The Pawnee are Indians, that began living in Nebraska, and were forced to move to Oklahoma. Throughout the years they have been greatly mistreated by European settlers, American settlers, and the United States government. However, recently the Indian Welfare Act and Bureau of Indian Affairs have greaty improved the situation of the Pawnee.
The origin of the name Pawnee is still uncertain. It may be Pani, meaning red bird, because of the red plumage on their clothing. Another possibility is the natie word pariki, meaning a horn. This refers to their scalp-locks.
The Pawnee tribe is divided intoi four relatively independent bands. they are the Kitkehahki(meaning Republican), Chaui (meaning grand), Pitahauerat (meaning Tapage), and the Skidi (meaning wolf). The Pawnee call themselved Chahiksichakihs, or men of men.
This site was created by Brooke Zarouri, Emily Zisser, and Debbie Ovadia, and was last updated on March, 9th 2006.