The Native peoples of Texas have long been misrepresented in popular narratives. In this talk, Dr. Tim Seiter explores the histories of the Karankawas and the Tonkawas, debunking common misconceptions and highlighting their resilience in the face of colonial aggression. These Indigenous nations built extensive trade networks, skillfully utilized native plants, and maintained control of their territories far longer than is often recognized. The Karankawas, for instance, held authority over their homelands for twice as long as the United States has been a nation. Despite facing extermination policies from the Spanish, early Anglo-Americans, and the U.S. government, these Native groups endured. Join us as we uncover the ingenuity, strength, and survival of Texas’s first peoples.

This presentation is offered in partnership with the Friends of Guadalupe River State Park and Honey Creek State Natural Area.