Our History

The Sakochee Tribe is composed of the multi-racial descendants of the Native Americans who inhabited America for countless thousands of years before non-Native contact and eventual settlement.  The history of Native American Descendants is sad, complicated, and painful, plagued by racism, forced assimilation, injustice, and displacement. Enduring the continued forced assimilation of the Native American Descendants since European Colonization of the Americas, our People remain strong and vibrant. We are still here.

 The history of Native American descendants, or Mixed-Bloods, is deeply intertwined with the earliest interactions between indigenous peoples and European settlers in North America. These interactions began in the 16th and 17th centuries, as European explorers and colonists arrived on the continent, bringing with them new technologies, goods, and cultural practices.

 One of the earliest and most well-known examples of cultural exchange and intermarriage is the story of Pocahontas, a Powhatan woman who played a significant role in the early years of the Jamestown colony in Virginia. Born around 1596, Pocahontas was the daughter of Powhatan, the paramount chief of a network of tributary tribal nations in the Tidewater region of Virginia. Her interactions with the English colonists, particularly her relationship with John Smith and her eventual marriage to John Rolfe, a tobacco planter, symbolize the complex dynamics of alliance and cultural blending.

Her marriage to Rolfe in 1614 is often cited as one of the first recorded instances of intermarriage between a Native American and a European settler, leading to a period of relative peace between the Powhatan Confederacy and the English settlers. Pocahontas's story highlights the early instances of cultural convergence and the potential for alliance and understanding, despite the broader context of conflict and colonization.

Famous portrait of Pocahontas

Pocahontas saves John Smith

 Another significant figure in the history of Native American descendants is Mary Kittamaquund, the daughter of the Piscataway chief Kittamaquund. In the 1640s, she was sent to live with the Jesuit missionaries in Maryland, where she was baptized and educated in European customs. Her marriage to Giles Brent, an English settler, is another example of early intermarriage that contributed to the emergence of Mixed-Blood communities. 

The forced baptism of Mary Kittamaquund

Canadian Metis flag (left) and the Canadian flag (right)

As European colonization expanded, the fur trade became a central economic activity, particularly in the Great Lakes region, the Mississippi Valley, and the Canadian prairies. This trade facilitated extensive interaction between European traders and Native American tribes, leading to numerous intermarriages. The children of these unions, often referred to as Métis in Canada, developed distinct cultural identities that blended indigenous and European elements.

The Métis people, particularly in regions like the Red River Valley, became instrumental in the fur trade, serving as intermediaries and traders who navigated both indigenous and European worlds. Their unique culture, language (Michif), and traditions reflect the rich tapestry of cultural exchange and adaptation.

 Throughout the colonial period, Mixed-Blood individuals and communities faced complex challenges related to identity and acceptance. Colonial policies often failed to recognize the unique status of Mixed-Bloods, leading to legal and social ambiguities. In many cases, they were seen as cultural bridges, but they also experienced marginalization and discrimination from both indigenous and settler societies. 

Flag of the Sakochee Tribe, representing all Native American Descendants.

 Despite these challenges, Mixed-Blood communities have demonstrated remarkable resilience. They have played crucial roles in advocating for indigenous rights, cultural preservation, and political representation. In the modern era, there has been a resurgence of interest in reclaiming and celebrating Native American heritage among descendants. Efforts to preserve indigenous languages, arts, and traditions are thriving, with many Mixed-Blood individuals actively participating in cultural festivals, educational programs, and political advocacy. 

The time for pretending that Native American Descendants do not exist are over. We are here and not going anywhere. 

The Sakochee Tribe was founded on November 8, 2008 by Alexander Ziwahatan, Richard E. Lake II, Lucretia Lake, and LeRoy Kincaid III.

Due to forced assimilation and theft, the majority of Native American Descendants do not hold land. The history of Native American descendants and our ancestral lands is a complex and often painful narrative of dispossession and displacement. Over centuries, Native American tribes were systematically removed from their lands through treaties, warfare, and legislation such as the Indian Removal Act of 1830. This resulted in the loss of millions of acres of land that were integral to our cultural, spiritual, and economic well-being. While specific entitlements to land vary by tribe and treaty, many Native American descendants believe they are owed restitution for these losses. The monetary value of these lands is difficult to quantify accurately, given the historical, cultural, and spiritual significance that transcends economic measures. However, estimates suggest that the land originally occupied by Native Americans could be worth trillions of dollars today, considering the vast resources and development potential. Efforts to quantify and address these losses continue through legal avenues and negotiations for land rights and compensation.

 The Sakochee Tribe was founded as a response to the challenges faced by Native American descendants who often find themselves overlooked by both the U.S. government and existing federally recognized tribes. Despite their rich indigenous heritage, many descendants lack formal recognition, leaving them without access to the rights, resources, and cultural connections afforded to recognized tribes. This lack of acknowledgment has forced many Native American descendants to seek a community where they can belong and preserve their cultural identity. The Sakochee Tribe emerged as a beacon for these individuals, providing a sense of belonging and a platform for cultural preservation and advocacy. By uniting members from diverse tribal backgrounds across the country, the Sakochee Tribe strives to create a supportive community that honors and celebrates the unique heritage of Native American descendants, while working towards greater recognition and rights for all its members.