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Emergency Fund, Elders Fund. History...Federal Applicant for AcknowledgementEel River Tribe of Indiana

When the last of us shall have perished, and the memory of our tribe shall become
a myth among men, these shores shall swarm with the invisible dead of our tribe . .
. When your children’s children think themselves alone in the fields, the stores,
upon the highways, or in the silence of the pathless woods, they will not be alone.”

Modified from: Seattle (Dwabish)

Who are we?

The Eel River tribe of Indians appeared in the records of history during the 18th century.
From the beginning the reports of whom they were and how they came to be were
misunderstood. They were reduced according to some to a small number and could not
send many warriors to the conflicts ranging in the Ohio Valley. At their head was a
famous figure who many history books have reported as a Miami War Chief. His name
was Little Turtle.

In 1748 Little Turtle’s parents were located at Pickawillany, Ohio. Life was relatively
good with trade with the few number of trappers and settlers who lived and visited the
area. The western migration of the bulk of European immigrants into the more interior
lands of America had not yet begun, but it was coming.

The French occupied and controlled much of the region hunting and trapping to support
the demand for fur both in North America and abroad. The Spanish still occupied the
most southern region, Florida, and much of the country had yet to be surveyed or even
explored. Forests were thick and rivers clear enough to drink from and all game
flourished. Species not seen for generations were in abundance. Animals such as the
woodland bison, bear, elk and eagle were as commonly seen as the people of the
Woodland tribes and life was still innocent and good. Men evaluated one another on his
word and reputation as a hunter and the color of a man’s skin did not always indicate his
intent or his character.

Trouble with the grandfathers of England was building. Not only among their
transplanted and newly born subjects but also within the tribes of the region. Promises
between men were giving way to ambitions of countries and the impact would leave
death, destruction and the disappearance of a many people.

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An Anthropology Report
of the Eel River Tribe of Indiana

The Eel River Tribe was never very large. Croghan ( an early contact) referred to the Eel River village in
1765 as “small” and in 1778 the Eel River Indians themselves told Hamilton that their “small numbers did
not allow them to send off warriors” to help re-take Vincennes. In 1788, Hamertrack estimated the Eel
River had 150 warriors, which made their total population maybe about 600 in all. In 1851 there were 16
Eel River Indians (known) living in Indiana, and three women who had married into the Western Miami and
were living west of the Mississippi. Making a total of 19 (known) Eel River People.

The relatively small size of the Eel River Tribe, plus the fact that living along the Wabash River between
two larger groups, The Miamis, and the Wea and that we resembled these two groups in language and
culture might have also accounted for three early observers having identified the Eel River, mistakenly as
“Miami.” ( by Croghan and Hamilton) and as “Weschtenoos [Wea]” ( by Heckwelder). They did not
understand that the Eel Rivers were, a group separate and independent from either the Miami or Wea .
Here began the confusion.
Anthropological Report of the Miamis Wea and Eel River Indians Vol. 1. Chapter 4, pp. 171-179: Drs. Ermine Wheeler- Voegelin,
Emily J. Blasingham, Dorothy R. Libby

Little Turtle was the chief and headman of the Eel River Tribe prior to the signing of the 1805 Treaty which
was intended to combine them, along with the Wea tribe, into the larger Miami tribe. To the government, it
only made sense. The small numbers of the Wea and Eel Rivers and because they lived in the general
vicinity of one another, spoke a similar language, dressed and appeared to share a similar ancestry had
caused this union. There had been some marriage between the trio and this also added to the conclusion of
grouping them together as one collective tribe called, Miami. Later this would add to them and the Wea,
being considered only clan groups of the Miami.

Little Turtle was a great war chief and had led a confederacy force of Woodland tribes against the
Americans in decisive victories. His victories are still regarded as some of the most lopsided defeats
inflicted against any American force even today. To say the least, he (Little Turtle) had earned the respect
as a leader and statesmen and would be the logical choice as war chief for the new collective Miami. Still he
was Eel River.   His appointment was also intended to further blend the three groups, honor the leaders of
the smaller tribes, as they were forced by treaty to formally join. With the execution and signatures on this
treaty, Little Turtle would be forever associated as a Miami and would be forgotten over the generations
that he was in fact an Eel River Chief and more.

