OtoMissouria

OtoMissouria refers to the Oto and Missouria, two closely related Native American tribes who historically inhabited parts of the Great Plains. Their languages, Chiwere, are mutually intelligible, and their cultures shared many similarities, leading to their frequent grouping.

The Oto, also known as the Otoe, were originally from the Upper Mississippi River valley. They were primarily agriculturalists, growing corn, beans, and squash, but also engaged in hunting bison and other game. The Missouria, whose name is derived from their own name, Ni'd'u't'a, meaning "people of the river," were also agriculturists and hunters and lived along the Missouri River.

The two tribes formed a close alliance and eventually merged more formally, often referred to collectively as the Oto-Missouria. They faced significant pressure from other tribes and European-American expansion, leading to several relocations. Their traditional territories spanned areas that are now parts of Nebraska, Kansas, and Oklahoma.

In the 19th century, the Oto-Missouria were forced onto reservations, primarily in present-day Oklahoma. Today, the federally recognized Oto-Missouria Tribe of Oklahoma continues their cultural traditions and works to preserve their heritage. Their history is marked by resilience, adaptation, and a deep connection to their ancestral lands.