The Karankawa Kadla tribe have found two historical markers that note their tribe’s extinction, and are working to have these signs removed since they are incorrect. While violent colonialism did annihilate the Karankawa’s population and as a result many had to hide their culture for centuries, the people are not extinct and request help in getting these markers removed.
“Growing up I tried to find history of my people, and at every turn I read that we are extinct,” Chiara Sunshine Beaumont, Karankawa Kadla, Hawk Clan, said in her Instagram stories. “We are right here.”
Karankawa Kadla do not have tribal lands, treaties, or an official recognition from the state or federal government and this lack of recognition is exacerbated by the narrative that they no longer exist.
How to Help Remove the Markers
The process to help remove the markers does require at least 10 minutes of your time, but it is all online.
Step 1: Click on this link and navigate to to the first button in the tree, “Karankawa people are not extinct.”
Step 2: Click “create e-mail” and an email with pre-populated text will pop up. You can customize the message as needed.
Step 3: You will receive an automated email back requesting you fill out a form. Here is what you fill in:
You should also send pictures of the markers to further indicate which ones need to be removed. Here are the pictures for you to right-click and save as a picture or to screenshot and upload:
Follow the Karankawa Kadla on Social Media
You can also learn more about the tribe here.
