The Kaw Nation Seal symbolizes the relationship between the Southwind and the
Kaw (Kanza) people. The Kaw’s lived long with the Southwind and the Southwind
with them. The Southwind travels far and fast and knows the movements of the
buffalo and other foragers. The wind conducts reconnaissance on enemies and
carries messages to and from allies. The wind knows where nuts, fruits, and
grains grow, and the hiding place of squirrel, rabbit, and turkey.
It is not surprising that Kaw tribal attorney’s consult the Southwind prior to
going into court, Tribal Housing consults the Southwind prior to selecting and
securing home sites, tribal staff before conducting business and entering into a
new Enterprise, and tribal members prior to meetings of the Kaw Nation General
Council.
The river was named for the Kansa, or Kaw, tribe of Indians which lived on its
banks from an early date. The tribe was of the Siouan linguistic stock; and
Kansa, or Kansas, is a Siouan word which means Wind People or People of the
Southwind.
