove them.
A Legacy of Resilience
The 200th anniversary of the Treaty with the Quapaw, 1824, serves as a reminder of the strength of the Quapaw people. While the treaty may have been intended to diminish their power and presence, the tribe has shown remarkable resilience. Through its struggles, the Quapaw Nation has maintained a strong sovereign government, a thriving culture and an enduring connection to its heritage.
Today, the Quapaw Nation operates a range of enterprises, from cultural centers and casinos to agricultural ventures. These enterprises provide economic benefits to the tribe and serve as ways to preserve and promote Quapaw culture. The tribe’s ongoing success is a testament to its ability to adapt, survive and thrive despite the conditions imposed on its nation by the United States government. As Bandy so eloquently says, “This isn’t just about survival; it’s about thriving. We’ve taken what was meant to displace us and turned it into a foundation for our future.”
Looking Forward
While the anniversary of the Treaty with the Quapaw of 1824 is a moment for reflection, it is also a time to look toward the future. The Quapaw Nation continues to build on its strong foundation, ensuring that future generations will carry forward the traditions and governance.
Bandy sums up the significance of the moment: “This is a time to remember where we’ve come from and to honor those who came before us. It’s also a time to look ahead and ensure that the next 200 years will be ones of continued growth and strength for the Quapaw people.”
Join the Quapaw Nation in commemorating this remarkable milestone by visiting the treaty display at Downstream Casino Resort Nov. 15 or at the Downstream Pavilion Nov. 16. Witness the document that shaped history and be part of the ongoing story of Quapaw perseverance.