Monday, Oct. 12, is Indigenous Peoples’ Day. In 2021, the Texas Legislature passed a resolution (HCR 62) recognizing the second week of October as Indigenous Peoples’ Week in Texas.
Who they are
The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas describes itself as two tribes, the Alabama and the Coushatta, now united as one, with roots dating back to before the 1700s. According to the tribe’s history, its people had settled in East Texas by 1780.
Today the tribe has more than 1,400 members, about half of whom live on the reservation east of Livingston. The tribe says the reservation covers approximately 11,000 acres and calls it the oldest Indian reservation in Texas.
The tribe lost federal recognition in 1955. It was restored in 1987 under the federal Restoration Act. The Handbook of Texas has more on that history.
Two languages, still spoken
Tribal members speak two languages, Alabama and Koasati. The tribe’s archives keep dictionaries for both, part of ongoing work to keep the languages alive for the next generation.
Ways to visit
- Welcome Center and Museum, 1083 Colabe Rd., Livingston. Learn the tribe’s history from the tribe itself. Check current hours before you go, or call the tribe at 936-563-1100.
- Lake Tombigbee Campground, 1427 Campground Rd., Livingston. Tribe-run, open year-round, with campsites and cabins in the pines. Reservations: 936-563-1220.
- Powwow: the tribe holds its annual powwow in early June. Watch the tribe’s events calendar for next year’s dates.
One small thing to do this week
Take a drive east of Livingston and spend an afternoon at the museum or by the lake.