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Indian Pioneer History Project for Oklahoma
Date: August 3, 1937
Name: Mary Grayson (Mrs.)
Post Office: , Oklahoma
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Field Worker: Jefferson Berryhill

The Creek Attitude Toward Land Allotment

There was much excitement when the Dawes Commission came into effect. There was much excitement among the Creek Indians. Most all the Creeks held a meeting at the Creek Council House in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, and their chief Motey TIGER addressed his people, making a long speech to them. He explained to them the meaning of the Commission and that the purpose was for their own good. After making the speech, he told them that all who favored the Commission's proposal of land allotment were to go on the east side of the mark on the ground. Those who were against the Commission were to step to the west side of the mark. When the word was given to decide by east or west, the Chief Motey TIGER, and his two sons, Johnson and George TIGER stepped to the east in favor of the Commission. All the other Creeks with a mighty shouting and whooping stepped to the west side of the mark.  They were against the act. The Chief and his sons had to leave as there was talk of shooting or mobbing them. The Creeks were very much against the Dawes Commission, but couldn't help themselves.

Abstracted and submitted by Gay & Tim Wall <t31892@nidlink.com> 02-1999.