People of the River's Mouth

The Search for the Missouria Indians

Historian and author Michael Dickey presents an overview of the history of the Missouria native nation from whom the Missouri River and our state got their names. He'll also examine their role in the Louisiana Territory, the impact of European culture, forced removal and the status of their descendants today, with a reminder that the Missouria are still with us and not museum pieces. Adults.

Historian and author Michael Dickey will present an overview of the history of the Missouria native nation from whom the Missouri River and our state got their names. Dickey has used French and Spanish documents, archaeological data and oral traditions of the Otoe-Missouria people and neighboring tribes to form a picture of their material culture and general spiritual concepts. He'll also examine their role in the Louisiana Territory, the impact of European culture, forced removal and the status of their descendants today, with a reminder that the Missouria are still with us and not museum pieces. 

Adults.

Michael E. Dickey was formerly the administrator of the Arrow Rock, Sappington Cemetery and Boone's Lick State Historic Site (1986-2021). He is a graduate of University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg (1972-1976). He has written two books and co-authored a chapter of "The Archaeology of the War of 1812." In the past, he has collaborated with the Osage Tribal Museum and Wah-Zha-Zhi Cultural Center in Pawhuska, Oklahoma to produce exhibits and develop programs utilizing Native American speakers and artisans. 

Photo illustration: Mahinkacha (Maker of Knives) by Karl Bodmer, 1833

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