The Wichita (Kitikiti'sh) people were never a singular tribe, but a confederation of Southern Plains tribes, sub-tribes, or bands who spoke the Wichita or Kichai language, both from the Caddoan family of languages.
Historically, the Taovayas (Tawehash), Tawakonis, Wacos, Guichitas (Wichita Proper), and Wacos, who were likely the descendants of the earlier Yscani or Iscanis. Smaller bands included the Itaz, Kishkat, and Korishkitu, although the Kishkat and Korishkitsu may reference the Kichai people, possibly using a Wichita name for them. The Akwits (Akwesh, Asidahetsh, or Asidahesh), a former Northern Pawnee group, also joined the Wichita prior to European contact.
Today, the Wichita tribes, federally recognized as the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes, include the Kichai, Waco, Taovaya, Tawakoni, and Wichita Proper (Guichita), as well as the Keechi, who are closely related to the Kichai and sometimes known as the Kichai-Keechi.
The Wichita were related by language and culture to the Pawnee, with whom they had a relationship that varied from cordial to hostile. They were allied with the Comanche for a long time. They were said to be cautiously hostile to the Osage, although the Apache were bitter enemies of the Wichita tribes.
Historically, the Wichita homelands extended from the area of San Antonio, Texas in the south to Great Bend, Kansas in the north.
The traditional permanent homes of the Wichita people were conical-shaped, and could be as large as 20-50 feet in diameter, and consisting of grass thatch covering a framework of poles. Elevated platforms served as beds, and a fire hole was sunk in the center of the structure, with a smoke hole in the roof at one side. The conical shape of the home allowed for efficient heat distribution and stability, and the grass thatch provided insulation and protection from the elements.
The Wichita people were semi-nomadic, following the buffalo herds during the winter in seasonal hunts, setting up more permanent villages in the spring and summer to plant and harvest crops.
They were once centralized through a network of large villages or cities, where their leaders and holy people resided. Just before European contact, their power decentralized, and smaller villages of large, multi-family clans became the tribal centers.
It is believed that the Spanish explorer Francisco Vásquez de Coronado was the first European to come into contact with the Wichita people in 1541. Along the Blanco River, near Lubbock, his expedition came across an Indigenous group that he called Teyas, but who were probably a Wichita tribe.
Six years later, Juan de Oñate, considered the founder of New Mexico, came across two large settlements of people he called Escanjaques, but who were Wichita people.
The largest of the historic Wichita sub-tribes were the Taovayas. In the 1720s, they moved south from Kansas to the Red River, where they established a large village on the north side of the river, at what is now Petersburg, Oklahoma, and on the south side, at Spanish Fort, Texas. They had adopted many of the traits of the Plains Indians and had a close alliance with the French and the Comanches, although they were also known for raiding.
The Wichita and Comanche were known to the Spanish as Norteños (Northerners). In 1759, they attacked a Spanish military expedition, destroying the San Saba Mission. The Spanish responded with a 500-man army that attacked the twin villages on the Red River but were defeated by the Wichita and Comanche in the Battle of the Twin Villages.
The Wichita-Comanche alliance broke up in the 1770s as the Wichita sought a better relationship with the Spanish. However, a smallpox epidemic killed about one-third of the Taovaya in Texas.
When the United States government assumed authority over the area through the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, and the independence of Texas in 1836, all of the related tribes were lumped together and called Wichita. The Kichai of northern Texas were included, although they spoke a different, albeit related, language.
During the American Civil War, the Wichita sided with the Union. They moved to what became known as Wichita, Kansas, where they established a village. Nevertheless, in 1867, they were relocated to a reservation in Indian Territory (Oklahoma), where most of them continue to reside as members of the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes.
Headquartered in Anadarko, Oklahoma, the Wichita and affiliated Tribes is a self-governance tribe that operates its own housing authority, issues tribal vehicle tags, and operates several enterprises.
This portion of our web guide on American Indians and First Nations groups focuses on the Wichita people. Online resources representing the tribal government, its programs, services, events, and enterprises are appropriate for this category.
Recommended Resources
AI is a recognized Small Disadvantaged Business that provides support and services to the government and major government subcontractors, delivering focused capabilities in information technologies, logistics and facility operations, technical services (engineering, safety, science), and business management. Administrative contacts, a list of federal agencies and prime contractors with whom it does business, contact vehicles, and career opportunities are highlighted.
https://anadarko-industries.com/
The Wichita and Affiliated Tribes own the Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB), Indian Economic Enterprise, Indian Small Business Economic Enterprise, and Small Business Administration (SBA) certified company. Iscani is a Native American, tribally owned construction company managed and supported by its parent company, Quivera Enterprises, and a "Buy Indian" firm under the Buy Indian Act. A profile of the firm, an introduction of its administrative staff, and an overview of its services are posted.
https://www.wichita-iscani.com/
The tribally owned holding company was established in 2018 to provide its subsidiaries with management oversight and professional support services. These companies offer professional services such as information technology and facilities support to government, tribal, and commercial clients. Its subsidiaries include Anadarko Industries, Iscani Industries, Wichita Government Solutions, and Wichita Tribal Enterprises. Its companies, services, and career opportunities are published on the website.
https://www.wichita-quivera.com/
Headquartered in Anadarko, Oklahoma, the tribal jurisdictional area is in Caddo County, Oklahoma. The federally recognized American Indian tribe includes descendants of the Wichita, Keechi, Waco, and Tawakoni tribes. The tribal government, its departments, boards, and programs are set forth, along with career opportunities, an overview of member programs and services, and information about tribal history, culture, and upcoming events. Contacts and an online contact form are included.
https://wichitatribe.com/
WGS is a Native American tribally-owned small business certified through the Small Business Administration as a small disadvantaged business. Established in 2017, WGS provides services to various clients in the federal contracting arena and is prepared to perform a wide range of computer, administrative, accounting, and professional services. The firm employs a skilled group of professionals who specialize in IT operations and finance. Its services and contacts are posted.
https://www.wichita-gs.com/
WTE offers its customers information technology infrastructure support, financial management, budget analysis, staff augmentation, help desk support, and other services. Its services are featured, along with career opportunities, a list of partners, and a list of the benefits of partnering with Wichita Tribal Enterprises. Other resources include a gallery of photographs of members and activities of the Wichita Tribe, as well as news and updates related to Wichita enterprises.
https://www.wichita-tribe.com/
