The Real People: the Tonkawa
This people's name for themselves meant the Real People. However, they are often known by the neighboring Waco word, Tonkaweya, meaning They Stand All together. Members of the tribe live today in Texas and Oklahoma. The Tonkawa language is extinct today, with tribal members speaking English. The Tonkawa most likely originated in northeastern Oklahoma, though by 1700, the Apache had put pressure on them to move to the Red River, which forms the boundary of what is now Texas and Oklahoma. The Tonkawas were soon in conflict with many local tribes, including Bidais, Caddos, Wichitas, Comanches and Yojuanes. There were accusations against the Tonkawa of cannibalism of enemies, a practice which many other Native people found especially threatening and repugnant. The tribe eventually migrated further into Texas and Mexico, allying with the Lipan Apache. In 1824, the Tonkawa entered into a treaty with Stephen F. Austin to provide protection of American settlers against the Comanc