The Great RemovalThe "Great Removal" is what the Chickasaw Nation calls the Trail of Tears. The skilled negotiating practices of Chickasaw leaders led to favorable sales of Chickasaw lands in Mississippi. This allowed the Chickasaw Nation, unlike other tribes, to pay money for their own removal. Chickasaw families met with hardship and death along the journey of thousands of miles in extreme cold and heat; however, the removing parties suffered less than other tribes because Chickasaws controlled their removal and chose favorable seasons for traveling to the new lands. This undoubtedly saved many lives that could have been lost.
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Indian TerritoryChickasaws have understood since ancient times that community and family are essential in the survival and prosperity of its people. This sense of belonging to a greater whole translated itself into strong national pride. The Chickasaw Nation established its Constitution of 1856 during huge gatherings at Good Spring, now known as Tishomingo, Oklahoma, and established their own territory in present-day, south-central Oklahoma. Despite numerous challenges and occasional setbacks, Chickasaws continued to create new ways to protect and manage their new lands and water and to protect wildlife and natural resources. Homes were built, farms created, communities and businesses established, churches erected and even schools commissioned. Infrastructure sprang up out of the wilderness, connecting towns and creating new roads. Industry and commerce became a way of life. A Governor was chosen, rather than a chief, to serve as the “supreme executive power.”
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The Chickasaw nation today
Today, the Chickasaw Nation is economically strong, culturally vibrant and full of energetic people still dedicated to the preservation of family, community and heritage. Since the 1980s, tribal government has focused most of its efforts on building an economically diverse base to generate funds that will support programs and services to Indian people. Business has flourished, programs and services have grown, and the quality of life for all Chickasaws has been greatly increased. The Chickasaw Nation’s current three-branch system of government was re-established with the ratification of the 1983 Chickasaw Nation Constitution. The elected officials provided for in the Constitution believe in a unified commitment, where by government policy serves the common good of all Chickasaw citizens. This common good extends to future generations as well as today’s citizens. The structure of the current government encourages and supports infrastructure for strong business ventures and an advanced tribal economy. The use of new technologies and dynamic business strategies in a global market are also encouraged. As in times past, the Chickasaw work ethic is very much a part of everyday life today. Monies generated in business are divided between investments for further diversification of enterprises and support of tribal government operations, programs and services for Indian people. This unique system is key to the Chickasaw Nation’s efforts to pursue self-sufficiency and self-determination which helps ensure that Chickasaws stay a united and thriving people.