Introduction / History

The Tuscarora people are part of the Iroquoian language family and originally lived in North Carolina, along the Roanoke, Neuse, Tar, and Pamlico Rivers. Their name may translate to "hemp gatherers" or "shirt-wearing people". After the Tuscarora War (1711–1713) against English colonists, most surviving Tuscarora migrated north to Pennsylvania and New York, eventually becoming the sixth nation of the Iroquois Confederacy in 1722.
Today, federally recognized Tuscarora communities exist in New York and Ontario, while descendants also live in North Carolina and Oklahoma. The Tuscarora language is nearly extinct, though revitalization efforts are underway.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Tuscarora communities maintain a strong connection to land, tradition, and family. Historically, they lived in round lodges made of bark and practiced agriculture, hunting, and fishing, cultivating the "Three Sisters": corn, beans, and squash. Today, many Tuscarora live on reservations such as the Tuscarora Nation Reservation near Niagara Falls, where they engage in community events, cultural preservation, and economic development through tribal enterprises.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Tuscarora spirituality blends traditional Indigenous beliefs with Christianity. Historically, they practiced ceremonies honoring the Creator, nature, and ancestral spirits, often held in longhouses. These rituals included seasonal festivals, vision quests, and songs that connected the community to the spiritual realm.
About half of Tuscarora people identify as Christian. Many continue to honor traditional spiritual practices alongside Christian faith, creating a syncretic religious landscape.

What Are Their Needs?

Challenges persist, including poverty, limited access to healthcare, and educational disparities. The median household income is significantly below the national average, and over 28% of residents live below the poverty line.

Prayer Items

Pray for a movement of spiritual renewal among Tuscarora Christians, that their faith may grow deeper and more vibrant.
Ask God to raise up local leaders and elders who can disciple others to become Christ's ambassadors to Native Americans who need hope and spiritual peace.
Pray for healing and restoration in families affected by poverty, displacement, and cultural loss.
Intercede for the younger generation, that they may remain rooted in Christ and become agents of transformation.

Scripture Prayers for the Tuscarora in United States.

References

Wikipedia – Tuscarora People [en.wikipedia.org]
Britannica – Tuscarora History & Culture
Tuscarora Nation of North Carolina – Language
Census Reporter – Tuscarora Nation Reservation
The Spiritual Practices of the Tuscarora People