The Illiniwek was actually a confederation of Algonquin tribes including
The Cahokia,
The Kaskaskia,
The Michigamea,
The Peoria and
The Tamaroa. Other less populous tribes were also included.
Although each of the tribes were scattered throughout the territory and had their own local Chief, the "Grand Chieftain" resided in Peoria. Louis Joliet most likely met Chief Mamantouensa here.
It is generally recognized that the Illini and the The Miami were at one time of the same tribe.
The tribes' "territory" were, generally, the Wisconsin-Illinois border to the north, the Wabash River Valley to the east, the Ohio River to the south and the Mississippi River and eastern Iowa to the west.
Warring with other tribes was commonplace as they battled the Winnebago and Fox to the north, the Chickasaw to the south and the feared Iroquois Confederation to the east.
