Origin of the Name

The name "Fox" was given to the tribe by French settlers who translated their name from a clan symbol—the “Red Fox.” However, the tribe calls themselves the Meskwaki, which means "Red Earth People." The name reflects their cultural and spiritual connection to the land and earth.

Fox (Meskwaki) Chief Wapello

Range

Originally, the Meskwaki lived in the Great Lakes region, especially around present-day Michigan, Wisconsin, and Illinois. By the 17th century, they had settled mainly in eastern Wisconsin. Due to warfare and displacement, many were later forced westward into Iowa, Kansas, and eventually Oklahoma.

Diet

The Fox people practiced agriculture and also hunted and gathered. They grew crops like corn, beans, and squash, but also relied heavily on hunting deer, elk, and small game. They fished in nearby lakes and rivers and gathered wild rice, berries, and nuts. Seasonal migration was common to take advantage of different food sources.

Home Type

The Meskwaki lived in wigwams - dome-shaped dwellings made from wooden frames covered with mats woven from cattail reeds or bark. In winter, they built more insulated homes, while in summer they often stayed in lighter, mobile shelters.

Fox (Meskwaki) Home

Culture

The Fox were skilled artisans, known for their beadwork, birchbark containers, and painted hides. Men often hunted and defended the community, while women managed agriculture and domestic life. Clan membership and kinship were very important in social structure.

Meskwaki culture was rich in oral tradition, ceremony, and spiritual belief. They believed in a world filled with spirits who influenced all aspects of nature. A key figure in their stories was Wisakea, a trickster spirit who helped shape the world and taught lessons through mischief.

More About Wisakea

Wisakea (also spelled Wisakedjak or Wīhsakeh) is one of the most important figures in Meskwaki traditional stories. He is a trickster spirit—a character who is clever, funny, and sometimes foolish. Trickster stories are common in many Native American cultures, but Wisakea is unique to Algonquian-speaking peoples like the Meskwaki.

Wisakea is believed to have helped shape the world after a great flood. In many tales, he works with animals to bring land up from the water to create the earth. He tries to make life better for humans, but his plans don’t always work the way he intends. Sometimes he gets into trouble because of his own curiosity or greed, which teaches important lessons.

In one story, Wisakea tries to steal fire from a group of fire spirits and ends up burning himself and losing the fire. In another, he tries to outsmart animals like the wolf or bear but ends up being tricked himself. These stories were used by elders to teach children about values like respect, humility, and balance in life.

Although Wisakea can be silly or selfish, he is never truly evil. He represents the complex nature of human beings—capable of both mistakes and good deeds. His tales are still told today among the Meskwaki and other tribes as part of keeping their language and traditions alive.

Warfare

The Fox were known as fierce warriors and resisted European encroachment with determination. One major conflict was the Fox Wars (early 1700s), when the tribe fought against French forces and their Native allies. The French viewed the Fox as a military threat, and the wars led to severe loss of life for the tribe. Despite this, they maintained their identity and autonomy longer than many neighboring tribes.

Discussion Questions

1. Why did the French give the Meskwaki the name “Fox,” and how did that affect the tribe's identity?
2. How did the Meskwaki adapt their diet to the seasons and environment?
3. What do the stories of Wisakea reveal about Meskwaki beliefs and values?
4. What were the causes and effects of the Fox Wars with the French?

Glossary

• Meskwaki – The tribe's original name, meaning “Red Earth People.”
• Fox – A name given to the Meskwaki by French explorers, based on a clan symbol.
• Wigwam – A dome-shaped home made with a wooden frame and covered in bark or reed mats.
• Oral Tradition – The way a culture passes down stories, history, and beliefs by speaking rather than writing.
• Wisakea – A trickster spirit in Meskwaki stories who helps shape the world and teaches lessons through his actions.
• Clan – A family group within the tribe, often named after animals, that shares common ancestors and responsibilities.
• Fox Wars – A series of conflicts in the early 1700s between the Fox tribe and the French, along with their Native allies.
• Trickster – A character in Native stories who uses cleverness, humor, or mischief to teach lessons.
• Algonquian – A large Native American language family that includes the Meskwaki language.