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Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
Digital Library Collections
This is a PDF of a folder from our textual collections.
Collection: Blackwell, Morton: Files
Folder Title: [Choctaw]
Box: 32
To see more digitized collections visit:
https://reaganlibrary.gov/archives/digital-library
To see all Ronald Reagan Presidential Library inventories visit:
https://reaganlibrary.gov/document-collection
Contact a reference archivist at: [email protected]
Citation Guidelines: https://reaganlibrary.gov/citing
National Archives Catalogue: https://catalog.archives.gov/
WITHDRAWAL SHEET
Ronald Reagan Library
Collection: BLACKWELL, MORTON: Files
Archivist: cas/cas
File Folder: [Choctaw] Box 8409
Date: 12/10/96
DOCUMENT
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
RESTRICTION
NO. AND TYPE
1. letter
Phillip Martin, Chief, Mississippi Band of Choctaw
1/20/82
B6
Indians, and Mack Jimmie, Chairman, pearl River
Local School Board, to Secretary Watt, re the
10/16/2019 AM
principal appointment at Choctaw Central High
School (2 pp.)
2. memo
Mack Jimmie to Agency Superintendent for
1/7/82
36
Education, Choctaw Agency, re request to hire a
principal (1 pp.) attachment to item #1
3. memo
from Acting Assistant Director, South and West
12/24/81
P6B6
Education Operations, BIA, to Choctaw Agency
Superintendent for Education, re principal
appointment (1 pp.) attachment to item #1
4. letter
Director, Office of Indian Education Programs, BIA,
12/24/81
P6B6
to Phillip Martin, re principal appointment (1 pp.)
attachment to item #1
5. statement
of teaching experience (1 pp., partial)
11/5/81
B6
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act [44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act [5 U.S.C. 552(b)]
P-1 National security classified information [(a)(1) of the PRA].
F-1 National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA].
P-2 Relating to appointment to Federal office [(a)(2) of the PRA].
F-2 Release could disclose internal personnel rules and practices of an agency [(b)(2) of the
P-3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(a)(3) of the PRA].
FOIA].
P-4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or financial information
F-3 Release would violate a Federal statue ((b)(3) of the FOIA].
[(a)(4) of the PRA].
F-4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or financial information
P-5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President and his advisors, or
[(b)(4) of the FOIA].
between such advisors [(a)(5) of the PRA].
F-6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy [(b)(6) of the
P-6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy [(a)(6) of
FOIA].
the PRA].
F-7 Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement purposes ((b)(7) of
the FOIA].
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed of gift.
F-8 Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of financial institutions
[(b)(8) of the FOIA].
F-9 Release would disclose geological or geophysical information concerning wells ((b)(9) of
the FOIA].
File
TRIBAL OFFICE BUILDING
awa
MISSISSIPPI BAND OF CHOCTAW INDIANS
ROUTE 7, BOX 21
THE
PHILADELPHIA, MISSISSIPPI 39350
OFFICE OF THE TRIBAL CHIEF
X
TELEPHONE (601) 656-5251
August 25, 1981
Mr. Morton C. Blackwell
Special Assistant to the President
The White House
Washington DC 20500
Dear Mr. Blackwell:
Thank you for your kind letter of August 19. I thought our meeting of the
following day was productive and am enclosing some information on the Mississippi
Band of Choctaw Indians which I am sure you will find interesting. The booklet
Chahta Hapia Hoke basically outlines historical information and recounts the
progress of the tribe over the past twenty years, progress which could not have
been made without the Indian Reorganization Act and financial assistance from
the federal government. Ours is a success story which should be spread; the
wise use of federal funds has improved conditions, developed pride, and contributed
to the strengthening of the entire region of east central Mississippi.
I am looking forward to seeing you and Mr. McClaughry at the meeting of the
Board of Directors of the National Tribal Chairmen's Association September 17 and
18. I will be in contact with you later on specific time and place.
Sincerely,
Phillip Martin
Chief
PM: bmw
Enclosure
"CHOCTAW SELF-DETERMINATION
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
November 6, 1981
Dear Chief Martin:
Thank you for your letter and again, for your
invitation to visit the Mississippi Choctaw Reservation.
I am working on an extended trip in the Deep
outh area in a few months, and I will plan to visit
you then. Unfortunately, I will not be able to
come before the end of the year, as we have strained
our travel budget, I am forced to keep travel to a
minimum.
As soon as final details are made for my trip,
I will contact you.
Cordially,
Morton
Morton C. Blackwell
Special Assistant to the President
Chief Phillip Martin
Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians
Tribal Office Building
Route 7, Box 21
Philadelphia, Mississippi 39350
TRIBAL OFFICE BUILDING
OWB
ROUTE 7, BOX 21
MISSISSIPPI BAND OF CHOCTAW INDIANS
OFFICE OF THE TRIBAL CHIEF
THEY
PHILADELPHIA, MISSISSIPPI 39350
x
TELEPHONE (601) 656-5251
September 5, 1981
Mr. Morton C. Blackwell
Special Assistant to the President for Public Liaison
The White House
Washington, DC 20500
Dear Mr. Blackwell:
Thank you very much for the invitation for myself and Frankie Chisholm to
lunch with you at the White House, the lunch itself, and the tour of the West Wing.
I am very glad you agreed to visit the Mississippi Choctaw Reservation. My
calendar looks good for any time during the last two weeks in October, the week
of the 19th, or the week of the 26th. Any time during those two weeks that you
could make an overnight visit would be fine with us. I think it is important
with the position that you hold working with American Indians to visit reservations
from time to time to see firsthand not only reservation conditions but also the
progress that has been made in recent decades by tribal governments through tribal
leadership.
In this day and time when questions have arisen concerning the administrative
capabilities of tribal governments, I will be happy to show you one with well-
structured accountability mechanisms, with established fiscal, personnel, procurement
and other procedures, which is representative of the progressive tribes around the
country.
Please let us know whenever you are able to schedule your visit. Again,
thank you for your hsopitality at the White House; I look forward to our getting
better acquainted and working together to resolve Indian policy issues. Along this
line, in the not-too-distant future I anticipate that the National Tribal Chairmen's
Association will be asking for a brief meeting with yourself and the President.
Sincerely,
Phillip Phillip Martin
Martin
Tribal Chief
"CHOCTAW SELF-DETERMINATION"
TRIBAL OFFICE BUILDING
BWD
ROUTE 7, BOX 21
MISSISSIPPI BAND OF CHOCTAW INDIANS
THE
PHILADELPHIA, MISSISSIPPI 39350
OFFICE OF THE TRIBAL CHIEF
STATE
TELEPHONE (601) 656-5251
December 21, 1981
Mr. Morton Blackwell
Special Assistant to the President
The White House
Washington DC 20500
Dear Mr. Blackwell:
Thank you for your letter of November 6, in response to my invitation
to visit the reservation. We are still looking forward to your visiting
here at some point. The Mississippi Choctaw reservation provides a good
example of the "bootstrap" theory at work, with wide involvement of the people
and support and encouragement from the government, which will ultimately
lessen dependence on the federal government through the creation of jobs and
businesses.
You might consider bringing Ken Smith, Assistant Secretary of the Interior
for Indian Affairs, and John McClaughry with you when you come.
I will be in Washington the first of the year, and will phone you to let
you know if I need to come by and talk things over.
Sincerely,
Phillip Martin
Chief
PM: bmw
"CHOCTAW SELF-DETERMINATION
RONALD W. REAGAN LIBRARY
1
THIS FORM MARKS THE FILE LOCATION OF ITEM NUMBER 1-4 LISTED ON THE
WITHDRAWAL SHEET AT THE FRONT OF THIS FOLDER.
NAME OF AGENCY
PRECEDENCE
ACTION
C
U
R
INFO
1
T
TYPE OF MESSAGE
Y
CLASSIFICATION
ACCOUNTING CLASSIFICATION
SINGLE
BOOK
STANDARD FORM 74. REV. MARCH 15, 1957
MULTI-ADDRESS
GSA REGULATION 2-IX-301.00
14-304
THIS BLOCK FOR USE OF COMMUNICATIONS UNIT
TELEGRAPHIC MESSAGE
OFFICIAL BUSINESS
U.S. GOVERNMENT
MESSAGE TO BE TRANSMITTED (Use double spacing and all capital letters)
THIS COL. FOR AGENCY USE
MISSISSIPPI CHOCTAW AGENCY
AGENCY SUPERINTENDENT FOR EDUCATION
PHILADELPHIA, MISSISSIPPI 39350
ATTENTION: ALL AREA EDUCATION PROGRAM ADMINISTRATORS
ALL AGENCY SUPERINTENDENT FOR EDUCATION
EFFECTIVE 12-18-81, ALL APPOINTMENTS, PROMOTIONS, AND RE-
ASSIGNMENT ACTIONS ARE FROZEN. NO VACANCIES ARE TO BE ANNOUNCED
START MESSAGE ADDRESS HERE
WITHOUT PRIOR APPROVAL. APPROVAL FOR EMERGENCY APPOINTMENTS
FOR PROTECTION OF LIFE AND PROPERTY SHOULD BE CLEARED THROUGH
ACTING DIRECTOR, OFFICE OF. ADMINISTRATION.
DO NOT TYPE MESSAGE BEYOND THIS LINE
Jones W. Fritz
Deputy Assistant Secretary
USDI, Bureau of Indian Affairs
Washington, D.C
12-21-81
Rec'd by PST
Typed by NI
2:30 p.m.
PAGE NO.
NO. OF PAGES
NAME AND TITLE OF ORIGINATOR (Type)
ORIGINATOR'S TEL. NO.
DATE AND TIME PREPARED
SECURITY CLASSIFICATION
I certify that this message is official business, is not personal, and is in the interest of the Government.
(Signature)
'us GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 1964 D-734-678
PEARL RIVER LOCAL SCHOOL BOARD
RESOLUTION PRLS 01-82
A RESOLUTION TO APPOINT KENNITH YORK AS PRINCIPAL, CHOCTAW CENTRAL HIGH
SCHOOL
WHEREAS, Kennith York, a member of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians,
has applied to the Bureau of Indian Affairs for the position of Principal of
Choctaw Central High School, and
WHEREAS, Mr. York has extensive educational experience on the Choctaw
Reservation, has an intimate knowledge of the Choctaw people, and has a
Master's Degree in Educational Administration, and
WHEREAS, other candidates for the position are less familiar with the tribe
and with the reservation, and
WHEREAS, the position has been subject to the freeze in federal hiring
currently in effect, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Pearl River Local School Board does hereby request the
Agency Superintendent for Education. to appoint Kennith York as Principal,
Choctaw Central High School, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Pearl River Local School Board does hereby request the
Agency Superintendent for Education to request a waiver to the federal hiring
freeze for the position of Principal, Choctaw Central High School.
CERTIFICATION
I, the undersigned as Secretary of the Pearl River Local School Board,
certify that said Board is composed of 5 members, of whom 5 were
present at a Special
meeting, thereof duly called, noticed,
convened, and held this 25 day of November
, 1981, and that the
foregoing resolution was Adopted
by a vote of 3 members in
favor, 0 opposed, and 1 abstained.
Dated this 25 day of November
, 1981.
ATTEST:
Chairman Mack W Jimmi Suna Secretary Willis
Mobile County Public Schools
Box 1327
Mobile, Alabama 36631
STATEMENT OF TEACHING EXPERIENCE
NOTE The 101111 be rent by the applicant 11. the proper person who will complete it and return directly to 11..
Board of disney Commissioners of Mobile County, DIVISION of Personnel, P.O. Box 1327, Mobile, Alabamu 366 11.
Dear Superintendent
The person lisud below has applied to teach in the Mobile School System. We will greatly appreciate your
completing this form and returning it in the enclosed self-nddressed envelope.
1 hereby authorize you as a former employer
10 turnish to the Board of School Comm. of
Is. J. R. MARTIN R. Martin
Le co., AL., the following information
" me.
Acting Assistant Sup
Normal
Division of Personn.
will is certify that Kennith 11 York
SS No.
REDACTED
06
wish
Part time
employ 1-1 as a regular teacher in the schools of
Mpls.
.
City
Henn.
MN
. for
.
County
State
the periods listed below:
From
To
Month Day. Year
Month/Day/Year
Grades or Subjects Taught
10/23/72
6/30/73
ABE
3/24/73
6/12/74
Proj. Site Coord/StaffDevel.
Total number of scholastic years under my supervision:
Total number of scholastic years in this school system:
2
The
work was
antisfactory. XX
Her
unsatisfactory.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Asst. Director of Personnel
11/5/81
Date
807
Mpls, MN. 55413
Choctaw Community News
VOLUME XII NUMBER 7
PHILADELPHIA, MISSISSIPPI
JULY, 1981
Choctaw Culture Early
Education Program
CHARTER
CHARTER
The U.S. Department of
Education has announced the
award of a three-year grant from
Title IV, Office of Indian Education
to the Choctaw Tribe for an early
childhood research and demonstra-
tion classrooms in the various
communities.
