Yuchi

Yuchi
Coyaha

Yuchi people dancing the Big Turtle Dance, 1909
Total population
(2010: 623)
Regions with significant populations
United States Historically: Tennessee, then Alabama and Georgia Today: Oklahoma
Languages
English, Yuchi
Religion
Christianity (Methodist), Stomp Dance, Native American Church
Related ethnic groups
Muscogee Creek

The Yuchi, also spelled Euchee and Uchee, are people of a Native American tribe who traditionally lived in the eastern Tennessee River valley in Tennessee in the 16th century. The Yuchi were well known mound builders. During the 17th century, they moved south to Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina. After suffering many fatalities due to epidemic disease and warfare in the 18th century, several surviving Yuchi were removed to Indian Territory in the 1830s, together with their allies the Muscogee Creek. (Some who remained in the South were classified as "free persons of color"; others were enslaved.) Some remnant groups migrated to Florida, where they became part of the recently formed Seminole Tribe of Florida.

Today the Yuchi live primarily in the northeastern Oklahoma area, where many are enrolled as citizens in the federally recognized Muscogee Creek Nation. Some Yuchi are enrolled as members of other federally recognized tribes, such as the Absentee Shawnee Tribe and the Cherokee Nation.

Yuchi is commonly interpreted to mean "over there sit/live" or "situated yonder." Their autonym, or name for themselves, is Coyaha or Tsoyaha, meaning "Children of the Sun." The Shawnee call them Tahokale, and the Cherokee call them Aniyutsi.