Native Americans and the Revolution: Their Role in the USA’s Founding Era

Complex Alliances: Native Nations and the Revolutionary War

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026, it’s essential to recognize the foundational role played by Native American tribes during the American Revolution—a chapter too often left out of mainstream narratives. The relationship between Native peoples and the colonial powers was complex, shaped by survival, diplomacy, and shifting alliances.

When the Revolutionary War began in 1775, Native American nations were faced with a challenging decision: support the British, side with the rebelling colonists, or attempt to remain neutral. The Iroquois Confederacy, for example, saw its six nations divided. The Mohawk, led by Joseph Brant (Thayendanegea), largely sided with the British, believing this alliance would stem colonial encroachment on their lands. Brant, a prominent Mohawk leader and diplomat educated in British schools, guided warriors in several key battles such as Oriskany (1777) and Wyoming Valley (1778).

Other tribal nations, such as the Oneida and Tuscarora, chose to support the American cause. The Oneida in particular became valued allies—providing food to starving Continental troops at Valley Forge in the harsh winter of 1777-1778 and fighting alongside American soldiers in pivotal conflicts. Their support came at great risk, often dividing families and communities, and their contributions left a mark on the fledgling nation.

Key Individuals: Diplomats, Warriors, and Unsung Heroes

Native involvement wasn’t limited to tribal decisions; several remarkable individuals emerged as leaders and intermediaries during the Revolution:

• Joseph Brant (Thayendanegea): As the war chief of the Mohawk and a skilled diplomat, Brant traveled to London to advocate for his people, and his military involvement alongside the British shaped the conflict in New York and beyond.
• Polly Cooper: An Oneida woman, Cooper accompanied tribal members to Valley Forge, teaching soldiers how to cook and eat white corn, a vital skill that helped them survive the winter.
• Cornplanter (Gyantwachia): A Seneca chief and diplomat, Cornplanter sought to negotiate peace and protect his people’s lands in the tumultuous years following the war.

These individuals, and many others whose names have faded from the record, navigated treacherous political waters, striving to secure both freedom and sovereignty for their peoples.

A Legacy of Complicated Choices

The Revolution’s outcome often proved bittersweet for Native Americans. While the Declaration of Independence promised liberty, Native nations found themselves caught between empires, frequently losing land regardless of the side they had chosen. The 1783 Treaty of Paris, which ended the war, left Native tribes out of negotiation entirely—setting the stage for decades of tension and dispossession.

Yet, the resourcefulness, courage, and diplomacy of Native peoples during the Revolution left an enduring impact. Today, as we look toward the USA’s Semiquincentennial, we are called to remember not only the founding fathers, but also the Native nations that shaped the nation’s earliest days through their actions, sacrifices, and vision.

Honoring All Who Built America

The forthcoming 250th anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on our nation’s complex tapestry. To honor all who played a part—from founding fathers to tribal leaders—means to celebrate a deeper, richer vision of what it means to be American. At Pumpbear, we invite you to wear your love for our shared history proudly and join us in celebrating the spirit of unity, resilience, and remembrance as the USA marks this historic milestone.