Peoria

Who are the Peoria?

The Peoria are a Native American people whose ancestors were part of the Illinois Confederation, a group of tribes that lived in the region now known as Illinois and neighboring states. Today, the Peoria are organized as the Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma. Their community includes descendants of several related tribes, such as the Kaskaskia, Piankeshaw, and Wea, who joined together over time. Shared history, kinship, and ongoing efforts to maintain their traditions and language hold the Peoria together as a people.

Where do the Peoria live?

The Peoria originally lived east of the Mississippi River and north of the Ohio River, in what is now Illinois and nearby areas. Their historic lands included fertile river valleys and forests. After a series of forced removals, they were relocated to Indian Territory in present-day Ottawa County, Oklahoma. Today, their tribal headquarters is in Miami, Oklahoma, and their jurisdictional area remains in the northeast corner of the state.

What language do the Peoria speak?

The Peoria spoke a dialect of the Miami–Illinois language, part of the Algonquian family. This language is no longer spoken natively, but the tribe has begun revitalization efforts, including a 10-week online course started in 2022. English is now the main language of daily life. The Miami–Illinois language connects the Peoria with related tribes and their shared history.

How do the Peoria live?

Traditionally, the Peoria farmed, hunted, and gathered food in the Illinois region. After relocation to Oklahoma, their ways of making a living changed. Today, the tribe operates businesses including a casino and a golf course, providing jobs and economic stability. Many Peoria also work in towns or cities. The tribe manages its own housing authority and issues tribal vehicle tags.

How is Peoria society organised?

The Peoria community includes descendants of several tribes that joined together over time. Intermarriage among Peoria, related tribes, and non-Native people has shaped their society. The tribe is governed by an elected council and chief, following a constitutional model. Decisions are made through representative government, and the tribe maintains its own administrative and business operations.

What do the Peoria believe?

Peoria religious life includes both Indigenous beliefs and Roman Catholicism, reflecting centuries of contact with French missionaries. Rituals and ceremonies remain important, and the tribe values its artistic traditions. Notable Peoria individuals have contributed to art and education. The community continues to honor its heritage through cultural events and language revitalization.

The history of the Peoria

The Peoria were part of the Illinois Confederation and lived in Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, and Missouri. They traded with French colonists and many converted to Catholicism. After the Seven Years' War, they were pushed west by British and later American expansion. Treaties in the 19th century forced them to cede land and move repeatedly, first to Missouri, then Kansas, and finally Indian Territory in Oklahoma. The Peoria confederated with other tribes and lost much land during the allotment era. Their government was terminated in 1959 but regained federal recognition in 1978. Today, the tribe includes descendants of several historic groups.

Peoria life today

The Peoria number about 3,700, with most living in Oklahoma. They are a federally recognized tribe with their own government and businesses. The tribe works to preserve its heritage, including language revitalization. Economic development supports the community, but the Peoria continue to face challenges from past land loss and assimilation policies. Cultural revival and self-determination are ongoing priorities.

Questions people ask about the Peoria

Sources and further reading

• Peoria people on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Official websiteOfficial site
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

This page was written with AI assistance from the sources above and checked automatically before publishing. It may contain mistakes, and it is no substitute for hearing from the Peoria themselves. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-02.