Information About Archeology

Re-Introduction Of A People

By Dewey Tsonetokoy, Sr.

Letter to the editor in the Anadarko Daily News, May 25, 2006

The first steps toward re-introducing the history and culture of American Indian tribal groups into the state of Texas by a Texas-based organization began in 2003 by the Texas Archeology Society (TAS).  It was a dream of president Margaret Howard to bridge the gap that existed between the archeological community and the once-Texas based tribes such as the Caddo, Wichita, Comanche, Tonkawa, Kiowa, and others.

This week, TAS members will be touring and meeting with tribal representatives to discuss how tribal participation in the annual TAS Field School might be promoted.  They plan to visit the following tribal complexes: Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, Seminole Nation of Oklahoma, Alabama-Quassarte, Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma, Caddo Nation of Oklahoma, Delaware Tribe, Wichita and Affiliated Tribes, Apache Tribe of Oklahoma, Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma, and the Comanche Tribe of Oklahoma.

The re-introduction of Native American culture and history into the American consciousness is a notion whose time has come.  Many Native American sites throughout America are in jeopardy of being destroyed by economical development, mineral extraction, and even recreational use.  Non-Indian communities may not comprehend the social significance of Native American sites except as a resource upon which they can capitalize.

The Texas Archeological Society has recognized the need for Native American involvement in the interpretation of Texas archeological sites and the need for the Native American traditional viewpoints regarding affected sites.

I became involved with TAS by participating in the annual Field School that was held at the Presidio San Saba site near Menard, Texas in June of 2003, along with the Comanche, Lipan Apache, and Tap Pilam/Coahuiltecans.  I felt that it was time for Texas to recognize that it had a history prior to its independence from the Republic of Mexico—that history was wholly Native American.  Since my initial involvement I have had no regrets, and look forward each year to learning more about Texas archeology and expressing my opinion.

We as Native Americans are losing our culture.  In fact, several tribal groups in Oklahoma are one generation from becoming socially extinct.  At no other time in the history of America has it been more vital for the welfare of the nation to preserve its unique history, which includes the history of its first nations.

As a Native American, I feel that many of the cultural properties within the state of Texas still contain the essence of who we are.  They are sacred places that can give identity to a people struggling to retain their native identity in the face of social pressure to change and become assimilated.  They are sacred places still imbued with the eternal prayers of the ancients—and when a person prays in earnest, the Creator listens.

Get Involved in TAS Field School!

You too can participate in the Texas Archeological Society field school.  Each summer students age 7 to 97 enjoy learning about Texas' past.

The Texas Archeological Society Native American Field School Scholarship Program is supported entirely by donations.  If you would like to contribute, please contact the TAS business office by phone (800/377-7240), fax (210/458-4870), or E-mail; or write to Texas Archeological Society, CAR at UTSA, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX 78249-0658.

Jesús Reyes Jr. of the Tap Pilam/Coahuiltecan Nation gave a thought-provoking presentation on tribal identity among the indigenous residents of Thelma, Texas.	The TAS youth group assisted Dewey Tsonetokoy Sr. of the Kiowa Indian Tribe of Oklahoma in relating a traditional tale.

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