Chickasaw
History
The Chickasaw are an indigenous people of the Southeastern Woodlands, originally residing in what is now the Southeastern United States, in areas of Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, and Kentucky. Their tribal origins can be traced back to the prehistoric mound-building cultures of the Mississippi River Valley, a civilization known as the Mississippian culture.
The Chickasaw were one of the "Five Civilized Tribes", a term European settlers used to describe the Chickasaw, Choctaw, Cherokee, Creek, and Seminole tribes. These tribes were considered "civilized" by European standards because they had adopted many of the colonists' customs and had generally good relations with their neighbors.
Culture
The Chickasaw culture was matrilineal, meaning descent and property were passed down through the mother's line. The Chickasaw were known for their formidable warriors and strategic negotiators. Their society was organized into two distinct moieties, or halves, known as the "Impsaktea" and the "Intcutwalipa". Each moiety was further divided into numerous clans.
The Chickasaw were also known for their skills in pottery, basket weaving, and garment making. They were also adept farmers, cultivating crops such as corn, beans, and squash, a combination known as the Three Sisters.
Contact with Europeans
The first recorded contact between the Chickasaw and Europeans occurred in 1540, when Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto arrived in their territory. The Chickasaw were initially friendly towards the Europeans, but relations quickly soured due to the Europeans' demands for slaves and tribute.
In the 18th century, the Chickasaw became allies with the British during the French and Indian War, due to their shared opposition to the French and their Native American allies. This alliance continued during the American Revolutionary War, with the Chickasaw fighting against the American colonists.
Removal and the Trail of Tears
In the early 19th century, the U.S. government began a policy of Indian removal, which aimed to relocate Native American tribes living in the Southeast to lands west of the Mississippi River. The Chickasaw, along with the other "Five Civilized Tribes", were forcibly removed from their ancestral lands in what is now known as the Trail of Tears.
Despite the hardships they faced during removal, the Chickasaw were able to rebuild their society in Indian Territory, now Oklahoma. They established a constitutional government, built schools and churches, and continued to maintain their cultural traditions.
Modern Chickasaw Nation
Today, the Chickasaw Nation is a federally recognized tribe with its headquarters in Ada, Oklahoma. The tribe operates a variety of businesses and services for its members, including healthcare, education, housing, and cultural preservation programs.
The Chickasaw Nation also maintains a strong commitment to preserving and promoting their language and culture. They operate the Chickasaw Cultural Center, which offers exhibits and programs on Chickasaw history and culture, and the Chickasaw Press, which publishes works by Chickasaw authors and scholars.