Ais Indians

The Ais (Ayis, Ays, Eyeish, Ayish) Indians, an East Texas group associated with the Hasinais, spoke a language different from the Caddos of the region. For this reason, it has been suggested by some authorities that the Ais represented a culture older than the confederacy known to the French and Spanish. Their early home was on Ayish Bayou between the Sabine and Neches rivers. In 1717 Nuestra Señora de los Dolores de los Ais Mission was founded for them in the vicinity of present San Augustine. According to historical accounts the Ais were distrusted alike by the Caddo and by French and Spanish authorities. In the later part of the eighteenth century they were placed under the jurisdiction of the officials residing at Nacogdoches. They were later placed on the Wichita reservation in Oklahoma.