The American-Indian culture is the foundation of the Texan identity. The identity of the state starts with the various tribes that once freely roamed the land of Texas. The American Indians were the first inhabitants of Texas, and traces of their culture can be found throughout Texas today.

Source: Sopaipilla, hohum, Wikimedia

The official state pastry is the sopaipilla (pictured above), and it has ties to one of the oldest communities in Texas. The sopaipilla can be traced back to the Tigua Indians who called them Indian fry bread. This treat that Texans enjoy today is remnants of a society that started in the 1680s.

There are many places in Texas that are named for various American-Indian groups: the cities of Nacogdoches and Waxahachie, and Comanche and Cherokee counties.

There are other places that still carry the markings of American Indians who have lived in Texas. Hueco Tanks are natural rock basins in West Texas that still have rock painting from American Indians centuries ago. Tigua Indians still worship in Hueco Tanks.

Pictured below is a participant in one of the American-Indian events in the Hueco Tanks area, and a piece of American-Indian art found on rocks in the Huecos Tanks.

Source: Native-American, Hueco-tanks, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

Source: Pictograph972, Hueco tanks, Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife

Watch the video below to see how the Hueco Tanks preserve their history of yesterday while allowing Texans to use the area today.

The map below shows the location of the three American-Indian tribes that remain in Texas. Click on each circle to learn more about them.

The Texas identity is marked not just by these three tribes that exist today, but also by many different American Indian tribes. Various events are held throughout the year that allows the public to take part in the traditions of American Indians in Texas.

According to the 2010 Census, there were 170,972 people identified as American Indians in Texas. Less than 3,000 were enrolled as tribe members. American Indians have contributed to the Texas identity, starting with the Tigua, and the many American Indians that live and work in Texas each day.

Answer the following questions in your notes.

1. How do the remaining American-Indian tribes in Texas maintain their cultural heritage today?

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   The three Texas tribes of the Tigua, the Alabama-Coushatta, and the Kickapoo, each continue traditional practices and rituals. Each tribe has reservations on which members live.

2. How do the tribes share their cultural heritage with other citizens of Texas?

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   The Tigua and the Alabama-Coushatta tribes both have events that they allow the public to attend. The Kickapoo tend to keep their traditions private.