People of the River’s Mouth: The Search for the Missouria Indians

Historian and author Michael Dickey will present an overview of the history of the Missouria native nation from whom the Missouri River and our state got its name. French and Spanish documents, archaeological data and oral traditions of the Otoe-Missouria people and neighboring tribes will be utilized to form a picture of their material culture and general spiritual concepts. Their role in the Louisiana Territory and the impact of European culture, forced removal and the status of their descendants today will also be examined. There is a reminder that they are still with us and not museum pieces.

Native Missouri at the Time of the Louisiana Purchase

Using Spanish and American records historian and author Michael Dickey will explain the cultural tension and rapid changes that characterized Euro-American relations with the Osage, Missouria, Kansa, Ioway, Sac & Fox, Kickapoo, Shawnee, Lenape and Illinois nations in the Missouri region from 1803 to the final extinguishment of Indian titles in 1836. The presentation will demonstrate that each tribe had its unique qualities and characteristics and summarize what happened to them. There is a reminder that they are still with us and not museum pieces.