The Pawnee Nation Flag, As an entity, means "Pawnee Indians, in peace and war, always courageous and always loyal to America".

The Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma

The earliest historic mention of a Pawnee is leading Coronado, in 1541, from New Mexico over the plains as far as Kansas, where some Pawnee visited him   The white settlers of New Mexico became familiar with the Pawnee early in the 17th century through the latter's raids for procuring horses, and for more than two centuries the Spanish authorities of that territory sought to bring about peaceful relations with them, with only partial success.

Their territory lay between the Niobrara river on the north and Prairie Dog creek on the south, and was bounded on the west by the country of the Cheyenne and Arapaho, and on the east by that of the Omaha, on the north of the Platte, and on the south of the Platte by the lands of the Oto and Kansa tribes. The trail to the south west, and later that across the continent, ran partly through Pawnee land, and the increasing travel and the settlement of the country brought about many changes.

Through all the vicissitudes of the 19th century the Pawnee never made war against the U. S. On the contrary they gave many evidences of forbearance under severe provocation by waiting, under their treaty agreement, for the Government to right their wrongs, while Pawnee scouts faithfully and courageously served in the U. S. army during Indian hostilities. The history of the Pawnee has been that common to reservation life the gradual abandonment of ancient customs and the relinquishment of homes before the pressure of white immigration.

The first treaty between the Pawnee and the U. S. was that of the several bands made at St Louis, June 18-22, 1818, By treaty of Grand Pawnee Village, Nebr., Oct. 9, 1833, they ceded all their lands south of Platte river. By that of Ft Childs, Nebr., Aug. 6, 1848, they sold a 60-mile strip on the Platte about Grand Island. By treaty of Table creek, Nebr., Sept. 24, 1857, all lands north of the Platte were assigned to the Government, except a strip on Loup river 30 miles east and west and 15 miles north and south, where their reservation was established. This tract was ceded in 1876, when the tribes removed to Oklahoma, where they now live. In 1892 they took their lands in severalty and became citizens of the U. S.

The tribal organization of the Pawnee was based on village communities representing subdivisions of the tribe. Each village had its name, its shrine containing sacred objects, and its priests who had charge of the rituals and ceremonies connected with these objects; it had also its hereditary chiefs and its council composed of the chiefs and leading men. If the head chief was a man of unusual character and ability he exercised undisputed authority, settled all difficulties, and preserved social order; he was expected to give freely and was apt to be surrounded by dependents. Each chief had his own herald who proclaimed orders and other matters of tribal interest.

The tribe was held together by two forces: the ceremonies pertaining to a common cult in which each village had its place and share, and the tribal council composed of the chiefs of the different villages. The confederacy was similarly united, its council being made up from the councils of the tribes. In the meetings of these councils rules of precedence and decorum were rigidly observed. No one could speak who was not entitled to a seat, although a few privileged men were permitted to be present as spectators. The council determined all questions touching the welfare of the tribe or of the confederacy.

War parties were always initiated by some individual and were composed of volunteers. Should the village be attacked, the men fought under their chief or under some other recognized leader. Buffalo hunts were tribal, and in conducting them officers were appointed to maintain order so as to permit each family to procure its share of the game. The meat was cut in thin sheets, jerked, and packed in parflêche cases for future use. Maize, pumpkins, and beans were cultivated. The maize, which was regarded as a sacred gift, was called "mother," and religious ceremonies were connected with its planting, hoeing, and harvesting. Basketry, pottery, and weaving were practiced.

The Pawnee house was the earth lodge, the elaborate construction of which was accompanied with religious ceremony, and when after an absence from home the family returned to their dwelling the posts there of were ceremonially anointed. Men shaved the head except for a narrow ridge from the forehead to the scalp-lock, which stood up like a horn. Frequently a scarf was tied around the head like a turban. Both beard and eyebrows were plucked; tattooing was seldom practiced. The breechcloth and moccasins were the only essential parts of a man's clothing; leggings and robe were worn in cold weather and on gala occasions. Face painting was common, and heraldic designs were frequently painted on tent covers and on the robes and shields of the men. Women wore the hair in two braids at the back, the parting as well as the face being painted red. Moccasins, leggings, and a robe were the ancient dress, later a skirt and tunic were worn. Descent was traced through the mother. After marriage a man went to live with his wife's family. Polygamy was not uncommon. 

     In 1702 the Pawnee were estimated by Iberville at 2,000 families. In 1838 they numbered about 10,000 souls  They have continued to dwindle each year until there are now  but 649 survivors.