Choctaw

Louisiana Indians Walking Along a Bayou - Alfred Boisseau (New Orleans Mus of Art 56.34)

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Chunkeyplayer painting HRoe 2006

Choctaw USC2000 PHS

Choctaw group

Choctaw are a Native American people originally occupying what is now the Southeastern United States (modern-day Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, and Louisiana). The Choctaw are the third-largest federally recognized tribe in the United States. Known for their rich cultural history, the Choctaw have contributed significantly to the social, political, and environmental landscape of the American South.

History

The history of the Choctaw is a tale of resilience and survival. Prior to the arrival of Europeans in the early 16th century, the Choctaw lived in what is now the Southeastern United States for thousands of years. The first significant interaction between the Choctaw and Europeans was with the Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto in the 1540s. However, it was the French, English, and later the Americans, with whom the Choctaw would have the most significant and lasting relationships.

During the 18th century, the Choctaw became involved in the French and Indian War and the American Revolutionary War, often as allies of the French or the British. The Choctaw faced dramatic changes to their way of life with the increasing encroachment of European settlers and the United States government's policies in the 19th century. The Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek in 1830 was a pivotal moment, as it led to the forced relocation of a significant portion of the Choctaw population to what is now Oklahoma in an event known as the Trail of Tears.

Culture

Choctaw culture is rich and varied, encompassing traditional stories, dances, and songs. The Choctaw are known for their skills in basketry, beadwork, and pottery. The Green Corn Ceremony, a significant event in the Choctaw ceremonial calendar, is an example of the tribe's rich cultural traditions. The Choctaw language, part of the Muskogean language family, is still spoken today, though it is considered endangered.

Government

The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians are the two federally recognized Choctaw tribes. Each tribe has its own government, laws, police, and services, similar to a small country. The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, for example, operates under a three-branch system of government, including executive, legislative, and judicial branches.

Economic Development

In recent decades, the Choctaw have engaged in various economic development initiatives. These include casinos, which have become a significant source of revenue, as well as investments in other industries. Economic development has allowed the Choctaw to improve healthcare, education, and infrastructure for their people.

Contemporary Issues

Today, the Choctaw face various challenges, including maintaining their cultural heritage, language preservation, and managing economic development sustainably. They are also involved in environmental conservation efforts, particularly in the restoration of their traditional lands.

Notable Choctaw

Several Choctaw individuals have gained prominence in various fields. These include Phillip Martin, former chief of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, who was instrumental in the tribe's economic development, and Pushmataha, a celebrated leader and warrior in the early 19th century.

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