The Land is Sacred to the Ponca People as is Water

The Land is Sacred to the Ponca People as is Water. . , maN zhaN (the land) is xube' (sacred) to the Ponca People as is Ni' (water)., Following forced removal of the Ponca Tribe to Oklahoma, the tribe split into two groups. The members that stayed in Oklahoma are now referred to as Maste'PoNka (warm Ponca) and the members that returned to the homelands are known as the Usni PoNka (cold Ponca). , At the time of European contact, the Ponca hunting grounds reached as far north as the White River, south to the Niobrara, and extended from the west bank of the Missouri River to the Black Hills. The Ponca Tribe had several villages in the area: NaNza (Ponca Fort) and toNwoN hubtháN (Fish Smell village), both near present day Verdel; and toNwoN uga ska (White Paint Village) and Backing Water, both of which were on the Bazile Creek. , The rivers and streams in the area were used for many things, including fishing, travel, trade, and irrigation of the crops. The waterways also provided many other natural resources. Crops included Ponca Grey Corn, beans, squash, pumpkins, gourds and tobacco. The rivers and streams were also an indicator of where ceremonial events took place in the landscape and where villages were located. , Water is essential for life, traditional dances and ceremonies. Ni' (water) is the life blood of our people and all living things. A'thayH WoNgithe (all my relatives) is an expression used by Ponca people to convey that interconnection of all living things.