Texas & Tribes: Shared Traditions
Texas is home to Native Americans, and it has been for thousands of years. Some tribes live here, and others maintain a deep connection to Texas. TxDOT works with federally recognized tribes to understand how our projects may affect historic places important to them. We also partner with Texas tribes to tell their stories.
Through Texas & Tribes: Shared Traditions, learn about the three tribes that call Texas home and how they keep important tribal practices alive. Interested in more detail? Eleven federally recognized tribes participated in TxDOT’s tribal histories project. The project combined archeological records, archival information, and tribal knowledge to tell the history of those tribes in Texas.
The Caddo Nation’s homelands stretch across Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. TxDOT partnered with Caddo Mounds State Historic Site and Caddo Nation citizens to introduce a new generation to traditional rivercane basket making. PBS captured the project in a documentary.
Educational resources for teachers and museums
Aimed at middle school students, A Time Before Texas tells the story of the first peoples in Texas from an archeological and tribal perspective. The interactive site includes videos, games, and an educator guide. Can you survive a Paleoindian winter?
The exhibit includes panels (freestanding or wall-mounted), replica incised stones from the Gault Archeological Site, educational activities, card games, and more!
Read about the enduring presence of tribes and engage students through TEKS-aligned activities.
TxDOT and the Texas Historical Commission hosted a workshop and webinar series that provides museum professionals with a glossary, resource list, and tribal information sheets.