Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes History and Governance

The Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes are a united, federally recognized tribe of Southern Arapaho and Southern Cheyenne people located in western Oklahoma. Headquartered in Concho, Oklahoma, the tribes maintain a rich cultural heritage and a complex political structure that governs their citizens across several counties.

History of the Cheyenne and Arapaho

While now united, the Cheyenne and Arapaho are two distinct tribes with unique origins and histories. Both are Algonquian-speaking peoples who transitioned from agrarian or nomadic lifestyles to a horse-centric culture on the Great Plains.

The Cheyenne (Tsétsėhéstȧhese)

Originally an agricultural people located near the Great Lakes in present-day Minnesota, the Cheyenne are descended from two related groups: the Tsétsėhéstȧhese and the Só'taeo'o. Their belief systems were shaped by cultural heroes who received divine articles: the Só'taeo'o were entrusted with a sacred Buffalo Hat, while the Tsétsėhéstȧhese were given a bundle of sacred Arrows. In the 18th century, the Cheyenne adopted horse culture and moved westward to follow the buffalo, organizing their society around a Council of Forty-four peace chiefs and warrior societies.

The Arapaho (Hinono'ei)

The Arapaho also spoke an Algonquian language and migrated from regions including Saskatchewan, Montana, Wyoming, eastern Colorado, and western South Dakota during the 18th century. Like the Cheyenne, they became successful nomadic hunters after adopting horse culture. By 1800, the tribe split into northern and southern groups. After initial conflicts, they made peace with the Kiowa in 1840 and became prosperous traders.

Alliance and Displacement

The Cheyenne and Arapaho formed a powerful alliance in the 18th and 19th centuries, creating a formidable military force and an extensive trading network that spanned from Montana to Texas. However, this prosperity was challenged by the expansion of American settlers.

The Arapaho signed the Fort Laramie Treaty of 1851, which guaranteed their rights to lands in Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, and Wyoming. However, the U.S. government failed to enforce the treaty, leading to conflicts with trespassers. In 1867, under the Medicine Lodge Treaty, the tribes were forced to remove south to the Darlington Agency in present-day Oklahoma.

The late 19th century brought further challenges. The Dawes Act broke up the tribal land base, and the Land Run of 1892 opened remaining lands to settlement. The Curtis Act of 1898 further attempted to dismantle tribal governments to force assimilation into U.S. culture.

Governance and Modern Administration

Following the Oklahoma Indian Welfare Act of 1936, the Cheyenne and Arapaho organized a single tribal government in 1937. This was further enhanced by the Indian Self-Determination Act of 1975. In 2006, the tribes ratified a new constitution.

Tribal Structure

The government is divided into four branches:

• Tribal Council: Includes all tribal members over the age of 18.
• Executive Branch: Led by the Governor and Lieutenant Governor.
• Legislative Branch: Composed of legislators from four Arapaho districts and four Cheyenne districts.
• Judicial Branch: Consists of a Supreme Court, a Trial Court, and other lower courts.

As of 2025, the tribal administration is led by Governor Reggie Wassana and Lieutenant Governor Hershel Gorham.

Economic Development

The tribes have diversified their economy through several ventures, including the operation of five Lucky Star Casinos located in Clinton, Concho, Watonga, Hammon, and Canton, as well as three tribal smoke shops. Their economic impact is estimated at approximately $32 million.