TRI
CO
During the three years of the
grant, classes will hopefully be
added through the third grade level
to test and validate culturally based
curriculum produced by the project,
culminating in the adoption of a
standard early childhood
curriculum for the reservation. A
major portion of the work will
include extensive surveys and
consultation with parents and
community members to identify and
Early in July, the Tribe purchased six buses like the one shown here. They will be used in the new
validate current cultural precepts
tribal transportation system, Tri-County Transit Authority. Buses will run daily from Bogue
and values for integration into
Chitto, Tucker, Conehatta, Standing Pine, Red Water, and Pearl River, in conjunction with
smaller vans to transport tribal, BIA, and other area employees to work and back for a small fee.
materials and teaching strategies.
Scheduled to begin late in August, buses will run on two schedules: an early morning route for
The project will serve children not
wire harness and greeting card plant employees, and a later one for tribal and BIA employees.
presently under the HS/PCDP
For more information, contact Calvin Becton, Edmund Lewis, or Faron Denson. See next
program; in addition, the research
month's Community News for tentative schedules and routes.
aspect will result in a more accurate
description of modern Choctaw life.
the existing PCDP, Headstart and
Chairman Phillip Martin, who said,
This description of current practices
Follow Through programs, is the
"Our reason for choosing early
and values will allow school
culmination of the Choctaw
years of childhood as the primary
personnel at all levels to build good
Conference on Early Childhood
theme was pointed out in the
self-images in Choctaw children by
Development held in 1971. This
keynote address to conference
reinforcing parental values and
conference was entitled "Alla
delegates - there is no better
reflecting positively the progress of
Chopinta Akosk Ummona" ("Little
place to develop a sense of positive
the tribe.
Children First"), and contained a
self-image than in preschool
The establishment of this project,
statement which expresses the
children who have not been moved
in combination with the new
goals of the newly funded Title IV B
by the hostilities of an alien
daycare center at Pearl River and
program in remarks by the Tribal
Continued on page 9
Page 2
Choctaw Community News
FROM THE OFFICE OF THE
from visitors to the Fair, Indians and
new election for the two Council
tribal chief
non-Indians alike, who were
seats at stake in Pearl River should
impressed with the progress of the
be held. It is my personal feeling that
reservation and the Fair, how we
the Tribal Election Committee did a
were able to organize and carry out
good job of performing its duties in
The 32nd annual Choctaw Indian
a multitude of activities, and how we
all communities in seeing that the
Fair is history now; and I would like
were able to achieve a high level of
election was conducted in a fair and
to compliment everyone who had a
involvement of our young people in
impartial manner and in accordance
part in making the Fair a success,
particularly those employed with
the tribal government, and BIA and
IHS, and the Choctaw community
development clubs. Also the
Philadelphia/Neshoba County
Chamber of Commerce for their
support and cooperation and
representatives of the news media
contributed greatly to publicity for
the Fair. I would like to particularly
mention the work done during the
Fair by the people manning the
ticket gates and monitoring the
parking, security, transporation,
and exhibit hall coordinators,
Choctaw artisans and craftsmen,
participants in the cultural
programs, the traditional Choctaw
dancers from Bogue Chitto and
Pearl River, the coordinators of the
outstanding temporary Choctaw
Museum of the Southern Indian, and
Phillip Martin, Chief
the stickball teams and players, win
carrying out Fair activities.
with the tribal Election Ordinance.
or lose. Congratulations to the Pearl
As I have often mentioned, Fair
We need to remember that the tribal
River Independents who are the new
success comes about through
election committee, local election
world's champion Choctaw
traditional stickball team. In
cooperation and unity of the
committees, and poll workers,
members of the tribe. I can say
because of their interest in the tribe,
addition, I would like to thank our
distinguished guests Governor and
without a doubt that this year's Fair
are taking time off from their jobs
Mrs. William Winter, Chairman Peter
was the best organized with
and performing what is really a
activities carried out on schedule
acDonald and Mrs. Wanda
partiotic duty once every two years.
due to a lot of detailed planning and
This will be an entirely new
MacDonald, Chairman James Billie
comprehension of responsibility
election, and eligible candidates will
and his entourage of Seminole
princesses and Mike Tiger,
assignments being completed
have to go through the entire
beforehand. I look forward to
process again. Not related to the
Chairman Buffalo Tiger, and Iron
receiving recommendations from
Tribal Council hearing, there will be
Eyes Cody. We are grateful to the
you on how the Fair can be
a Council election in Bogue Chitto
Seminoles who participated in so
improved still more--it is not too
and Tucker as well to fill vacancies
many areas, including emceeing
and judging the Princess Contest
early to begin planning for the 33rd
created by a resignation and the fact
annual Fair!
that no candidate filed in Tucker the
and presentation of alligator
last time around. These elections
wrestling. Congratulations to
Special Called Tribal Council
are all scheduled for September 22.
Bernadine Hickman, our new 1981-
Meeting
82 Choctaw Princess, and all of
The Tribal Council had a meeting
the Princess contestants and their
July 3 to hear a complaint from a
Choctaw Greetings Enterprise
sponsors. It was very difficult for the
candidate in the Pearl River
In my last report I mentioned that
judges to select a winner because of
community on election technical-
the Choctaw Greetings Enterprise
the poise and charm of all the
ities. The Council ruled that the
would open its doors around
contestants.
Pearl River Tribal Council election
September 1. This date has been
We received many compliments
should be voided and a completely
advanced to August 17 because of
Choctaw Community News
Page 3
the rapid progress being made in
working mothers is well underway,
Council during its regular meeting
construction. Applications are now
and completion is expected by
July 15. I will have more to say on
being received for several
August 15. It is estimated that the
this subject in later issues.
management positions and for
new facility will house around 90
production worker positions. If you
children, but the exact number is
New Programs Funded
are interested in working at the
dependent on negotiations on our
Although the fiscal year 1982
Enterprise you can contact the tribal
Title XX proposal with the State
budget looks generally bleak, we
Manpower Outreach Counselor in
Department of Public Welfare. My
have been able to obtain some
your community or Henderson
next report will contain complete
discretionary grants and contracts
Williams, Personnel Director of the
details on opening date and
which may offset somewhat the
Enterprise. Mr. Williams is located at
eligibility criteria.
anticipated cuts in our regular
the new Choctaw Greetings Office
programs. Among these new
at 656-8200. The Enterprise will
Choctaw Heritage Council
programs are a "MIN" program to
begin hiring and training with
The Choctaw Heritage Council
concentrate and coordinate
around 70 persons and progress
held its second meeting July 9 and
provision of human services to
toward the full employment level of
10 during the Choctaw Indian Fair,
targeted "most-in-need" children
350 to 500, within a year.
with most of the members attending.
below age 18, a Title IV-B project to
As soon as operations at the
The Heritage Council reviewed and
conduct culturally-relevant early
Enterprise are well underway, we
approved the bylaws, conducted
childhood educational activities, an
will be having an open house,
committee work on the proposed
Ethnic Heritage Studies project to
perhaps in October or November, so
museum layout, discussed
develop materials and curriculum
the public can see what the Choctaw
archaeological concerns and
for Choctaw Studies, a Section 18
Greetings Enterprise is all about.
structured a new advisory
Surface Transportation grant to
This is an unprecedented
committee, which will consist of
establish the Tri-County Trans-
breakthrough for the tribe in
non-Heritage Council members
portation Authority, a CETA Title VII
industrial development, and we
who either have technical expertise
grant to provide for costs of training
need the support and cooperation of
in specialized areas or who have
for workers at four tribal enterprises,
everyone to make our industrial
made major donations to the facility.
a T&TA contract from BIA for
development effort a continuing
Iron Eyes Cody was selected and
development and implementing
success. Our major underlying
confirmed as the first member of this
tribal membership policies and
reason for this effort is to create job
advisory committee because of his
procedures, and a contract for the
opportunities for our people locally
interest in American Indians and
tribe to operate the BIA Revolving
and develop the on-reservation
demonstrated interest in this tribe
Credit program for the remainder of
economy.
through many appearances at the
this fiscal year. The majority of these
We anticipate. that the newly-
Fair, his prominance nationally in
programs will provide much-needed
created Tri-County Transportation
environmental protection and
services to our young people, and
Authority will be ready to provide
cultural preservation.
will be implemented in the next few
transportation to the Enterprise
The Heritage Council discussed
weeks. Be on the lookout for job
from all communities but Bogue
at length proposed land alterations
announcements.
Homa. We are starting off with
projects by the Army Corps of
limited funds; and with only six 25-
Engineers, and stripmining plans for
passenger buses, the Authority may
Regular Tribal Council Meeting
east central Mississippi and their
not be able to meet all of the
effect on Choctaw historical and
The regular July meeting of the
transportation demands of the
Tribal Council was held on the 14th
archaeological sites, especially
workers at both the Greetings
and 15th, during which new Council
burial sites. The Heritage Council
Enterprise and Chahta Enterprise.
members were sworn in the Tribal
made a recommendation to the
We are, however, busy getting
Council officers were elected. Frank
Tribal Council that a resolution be
organized and serving as many
Steve was re-elected as Vice-Chief
adopted expressing the concern of
people as we can when the
and Beasley Denson was elected to
the tribe on the possible loss of
Enterprise opens its doors for
the position of Secretary-Treasurer.
these sites (so necessary to
employment.
They will serve for two years. Tribal
researching the history of the tribe
Council committee Chairman were
in pre-treaty times, many of which
elected and committee members
Special Called Tribal Council
contain burials which should not be
named. The Committee Chairmen
Meeting
disturbed) and authorizing the Chief
are as follows: Health, Maxine
to contact federal, state, and local
Dixon; Economic Development,
In connection with this economic
agencies, as well as mining
Albert Farve; Judicial Affairs and
activity, construction on our day
companies, on the matter. Such a
care center for the children of
resolution was adopted by the Tribal
Continued on page 4
Page 4
Choctaw Community News
TRIBAL CHIEF
Continued from page 3
construction costs.
advised as we progress in this area.
In regard to Housing problems, I
The area of housing is one of the
Law Enforcement, Roger Bell;
will be meeting with Tribal Council
areas of greatest need on the
Governmental Affairs, Roger
members and Housing Authority
reservation and should be given a
Anderson; Education, Luke Jimmie;
Commissioners in the near future to
high priority.
Community Development, Mattie K.
develop a plan to resolve accounts
If you have any questions or
Willis; and Budgets and Finance,
receivable questions and establish
concerns or recommendations on
Beasley Denson.
sound day to day operations to
anything said in this paper or the
Also at the meeting the fiscal year
prevent future difficulties for the
activities of the tribal government,
1982 tribal budgets were presented
Housing Authority and its tenants. It
please feel free to contact me.
and approved, as well as several
is essential for the Housing
resolutions, one of which
Authority to operate in a
Sincerely,
authorized a comprehensive on-
businesslike manner; and tenants
and near-reservation survey of the
must keep their accounts up to date,
Choctaw population to update the
maintain their houses in good
Philly Martin
1974 survey and provide more
condition and cooperate with the
accurate figures and information
Housing Authority Director and
Chief
than the 1980 U.S. Census will.
Commissioners.
I had hoped before the Council
An application has been submitted
meeting to begin the second two
for 100 new rental units, on which, if
years of my tenure as Chief with a
approved, construction will begin
Introducing.
report on progress made during the
this fall. If we can resolve the current
first two years; but pressing national
management difficulties, we will
budget issues and the Fair did not
apply for an additional 150 units of
We'd like to welcome a new
leave me time to develop it. I will
Mutual Help Housing, a home-
addition to the Legal Services staff
issue such a report in the next few
ownership program. I am asking for
at the Tribal Office.
weeks. I am also intending to visit
the cooperation of tenants and
Richard Litsey, a Creek Indian
each of the communities in the near
reservation employers of tenants to
originally from Oklahoma, will be
future--something I have not been
work with the Housing Authority to
the new attorney with the Choctaw
able to schedule for the past several
eliminate accounts receivable so we
office of East Mississippi Legal
months.
can remove our tribe's name from
Services.
the deficit list at HUD. If you have
A recent graduate of Thurgood
Housing Meeting
any questions contact the Housing
Marshall School of Law, Litsey is
On July 20 and 21, I attended a
Authority Director, Morris
here under the Reggie Program. The
meeting in Atlanta sponsored by the
Carpenter, at 656-6617, or
Reggie Program, a part of the
Chicago Office of Indian Programs
Chairman Beasley Denson at 656-
Reginald Heber Smith Foundation,
of HUD, headed by Leon Jacobs and
3071.
provides scholarships and stipends
Phil Isosie. The meeting was called
In the housing situation
for minority lawyers and those
for tribal leaders and Housing
nationally, HUD has abolished the
involved in poverty law.
