Reclaiming Tribal Identity in the Land of the Spirit Waters: The Tāp Pīlam Coahuiltecan Nation

Authors

  • Adrian Chavana University of Minnesota- Twin Cities

Abstract

This paper, through a case study of the Tāp Pīlam Coahuiltecan Nation in San Antonio, Texas, will interrogate issues of tribal resurgence, mestizaje, and the politics of recognition—both state and federal recognition of a Native tribe, and the politics of recognition across Indian Country at-large. Contrary to dominant narratives in the academic literature and popular literature, the Indigenous people of South Texas not only never went extinct, but, are both actively reclaiming their indigenous identity, and, pushing back against narratives of Coahuiltecan extinction.

A stylized painting on a textured, wood-grain yellow background depicts a top-down view of a large blue sun or star emblem at the top. Below it, an Indigenous woman with long dark hair holds soil in her hands while vine-like lines with small red buds wrap gracefully across her upper body. Features bold white and black text reading: "INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE FOR RESISTANCE, LOVE, AND LAND: LECCIONES FOR OUR CHILDREN, FOR OUR FUTURE."

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Published

2019-04-01

Issue

Vol. 2019 (2019): Indigenous Knowledge for Resistance: Lecciones from Our Past

Section

Articles