Shawnee in United States
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| People Name: | Shawnee |
| Country: | United States |
| 10/40 Window: | No |
| Population: | 13,000 |
| World Population: | 13,000 |
| Primary Language: | Shawnee |
| Primary Religion: | Christianity |
| Christian Adherents: | 60.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 5.00 % |
| Scripture: | Portions |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | No |
| Audio Recordings: | No |
| People Cluster: | North American Indigenous |
| Affinity Bloc: | North American Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The Shawnee Tribe is an Indigenous people of the Northeastern Woodlands. They originally came from Ohio and Pennsylvania and were the last of the Shawnee to leave their traditional homelands there. Because of their nomadic nature, their homes were never permanent structures. They lived in temporary dome-shaped homes called wigwams, which were constructed of tree bark and sap, brush, cattails, and sometimes hide.
Now, the Shawnee Tribe is a federally recognized Native American tribe in Oklahoma. English is the predominant language spoken by these Native Americans. In 2020, almost immediately following the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, Shawnee Tribe leadership declared a state of emergency.
What Are Their Lives Like?
They operate under a formal government structure, including a Tribal Council, and elect their own Chief, Second Chief, and Business Council members. Shawnee women spend a lot of time doing arts and crafts. They are known for their beautiful woodcarving, pottery, and beadwork. The Shawnee men are proud of their ancestors and their heritage and spend a great deal of time telling stories as a way of passing on important historical information. However, health, education and better job prospects are an essential need.
Despite the disruptions of forced removal, the Shawnee have maintained their traditional ceremonial cycle, which includes the Spring and Fall Bread Dances and the Green Corn Ceremony (a harvest festival). Stomp dances are also held at ceremonial grounds.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Over half identify as Christian, but many of them blend Christian teachings with those of their traditional religion.
What Are Their Needs?
The Shawnee have suffered from displacement. They need to know the eternal love of God which will bring them peace and assurance. Unemployment rates within the community are notably higher than the national average, with many individuals relying on government assistance programs.
Prayer Points
Pray for the Shawnee community to increasingly grow in the awareness of Jesus, his life and his sacrifice for them.
Pray for them to put their hope in Jesus Christ and find new life in him.
Pray for the Lord to lead them to a better future, one filled with hope and joy.
Pray that soon Shawnee Christians will become Christ's ambassadors to Hindus, Buddhists, and Muslims in the United States.