How Many Tribes Called Wyoming Home?

When you think about Wyoming indian tribes, you probably think about those that are here now, on the reservation in modern times.

Wyoming is home to the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes, who jointly manage the Wind River Indian Reservation. But, historically, many other Plains tribes, such as the Cheyenne, Crow, and Blackfeet, also inhabited or travelled through the area that is now Wyoming.

Many more tribes either lived in the territory we now call Wyoming or passed through, seasonally.

Arapaho: Historically, both Northern and Southern Arapaho bands lived in the region before splitting into two groups. The Southern Arapaho now live with the Southern Cheyenne in Oklahoma.

Bannock: A nomadic tribe known to have inhabited the area.

Blackfeet: Originally from the plains, this tribe is historically associated with Wyoming.

Cheyenne: The Cheyenne have a deep history in Wyoming, as well as Colorado, Kansas, and Nebraska.

Crow (Apsaalooke): The Crow Nation lived in and around the Cody area before European settlement.

Gros Ventre: This tribe is recognised as a historical inhabitant of the region.

Kiowa: Historically known as a nomadic tribe in Wyoming.

Nez Perce: This tribe has historical ties to the area, particularly in the region of Jackson Hole.

Sheep Eater: This historical group is recognised as having lived in Wyoming.

Sioux: Recognised as a tribe that inhabited the area historically.

Ute: The Ute people have a long history of living in and around Wyoming.

These are the tribes that we know of. But there were others that history does not account for due to their lack of recorded history.