Authority Executive Directors and
Indian positions of Assistant
Commission Chairmen of the
Secretary and Director of the Office
Choctaw, Cherokee, and Seminole
of Indian programs, which appears
tribes to discuss how best tribal
to be another step toward
governments can work with
eliminating Indian housing from the
SHOW PRIDE
Housing Authorities to resolve
HUD structure. I believe tribes
housing management problems.
throughout the country have a right
This marked the first time that all of
to question whether HUD is serious
IN
these officials had met together to
about the provision of Indian
discuss problems and seek
housing, or whether tribes need to
YOUR COMMUNITY!
solutions. The meeting was timely
look for alternate agencies within
because of the budgetary threats
the government.
faced at this point by Indian housing
I hope to work with other tribes
PUT LITTER IN
from OMB and some members of
and with HUD on a national level to
Congress. Their main justification
get this issue resolved and help
for trying to eliminate Indian
them develop an internal structure
ITS PLACE!
housing is their perception of
to address the housing needs of
inadequate management and
tribal governments and Indian
supposed inflated housing
Housing Authorities. I will keep you
Choctaw Community News
Page 5
New Tribal Council Resolutions
Tribal Council Resolutions acted
fund and court fund
141-81
A resolution to request
upon during the quarterly meeting
budgets for fiscal year
assistance in archaeo-
in July include the following. The
1982. ADOPTED
logical study and preserva-
full text of each is available at the
tion in the face of proposed
Committee System office in Pearl
137-81
A resolution to approve a
land alteration projects
River.
tribal general revenue
between the Pearl River
sharing budget for fiscal
and the Alabama state line.
133-81
A resolution to request
year 1982. ADOPTED
ADOPTED
the BIA to set aside funds
for a boundary survey of
138-81
A resolution to re-apply
142-81
A resolution to conduct
the Mississippi Band of
for BIA contracts currently
comprehensive on and
Choctaw reservation and to
administered by the tribe
near reservation tribal
authorize a tribal contract
for fiscal year 1982.
population survey and
for said boundary survey.
ADOPTED
authorize use of $13,836 in
ADOPTED
the fiscal year '81 tribal
139-81
A resolution to amend
budget. ADOPTED
134-81 A resolution to appoint a
the approved revised
standing committee and
personnel policies of the
143-81
A resolution to amend
rescind resolution CHO 62-
Mississippi Band of
resolution CHO 46-81, "A
78. ADOPTED
Choctaw Indians.
resolution to amend
ADOPTED
resolution CHO 127-79, "A
135-81 A resolution authorizing
resolution to establish a
execution of a lease
140-81 A resolution to support
private industry council."
agreement covering
and send representatives to
ADOPTED
housing and urban
the third national Indian
development project MISS-
Youth Leadership Confer-
144-81
A resolution to amend
92-7. ADOPTED
ence at Mary Mount
resolution CHO 153-80, "A
College, Arlington, Va.
136-81
A resolution to approve
Continued on page 9
August 9 through 15, 1981.
tribal indirect cost, trust
ADOPTED
TITLE VII EMPLOYMENT
AVAILABLE
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS
Notice is hereby given that the Mississippi
The Manpower Program is in the
views of citizens on the proposed application
Band of Choctaw Indians proposes to file a
prior to submission of application to A-95
process of taking applications for
full-application for Community Development
clearinghouses.
the employment through the Native
Block Grant Funds for Indian Tribes and
American Private Sector Initiative
Alaska Natives from the Department of
During the hearings, technical assistance will
Program under CETA Title VII, for
Housing and Urban Development.
be provided to assist citizen participants to
understnad program requirements and a
Choctaw Greetings Enterprise and
The primary objective of the program is the
responsible official will be available to
Tri-County Transit Authority.
development of viable communities by
conduct the hearings and to be responsive to
Applications will be taken daily,
providing. decent housing, economic
questions which may arise.
Monday through Friday, from 8:00
opportunities, and a suitable living
a.m. until 4:30 p.m., at the Manpower
environment principally for persons of low
Notice is further given that any written
and moderate incomes. The Department of
office in the Tribal Office Annex
complaints concerning the proposed full-
Housing and Urban Development has invited
application will be received by the Mississippi
Building. All applications will be
the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians to
Band of Choctaw Indians at the office of
screened for eligibility under Title
submit a single-purpose full-application in
Economic Development Planner, Tribal
VII.
the amount of $300,000.00.
Office Building during normal working hours
If you know of anyone who is
prior to August 5, 1981, and all such
Notice is further given that public hearings
complaints will be treated as a grievance and
presently unemployed, encourage
will be held on July 29th at 3:00 p.m. and
will be answered prior to the submission of
them to apply for this. Applicants
August 5, 1981 at 3:00 p.m. at the Tribal
the full-application.
will need to bring their last paycheck
Council Hall. The purpose of the first hearing
stub and some form of identifi-
is to obtain views and proposals of citizens at
Notice is further given that in making this full-
cation, such as a driver's license or
the initial stage of application development
application and in development of project
birth certificate.
on community development and housing
activities the Mississippi Band of Choctaw
needs and priorities, and to obtain comments
Indians will practice a policy of non-
Former Title II-D and Title VI
on the applicant's community development
discrimination with respect to all aspects of
participants are encouraged to
performance. The second hearing is to obtain
the project.
apply for Title VII positions.
Page 6
Choctaw Community News
Follow Through - Thirteen Years of Service
On Monday, June 29, Follow
Through received notification that it
would not be re-funded for the
coming year. The program was
given a two month closeout period,
with the option of appealing
Washington's decision within 35
days. We have submitted an appeal;
however, no word has been received
yet concerning the decision.
If the program is not re-funded,
this will be the last article from
Follow Through to appear in the
Community News. We would like to
take this opportunity to thank all of
you who have supported us for the
past thirteen years.
Anita Fulton, Director
Follow Through Program
the
shoe
DAD
MOM
ME
FOLLOW THROUGH
WITH A FLAIRI
Y
Choctaw Community News
Page 7
RED-WATER
COMMUNITY
Fair Director's Report
The 1981 Choctaw Fair was a
great success. Several major and
minor changes were implemented.
One of the major changes was the
THE COMMUNITY SUCCESS-
transportation system. This system
THROUGH PLANNING ANG VOLVEMENT
kept the traffic from getting
congested at the fairgrounds - I'm
sure everyone was pleased that it
HOMEGARDEN AND ORGANIC CARDENING PRODUCE
wasn't necessary to constantly
watch out for traffic. Transportation
ARTS AND CRAFTS
INDUSTRIES
was made available to and from
parking lots at the Industrial Park.
The only problems we really faced
COMMUNITY AND HOME LIFE ACTIVITIES
with the system were the
mechanical problems, which was
inevitable, and a lack of extra
The Red Water Community Booth
personnel to assist with bus repairs.
Red Water Club Booth Takes First
Another major change we
implemented was the internal
Place In Fair Booth Competition
communications system. It was
instrumental in assisting the
The Red Water Development Club
Choctaw Princess.
personnel assigned specifically to
was formed several years ago. At
The club also sponsors the Red
overcoming various problems that
that time, it was called "Oka Homa
Water Save the Children Federation
might occur during the fair.
Development Club." Later, it was
project with funds from the
Communications systems person-
changed to Red Water Development
federation. Projects included in this
nel assigned specifically to
Club. The officers are as follows:
activity are arts and crafts, clothing,
overcoming various problems that
Kirby Willis, President; Alvin
basketry workshops, student
might occur during the fair.
Sockey, Vice President; Nellie Ann
services, and organic gardening.
Another major change we
Billy, Secretary; and William F. Bell,
This year, home improvement and
Treasurer.
cultural heritage projects were
Continued on page 12
Kirby was elected in December,
added.
1976. Under his leadership, several
The club has sponsored several
projects were initiated. The club
fund raising activities. $2,600 was
won first place in community booth
raised in a single project. This past
competition in 1977, the first time
year the club, along with the Save
ever. It placed second twice, and
the Children Federation, furnished
this year, won first place again.
fruits, nuts, and candy to the school
In 1977 Phyliss John, the club's
children. The club also assists
princess contestant, was selected
families in times of emergency.
Fair Exhibit Prizes Awarded
Fair Exhibitors are to be
Community Booth Division:
congratulated on the excellent job
1st Place - Red Water - $300
they did this year. The entries were
2nd place - Pearl River - $275
outstanding, in the Community
3rd place - Bogue Chitto - $250
Booths, the Adult Division, and the
4th place - Tucker - $200
4-H Division.
5th place - Standing Pine - $175
A particularly outstanding
6th place - Conehatta - $150
individual exhibitor was Emma Polk,
of Tucker Community, who won the
Adult Division Exhibits:
most prize money by far. She had
Emma Polk
$224
several items on exhibit, and ended
Dorsey Clemmons
151
up with $224.00.
Mary Chapman
94
A breakdown of prize monies
Marcella Vaughn
94
Emma Polk was the fair exhibitor who won
awarded as follows:
Continued on page 13
the most prize money this year.
Page 8
Choctaw Community News
NOTICE OF SPECIAL TRIBAL COUNCIL AND SCHOOL BOARD ELECTION
There will be a Special Tribal Council
Tribal members who are registered to vote
Election and School Board Election on
will cast their ballots at the polling place
September 22, 1981 to elect Tribal Council
operated by the LCEC at the time and place
members from Bogue Chitto, Pearl River and
listed for their community.
Tucker and to elect School Board members
from Red Water, Standing Pine and Tucker.
COMMUNITY
DATE
TIME
PLACE
This election will be supervised by the Tribal
Bogue Chitto
September 22, 1981
8:00 A.M. - 8:00 P.M.
Facility Bldg.
Election Committee appointed by the Tribal
Red Water
September 22, 1981
8:00 A.M. - 8:00 P.M.
Facility Bldg.
Council. The committee members are
Pearl River
September 22, 1981
8:00 A.M. - 8:00 P.M.
Council Hall
Harrison Ben, Chairman, Lena Denson,
Standing Pine
September 22, 1981
8:00 A.M. - 8:00 P.M.
Facility Bldg.
Member and Wanda Davidson, Member.
Tucker
September 22, 1981
8:00 A.M. - 8:00 P.M.
Facility Bldg.
Alternates are Kirby Willis, Nellie Steve and
Jesse Thomas.
1) One position for Tribal Council in Bogue
Ballots received after this specified date and
candidates names are placed on the
Chitto with term expiring in 1983.
time will not be counted.
ballots.
2) Two positions for Tribal Council in Pearl
CANDIDATES
INFORMATION
River with term expiring in 1985.
Persons who wish to file as candidates must:
For further information, please contact the
3) Two positions for School Board in Red
Tribal Election Committee or Local
1) Be at least 21 years of age.
Water with term expiring in 1985.
Community Election Committee Chairman
appointed to conduct election in your
2) Is a resident of the Choctaw Community
4) Five positions for School Board in
community.
which he or she desires to represent for
Standing Pine with term expiring in 1985.
DATE: July 17, 1981
at least six (6) months prior to the date
of election (since March 22, 1981).
5) One position for Tribal Council in Tucker
Harrison Ben, Chairman
with term expiring in 1985.
656-4083
3) Is registered to vote in the Choctaw
Community which he or she desires to
6) Five positions for School Board in Tucker
Lena Denson, Member
represent.
with term expiring in 1985.
656-5251, Ext. 270
656-9993
4) Secures endorsement of at least 10
The Tribal Election Committee will appoint
persons registered to vote in Tribal
a Local Community Election Committee
Wanda Davidson, Member
Election in the Community from which
(LCEC) for each community to conduct this
656-5251, Ext. 225
he or she intends to run for office.
Special Tribal Council Election and School
LOCAL COMMUNITY ELECTION
Board Election. Names of the LCEC are
5) Submit these endorsement signatures on a
COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS
posted in each of the communities.
nominating petition to the Chairman of
1. Odie Jim
Bogue Chitto
the LCEC for their community on or
REGISTRATION
2. Elizabeth Williams
Pearl River
before August 22, 1981.
3. Judy Mitch
Red Water
All Tribal members of 18 years of age or
4. Leroy Denson
Standing Pine
older who have not yet registered to vote in
6) The Tribal Election Committee must certify
5. Linda Taylor
Tucker
Tribal Election may register at the Tribal
all candidates' petitions before the
Office, Pearl River community. If you do not
register to vote on or before August 22, 1981,
you cannot vote in the September 22, 1981
election. If you have already registered to vote,
you do not need to register unless you have
moved to another community since your date of
registration.
ABSENTEE BALLOT
Any qualified registered voter who is
unable to appear at the polls on election day
or who resides 50 miles or more distant from
the community in which he or she is
registered to vote shall be entitled to vote by
Absentee Ballot. Request for Absentee Ballot
shall be submitted in writing to the Chairman of
the Tribal Election Committee at the Tribal Office
not later than 12:00 noon on September 7 1981.
