Pawnee Nation

Pawnee History

The Pawnee Tribe has a long and proud history going back over 700 years. At one time, early in the 19th century, there were over 10,000 members of the Pawnee Tribe along the North Platt River in Nebraska.

The Pawnee villages consisted of dome-shaped, earth-covered lodges with a diameter of 25 to 60 feet with a long entrance leading towards the East. A center pit dug three to four feet in diameter served as a fireplace. These lodges housed extended families.

The Tribe then, as it is now, was composed of four distinct bands: the Chaui "Grand"; the Kitkehahki, "Republican"; the Pitahawirata, "Tappage"; and Skidi, "Wolf". Each band went on separate hunts and often fought separate battles.

Before the middle of the 19th century, the Tribe was stricken with smallpox and cholera. A great loss of life occurred and by 1900, the tribe"s membership was decreased to approximately 600.

The Pawnees were well known for their ability to raid neighboring tribes and acquire their horses. They set out on foot and brought back hundreds of horses, especially from the tribes to the South and Southwest. Horses gave the Pawnees the mobility that made them a name to be feared by their enemies.

Although the Pawnees never waged open war against the U.S. Government and were classified as a "friendly tribe", extra privileges were not gained. The government felt the need to placate warring tribes with gifts, which sometimes consisted of rifles to hunt buffalo. These rifles were in turn used against other tribes, including the Pawnees, who were not so fortunately armed.

Nevertheless, the Pawnee warriors were men of courage and great endurance. Even when outnumbered and outgunned, they fought valiantly. Some of these warrior feats were considered legendary.

One such great feat was that of Chief Crooked Hand of the Skidi Band, who arose from bed to muster the old men, women and boys and led the charge to defend their home. Though outnumbered two to one, they outfought a superior armed enemy and drove them away.

Pawnees dressed similar to other plains tribes; however, the Pawnees had a special way of preparing the scalp lock by dressing it with buffalo fat until it stood erect and curved backward like a horn.

The Pawnees unwillingly ceded their lands to the U.S. Government in 1833, 1848, 1857 and 1872. The move from Nebraska to what is now Pawnee County was completed in 1875. The Pawnee Indian Agency was established just east of the present site of the City of Pawnee and an Indian boarding school, called Pawnee Industrial School, was built. The school affectionately known as "Gravy U" was closed in 1958 and the land was returned to the tribe in 1968. Many of the old "Gravy U" buildings have been renovated and are now used as tribal offices and now the home to the Pawnee Nation College, established in 2006.

Today, the tribal enrollment numbers a little over 2,500 members and Pawnees can be found in all areas of the United States as well as foreign countries in many walks of life. Pawnees take much pride in their ancestral heritage. They are noted in history for their tribal religion, rich in myth, symbolism and elaborate rites.

Pawnee Nation Flag



The miniature stars and stripes of the blue field symbolizes America. The Plains Indian tribes called the Pawnee "Wolves" because of their cunning and courage. Thus, the emblem of the wolf, which also meant to the Pawnees, "Chaticks Si Chaticks", Men of Men.

Crossed on the blue field is a peace pipe and tomahawk. The peace pipe standing for peace and the tomahawk for war.

Below are eight arrowheads emblematic of the wars in which the Pawnees fought in the service of their country; the Indian wars, the Spanish-American War, World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, Desert Storm and Operation Enduring Freedom.

The flag means Pawnee Indians, in peace and war, are always courageous and loyal to America.

The flag staff is an old time Pawnee lance with a genuine flint spearhead.

The staff has beadwork mounted on buckskin opposite the blue field. The many colors in the beadwork symbolize our various ceremonies and our old people who have gone on before us.

The four prime eagle feathers attached at the top of the flag represent the four Pawnee bands: Chaui, Pitahawirata, Skidi and Kitkehahki.

A sprig of cedar should be attached to the staff during Homecoming, Armistice Day, Christmas and on occasions of state. We use cedar in sacred ceremonies and in prayer. It is a token of prayer and a token of peace.

Like the flag of the United States, the Pawnee Indian Flag should never be desecrated and it should never touch the ground.

Designed by Brummett EchoHawk

Pawnee Nation Seal

The original seal was designed by Brummett Echohawk.

The Wolf- The Plains Indians referred to the Pawnees as "Wolves" due to their cunning and courage.

The Banner- "Chaticks si Chaticks" in Pawnee Language, means "Men of Men"

Sprigs of Cedar- The Pawnee use cedar in sacred ceremonies and in prayer. It is a token of prayer and peace.

The Morning Star- The Morning Star symbolizes God. The Skidi believed that this star is where God lived.

The Peace Pipe and Tomahawk- The Peace Pipe standing for peace and the Tomahawk for war.

Pawnee Colors - Red for Courage. White for Purity. Blue for Truth.