Little Turtle Speaks:

“I am no Miami, I am only their interpreter”
Nearly all historians agree that Little Turtle was a fine orator and can recall many of his
speeches at meetings. However; his meeting at the council held July 10th, 1805, before
combining the Eel River and Wea with the Miami, is almost never discussed. Here he said quite
clearly "I am no Miami, I am only their interpreter."

Little Turtle, the head Chief of the Eel Rivers passed the headman duties and responsibilities to Charley
‘Katunga’ after this council meeting held in July 1805.
National Archives, RG 107. Old Army, H-325(2) . Signed J.J. [John Johnston] Enc. With letter of William Henry Harrison to
Henry Dearborn Vincennes, July 10, 1805 (continued). Minutes of a council meeting held with the Delaware, Eel River, Miami
July, 1805.
Little Turtle made this statement because, not until after that meeting by Aug. 21st a treaty was then signed
with the intention of combining the three groups under the united name "Miamis". This collective, Miami
tribe would make it easier to enter into treaties, cede lands, pay annuities by dealing with one common
group. In reality it only caused additional confusion and clouded the rolls of clear leadership and the rights
of all.
TREATY WITH THE DELAWARES, ETC., 1805.
Aug. 21, 1805. | 7 Stat., 91. | Proclamation, Apr. 24. 1806. (Kappler Indian Laws and Treaties)

This letter from the minutes of the council meeting, was recorded July 10th, before the Treaty on August.
21st. At that time Little Turtle was speaking the truth. He was no Miami and was only interpreting for them
on their behalf and at that time he was only considered an Eel River Chief.
The treaty following this council meeting was completed in August. Only then was Little Turtle to be
considered a member of the new Miami collective. However; his roots did not change, he was still Eel River
and trough his mother also relative to The Delaware.{CC. Trowbridge, National Archive etc}
Vague accounts are all that exist on Little Turtle’s parents. Most historians do agree that his mother was a
Mohegan woman. She had been transplanted to the West and there was treated as any other adopted tribal
person. She had encountered a Trader who was injured in the leg while in a conflict near the Wea along the
Wabash River. She had helped him to safety by carrying or dragging him to the nearest friendly village.
Here he was nursed back to health to almost a complete recovery. He was so grateful, but now without
possessions, he could only admire her courage and repeat his admiration and thanks to her. His feeling grew
so strong for her that it was said he had thought of her as his own daughter and considered her as such.
CC Trowbridge interview / Allen Co Library Microfilm Dept. 1826 "LeGros"

We do not debate that Little Turtle was a honorable and historically, a great leader of his time. We do however
feel obligated to tell this accounts and that of the tiny Eel River Tribe that has sometimes been overshadowed in
history and by popularly embellished stories. At this point in history the Eel Rivers were without doubt separate
and apart from all others.

Why We are called The Eel Rivers
One of the most common told errors is how we became known as The Eel River Tribe. Many historians have
claimed it is because we lived along the Eel River near modern day Logansport IN. In reality the river got its name
because we lived on it and we were already called the Eel River or Sometimes "Snakefish" or "Missassago" Tribe.
John McClurg, a member of the army at St. Clair’s defeat, said this of the chief of the Eel River Tribe: “The
leader of the Indian army at the time of St. Clair’s defeat was a chief of Missassago tribe, known by the name of
Little Turtle. Notwithstanding his name, he was at least 6 ft. tall. His aspect was harsh, sour and forbidding, and
his person during the action was arrayed in the very extremity of Indian finery, having at least $20 worth of
silver descending from his nose and ears.”
Another man who saw him after the battle described him as this:: “His dress consisted of moccasins, a blue
petticoat that came halfway down his thighs, and a European waistcoat and cutout. His head was bound with an
Indian cap that hung halfway down his back and was almost entirely filled with plain silver brooches to the
number of 200. He had two earrings to each ear; the upper part of each being formed of three silver medals
about the size of a dollar, the lower part of quarter dollars, which extended more than 12 inches from his nose;
one over his breast and the other over his back. He also had three very large nose jewels of silver that were
curiously painted.”
Note: Missassago: is the Algonquian word for rattle snake, timber rattler, they are often nearly black in color with
underdeveloped rattles. Some often appear similar to blacksnakes.