Request for Absentee Ballots received after this
date and time will not be honored.
NOTE: All casted Absentee Ballots should be
Bernadine Hickman, of Bogue Chitto Community will reign as this year's Choctaw Princess.
received at the Choctaw Tribal Office not later
Sandra R. Willis of Pearl River, left, is first alternate. Anita Jim, right, also of Pearl River, was
than 12:00 noon on September 21, 1981. Any
selected second alternate. The Princess Pageant was held on July 8.
Choctaw Community News
Page 9
CHOCTAW MANPOWER TRAINING CENTER
Choctaw Manpower Training Center
This is it!
The Choctaw Vocational Project,
programs in the areas of electronics,
determination throughout the years
in its short existence, has brought
agriculture/horticulture, construc-
to come. One success story that
about a sense of change and need
tion and building trades, and
everyone can readily visualize is the
within the Choctaw communities
management/business.
completion of the 15,000 square feet
which may be considered
Although it may be difficult to
of building now known as the
unprecedented in the history of the
measure programmatic services,
Choctaw Manpower Training
Choctaw Tribe. Since its inception
the services and training that the
Center. Although funding may have
in 1978, the project staff has
Choctaw people received will surely
ended, the major hurdles have been
performed services for the Tribe,
reflect the philosophy, goals, and
cleared.
tribal members, and other tribal
objectives of Choctaw self-
i
COUNCIL RESOLUTIONS.
committee and the BIA
Continued from page 5
Credit Program. ADOPTED
resolution replacing a limit
150-81
A resolution to approve
on salaries for committee
seismographic operations
chairs. ADOPTED
on tribal land. ADOPTED
145-81
A resolution to request
151-81
A resolution to designate
the BIA to expedite funding
signatories for the self-
and implementation of the
determination grant and
Choctaw Central High
the tribal council portion of
School asbestos program.
the trust fund budget and
ADOPTED
rescind resolution CHO 64-
78. ADOPTED
146-81
A resolution to grant
right of way to central
electric power association.
CHOCTAW CULTURE
ADOPTED
Continued from page 1
race' we at Choctaw agree that
147-81
A resolution authorizing
early childhood education is the key
the sale of a tribal house to
to instilling in our people the feeling
Zula Anderson. ADOPTED
of involvement behind the idea of
Self-Determination."
148-81
A resolution authorizing
The implementation of the Title IV
the sale of a tribal house to
project and the new daycare center
Jessie Williams. ADOPTED
completes the goals of the
Bogue Chitto School has a new library for this
conference for tribal control of a
school year. Librarian Julia Shepherd is
149-81
A resolution to rescind
shown here shelving books in preparation for
comprehensive early childhood
the beginning of school, which is scheduled
the freeze on loan awards
system on the reservation capable
to start August 10.
by the tribal credit
of serving every Choctaw child.
Page 10
Choctaw Community News
1981 CHOCTAW INDI
M
-
#
88381
Choctaw Community News
Page 11
FAIR HIGHLIGHTS
CHOCLEN
NO.
Page 12
Choctaw Community News
MERIDIAN STUDENT
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
TRANSPORTATION
Dear Editor:
3. The voting place opened at 8:00
a.m. on June 9, 1981 for the
Plans are underway to bus day
We were at the fair and enjoyed
election of Tribal Council of
students to Meridian this fall.
every minute of it. We also visited
Pearl River Community did not
College classes begin on Monday,
the mounds and the place where the
have ballots for the voters. The
August 24, 1981; but more students
last treaty was signed. You people
ballots were not available until
are needed if transportation on a
should be very proud of your Chief.
9:45 a.m. In the meantime,
daily basis is to be provided by the
We Choctaws here in Oklahoma
approximately ten or more
Tribe. Also, if enough requests are
don't have anything compared to
voters were turned away and
made by part-time evening
what you have - we would like to see
were told to return later. It is
students, the possibility exists that
him Chief of all Choctaw people.
direct violations of Article VII
bus will make a round trip on
Why? Well, we have one President.
and IV of said ordinance.
specified nights for students
We would like to receive the
attending Meridian Junior College
Community News. We'll send a
4.
Pre-election instructions
or the Mississippi State University
donation later. We just got home -
apparently were not adequate
Branch in Meridian.
sculla pia taha.
and did not instruct Local
IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU
Community Election Commit-
KNOW IS INTERESTED IN A
Norman Wyers
tee members and designated
STUDENT TRANSPORTATION
Ada McGee
officials as to the manners in
SYSTEM, TELEPHONE THE
which the election is to be
TRIBE'S HIGHER EDUCATION
Keats, Oklahoma
conducted. They were not
PROGRAM IMMEDIATELY AT
taught to interpret the rules and
656-8770.
regulations as required by the
To The Editor:
election ordinance Section 4,
FAIR DIRECTOR
Article VII. (Revised Tribal
Continued from page 7
I would like to take this opportunity
Ordinance No. 6)
to express my sincere appreciation
implemented was the internal
to all concerned voters including all
Some of the council members
communications system. It was
interested people coming out to
seemed partial to the faulty election
instrumental in assisting the
support and attest the voiding the
system and favoring certain
personnel assigned specifically to
election held in June 9, 1981.
candidates to be selected for Tribal
overcoming various problems that
Council seats. Even though there
might occur during the fair.
In my opinion, the following
were exhibits of proof that there
Communications systems person-
irregularities were of sufficient
were direct violations in conduction
nel held a meeting after the fair to
importance that the occurrence
the election, the council members
discuss how we could improve
thereof could potentially determine
did not vote unanimously to recall
services to 1982 fair patrons. As we
the outcome of the election.
and correct the irregularities.
continue to work out the problems
in this area, I'm certain that the
1. Required notices for candidates
In my opinion, there is something
system will be even better.
to file for council were not
wrong with elected officials and
More Choctaw activities are
posted sufficiently or sixty (60)
government systems when the
needed daily for next year's
days in advanced as required by
leaders lose sight of their optimal
program, and your input is needed.
the election ordinance in
goals and objectives, which are to
If you have any suggestions, please
Section 4, Article 6.
represent and serve the best
come and talk with me.
interests of their constituents.
At this time, I would like to express
2. There were posters and pictures
my appreciation to the people who
of one candidate next to the
Instead, some elected officials seem
worked beyond their assigned
door of polling place at Arts and
afraid to voice their opinions on
duties in making this year's fair a
Crafts area and the additional
certain issues in the meetings,
complete success. We also certainly
posters were placed within the
because they are afraid of the
appreciate the donation from Chata
boundary of 150 feet of the
bureaucratic tribal political system.
Enterprise to be used in purchasing
voting area. This is an evidence
the trophies for the Championship
of violation in the Article IX,
Linda Farve
Stickball Tournament.
Section 3.c.(5) of Revised Tribal
Billy Chickaway
Ordinance No. 6.
Choctaw Community News
Page 13
Fishing
Rodeos
Nelson Henry, Wildlife and Parks
Manager, has announced that there
will be two fishing rodeos during the
month of August, both on Saturday
afternoons. The first will be held at
Standing Pine Community Pond on
August 22. The second will be at the
Bogue Chitto Community Pond on
August 22. Prizes will be awarded to
the winners. All Interested parties
are Invited to participate. There is no
charge for entering.
The Wildlife and Parks office is
now selling State Hunting and
Fishing Licenses for Neshoba
County. For more information,
contact Nelson Henry at 656-5251.
The BIA road crew has been working in Tucker Community recently on completion of the roads,
in accordance with Tribal Council resolution CHO 137-80, which designates that approximately
6.7 miles of BIA roads be paved in Tucker Community. As of now, about 3.1 miles have been
completed this fiscal year, partially by contract and partially by BIA forces. Before this
construction season ends, another .5 miles are scheduled to be completed. Future construction
funds now anticipated should allow the remaining 3.1 miles (the rest of Tucker Loop and BIA
Route 2460 - in front of the school and church) to be completed before the end of 1983.
Fund Raising Tournament
Sponsored by Pow Wow
Committee and Most-In-Need
Program
at
Pearl River Softball Field
September 8-12, 1981
Interested teams are
invited to participate
Entrance Fee $25.00
Contact
Ken York
or
Bradley Isaac
for more Information
Larry Ferris, of Conehatta Community, is
shown here with his pepper crop, to be sold in
conjunction with the truck crop projects
sponsored by TVA as a fertilizer
demonstration. Growers who participate are
required to keep records on work time
involved and the yield of crops harvested, to
be reported to TVA this fall.
Page 14
Choctaw Community News
Dr. Emery Johnson Retires
Dr. Johnson, who was appointed
health status of American Indians
to the post of IHS Director in 1969,
and Alaska Natives. The Indian
cited personal reasons for his
community is going to miss him very
decision, noting that "twelve years
much," Whitecrow said.
as Director of the Indian Health
According to Brandt, a
Service is long enough for me
nationwide search for the best
personally and long enough for the
qualified replacement will be
program."
initiated after consultation with
Dr. Edward N. Brandt, Jr.,
tribal leadership. Brandt said he
Assistant Secretary for Health,
seeks "a physician with a solid
stated that he had regretfully
background in clinical and
accepted Dr. Johnson's request to
community medicine, proven
retire from active duty. Brandt
management skills, and an ability to
credited Dr. Johnson with the
work with tribal governments."
significant improvement in the
Dr. Johnson joined the Indian
Kennith York
health status of Native Americans
Health Service as a medical officer
Ken York Appointed
over the past decade, and said that
in 1955, and served in several
Johnson "has left a legacy that we
medical and administrative
to IRA Committee
will be hard put to replace."
capacities before being appointed
American Indian infant mortality
IHS director in 1969. Johnson has
Kennith York, director of Choctaw
rates and other health indicators
received numerous awards during
Vocational Programs for the
have improved dramatically under
his career, including the PHS
Mississippi Band of Choctaw
Indians, has been named to the
Dr. Johnson's leadership of IHS,
Distinguished Service Medal; the
Brandt said.
Award of Merit from the Association
Native American Literacy
Committee of the International
Jake Whitecrow, Executive
of American Indian Physicians; the
Director of the National Indian
Award for Outstanding Leadership
Reading Association.
More than 40 committees named
Health Board (NIHB) expressed his
from the National Tribal Chairmen's
regret over Dr. Johnson's decision.
Association; and the Rockefeller
by International Reading Associa-
tion President Kenneth Goodman
"Dr. Johnson has been a driving
Public Service Award.
will examine various aspects of
force in the improvement of the
reading education and the
Association's activities. Committee
Reservation Wide Pow Wow
actions may result in publications,
resolutions for the Association's
September 24, 25, 26, 1981
involvement in important reading
concerns, or dissemination of
In observance of National
information about a particular
aspect of reading. Committee
Indian Week
members make a valuable
contribution to reading education
through their volunteer activities for
Traditional Dress Review
the Association.
Cultural Competitions
Committees began their work at
Social Dancing
the close of the Association's
Stickball
Twenty-sixth Annual Convention in
Free lunch Saturday, September 26
April. The International Reading
Prizes
Association, with 65,000 members
Everyone Invited
worldwide, is a nonprofit education
For more information, contact
organization devoted to the
Pow Wow Committee
improvement of reading instruction
Linda Farve, Chairman
and promotion of the lifetime
Thallis Lewis
reading habit. Its members include
Ken York
reading teachers, researchers,
Bradley Isaac
administrators, reading specialists
Roseanne Tubby
and others interested in reading
656-5251
education around the world.
Choctaw Community News
Page 15
World Championship Stickball
tournament
Shumake, if he was to take the title,
trophy, and money back to
Conehatta. Strategy and intestinal
fortitude were the only definitive
words for reporting the champion-
ship game. For two quarters, the
game was as expected, each team
strategically moving the ball and
shooting, but to no avail. This game
was the Championship game and
was to this writer for the first half
only. The first half score was 2-0. In
the third quarter, Conehatta, in a
valiant attempt to secure the
advantage of the game, produced
their only point. But at that point,
fatigue set in and that was their
nemesis. The score remained 2-1 at
the end of three quarters. In the
fourth, Barry Ben opened his bag of
tricks and scored and assisted for
Independents Prevail
two more points. The final score, 4-
1, established the Independents as
Continued on page 16
The 1981 rendition of the
would have been the Championship
Choctaw Indian Championship
game, but the two teams presented a
Tournament begin July 8, with the
championship game during the
preliminary games played during
course of the championship games.
the course of the Choctaw Indian
Randy Jimmie scored all the points
Fair. The first game resulted in a
for the Independents, outscoring
forfeit. Standing Pine was
Bogue Chitto 3-2, the final score
scheduled to play Bogue Chitto but
Randy Jimmie and the Indepen-
failed to show. The following day
dents 3, Bogue Chitto 2.
