Author: Chelsea Kiefer
The Black Swamp InterTribal Foundation received a grant from America 250 NC to establish their living history project, “Native American Living History Camp In The American Revolution” which travels around the state of North Carolina to educate the public on Indigenous history.
The project, which is a recreation of a historically accurate Revolutionary War camp that Native populations used, aims to educate the public on the large impact that Native communities had on the war and the revolution at large.
"The most common thing people do not know about Native America during the America Revolution is that Natives were heavily involved in the war and fought on both sides of the war."
With the leadership of Jamie K. Oxendine, who has lectured on Indigenous peoples’ history in universities and conferences all over the United States and Canada, this living history camp aims to bring a “live and engaging” educational experience through sight, touch, and sound. By appealing to visitors’ senses, the camp can showcase the daily life of Natives allied with either the American Colonists or the British Empire during the years of 1775-1777.
"This is a teaching moment as very few people know about the colors during the American Revolution and that Natives supporting sides were given colors as gifts to show who they supported."
At each event, the team flies the colors (flags) that were designated based on which side of the war any particular Indigenous group allied. Today, the flags are not only educational, but an eye-catching conversation starter for Oxendine and his team to foster a connection with the public wherever they set up camp.
If North Carolinians take away one thing from this project, the ultimate goal is to foster deep thinking on the fact that Indigenous peoples were here before the American Revolution was ever a concept, and their people were forced to either pick a side or attempt to remain neutral. The camp explores how daily life varied based on this decision, and that the war impacted even those who refused to pick an allegiance.
If you would like to see this grant project in person, you can visit them at the following events:
• August 30-31: Battle of Charlotte – Waxhaw, NC
• September 12-13: Coharie Powwow – Clinton, NC
• September 19-21: Guilford County Powwow – Greensboro, NC
• October 4: Scotland County Highland Games – Laurinburg, NC
Images and quotes provided by Jamie K. Oxendine.