Even more important is the relationship to the early French in the area. They had realized that some of our
members were different, something other than many they had encountered. They called us a"l'Anguille, or snakes
in the grass. They had also recognized that some of our numbers were deserters from long forgotten armies.
Englishmen without leave.
Hamilton’s Journal is taken from Henry Hamilton and George Rogers Clark in the American Revolution with the
unpublished journal of Lieut. Gov. Henry Hamilton, edited by John D. Barnhart and published by R. E. Banta,
Crawfordsville, Indiana, 1951. http://www.statelib.lib.in.us/www/ihb/resources/hamiltonfootnotes.html

Page 206
“The Isle of Garlic,” or l’isle a l’ail, is located approximately four miles above Delphi, Indiana, or some ten
miles above the mouth of Tippecanoe River"
.Also from Hamilton’s Journal . . . .
pp. 162
Riviere a L’Anguille is the Eel River of Indiana. See Hamilton’s entries for November 19, 21, and 24.
pp. 197
Riviere à l’Anguille is the modern Eel River Anguille: to begin a thing at the wrong end, there is a snake in
the grass. [Cassell’s pp35] Anguillie’re: Eel Pond [Cassell’s pp. 35] Anglais: (I) English: British, filer, a l’
anglais, to slip away, to take French leave; Anglais: Englishman, The English, the English Language [Cassell’s
pp. 34] Some of the leaders were men of origin that over time had become L'Anguile, Absentees from another
place and time. The French recognized this and this factor may also added to the lack of contact with early
contacts within the region and avoiding contact with many.

The Journal of the Proceedings” Ft. Wayne IN “Indian Treaties” held on September 30th 1809.
Excerpt reads as follows:
“The governor (Wm. H. Harrison) requested that all the chiefs present would speak in their turn, and
called upon the principal chief of the Eel River tribe who was an old friend of his who had served
with him in General Wayne’s Army. He demanded to know what his objections were to the treaty.
He (the Eel River chief) drew out the treaty of Grousland. ‘Father . .’”
see treaty with the date Sept. 30th 1809; Kappler's Indian Laws and Treaties Vol I. / Charley is this “Principal Chief”]

Indiana Historical Markers
Many arguments can be made that the Eel River are part of other groups both now and historically. The
history as it is written would favor this. Remember however: "A Mistake in history can be written,
copied and told time and time again until it appears to be an historical truth...but it is still a
mistake."

Historical Markets and many other items in the mainstream also misreport the Eel River Tribe.

Photo of historical village
of Peter Cornstalk and his Snakefish, Eel
River. It reads:
Chief Cornstalk’s Village
“Chief Peter Cornstalk’s Village
of Snakefish (Eel River) Tribe
of Miami Indians
was located three miles from here
along Cornstalk Creek.
Wigwams and Indian burial
ground were near the little
Harshbarger family cemetery.
In Indians lived at peace with
settlers moving here in the 1800s.”

Indiana Cemetery Marker
Eel River Tribe of Miamis at Thorntown.
Other items also reflect inaccurate
and misreported information.

Our struggle to restore our heritage will not be easy. We have the support from many and to them we say
Mishneyway...Great Thanks!
Every step is worth taking and every inch is worth gaining. How appropriately is it, that on the day
the Treaty was finished that blended our history, people and leaders into the Miami Collective...we
also claimed our independence 203 years to the day. On August 21 2006, we were granted our
Corporate status as the Eel River Tribe of Indiana Inc. To some this might be considered only a
corporate playing field, but to us it was a huge step on the road back.   Ironically, as of today, there
are no Federally recognized Tribes in Indiana, a land which took it's name from " The Land of the
Indians". There are only individual people from Federal Tribes outside of the State. We have
entered into the recognition and acknowledgement process and with the Creator and our Ancestors
watching over us, we just might be the first to achieve this. We are grateful and we are Thankful
for all of your letters of support. We will continue to collect them and as always you may continue to
send them to the link or e-mail address listed below. Our Scholarship, Hardship, Elders support
Funds and Cultural preservation Funds are now in place and are open to our members and
sponsored people form all other tribes.
If you would like to apply or would like additional information on these programs please fill out the
request section on our contact page or e-mail us at the address below.
For additional information and history: go to Amazon.com search Eel River Tribe of Indiana (new
Revised Edition) Or L'Anguiles~ Snakes in the Grass..For Family and Honor. These books vary in
price from the many book sellers and
sites that carry them. Thank You!