Beaver Dam squared off against the
With this game, the stage was set
All-Stars, coached by Raymond
for a New World Championship. The
Willis. The first three quarters
fourth game presented Beaver Dam
represented stickball at its best. The
and Conehatta. Through four full
score remained 2-1 for the full 45
quarters the game remained
minutes. In the fourth and most
deadlocked at 1-1. Neither of the
surprising quarter (to this writer and
teams could get the upper hand. In
the All Stars), Beaver Dam exploded
110-plus degree weather, the game
for four easy points to defeat the All-
continued into sudden death.
Stars 6-2. A lopsided defeat in view
Conehatta's Jerome Willis retrieved
of the players who made up the All-
an overthrown ball and scored
Star team.
unscathed. Thus, the game ended 2-
The third day presented a
1, sending the first year coach
championship game on its own
Feldon Shumake and Conehatta
merits that exemplified strategy and
into the Championship game
a physical game. Bogue Chitto, the
scheduled for that same evening.
reigning champs of 1980, met and
Bruised and battered, physically
fell to the Independents, coached by
and mentally, the old hot trick was
Doyle Tubby. At any other fair, this
indeed the priority for Feldon
Page 16
Choctaw Community News
C
C
CHOCTAN
IOCTAN
7
STA
CHOCTAN
CHOCTAN
CHOCTAN
C
STARS
C
STARS
CHOCTAN
***
STARS
STAB
STARS
Choctaw All Stars: (front row, I-r) Steven J. Lewis, Tony York, Jr., Nickey Charlie, Kenneth Thomas, Gaylor Williams, (2nd row, I-r) Clifton Hickman,
Jr., McKinley Steve, Kenneth Simpson, Harvey McMillan, Cedric Williams, (3rd row, I-r) Nelson Henry, Sean Allen, Edward Clemmons, Auburn
Jefferson, Daron Isaac, Vandell Willis, William Comby III.
Choctaw Dixie Youth Baseball
The Choctaw Dixie Youth League,
In the first game against the
Jackson American All-Stars. Harvey
composed of teams from Conehatta
Decatur All-Stars, the Choctaws
McMillan went the regulation six
(Bad News Bears and Redskins),
won with a score of 14-8. They lost
innings of pitching and part of the
Tucker (Chiefs), Bogue Chitto
the second game against Union 10-
seventh inning before being lifted
(Braves), and Pearl River (Beaver
6. However, they managed to win
for another pitcher. The team ran
Dam), combined last month and
the Runner-up trophy and earned a
out of steam and was defeated once
made an All-Star team, to
berth in the Distric Tournament.
more 8-5.
participate in the All-Star sub-
In the District Tournament their
In all, our boys showed fine
district tournament in Union. There
opponents, the Meridian Nationals,
sportsmanship and a lot of
were three teams included in the
defeated them with a score of 17-0.
determination. Maybe next year,
tournament; Decatur, Union, and
Their last chance was the following
boys!
Choctaw All-Stars.
night, when they played against the
STICKBALL
the elusive championship.
referees for keeping the game at a
Continued from page 15
The most valuable player for the
cool 98.6 degrees when the weather
stickball games was Barry Ben, and
was 100-plus degrees. Our officials
the 1981 Choctaw Stickball's World
so deserving to this writer. The York
were Head Official Mr. Prentiss
Champions.
family, represented by Mr. Ken York,
"Columbo" Lewis, Assistants Mr.
To the champs went the title, a
presented the Baxter York Trophy to
John Walter York, Mr. Enos Joe, Mr.
trophy designating them as such,
Mr. Doyle Tubby, coach of the
Mack Anderson, Mr. Raymond
and $800.00. To Conehatta went
Independents team, for his
Willis, Mr. Mack Jimmie, Sr., Mr.
second place, $400.00 and a
sportsmanship and contribution to
Laymon Shumake, and Mr. Carl
successful year for the first year
the game, as Mr. Baxter York would
Willis. Commendation in that the
coach, Feldon Shumake. Beaver
have liked to have seen, and the
officials were paid not in monetary
Dam and Bogue Chitto were each
tradition was carried on.
terms but just by being involved in
awarded $200.00. The All-Stars and
As Coordinator of this year's
the carrying on of a prized
Standing Pine were extended an
stickball games, let me take this
possession, Choctaw Tradition.
invitation to further their attempts at
opportunity to commend the
Adolph Jimmie
Choctaw Community News
Page 17
HEAD START/PCDP
ANNUAL TRAINING
WORKSHOPS
This year the annual HS/PCDP
training workshops have lasted from
July 21 - July 31. These two weeks of
intense training are of benefit not
only to our HS/PCDP staff and
parents, but also to any other
interested parents or tribal
employees. The purpose of these
sessions is to better train and
prepare our staff to meet the needs
of the children we serve. For this
reason we contacted consultants to
speak on a variety of subjects
Headstart Workshop - A fire hazard demonstration by Dr. Jean Barnes.
related to the health, education and
happiness of our children.
These included two excellent
Developer, both from the Choctaw
We began with a session
workshops, The Side Effects of
Health Center.
concerning parent counseling,
Alcohol and The Side Effects of
A large portion of our work in
documentation of referrals and
Tobacco. The trainers were Earline
HS/PCDP is insuring that our
follow-ups. Our speaker was Dr.
Hickman, Mental Health Counselor
children receive the proper
Tom McMurrain and his wife,
at the Choctaw Health Center and
nutrition. We had two workshops to
Marsha. Dr. McMurrain is a
Dr. Jean Barnes, Health Education
cover this subject. Nutrition
consultant from the Hunanics
Dept. Chairman from the University
Education and Training was a
Associates in Atlanta, Ga. Also
of Southern Mississippi. Assisting
session specifically for the cooks
during these two weeks were
them were Mike Geouge', Director
and was given by Vanessa Taylor
sessions to help our staff improve
of Risk Reduction and Olin Williams,
from the State Child Care Food
themselves and their own life styles.
Risk Reduction Resource
Continued on page 18
FAIR PRIZES
Annie L. Alex
12
Shelly Johnson
7.00
Continued from page 7
Christine Amos
11
Michell Jefferson
6.25
Mary Lou Sam
92
Hayward McMillan
11
Craig Anderson
6.00
Agnes York
87
Mattie Smith
10
Dorman Sam
6.00
Louise Chapman
86
Linda Carey
10
Michell Nickey
5.75
Inez Henry
85
Lusan Billy
9
Bobbie Nell Billy
5.50
Trudy Dool
60
Nelson Henry
9
Richard Henry
5.50
Phoebe York
56
Annie Tubby
6
Laura Jim
5.50
John Mingo Jr.
54
Annie Clemmons
6
Dudley Denson
5.25
Bernice Frazier
53
Wagie Robinson
4
Jennie Willis
5.25
Minnie Amos
53
Velma Sam
3
Pete Sockey
4.75
Mary Vaughn
48
Anita Jim
4.00
Cecil Mitch
46
Total
$1,936
Raymond Hickman
4.00
Terry Ben
44
Nolan Solomon
3.75
Bonnie Wesley
44
4-H Division Exhibits:
Angie Jim
3.75
Beth Thompson
41
Loretta Willis
3.75
Barbara Willis
41
Scottie York
$26.50
Clifton Hickman Jr
3.25
Hattie Joe
39
Jody Edwards
23.75
Karen Jefferson
2.50
Maggie Allen
39
Jane Lewis
22.50
Timothy Willis
2.50
Frank Billy
34
John Ferguson
19.50
Michael Denson
2.50
Mallie Chickaway
30
Adrienee McMillan
18.50
Sylvia Williams
2.25
Wanda Davidson
29
Phoebe Tubby
18.00
Doug Williams
2.25
Nan Isaac
27
Bernina Sanchez
14.75
Angie Smith
2.25
Estelline Tubby
25
Sally Sockey
13.75
Jonathan Williams
2.25
Martha Ferguson
24
Shirley Jim
10.25
Eddie Johnson
2.00
Mattie Thompson
23
Christopher Willis
10.00
Trudy Farmer
1.75
Alma Sam
22
Terry Jim
8.50
Sanpella Denson
1.75
Geraldine Isaac
20
Barbara Lewis
8.25
Warren Comby
1.75
Watson Lewis
19
Bobby Henry
8.25
Georgia John
1.50
Katie Willis
17
Amanda Willis
8.00
Sharon Hickman
1.50
Maxine Bell
15
Twana Polk
7.75
Bernadine Hickman
1.50
Leslie Steve
15
Sherril Nickey
7.50
Donna Jimmie
14
Michelle Sockey
7.00
Total
$346.25
Page 18
Choctaw Community News
SUMMER HEAT VS. POOL
HEADSTART WORKSHOPS
Continued from page 13
Service. The other sessions was for
the entire staff and related to weight
control for parents and children.
Our speaker was Karla Bailey, Chief
Dietition from the Choctaw Health
Center.
Chief Phillip Martin and members
of the Tribal Council spoke to our
staff on the importance of early
childhood education. Chief Martin
commented on the productivity and
excellence of Choctaw Headstart/
PCDP. The other members present
included Frank Steve, Vice-Chief,
Mack Jimmie, Research Specialist,
VARRIORS
Luke Jimmie, Education Committee
Chairman, Beasley Denson,
Secretary-Treasurer of the Tribal
Council. Each remarked on the
importance of continuing
education.
The education workshops
scanned a variety of activities. Two
days were spent with consultant
from the Teacher's Center located in
Fairfield, Connecticut. These
consultants, Sally Austin and Bena
Kallick, conducted sessions on
How do you beat the summer heat? We suggest a swim in the pool at Pearl
language, stories, creative
River Community for a start! It's open for business and hours are as follows:
dramatics, time management,
guiding behavior and toys parents
Monday & Friday: 12:00 - 6:00
can make at home with their child.
Tuesday & Thursday: 1:00 - 5:00 and 7:00 - 9:00
We also had a bilingual workshop
Wednesday: 1:00 - 5:00
given by Thallus Lewis, Home
Extension Service, and children's
Saturday: 11:00 - 7:00
literature by Dr. Carroll Coley, from
Sunday: 1:30 - 5:30
the Mississippi State University
Extension Service. Both staff and
Admission is $1.50 for adults and $.75 for 17 years and younger.
parents enjoyed and participated in
these workshops and look forward
to another good year.
RED CLAY POTTERY WORKSHOP
Sponsored by Arts and Crafts Program
Linda Farve, Instructor
August 10-15, 1981
To be held at the Arts and Crafts Enterprise
Materials Supplied
For more information, contact
Linda Farve at 656-5251, extension 244
Choctaw Community News
Page 19
ORDER
NOW!
Chahta Hapia
Hoke WTAW
CHO
Various historical notes include sections on
Pushmataha and Mushulatubbee.
Order Today!
A new informational booklet
researched and published by the
Please send
copies at $5.00 plus
Choctaw Tribal Government
50¢ per book postage & handling charge. Check
entitled "CHAHTA HAPIA HOKE We
of Money Order, please. Do not send cash!
are Choctaw." This booklet contains
sixty picture packed colorful pages
Name
describing Choctaw History
including removal and fraud,
Address
establishment of the Choctaw
Agency, re-establishment of the
Tribal Government and the tribe's
City
State
modern progress.
Zip
Also included are
sections on stickball,
basketry, dance and
Make payable and mail to: Mississippi Band of
other cultural areas.
Choctaw Indians, Route 7 Box 21, Philadelphia,
Miss. 39350.
RETURN REQUESTED
BULK RATE
U.S. POSTAGE
Choctaw Community News
PAID
Permit No. 584
Jackson, MS
Special Tribal Election
Please be aware of the upcoming
election on September 22, 1981. In order to
vote, you must register. My office is open
from 8:00 to 4:30 p.m. The deadline for
registration is August 22, 1981.
Mavis Steve
Registrar
THE CHOCTAW COMMUNITY NEWS
Route 7, Box 21 Philadelphia, MS 39350
Phone 656-5251
There is no charge for being placed on the mailing list for the Choctaw Community News. However, we
welcome donations to help defray the cost of mailing and printing.
PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY THE MISSISSIPPI BAND OF CHOCTAW INDIANS.
Edward John
Editor
News of interest to the local community or to the Indian community is welcomed. Letters to the editor are accepted
only if signed. It should be noted that letters express the views of the writers and not necessarily those of this
newspaper.
Chahta Hapia
Hoke We are
CHOCTAW
Chahta Hapia
Hoke We are
CHOCTAW
Copyright 1981
Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians
Rt. 7, Box 21
Philadelphia, Mississippi 39350
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This publication was made possible by the Tribal Council of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians through an appropriation of
tribal trust funds. We gratefully acknowledge the cooperation and support of the Tribal Council for encouraging this effort and
appropriating funds to support printing, the tribal administration and department staff for writing and review, the Choctaw
National Archives; Mr. Cliff Worsham of Mobile, Alabama, for research and writing; Sam and Mary Ann Wells for copy review
and photographs; Dr. John Peterson for his comments; Gary Von Ilg for sketches; and Les Leverett for certain photographs.
