Nabedache
The Nabedache were a Native American tribe situated in East Texas, recognized as the westernmost group of the Hasinai Confederacy. Their territory was primarily west of the Neches River, where they lived in scattered rancherias, engaging in both farming and hunting practices. Linguistically related to the Caddo, the Nabedache maintained a distinct cultural identity despite encounters with Spanish colonizers during two separate occupations in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Although missions were established for them, the Nabedache resisted full assimilation into Spanish culture, choosing to preserve their traditions and maintain a degree of independence.
During the late 18th century, they were a dominant force among the Hasinai, led by notable figures who engaged in complex interactions involving trade and conflict with other tribes and European settlers. However, by the turn of the 19th century, external pressures, such as encroachment from settlers and diseases, drastically reduced their population. In the mid-19th century, further displacement occurred, leading them to central Texas and later to Oklahoma in 1859. Despite these challenges, the Nabedache survived and today are recognized as part of the Hasinai and Caddo peoples, governed by their own tribal administration while continuing to honor their rich cultural heritage.
Nabedache
Category: Tribe
Culture area: Southwest
Language group: Caddoan
Primary location: Oklahoma
The Nabedache were the westernmost of the nine tribes of the Hasinai Confederacy in East Texas, linguistically related to the Caddo. Their homeland was west of the Neches River; they lived in scattered rancherias, farming and hunting.
During the two Spanish occupations (1690-1693 and 1716-1821), missions were established for the Nabedache. They refused to Hispanize, however, maintaining good but reserved relations with the Spanish. They retained their own culture and independence. Between the 1750’s and 1799 the Nabedache were the dominant tribe among the Hasinai. Leaders Bigotes, or Sauto (to 1778), and Baltasar Bigotes (post-1778) interacted with the Spanish regarding French trade, war with the Apache, and relations with the Comanche and other tribes to the west. In 1800 they were faced with Indian and American encroachment and the effects of disease. Within seven years they were reduced to 120 people.
During the period of the Texas Republic (1836-1845), their fortunes waned further. They were forced into central Texas, where they faced hostile Comanche raiders and Texans. Under U.S. control after 1846, the Nabedache were removed to Oklahoma in 1859. The Nabedache survived the Civil War and, after 1870, entered a period of peace and stability. Today they are listed under Hasinai and Caddo but are governed by their own tribal government.