The Tonkawa Indian Tribe was welcomed back to Texas after buying a sacred spot they call Red Mountain, known around Milam County as Sugarloaf Mountain, in December of 2023.
The Tonkawa, native to this area, considered the land between the Colorado and Brazos Rivers (including modern day Austin) their homeland. Evidence shows that the Tonkawa and their ancestors lived in the area as far back as at least 8,000 BC.
The Tonkawa defended Texan settlers from attacks by the Comanche from the west and the Wichita from the north. In the 1880s the Tonkawa were forced from Texas to Oklahoma where the tribe is based today.
On Sept. 12 three events took place in Austin to welcome the Tonkawa back to Texas. That Thursday morning Austin Mayor Kirk Watson presented a proclamation to Tonkawa leaders during ceremony at city hall.
That evening, Geri Burnet t, represent ing the Rancheria Grande chapter of the El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail Association, attended a gala at Mexic-Arte Museum where an indigenous banner was unveiled. She is shown here with Tonkawa Tribe President Russell Martin. The tribe has planned a historical park at Red Mountain (Sugar Loaf).
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