This is a publication of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians. No portion of this booklet may be reproduced or transmitted
without permission in writing from the tribe.
i
YOH-HALEH..
YOH-HALEH.
YOH-HALEH
Yoh-haleh. Yoh-haleh. There is
strength in Prentiss Jackson's voice
as he sings out the chant known to
other tribal members as the song
for the itimolubbee hithah -- the
Stealing Partners Dance of the
Mississippi Choctaws. The
occasion for this dance is the
annual Choctaw Indian Fair,
held on the Choctaw
Reservation six miles west
of Philadelphia, Mississippi.
Thousands of spectators
crowd football stadium
bleachers watching the
traditional Choctaw dancers
CHOCK
as, forming a circle, they move in
ININAN
step. The stadium is only part
of the modern building complex
built by the Bureau of Indian
Affairs in 1963 and known as
the Choctaw Central High
School. Before the high school,
together with an elementary and
middle school, dormitories,
cafeteria and gymnasium were constructed, Choctaw
goal "Indian Self-Determination" -- a concept which includes
students wanting to attend high school had to go to Oklahoma
self-management of resources, increased tribal assumption of
or elsewhere. Now the school is a major source of present and
responsibility for the administration of federal program
future Choctaw strength.
operations, and decreased federal dependency through
Prentiss Jackson's proud chant pierces the evening air as
economic development.
a young male breaks from the group and runs across the ring
The dance continues as the young man catches and
they have formed toward a pretty female dancing on the other
proudly leads his captive back to the ring of dancers and a
side of the circle. Seeing him approach, she feigns surprise and
second young male breaks from the group to repeat the ritual
breaks free of the other dancers to flee. First running outside
chase, this time in pursuit of an elderly lady in the dance group.
the circle, she cuts suddenly back through the dancers and
Fair spectators express surprise and delight that the elderly
then sets out on a zig-zagging course between the circling
woman in her flight demonstrates such energy, vitality and
dancers as the distance gradually narrows between her and
endurance. In decades past such chases of the young after the
her pursuer. Behind this scene and blending with the treeline is
old were less frequent, for fewer tribal members survived
another building complex including two low profiled buildings
middle age to be part of the dances. A nationwide influenza
with large tinted glass windows and dark, natural wood. The
epidemic of the World War I era killed one of every five
larger of the two is the Tribal Office Building and since its
Mississippi Choctaws and caused the federal government to
completion in 1975, it has housed the principal Executive
finally abandon its policy of removing Choctaws to Oklahoma
Branch Offices of the Tribal Government. Although largely
and to establish an agency and a 35-bed Indian hospital in
unnoticed for the moment by the Fair's spectators, in recent
Philadelphia, Mississippi. Still, it was not until 1930 that the
years national focus has increasingly centered on this
death rate among Mississippi Choctaws dropped below the
developing government. The newer adjacent building,
birth rate as health care improved. Now a new 43-bed
completed in 1978, is the Tribal Council Hall and serves the
Choctaw Health Center hospital, no longer in Philadelphia but
Legislative Branch of this same tribal government. Its spacious
on-reservation and under greater tribal control, is within
Council Meeting Room resembles a formal courtroom with its
walking distance of the Dancing Arena. Because of the
elevated, semi-circular podium. Facing the panel, federal and
tremendous strides in health care, the audience is seeing a
state officials and employees, consultants, educators,
larger number of older tribal dancers than could have been
attorneys, industrialists, tribal leaders and tribal members
seen in years past.
themselves offer their solutions to the many issues of this
Itimolubbee Hithah - continues with the young pursuing
advancing government. Here individuals may observe the
young and old, and old pursuing old and young. The audience
democratic proceedings and witness the governmental
sees striking contrast through the many combinations of
activities which have led to the phenomenal tribal growth and
bright colors of the dancer's traditional clothing. Bright yellow,
development. Here the tribal government has adopted as its
blues, reds and greens are often the basic colors. Carefully
Administrative and deliberative offices are clustered conveniently at the Pearl River headquarters of the Choctaw Tribe.
2
stitched "rattle snake design" trim on the long women's
dresses and men's shirts add decoration, give identification
and express meanings seldom explained to those not of the
tribe. Brighter contrasts are offered through beadwork
jewelry, which together with stickballs of woven leather strips,
stickball sticks, basketry of native cane, blow guns and
pottery, represent the traditional arts and crafts. Contrasts are
important to the tribe as is the contrast between the age-old
dance and the contemporary operations of the nearby
Choctaw Industrial Park. There hundreds work in tribal
construction or manufacturing operations developed through
the tribal government's creative and aggressive economic
development activities.
And while the fair runs its four-day course and the future
of the national economy and of federal commitments to Indian
tribes are uncertain, tribal leaders are stepping up efforts to
secure another industry. Success will result in an innovative
and unprecedented alliance among the Tribe, the State of
Mississippi, and the City of Philadelphia and serve as a
prototype for tribes nationwide. It is still another contrast and
another parallel; an alliance with a state government which as
early as 1829 passed laws making this tribal existence unlawful
and as late as 1978 refused legal recognition to the tribal
government.
Prentiss Jackson
3
Assembly operations in the Chahta Wire Harness Plant, a vital, non-polluting, economic resource of the tribe.
Many reasons for the triumph of Choctaw survival can be
culture, identity and existence itself produced a persevering
seen and understood through itimolubbee hithah, perceived
tribal government of an ancient heritage that dynamically
through strength of the chanter's voice and the endurance of
presses forward through great adversity. The pages that follow
dancers young and old. Choctaw success is the blending of
seek to provide information on the tribe's past, present and
young and old as well as contrasts. Endurance, pride, and
future and endeavor to acquaint the reader with the strength
commitment through a centuries-old struggle to preserve
and spirit which, like the itimolubbee hihtah, is truly Choctaw.
4
Choctaw Yesterday
/
The Choctaw story is
derived from archaelogy, oral
tradition, and written history.
CHICKASAW
Human presence in "Choctaw
CHEROKEE
Country" has been traced back as
far as 7,000 B.C., and permanent
DeSoto's
residence as far back as 5,000
Route
CHOCTAW
B.C. When the Choctaw people
came is not known; but future
NATCHEZ
CREEK
archaelogical study should reveal
Maubilia
this.
The Oral Tradition
CALUSA
Choctaw people have been here so long that their origin is
known only through legends. These legends focus on Nanih
Waiya - the Mother Mound located near Preston, Mississippi.
This mound is connected by legend with both the creation and
migration of the Tribe. The center of the Choctaw before
advent of the white man, it was considered by Indians to be the
birth place of their race. Out of the mound ages ago, they
believe, came first the Creeks, Cherokees and Chickasaws,
who sunned on ramparts of the mound and moved eastward.
Emerging from Nanih Waiya last were the Choctaws who
that a land of fertile soil and abundant game lay in the southeast
sunned themselves until dry to settle around the mound - their
and that the people could live there in peace and prosperity
"Great Mother" who told them that if ever they left her side,
forever. Under the leadership of Chahta, our people set forth.
they would die.
"At the end of each day's journey, a sacred pole was
Another legend relates Nanih Waiya to Choctaw
planted erect in front of the camp. The next morning the pole
migration in the tribe's search for a new homeland. A tribal
would be found to be leaning one way or another; in that
elder gives one account:
direction the tribesmen were to travel for that day. For months
"Many years ago, the ancestors of our people lived in the
our people followed the sacred staff. One day when the tribe
northwest. In time their population became so large that it was
stopped on the west side of a creek, Chahta planted the pole;
difficult to exist there. The prophets of the tribe announced
heavy rain began to fall. The next day, the staff which had
Nanih Waiya today -- the mother mound of the Choctaws. It is a typical truncated temple mound of the Mississippian era.
5
burrowed itself deeper in the ground stood straight and tall for
all to see. Chahta proclaimed that the long sought land of
Nanih Waiya had been found. Here we would build our homes
and a mound as the sacred burial spot for our ancestors."
Today Nanih Waiya is surrounded by fields and pasture.
Nature's wind and water erosion and man's farming have
reduced the mound to a fraction of is former size. Several
years ago the State of Mississippi developed a small state park
at the site of Nanih Waiya which included a trail to the
legendary Nanih Waiya cave, a picnic area, and a small
meeting hall. Although figuring in the Choctaw legends, Nanih
Waiya as it exists today is not under the ownership or control
of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians.
The Historic Record
Gold seekers were the first Europeans to come to
Choctaw Country. These lands stretched from offshore
islands in the Gulf of Mexico, north central Alabama and
central Mississippi; and from the Mississippi River to eastern
Alabama.
A Spaniard, Alonzo Pineda, was the first known European
to enter Choctaw territory, although before his arrival in 1519
the coastline had been charted by an unknown cartographer.
Pineda reported seeing long-haired Indians who wore dramatic
clothing of marten and lion skins. (He also told tales of pygmies
and giants, and Indian princesses laden with gold.) These were
Mauvillans (Mobilians) a division of the Choctaw hegemony for
whom a city, a county, a river, and a bay were named.
A meeting of more consequence came in 1540 when
Hernando de Soto, a cruel and powerful man, came into
Choctaw territory. He brought with him about 600 well-armed
men, 200 of them on horseback. The well-trained Spanish
army enslaved, looted, and killed Indian people on a bloody
trek through the southeast. In Alabama they came to the town
of the Choctaw Chief, Tuscaloosa, a giant of a man, regal in
bearing and conduct. The Spaniards demanded to be supplied
with women and carriers.
Women were promised for delivery at Maubila, described
as a large Indian town possibly near the site of present-day
Mobile. When the Spaniards arrived at Maubilia with
Tuscaloosa in ill-disguised captivity, they were confronted by a
large number of Choctaw warriors. A fierce battle was fought,
but the Indian weapons were no match for Spanish steel and
6
Spanish horses. Indian dead were numbered in the thousands,
Florida.
and the Mobilians, who had been a powerful tribe in the
The United States signed its first treaty with the Choctaw
Choctaw hegemony, were crushed. However, the Mobile
Nation at Hopewell, South Carolina, in January, 1786. This
Choctaws fought with such ferocious courage and inflicted
treaty established trade relations, reaffirmed the eastern
such hurt on the Spaniards that de Soto retired from the
boundary of the Choctaw Nation as defined by the British in
territory, leaving behind his baggage and booty stolen from the
1765, and, most important, recognized the Choctaw as an
Indians.
independent nation.
Choctaw people lived free of the white man's direct
Spain and the Choctaw Nation also signed treaties of
influence for nearly 150 years. About 1700, the French came
friendship, and the Spanish were allowed to build a fort on the
intending to stay, followed by the Spanish and English.
Yazoo River in the west, and another on the Tombigbee River
Beautiful, fertile Choctaw Country became pivitol in the
in the east. Spain wanted Choctaw lands to serve as a buffer
struggle of the three powers to gain economic and political
state against American expansion. But, in quick shifts of
control of the vast Mississippi Valley.
power, Spain ceded the Louisiana Territory to France in 1800,
At first, Choctaws became allies of the French, whose
and France sold the territory to the United States in 1803,
influence spread from the Gulf northward. On behalf of the
ending European influence. American settlers poured into the
French, Choctaws allied themselves against the Creeks and
area.
the Chickasaws, who were allies of the English, whose
Choctaw leaders aligned themselves with the United
influence was spreading south and west from the Eastern
States through these "great-power" maneuvers. Rejecting the
Seabord colonies. From the start of Queen Anne's War in
appeals of the Shawnee Chief Tecumseh to join a general
1702, the southern tribes were involved in frequent conflict. In
Indian offensive against the United States, the Choctaws
the middle years of the century, Choctaw leanings became
joined forces with General Andrew Jackson. The Creek war
divided between the French and the English; the Choctaw
faction allied itself with Tecumseh. Choctaws were with
Nation was divided in a tragic civil war resolved in 1750 by a
Jackson at the Battle of Horseshoe Bend that ended the Creek
treaty that united the tribe under French dominion.
participation in the war. Significantly, Choctaws under the
In a secret treaty, France in 1762 gave the Louisiana
leadership of Chief Pushmataha also fought beside Jackson
Territory to Spain. A year later the gift was formalized by the
Treaty of Paris which ended French colonial ambitions in
North America. By this treaty, France gave up all of its
territory in the Southeast to Spain and Spain ceded the portion
known as West Florida to the English. West Florida stretched
from the Perdido River east of Mobile to the Mississippi River
encompassing almost all of the southern portion of Choctaw
territory. Suddenly, the Choctaw people found themselves
subjects of their old enemy, the British, and neighbors of the
Spanish who held the territory west of the Mississippi River. As
a result of 60 years of Eruopean-induced wars, the Choctaw
Nation's social structure was severely shaken.
