What Does Peoria Mean?

Peoria is the name of a Native American tribe. They were christened Peoria by the French. Peoria means 'he comes carrying a pack on his back'.

The Peoria practiced a religion similar to animism. The zealous French missionaries however successfully converted many of them to Christianity. Post -1763 the Peoria shifted to north-western Missouri Territory. A Quaker school was opened by the government to educate the Native Americans. Its syllabus included history, arithmetic and reading. The medium used was English and the kids were given Anglo names.

As time passed the Peoria began to accept many outsiders in to the tribe. They not only adopted white kids and intermarried with Anglos but also welcomed former slaves. As a consequence thereof it is hard to find a full blooded Peoria today.

The Peoria were denied Federal recognition in 1959 but received it in 1978.