Ottawa Tribe of Oklahoma

Ottawa Tribe of Oklahoma

official tribal flag
Total population
(2,500)
Regions with significant populations
United States (Oklahoma)
Languages
Ojibwe (Ottawa dialect), English
Religion
Christianity, traditional tribal religion
Related ethnic groups
other Odawa tribes, Potawatomi, and Ojibwe

The Ottawa Tribe of Oklahoma is one of four federally recognized Native American tribes of Odawa people in the United States. Its ancestors had migrated into Michigan and Ohio in the 18th century. In the late 1830s they were removed to west of the Mississippi River, first to Iowa, then to Kansas in what was then Indian Territory. In 1867 they sold their land to purchase territory in what became Oklahoma, then primarily settled by Native Americans.

The other three tribes are located in the state of Michigan, part of the traditional Odawa territory. They are the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, Little River Band of Ottawa Indians and the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians. In addition, there are First Nations of Odawa people in Ontario, Canada, including on Manitoulin Island, their original homeland.

The headquarters of the Ottawa Tribe of Oklahoma is Miami. Their tribal jurisdictional area is in Ottawa County. In the early 21st century, there are 2,500 enrolled tribal members; 737 live within the state of Oklahoma. The tribe bases membership qualifications on direct lineal descent; that is, they have no minimum blood quantum requirement.

The current administration is as follows:

The Ottawa Tribe issues its own tribal vehicle tags. They operate two tribal smoke shops; one gas station, and the Otter Stop Convenience Store. In addition, they operate the High Winds Casino. Their annual economic impact is estimated by the Oklahoma Indian Affairs Commissions to be $3 million.