Creek Indians belong to any of 19 tribes that once occupied much of what are now Alabama, Georgia, and Northwest Florida. The largest Creek tribes were the Alabama, Muskogee, and Seminole. The Creeks were given the "Creek" name by the European settlers because of the tribe's custom of establishing their villages by a creek. By the 1500's, several Creek tribes had joined together to form the Creek Confederacy. Most Creeks were farmers. During the early 1800's, the Creeks fought a series of wars with white settlers who wanted their lands. In the 1830's, the U.S. Government forced the Creek to move to the Indian Territory in what is now Oklahoma. Many Creek hid to escape resettlement. The North Bay Clan, Lower Muskogee Creeks still in our area are descendants of those who refused to resettle in Oklahoma. A parcel of land along Deer Point Lake is now home to the North Bay Clan, Lower Muskogee Indians. Pow Wows are regularly held at this sight. Mr. Lonzo Woods, 1996 Chief of the North Bay Clan, Lower Muskogee Tribe wears a "ribbon shirt". Made of calico and decorated with colorful ribbons, the "ribbon shirt" is the traditional attire of the Creeks. Medicine men remain an important part of Creek culture. Their prayers and flute melodies sooth ailing tribesmen.