YUFALA "STAR" CLAN
of
 LOWER MUSCOGEE  CREEK INDIANS

Preserving Our Native American
Heritage through Education and Cultural
Experience

“People of the One Fire”:
Alabama’s Creek Indians

The Creeks were the largest, most important Indian group living in Alabama. They called themselves “People of the One Fire”. The English traders called them “Creeks” because their villages were built primarily along creeks and rivers. In the early days, most of the Creek villages were in Georgia. However, with the arrival of the English colonists in 1730, the majority of the Creek nation was forced to join their relatives who had taken residence in the “western wilderness” which would eventually become known as “Alabama”. The name “Alabama” was taken from the “Alibamos” Indians, the first Creek tribe to populate the region. 

The scattered Creek villages were united in a loose “Confederacy”. Each village was independent and made its own decisions. However, in times of war many villages united to defeat a common enemy. Those who chose to fight called “Red Villages”, and those who decided not to engage in war were known as “White Villages”. 

The “Mico” or Chief was the most important person in the village. While many villages classified all of their Tribal Council as “Lower Chiefs”, the “Mico” was known as “The Greatly Honored Man”. He vowed to fight only for a just cause, and looked after the daily needs of his people. Indian society took care of widows, orphans, and needy. The village Elders were held in a place of honor, and advised the Council on all important Tribal matters. Village Chiefs would meet together in council at least once a year. These annual meetings were held in Elmore County, Alabama.
 

The Yufala “Star” Clan:
A Modern Day Tribe with Traditional Values

The Yufala “Star” Clan of Lower Muscogee Creek Indians takes its name from both the Muscogee word “Y’ufala” (Eagle), and the Star, which is found within the Tribal symbol.

In the early 1970’s, the Tribe chose to relocate its headquarters in the Western sphere of their traditional area of influence. Under the leadership of Chief Larry Johnson, the Tribe moved to Pike County, Alabama.

In 1978, Larry Johnson retired from the office of Chief, and returned to his hometown of Panama City, Florida. It was in October of 1978 that Tommy Davenport was appointed Chief of the Yufala “Star” Clan. During his time in office, he was instrumental in helping to create the Alabama Indian Affairs Commission. He also served on the Commission from its inception. He was Chairman of the Alabama Indian Affairs Commission at the time of his death in 1991. At that time, it was the consensus of the Tribe to elect his wife, Erma Lois Davenport, as Chief of the Yufala “Star” Clan. She presently serves in that capacity, continuing the pioneering work that her husband began almost 30 years ago.

The Home of the Yufala “Star” Clan is Pike County, Alabama. Our membership consists of families in the States of Texas, Louisiana, Florida, Indiana, Tennessee, and Georgia, as well as Alabama.

The Star Clan is dedicated to the education of our people in their culture and heritage. In the words of our fathers:

“You must be able to see where you have been, before you can possibly know where you want to go.”
 

Today’s Yufala “Star” Clan

Today, the Yufala “Star” Clan of Lower Muscogee Creek Indians continues to promote the traditions of our ancestors by promoting peace and understanding of the Native American lifestyle through continuing education.

In addition to the largest Indian Education program in the State of Alabama, we have several “on-going” projects, which serve to preserve our Native American heritage, and provide a positive influence in our surrounding communities.

As we approach the Twenty-first Century, the Yufala “Star” Clan is dedicated to making the dream of a Tribal Reservation a reality. The acquisition of Tribal lands will enable the Star Clan to expand its educational base, providing areas for an authentic “Living” Creek Indian village, a central meeting hall and museum, and a dedicated wildlife preservation area. Long-range goals include the construction of an “Outdoor Classroom” and on-site camping facilities.

The Yufala “Star” Clan holds regular monthly meetings in Pike County Alabama (Troy), designed to provide cultural and educational opportunities for all of our people. Cultural activities are highlighted each year with the observance of the following Native American activities: Green Corn/Homecoming Festival and
Annual Tribal Pow-Wow

The Yufala “Star” Clan is a non-profit organization, and one of nine State recognized Indian Tribes. For additional information, please feel free to contact us at the following address:

The Yufala “Star” Clan of Lower Muscogee Creek Indians
242 County Road 2254
Troy, Alabama 36079

E-MAIL:  osahwv@charter.net