According to tribal legend, "when the life force of the universe was first called to earth, the ancient ancestors of the Quapaw people were adrift in the foam of the Wed. In time, they say, the breath of the sky deposited them ashore on the glittering coast. Tradition, as well as historical and archaeological evidence, indicates that these tribes roamed the Ohio Valley well before the 15th century. The Quapaw Indian Tribe, also known as the O-Gah-Pah, or several other translations of the word which broadly means "the people downriver" or "those downriver", as well as their Dhegiha Sioux kin (the Osage, Ponca, Kansa and Omaha) achieved a level of cultural excellence that was surpassed only by the tribes of central Mexico and Peru. The Quapaw Indian Tribe, its history, culture, values, strength and perseverance have kept them united as a tribe and sets them apart from other Indian tribes, even though they deserve a better fate (Baird “The Quapaw People” 2). As mentioned in the introduction, the Quapaw tribe is not native to northeastern Oklahoma. In fact, their presence was first known in the Ohio River Valley, which includes several states in the northeastern United States. The first historical reports of the Quapaw tribe were noted during the DeSoto expedition of 1539-1543 (Thompson 360). Historians are not sure when the Quapaws actually settled the lower Mississippi Valley and Arkansas River valleys. Some believe that they may not have settled in these areas until the mid-17th century, but others say that the evidence they have found contradicts this information. One source says the Quapaw Indians lived in four villages near the Arkansas and Mississippi River and were the first to make contact ... middle of paper ... this is an exceptional souvenir, not only could it remember the names of your ancestors over twelve generations. back, but he could also tell you about almost every member of the Quapaw tribe who was alive in the previous hundred years. Tall Chief died in 1918 and is buried on his lot near Spring River. The Quapaw Indian Tribe, its history, culture, values, strength and perseverance have kept them united as a tribe and sets them apart from other Indian tribes, although they deserve a better fate. I believe it is the values, strength and perseverance of the Quapaw Indians that have brought them to where they are today. I am grateful for the Quapaw tribe and the unification they have achieved. I have many fond memories of being raised by a Quapaw man and their traditions and values ​​have stayed with him because he works hard and never gives up hope, just like the Quapaws did..