Episode 21

full
Published on:

22nd Sep 2023

A Place Called Poarch: Tribal Land Rights: Part One

Today is a collaboration between A Place Called Poarch and Poarch Stories. Today, we're starting a series of conversations about land and its importance to Native Americans. Over the next few episodes, we'll discuss different perspectives on how the land is used today. 

[1:16] - Megan explains the Poarch Community's land.

[2:10] - Land is part of Native American people.

[4:10] - To Brandy, the land is like genealogy to Native American people.

[6:30] - The Creek Nation occupied all of Georgia, most of Alabama, and parts of Tennessee and Florida.

[8:24] - Stick ball helped settle land disputes between neighboring tribes.

[12:50] - The federal government put land in trust to federally recognized tribes. 

[14:35] - Lynn McGee was the oldest patriarch of the Poarch community.

[22:11] - Land grants came about after the Creek War.

[25:13] - Poarch Creek has a checkerboard reservation.

[27:00] - The Fire Department has a larger jurisdiction than the Police Department.

[30:25] - There have been a lot of lawsuits with timber companies.

[32:39] - The idea of ownership didn't exist until Europeans came here.

[34:25] - A communal mindset is what sets Native Americans apart.

[40:09] - Billy explains the different sections of land.

[48:06] - We have a lot more culture ingrained in us than we realize.

Books:

Unworthy Republic: The Dispossession of Native Americans and the Road to Indian Territory by Claudio Saunt

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About the Podcast

A Place Called Poarch
"A Place Called Poarch" is a captivating podcast that dives deep into the heart of the Poarch Creek Indians, shedding light on its unique perspectives on Native issues. Each episode reveals the rich tapestry of history, culture, and tradition, intertwined with timely discussions on the challenges and triumphs faced by Indigenous communities. From Native history to contemporary debates, join us on this enlightening journey as we explore the depths of what it means to be a part of the Poarch Creek community in today's world. Subscribe now and become a part of the conversation.
The Poarch Band of Creek Indians is the only federally recognized tribe in the state of Alabama.

About your host

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Ashlee Mothershed