The Arapaho People

Pronunciation: “Uh-RAH-puh-hoe”

Location: The Arapaho people are a Native American tribe that is split up into Northern and Southern tribes. The Northern tribe is mainly on a reservation in Wyoming and the Southern tribe is mainly on trust land in Oklahoma.

Poplutaion: There are approximately 9,000-7,000 Arapaho people living in the United States.

History: Early tradition suggests that they lived in permanent villages in the eastern woodlands, where they practiced agriculture. As they moved westward into the eastern plains of Colorado and Wyoming, they began to split into northern and southern groups. Similar to other Plains tribes, the Arapaho were nomadic, living in teepees and following the buffalo as a primary resource. They took part in trading with other Indians such as the Mandan and Arikara. Bands of the Arapaho and Cheyenne Indians lived in Colorado until November 1864 when the Sand Creek Massacre, and its aftermath, drove them from the territory.

Government: Each Arapaho tribe has its own government, laws, police, and services, just like a small country. However, the Arapahos are also US citizens and must obey American law.

Language: Arapaho people speak English today. Some elders also speak their native Arapaho language. Here are a few easy Arapaho words: “hebe” (pronounced “heh-beh”) is a greeting used among men, “tous” (pronounced “tose”) is a greeting used among women, and “hahou” (pronounced ha-ho) means “thank you.” Today Arapaho is an endangered language because most children aren’t learning it anymore. Because the Arapaho tribes were merged into two other tribes who didn’t understand Arapaho, it was very difficult for them to preserve their traditional language. However, some Arapaho people are still working to keep their language alive.

Religion: They have their own tribal religion. Everyday objects and actions have an important and symbolic meaning. Like other tribes, they practice the sun dance. Old stories tell of a sacred pipe that was always carried ahead of the northern tribe on their travels. The pipe-bearer would signal the beginning and end of the day’s journey. At night, the tribe would make a circle and camp around the pipe-bearer. The northern tribe of Arapaho still possesses the pipe.

Recent News: In July 2005, Arapahos won a contentious court battle with the State of Wyoming to get into the gaming or casino industry. The 10th Circuit Court ruled that the State of Wyoming was acting in bad faith when it would not negotiate with the Arapahos for gaming. Presently, the Arapaho Tribe owns and operates high-stakes, Class III gaming at the Wind River Casino, Little Wind Casino and 789 Smoke Shop and Casino. They are regulated by a Gaming Commission composed of three Tribal members. The Northern Arapaho Tribe opened the first casinos in Wyoming.

The Spread of the Gospel: They are an unreached people group, and it is estimated that there are between .01% and 2% Evangelical Christians. The Arapaho people are very traditional people, and they have lived hundreds of years with a traditional belief system. When Jesus was finally introduced, His message was clouded by harshness and demands to conform to societal standards. The God of Christianity was misrepresented as a harsh taskmaster. Traditional beliefs and practices were discouraged, leaving Native peoples without a spiritual foundation. That spirit of aimlessness has only increased since.

Adrift without a moral compass, kids are easy prey for an enemy who eagerly tempts and leads them to destruction and death. Suicide becomes an option to young people who believe the enemy’s lies and embrace the hopelessness he sells them. Although the Arapaho people have a rich cultural heritage, they struggle to live as a healthy community. They deal with alcoholism and drug abuse, diabetes, broken families, and limited economic opportunities. Local Christians are convinced that the Gospel message provides answers and offers life-giving hope.

Prayer Requests: Pray that the people’s eyes would be open to the gospel. Pray that that strongholds of gambling, alcoholism, and drug use would be broken. Pray that they would see the true God of the universe who wishes to bring them peace.

References: http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/cultural/northamerica/arapaho.html, http://www.bigorrin.org/arapaho_kids.htm, Wikipedia, Joshua Project, Adventures in Missions)

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