NOTE: All sales from these books go to fund Scholarships for
extended Education and are open to all members of the
Eel River Tribe and to All other applicants.
No tribal affiliation is required to apply. For information please visit
our service page.

READ MORE OF OUR HISTORY HERE!

L ands Ceded by Eel Rivers, Miami and Wea

R estoring Lost History PART I

R estoring Lost History PART II

Treaties with the Eel Rivers

Eel Rivers and The Tippecanoe Potawatomi Take charge

The Forks of the Wabash

Eel River Town, Logansport and More.

Indiana past, present and future.

Copyright © 2007 ~ 2009 The Eel River Tribe of Indiana Inc.
Contact us at CONTACT US PAGE
All information on this site is protected by this domain use, If you would like to copy any or all of the information within please
contact us at the above e-mail address. Thank You!
EELRIVERS / SERVICES / ABOUT US / HOME / CONTACT US

THE EEL RIVER TRIBE
of Indiana...A Wabash Confederacy

Who are we?
The Eel River Tribe of Indians appeared in history during the 18th century. From the beginning, the reports
of who they were and how they came to be called The Eel Rivers have been misunderstood. They were
reduced, according to some, to a small number and could not send many warriors to the conflicts in the
Ohio Valley. At their head was a famous figure who many history books have reported as a Miami War
Chief. His name was Little Turtle.

In 1748 Little Turtle’s parents were located near Pickawillany, Ohio. Life was relatively good with trade
with the few trappers and settlers who lived and visited the area. The western migration of the bulk of
European immigrants into the interior of America had not yet begun, but it was coming.

The French occupied and controlled much of the regional hunting and trapping, to support the demand of
fur, both in North America and abroad. The Spanish still occupied the most southern region, Florida. Most
of the country had yet to be surveyed or even explored. Forests were thick and rivers clear enough to drink
from and all game flourished. Species not seen in generations were also in abundance. Animals such as the
woodland bison, bear, elk and eagle were as commonly seen as were the people of the Woodland tribes.
Life was still innocent and good. Men evaluated one another on his word and reputation as a hunter and the
color of a man’s skin did not always indicate his intent or his character.

Trouble with the white haired grandfathers of England was building. Not only among their transplanted and
newly born subjects, but also within the tribes of the region. Promises between men were giving way to the
ambitions of countries and the impact would leave death, destruction and the disappearance of a many
people.

“ A mistake can be
made . . . written
down, copied,
rewritten, published,
repeated time and
time again . . . but it is
still a mistake”

LONGHOUSE
Open to all with a
good heart.
Algonquian and their
related tribes all
believe in the “Great
Spirit” or “Manitou.”
The “Great Spirit” was
considered the
supreme being, and
lived in everything

“We have been pushed
westward and off our
lands for so long that
the graves of our
grandfathers are no
longer known to us.
Without our old ones
our stories fade and
our history now too
grows dim.”

Little Turtle
“The leader of the
Indian army at the
time of St. Clair’s
defeat was a chief of
Missassago tribe,
known by the name of
Little Turtle.

OUR HISTORY
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STILL HERE
A Pictorial of Indiana's
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                  Ours is not to change the past but leave a record for our future.
          Ours is not to confuse others but share all that we know to be true.
         Ours is not to destroy, but rather build that which will last beyond our days.
      Ours is not to alter others stories but to preserve our own.
                     Our path will be hard and some may fall but for those who can endure and for those who will
                                            prevail,our memory, our history, our Tribe will live in the hearts of our grand-children's children.
                                                                                                                                                           ~ Five Trees

Cover Photo of our Book.
Many things have happened in our struggle to be heard. The photo
above is of a home that burned near our homelands. In the flames
appeared a face that lingered for more then an hour, just as you see it
above. The home was completely destroyed and fell into the flames.
More then 40 people witnessed this and still talk of the day they saw
the face in the flames. To us it inspires and lets us know everything is
possible when you believe. Our Ancestors are still with us.

NOTICE:
The Above links are forever changing as we receive your
comments , requests and information. We try to update,
correct or make these additions as soon as possible. If a link
does not open we are sorry and should complete all changes
soon. Please check back . Thank You!

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