Native Americans in Indiana Today
Descendents of Jacco Godfroy attended the 2004 dedication of the Wea Tribe at Terre Haute historical marker (photo courtesy of the Indiana Historical Bureau).
Dr. Mark Schurr, a University of Notre Dame Archaeologist, demonstrates the use of non-invasive technology on an archaeological site to Native Americans in the Prophetstown State Park area.
Native Americans from various tribes and cultural groups live in Indiana today. They have vibrant cultures, traditions, and languages (some web resources about Native American languages: Miami, and Potawatomi.)
To learn about Native Americans throughout the United States and Canada, visit the American Indian Library Association, an affiliate of the American Library Association, for bibliographies, oral history projects, and other programs. The American Indian Resources page provides links to resources about Native Americans, both past and present.
While the DHPA currently does not have an active program promoting or researching present day Native Americans living in Indiana, one of our partners in preservation, the Indiana Historical Bureau, does provide information on their website regarding Native Americans living in our state. Along with the Historical Bureau, the State also has the Native American Indian Affairs Commission, which is administered by the Department of Workforce Development. At the Federal level, the Bureau of Indian Affairs offers information about services available from the Federal Government, programs, and resources for and about Native Americans.
There are many resources to determine if you have Native American heritage. Visit the Indiana State Library’s genealogy division, the Indiana Genealogical Society, or the Department of Interior for tips on tracing your ancestry.
The Miami Indians of Indiana
The Miami Indians have a long tradition in Indiana. Today, they have a tribal headquarters in Peru, Indiana. You can learn much more about the Miami Nation of Indians of the State of Indiana by visiting their site. In addition, various Indiana museums discuss the history and impact that the Miami have had not only on Indiana, but also United States history.
- Indiana State Museum – Indianapolis
- Eiteljorg Museum – Indianapolis
- Historic Forks of the Wabash – Huntington
- Fort Wayne History Center – Fort Wayne
- Miami County Museum – Peru
- National Center for Great Lakes Native American Culture – Portland
- Native American Museum – Terre Haute (visitor information available midway down the page)
- Wea Indian Tribe of Indiana
- Metis Indian Tribe of Indiana
