Occaneechi
The Ocaneechi are a small Indigenous tribe located historically along the Roanoke River in Virginia and North Carolina. They were primarily horticulturalists and are known to have had a unique social structure, featuring two chiefs—one for warfare and the other for agricultural and hunting matters. The tribe is first documented in 1670 and had established strong socioeconomic ties with neighboring tribes such as the Tutelo and Saponi, which share a linguistic heritage.
During their history, the Ocaneechi faced challenges, including conflicts with the Iroquois and English settlers, which ultimately led them to relocate to North Carolina. In the contemporary era, their descendants are represented by the Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation, a state-recognized Indigenous community comprised of individuals from various Eastern Siouan-speaking groups. Although they are not federally recognized, this group is dedicated to preserving and promoting Ocaneechi culture and history, serving around 2,000 members. Through these efforts, they maintain a connection to their ancestral heritage and strive to uphold their traditions in the modern world.
Subject Terms
Ocaneechi
Category: Tribe
Culture area: Southeast
Language group: Siouan
Primary location: Virginia, North Carolina
The small tribe of river-oriented Ocaneechi were horticulturalists about which little is known ethnographically. They had two chiefs, one who presided over warfare, and the other over matters concerning planting and hunting. Their so-called tribal symbol was a serpent. They are first recorded in 1670 as inhabiting a large island in the Roanoke River. Apparently, they later established and maintained close socioeconomic relations with the Tutelo and the Saponi, who shared the same language and who settled on two adjacent islands. In 1676, the Conestoga sought protection from the Ocaneechi against the English and Iroquois, but later the Conestoga attempted to dispose of their benefactors and were driven away. In time, after continual conflict with the Iroquois and Virginians, the Ocaneechi left their island and settled in North Carolina.
