Tonkawa Nation

The Tonkawa tribe is a Native American tribe originally from present-day Texas. They were a semi-nomadic tribe that lived in the area for thousands of years before the arrival of European settlers. The Tonkawa were known for their hunting and gathering lifestyle, as well as their fierce warrior reputation.

In the early 16th century, the Tonkawa came into contact with Spanish explorers, who named them the “Tonkawa” meaning “they all stay together” in the language of the region. During the 18th and 19th centuries, the Tonkawa were displaced from their land by American settlers and forced to move to reservations in Oklahoma. The tribe’s population decreased significantly during this time due to disease and warfare with settlers.

Today, the Tonkawa tribe is federally recognized and has a small population of around 2,500 enrolled tribal members. The tribe operates a number of businesses and programs to promote economic development and preserve their cultural heritage.