Four Mothers Society

Background

The Four Mothers Society has roots in the 19th century. It was formally founded as a dues-collecting organization about 1895 in Sulphur Springs, Indian Territory. It continued in this legal incarnation until 1915, and likely much later. With the passage of the Curtis Act in 1898 and Dawes Act, allotment became US policy—lands held in common by tribes were broken into small parcels deeded to individual tribal citizens. Many members of the Four Mothers Society were outraged that communal lands were being broken up. Chitto Harjo (Muscogee) set up a new Muscogee government in Henryetta, which many Muscogee who opposed allotment acknowledged as the legitimate government. In 1900, Harjo's followers held a meeting at Hickory ceremonial grounds; they declared that Pleasant Porter and his government had violated the 1867 Muscogee Constitution, declared Porter's government invalid, and declared Harjo the new principal chief. Primary organizers were Eufaula Harjo (Muscogee), a fullblood traditionalist, and Redbird Smith (Cherokee). Smith was a traditionalist and founder of the Nighthawk Keetoowah Society who also became involved in the Four Mothers Society. He was advised by Creek Sam (Natchez/Muscogee), who also interpreted Redbird Smith's communication into Muscogee at Four Mothers Society meetings. In 1906, the group submitted a petition of 186 signatures to Congress, so that a delegation could be sent to Washington, D.C., to discuss treaty violations and their concerns over official tribal leadership. Harjo spoke before the Senate, supported by the Four Mothers Nation. The Four Mothers Society was also associated with the movement for a State of Sequoyah—rather than merging with Oklahoma Territory, they proposed a state set aside for Native Americans. Besides opposing allotment, the society maintains ceremonial groups for stomp dances, stickball games, feasts, meetings, and ceremonies. In the late 1980s the Chickasaw had at least one dance ground and the Cherokee another. In the early 21st century, several Four Mothers Society grounds are active in eastern Oklahoma.