With the Choctaw Nation nominally within British
territory and with the Spanish on the west, both Spain and
Great Britain courted Choctaw favor. The British continued
the French custom of annual gift-giving. The first British gift-
giving was held in Mobile in 1763 for both Creek and Choctaw.
A chronicler of this event relates that the town bulged with
Indian people who were feted so lavishly that the British
administration was placed near bankruptcy. The British
Governors of Virginia, the two Carolinas, and Georgia held a
council that same year in Augusta, Georgia, with the chiefs of
the Choctaws, Chickasaws, Cherokees and Creeks.
In 1765 the British and Choctaw signed a treaty in Mobile
that defined an eastern boundary for the Choctaw Nation and
codified relations between the two nations. Despite their
overtures, the British were not successful in earning Indian
loyalty. The Choctaws took little part in the Revolutionary
War, but some Choctaws served as scouts under American
generals in Washington, Morgan, Wayne, and Sullivan.
With American independence Choctaws found
themselves again the object of power politics. Having declared
war on England during the American Revolution, the Spanish
moved eastward across the southern part of the Choctaw
territory and regained control of the Floridas, including West
7
Tribal Government Formalized
On August 5, 1826, the Choctaw Council adopted
1825-1826 - Robert Cole
its first written constitution. The first law adopted under
1826-1830 - Greenwood Leflore
this constitution provided for a Council House which
Northeast District (or haiyip tuklo).
was located south of the present city of Starkville on the
1803-1809 - Hoomastubbee
Noxubbee River near the Noxubbee County Line. The
1809-1826 - Mushulatubbee (son of
constitution provided for an annual general council
Hoomastubbee)
consisting of representatives from each of the three
1826-1830 - David Folsom
districts and a plural executive, composed of the three
district chiefs with each elected by his district for a four-
Southern District (or okla hannali).
year term. Thus the first constitutional executive office
1803-1824 - Pushmataha
was shared by three Chiefs.
1824 - Oklahoma (nephew of Pushmataha)
District chiefs to Removal time were:
1824-1828 - General Thokonktho
1826 - Samuel Garland (Elected, but refused
Northwest District (or okla falaya).
recognition by either Thokonktho or Nitak Achi)
1802-1824 - Apukshunnubbee
1828-1830 - Nitak Achi (nephew of Pushmataha)
against the British at the battle of New Orleans in 1814.
Coast, for $50,000 and an annual payment of $3,000. From this
Determined Choctaw efforts to gain friendship and fair
award, $48,000 went directly to an English trading company.
treatment from the United States eventually failed.
Other large areas of land were ceded to the United States in
Concessions granted the Indian Nation at the Treaty of
treaties signed in 1816 and again in 1820. Finally, by the Treaty
Hopewell rapidly assumed the form of token gestures. An alien
of Dancing Rabbit Creek in 1830, the Choctaw Nation was
credit system left the tribe deeply in debt to English trading
forced to cede its remaining land to the United States. The
houses. At the treaty of Mount Dexter in 1805, the Choctaw
Removal to Indian Territory (Oklahoma) began.
Nation gave up more than 4,000,000 acres, including the Gulf
The Ball Play ritual and dance continued throughout the night preceding a game. Painting by George Catlin, 1836.
8
Eagle Dance of the Choctaws, painted just after Removal to Indian Territory.
A warm day in the Choctaw Nation. Two teams, one painted with white clay, captured in action by the brush of George Catlin. Goalposts are
precursors of modern-day football goals.
9
MISSISSIPPI
ALABAMA
Treaty of
Fort St. Stephens
Ceded by
1816
Ceded by
Treaty of Dancing
Treaty of
Rabbit Creek
Doak's Stand
1830
1820
10,423,130
Acres
5,169,788
Acres
Ceded
by
Tombigbee River
Treaty
Ceded by
of Ft.
Treaty of Mount Dexter
Ceded by
Adams
Treaty of
CHOCTAW CESSIONS
1805
1801
Hobak I"Topa
1801 - 1830
2,641,920
4,142,720
1803
Acres
Acres
853,760 Acres
Early French and Spanish Settlements
?
WA-QWE-O 0-0-<013
POPULATION FLUCTUATIONS:
CHOCTAWS IN THE HOMELAND
(Missisippi and Alabama)
40
36
32
28
TREATY OF
DANCING
Population in Thousands
RABBIT
24
CREEK
20
16
AGENCY
12
AND HOSPITAL
ESTABLISHED
8
+
SECONDARY REMOVAL EFFORTS
+4,000
4
0
1,162
1492
1830
1833
1847
1910
1930
1970
1981
10
Removal and Fraud
Thomas Jefferson's 1803 message to Congress urging
by President Andrew Jackson, the State of Mississippi
that the huge Louisiana Territory be purchased from France,
declared all members of the tribe to be citizens of the state, and
included the proposal that Indian nations be moved to less
attempted to obliterate the tribal government through laws
desirable lands west of the Mississippi. Accordingly, the
that imposed severe punishment on any Choctaw who
Louisiana Territorial Act of 1804 empowered the President to
accepted tribal office. Spokesmen for President Jackson,
move tribes off their land to make way for American settlers.
claimed the federal government, in spite of treaties could not
But removal was delayed for a generation during which
prevent the state of Mississippi from enforcing its new laws.
Choctaw people sought to accept non-Indian customs. For 30
Threatened by the armed might of the United States, the
years the Choctaw people made an effort to please the United
Choctaws in 1830 were coerced into accepting terms of the
States by adapting their governmental and social institutions
Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek. The treaty was signed,
and were successful, until the tragedy at Dancing Rabbit
however, only after many of the tribal negotiators had left in
Creek.
disgust. The last of the Choctaw land was lost. Provision was
The succession of treaty agreements had restricted
made for individuals to stay and claim the land, but strong
Choctaw land to east central Mississippi. In 1829, encouraged
inducement was given the tribe to move to lands set aside for
RIVER
TENNESSEE E
CHOCTAW
Agency
st.
M,
FRANCIS
MEMPHIS
A
R
K
A
IV
5
A
S
LITTLE
ROCK
Rock
Roe
Routes
of
Pontotes
Emigrating Choctaws
DOAKS VILLE
1830- 1840
Red
RIVER
Athens
Columbuse
CAMDEN
QUACH
a
R
S
A L A A M A
TEXAS
MONROE
VICKS BURD
S
Red River
JACKSON!
BRANDEN
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CHICKA SAWHAY CHOCTRO
<
PEARL
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OLD
AGENCY
C
R.
4
FERGUSON-
a
A
New OrleANS
11
A Chactaw cemetery now surrounds the large stone monument at the Dancing Rabbit Creek Treaty site.
10"
2 (a)
is
I
no have bus presented
1830
desire that stroy might
1sst
President now, therefore, be it known,
Treaty
with the
lates 'inw anly 5.1 mistr deserving, mindsiones tap to an they made are direcled an carnestrup for to here thereof have lution ice in and and of content considered the of the of the United said Senate, Treaty, stated that ad do, of in per ame.
Treaty. right twenty first express
Ninch
the lame, hundred and thirty- day of Febru
the 27.
ators
ind feelings
United Itales
ception of the and Picamble. every clause one, and accept, article a
Pad follows
Ralified and Feb"24
Thankins,
afterd,
the
niled with my hand. to be herents affixed, I have having caused
Stated In Testimony whereof,
ee) Oner kubbed,
9
to
1)
J
includes do, in thin on with who any this the it lact hundred united and Stated, in. thirty the the Year -one of and over of this Lord the
Done of February, at the City of Washington,
Walter Lourie
is Andrew fifty fifth
Attist,
raw,
and,
By the Destident,
low
meanism
buby of States
12
Indians and non-Indians gathered at the site of the Dancing Rabbit Creek Treaty negotiations September 27, 1981, where tribal leaders and
historians discussed its impact on history.
them in Oklahoma. The trek to Oklahoma was marked with
hardship, heartbreak, and disease. Many died.
Over 8,000 Choctaws remained in Mississippi, relying on
the promise of allotments of land and other considerations.
For them treachery came soon, and hope died fast. Those few
who acquired allotted land were forced out with the approval,
often with the active support, of state and federal
governments. In the years after 1830, harsh, constant pressure
to move west was placed upon Mississippi Choctaws. From a
pre-Removal population of 19,200, 1,253 remained in 1910.
During this period, concerted federal efforts to remove the
tribe to Oklahoma took place in 1831, 1846, 1849, 1853, 1854,
MERE
1890, and 1903.
ON SEPTEMBER 27. 1830
From the beginning of Removal until after the American
1145 SIGNED THE TREATY OF
Civil War, Choctaws lived as squatters and sharecroppers on
DANCING RABBIT CREEK
the land that once was theirs.
THE CHOCTAW NATION OF INDIANS
SURRENDERED THEIR L ANDS TO THE U.S.
AVD REMOVED WEST OF THE MISS.
ISSIONERS CHOCTAW CHIEFS
IN OFFEE.
GREENWOOD LEFLEUR
TIN H. EATON.
MUSHULATUBBEE
NTERPRETOR
N PITCHLYNN. LITTLE LEADER.
RECTED BY BERNARD ROMANS
APTER D.A.R. COLUMBUS. MISS.
Choctaw Indians read a copy of the original treaty at
sesquicentennial activities marking its signing.
13
Establishment of the
Choctaw 1915-1930
Choctaws in Mississippi quietly scored a critical victory in
Economic aid was intended to free Choctaw people from
1918 when governmental authorities at long last acknowledged
the sharecropping system by helping them become
that this tribe was not going to leave Mississippi.
independent farmers, and to concentrate tribal members in
Sporadic, strong pressures over 80 years had failed to force
population centers. The second goal was achieved; the first
removal of those who chose to stay in their homeland.
was not.
Prejudice, neglect, and injustice had left many Choctaws
Beginning in 1921, the Agency purchased land, most of it
destitute. About 20 per cent of the tribe in Mississippi died in
submarginal, that was sold to full-blood Choctaws on loans to
the influenza epidemic during World War I. Then, the boll
be repaid from farming income. These purchases were in
weevil appeared and was destroying the cotton economy of
seven major areas which evolved into today's seven
east central Mississippi.
Mississippi Choctaw communities. Little plots of poor land
The Congress was informed of the plight of the Choctaw
could not produce enough to support families, much less pay
people through hearings conducted by a committee of the U.S.
off the loans, and many were defaulted. By a 1939 Act of
House of Representatives in Union, Mississippi, in 1917.
Congress, these lands in default reverted to the trusteeship of
Congress learned that Choctaw people in Mississippi eked out
the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Together with subsequent land
a living from sharecropping and day labor at 50 cents a day. A
purchases by the BIA, the present Choctaw Reservation of
few owned tiny farms, but most lived in poverty in shacks.
some 17,000 acres is held in trust for the benefit of tribal
Unscrupulous white farmers added to their troubles. In
members. Meanwhile, many Choctaws continued to exist as
testimony before the committee, and Indian reported that a
well as they could in share-cropping, day labor economy until
white farmer had sold him a cow and had taken it back. Asked
sharecropping practically disappeared in the early 1960's. The
by the chairman if all white people acted like that, the Indian
realities of poor land and dramatic changes in the agricultural
replied, "No, not all of them. Might few. But them that wears
economy made successful execution of this economic plan
the fine collars is going to beat you every time."
impossible.
Findings of the House committee were a principal factor
Creation of the seven communities was more successful,
in establishing the Choctaw Agency in Philadelphia in 1918.
with tangible, long-range benefits for the Choctaw people,
The opening of the Agency was the first real sign of positive
because service delivery from Agency programs in health and
federal interest since 1830. The Bureau of Indian Affairs
education could be focused.
assigned the Indian Agency to help Choctaws in three areas:
Limited by funds, an education program moved slowly,
economic aid, education, and health.
but between 1920 and 1930, schools providing elementary
Robert Benn, Superintendent of the Choctaw Agency, is the first
The Choctaw Agency, Philadelphia, Mississippi, today.
"native son" to hold this critical Bureau of Indian Affairs position.
14
education were built in all seven Choctaw communities.
Gradually, parent's long-standing and well-founded suspicions
of the federal government were overcome, as children went to
schools which became centers of both education and
community life. The schools went no higher than grade eight,
and only a very few Choctaws received a high school
education at out-of-state Indian boarding schools.
When the Congress established the Choctaw Agency in
Philadelphia, the population of the tribe was declining. A first
function of the agency was to give health services. Outpatient
clinics were established, and in 1926 a 35-bed Indian hospital
opened in Philadelphia. By 1930, the death rate dropped below
the birthrate.
The first Choctaw Hospital was built in Philadelphia in 1926. This
picture was taken soon after.
