The Saponi, Tutelo, and Monacan are closely related groups who all spoke the same language. They are eastern Siouan, related to the Cheraw, Catawba and Waccamaw in the Carolinas. The Occaneechi have a separate history from the rest, they were largely destroyed in a war with other Saponi and White settlers. Saponi descendants have become known as the Melungeons, Goinstown Indians and Person County Indians as well as the groups which keep the name Saponi, The Haliwa-Saponi and the Occaneechi. A large group of the Saponi who joined the Cherokee for protection are known as the (Southern) Blackfoot.
More information