The history of the Ridgetop Shawnee Tribe of Indians is rooted within three distinct groups: The remnant Native, or likely multiracial population of the region before 1800, The Western Indian Confederacy and the multiracial settlers that migrated to the region. The legend of the Melungeons is rooted within the remnant multicultural population and the multicultural settlers who migrated to the region. We call this a legend because it is a legend, not fact, the Melungeons were not a mysterious unknown race of people they were simply a tri-race made up of European, Native American and African American peoples. Multiple DNA studies has proven this fact time and time again. The Melungeon legend reached its zenith in the mid to late 19th century by people who used the Melungoen, Black Irish and Black Dutch identity to explain their dark skin and Indian features. We are people of Native American descent, a people of many nations but we adopted the SHAWNEE name out of respect for the Nation that lived in this land where we live now. AND considering that most of our people have Overhill Cherokee blood, just like the peoples that make up the 3 modern Federal Shawnee Tribes, we all come from the same peoples.
There is little historical doubt that a remnant Indian population existed in what would become Harlan, Leslie, Letcher, Whitley, Bell, and Clay Counties in Kentucky. This remnant Indian population likely comprised of multiple small groups before the major expansion of the Cumberland Gap in 1796. These small remnant populations were undoubtedly racially influenced by the Western Confederacy which comprised partially of Chickamauga Cherokee, Shawnee and Mingo Indian Nations. This Confederacy existed, in its largest concentration, between the years 1774 and 1794, with the largest groups in this region being comprised of Shawnee and Mingo. A large Cherokee influence likely only existed for a very short time period between the years 1780 and 1794. The existence of this Confederacy within this region would have directly influenced any Native or multiracial groups that may have existed before 1774. There is also little historical doubt that a remnant population of multicultural peoples existed in this region during the time period dominated by the Western Confederacy.
The Ridgetop Shawnee truly represents American's first melting pot.
Our historical claims has been recognized as truth by the State House of the Kentucky General Assembly.
We celebrate the Shawnee history of the region as they were undoubtedly the most dominate influence in the region, even after the formation of the Western Confederacy. We exist along the Cumberland River today just as our ancestors did when the Cumberland River was named the Shawnee River.
The Ridgetop Shawnee Tribe of Indians recognized by the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
On February 26, 2009, and again the following year, the State House of the Kentucky General Assembly recognized and honored the Ridgetop Shawnee Tribe of Indians by a vote of 97 for and 0 votes against.
The Ridgetop Shawnee Tribe of Indians are very content with what we have accomplished over the past decade and have no plans to pursue full and formal recognition simply because there is no formal recognition in Kentucky. We do not plan on lobbying for such recognition until the Commonwealth of Kentucky recognizes their TRUE Native American history, sadly, even today, they do not. We are recognized by State House of the Kentucky General Assembly and no other Tribe in the History of this Commonwealth has achieved this amazing and gratifying honor.
House Joint Resolution Recognizing the Ridgetop Shawnee Tribe of Indians
A JOINT RESOLUTION commending the Ridgetop Shawnee Tribe of Indians for their efforts on behalf of preserving Native American heritage.
WHEREAS, the Ridgetop Band of Shawnee Indians are a very special people, making their home in Appalachia for thousands of years; and
WHEREAS, the people of the Ridgetop Shawnee are from many nations, migrating to Southeastern Kentucky as they fled persecution; and
WHEREAS, the Ridgetop Shawnee are a proud people, and they are dedicated to preserving the legacy of their ancient ones, and they will inform all who live in their region as to their proud history and traditions; and
WHEREAS, it is the mission of the Ridgetop Shawnee to help both their elderly and their young people with regard to health care and education; and
WHEREAS, it is also important to the Ridgetop Shawnee that their native Shawnee language be preserved, to be carried on by today's children to future generations;
NOW, THEREFORE, Be it resolved by the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky:
Section 1. The Kentucky General Assembly recognizes and commends the Ridgetop Shawnee Tribe of Indians for their important place in Kentucky history, and their ongoing efforts to help their elderly and their youth, as well as their efforts to preserve their native Shawnee language.
Section 2. The Kentucky General Assembly shows gratitude to the Ridgetop Shawnee for their hard work and dedication toward celebrating the region's history and Native American heritage.
More history coming soon.......
