Aniishiik (thank you) for taking the time to learn a little more about the Munsee Tribe in Kansas, also known as the “Christian Indians” or “Kansas Munsee”.

Our tribe originated in the New York area, but through a series of removals and dishonored treaties, they were forced west and as far north as Canada before eventually settling in Kansas. In 1901, after refusing further removal to Oklahoma’s Indian Territory and having endured squatters, discrimination and continued political, community and economic pressure, the tribe was dissolved and awarded US citizenship. Tribal members continued to be treated as Native American - adults received health services and children received education in Native American boarding schools and at Haskall through the 1970’s.

Today, after decades of starts and stops towards federal recognition, and facing the loss of additional elders along with the important history they carry, we are reunited in our efforts to preserve the history of our tribe and regain federal recognition.