A/E
RSE
age
RIOE
A 11 E
RIZE
RI3E
R14E
KOSCIUSKO
of
si
MOXAPATER
M7
25
1134
T13M
ATTALA
CO
WINSTON
CO.
LEAKE
CO.
NESHOBA
CO.
KEMPER
CO.
21/
MICHES
T12M
T12M
(1)
:
Bogue Chitto
(51)
21/
397
ABI/
-23/-
Pearl River
232
2214
233
2219
231
3%
(2210)
22
111N
Choctaw Indian
THE
26
Redwater
485/
PHILADELPHIA
-
Agency
PEARLY
18/
(23d)
(203)
202
0
THE
21
(201
19/
1
(241)
CARTMAGE
238
Tucker
49%
TION
187
17)
400/
TOW
24
107
(251)
AST
252
c)
Standing Pine
487/
19N
487/
TON
LENA
WALNUT
\socy
21/
UNION
102/
LEAKE
CO.
NESHOBA
CO
SCOTT
CO
NEWTON
CO
SEBASTOPOL
JASPER
CO
JONES
SANDERSVILLE
35/
(36)
T&N
TOM
Bogue Homa
Conehatta
is
B
LEGEND
88
100/
(204)
STATE HIGHWAY SYSTEM
287
INDIAN SERVICE ROAD SYSTEM
e
COUNTY ROAD SYSTEM
RESERVATION LAND
288
LAUREL
CLAKE
84
17M
(282)
DECATUR
HOMA
$4
T7N
2010
202
E
201
JONES
/
RUW
ROW
R DE
MOE
AME
Choctaw
Indian Communities
.....
15
Tribal Government
Re-Established
The effective tribal government that exists today is a
persons more sensitive to Choctaw needs. Competent,
result of the determination of the Choctaw people to bring the
educated Choctaws gradually replaced non-Choctaw staff in
tribe from poverty and dependency into prosperity and
positions of authority. In 1973, the BIA was persuaded to
independence. The Indian Reorganization Act of 1934 made
appoint a qualified Choctaw as head of the Agency. (The BIA's
possible the re-establishment of tribal government. A
final argument against his appointment was that he was
constitution was approved and a Tribal Council was elected in
Choctaw and hs appointment would establish a conflict of
1945. Although legally this Council had governing powers, in
interest.)
practicality it functioned only as an advisory committee at the
The 1960's was a time of great change in the South, and a
beginning. The Council met four times a year in the kitchen of
time of accelerated progress for Choctaw people. Social
the Choctaw Agency to pass on routine matters and approve
legislation offered funding and programs to improve conditions
resolutions prepared by the BIA staff, and had no quarters or
of poverty and neglect and gave an opportunity for Choctaw
administration of its own.
people to improve their own social and economic conditions.
As late as 1959, the Council was accorded little
Passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 with its emphasis on
importance. Council members went to Washington to check
equal opportunity had enormous impact on job opportunities
on a claim case filed in the early 1950's, and found that the
for Choctaws.
Supreme Court had refused to hear the case some three years
Under strong leadership the tribe began to move.
before. The tribe's attorneys, and the government, had
Working without precedent, often against bureaucratic
neglected to inform the tribe of events, and had, in fact, kept
opposition, tribal government moved forcefully to improve the
the tribe in the dark.
quality of life on the reservation.
In 1963, the Tribal Council used funds from the sale of
Plans long in the works led to establishment of a high
tribal timber to engage one of its members as business
school in the Pearl River Community in 1963. A modern, well-
manager, the first tribal employee. This marked the beginning
equipped educational facility, the high school today has over
of the establishment of a tribal executive branch which since
300 students. Overall, there are well over 1,100 students in the
has grown into a sophisticated administrative structure,
Choctaw elementary and high school system, kindergarten
providing services to Choctaw people. The Tribal Council
through grade 12. A 43-bed health facility opened on the
worked to replace key BIA staff of the Choctaw Agency with
reservation in 1975. Jointly operated by tribal government and
COUNCIL MALL
Choctaw Tribal Office buildings today.
16
MISSISSIPPI BAND OF CHOCTAW INDIANS
TRIBAL OFFICE BUILDING
ROUTE 7, BOX 21
PHILADELPHIA, MISSISSIPPI 39350
TELEPHONE (601) 656-5251
BWO
TRIBAL COUNCIL ROSTER
STATE
(1979-1981)
Phillip Martin, Tribal Chief
Pearl River
Frank Steve, Vice Chief
Conehatta
William E. York, Secretary-Treasurer
Pearl River
Vacant
Bogue Chitto
Houston Bull
Bogue Chitto
Henry Bell, Jr
Bogue Homa
Carol Martin
Conehatta
Catherine Solomon
Conehatta
Mack Jimmie, Jr.
Pearl River
William R. Bell
Pearl River
Maxine Dixon
Red Water
Mattie K. Willis
Red Water
Clarence Comby
Standing Pine
Clifton Lewis
Standing Pine
Albert Farve
Tucker
Grady Henry
Tucker
17
the U.S. Public Health Service, the hospital is fully accredited
Tribal government was restructured in 1975. The year
and is one of the most modern in the state.
before, by referendum, the tribe approved a revised
In 1965, the Choctaw Housing Authority was established
Constitution and Bylaws that called for election of a Chief by
in order to be able to take advantage of federal housing
the entire tribe, rather than a Chairman appointed by the
programs. A tribal enterprise, Chata Development Company
members of the Tribal Council. Council members are elected
has built over 400 homes. Today there are 900 housing units on
to represent specific communities on a one-man, one vote
the reservation.
basis. The Chief presides at Council meetings and serves as
A community center has been built in each of the seven
chief executive and administrative officer of the tribe.
Choctaw communities, providing recreational facilities,
Separation of powers between the Chief and the Council is
meeting rooms, and program offices; an 80-acre industrial park
spelled out in the Constitution.
was constructed, attracting industry that in a two-year period
Conclusive judicial recognition of the Mississippi Band of
(1979-1981) created over 500 jobs. Tribal government
Choctaw Indians as a tribe, and conclusive judicial recognition
programs provide job training, adult education, pre-school and
of its lands as "Indian Country," came in a decision handed
early-school education; and numerous other human services
down by the U.S. Supreme Court in June, 1978. In a case
programs have been instituted.
styled U.S. U. John the Court established that the tribe was
These improvements are a direct result of growth in self-
indeed a federally-recognized tribe, that the tribe was correctly
government.
organized under the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934, that
When the federal government finally adopted Indian Self-
Choctaw lands in Mississippi are Indian Country under federal
Determination as official policy in 1970, Mississippi Choctaws
law, and that the tribe exists with the degree of sovereignty
were already leading the way. Over 70 programs were shifted
established by law that other federally-recognized tribes
to partial or complete tribal control.
possess.
Principal Tribal Leaders
Since Re-Establishment of
the Tribal Government
On April 20, 1945, a Constitution and Bylaws was
The Chairmen - 2 year terms
adopted by referendum by the Choctaw people, and
approved by the Department of the Interior May 22,
1945. The original signers of the Constitution were
1945-1947
Joe Chitto
Standing Pine Community
Nicholas Bell and Baxter York. Oscar L. Chapman,
1947-1949
Joe Chitto
Standing Pine Community
Assistant Secretary of the Interior, signed for the
1949-1951
J.C. Allen
Red Water Community
Department. Under this original Constitution, the Tribal
1951-1953
J.C. Allen
Red Water Community
1953-1955
Joe Chitto
Chairman was elected by the 16 members of the Tribal
Standing Pine Community
1955-1957
Emmett York
Pearl River Community
Council at the first meeting of their two-year terms, and
1957-1959
Emmett York
Pearl River Community
was charged only with presiding over meetings and
1959-1961
Phillip Martin
Tucker Community
exercising authority delegated to him by the Council.
1961-1963
Phillip Martin
Tucker Community
As the tribal government grew, it became apparent
1963-1965
Phillip Martin
Tucker Community
1965
Robert Benn
Red Water Community
that demands were growing on the office of the
1965-1967
Clay Gibson
Pearl River Community
Chairman and that an executive branch needed to be
1967-1969
Emmett York
Pearl River Community
created. A Revised Constitution and Bylaws was ratified
1969-1971
Emmett York
Pearl River Community
by the voters December 17, 1974, and approved by the
1971-1973
Phillip Martin
Pearl River Community
Department of the Interior on March 28, 1975. The
1973-1975
Phillip Martin
Pearl River Community
Revised Constitution established the position of Chief,
elected at-large, as principal executive officer of the tribe.
The Chiefs - 4 year terms
Terms of Chief and Tribal Council members were set at
four years, with half of the Council members elected
1975-1979
Calvin J. Isaac
Pearl River Community
every two years.
1979-1983
Phillip Martin
Pearl River Community
18
Priority on Economic
Development
The goal of the economic
development effort has been to provide
as many jobs as are needed to make
Choctaw men and women self-
JOBS
for
sufficient, and to provide income for the
your
tribe. Since 1979, highest priority has
community
been placed by the tribal government
Inpartnership with the
on industrial and business
U.S.DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
development. Goals are being realized.
Economic Development Administration
The success of economic development
on the reservation is a demonstration of
Self-Determination as practiced by the
Mississippi Choctaws. For example:
In early 1981, tribal officials
announced contracts had been
CRAITA
o
19
completed to bring a blue-chip industry
to the Choctaw Industrial Park. They
also announced that an existing
automotive instrument wiring industry
was being expanded, and that
negotiations were well under way to
bring third and fourth industries to the
reservations. All of these industries are
tribally-owned and operated.
The new industry is Choctaw
Greetings Enterprise and will employ
350 to 500 people. The company will be
under contract to the American
Greetings Corporation to handfinish
quality greeting cards. Operating in a
plant with some 120,000 square feet of
floor space, Choctaw Greetings
Enterprise will be the third largest
greeting card production company in
the world in terms of volume. The
company is the first business on an
Indian reservation to be financed with
state industrial revenue bonds. Bonds
were issued under a tripartite
agreement involving the Mississippi
Band of Choctaw Indians, the
American Greetings Corporation, and
the city of Philadelphia, Mississippi.
American Greetings will purchase
cards from the Enterprise on a labor
hour basis, and will provide
management assistance to Choctaw
Greetings Enterprise until the new
business develops its own management
personnel. Contractors for
20
construction of the card finishing plant
are Chata Development Company, a
tribal business, and an outside firm.
In early 1979, the first tribally
owned industry was established in the
Choctaw Industrial Part, the Chahta
Enterprise automotive instrument
wiring plant. As a dedicated supplier to
СЛОСТАМ MAMPOWER TRAINING CENTER
the Packard Electric Division of the
General Motors Corporation, the
enterprise assembles wiring harnesses
for Chevrolet trucks and Buick
LeSabres. The plant produces high
quality harnesses, with the lowest
rejection rate of any of Packard's
CHATA
..DEVELORMENT
CHOCTAW GREETINGS ENTERPRISE
21
dedicated suppliers. Because of this,
the workload has been increased,
bringing employment to over 215
people.
Economic progress dates back to
1969 when the Tribal Council
authorized creation of Chata
Development Company. As a
construction company, Chata has built
over 400 homes and renovated and
repaired over 200 existing homes. The
tribal business has constructed
classroom facilities and numerous
offices, community buildings, an adult
corrections center, and the Choctaw
Health Center. The company's work
has been widely recognized.
The recently-constructed
Choctaw Manpower Training Center
has provided facilities adequate for
skills training, while the 80-acre
industrial park still has plenty of space
available, and necessary water, sewer,
and parking for additional industrial
sites. Economic development plans in
the making include a day care center for
the children of working parents, a
transportation network among the
Choctaw communities, and a
commercial shopping center. Dynamic,
democratic tribal government is
making things happen.
22
Health
HEALTH DEPARTMENT Chocola
EST. 1975
CHOCTAW HEALTH CENTER
"My earliest recollections of the Mississippi Choctaws are
of the many things they needed. Now you've established
schools, tribal offices, tribal enterprises, and now the medical
facility. Health is the basic foundation for all human potential.
A man may be poor, a man may be uneducated, but if he has
health he still has a chance." - Dr. Emery Johnson, Director,
Indian Health Service, at the dedication of the Choctaw Health
Center, April, 1976.
A major concern of the tribal government is improving the
health status of the Choctaw people. Health problems are
severe; studies show that the incidence of some illnesses is
substantially higher than the national average. But at Choctaw
Health Center the problems are under attack.
Provision of health services is a joint effort of the tribe and
the Indian Health Service, an agency of the U.S. Public Health
Service in the Department of Health and Human Services. The
tribe is currently planning the taking on of IHS functions in the
near future. The Choctaw health care system has four
components: the Hospital, Community Health Services,
Environmental Health Services, and Planning and Evaluation.
The four divisions are located in or are directed from the
Choctaw Health Center.
At ground-breaking ceremonies for the Choctaw Health
Center in November, 1974, Congressman G. V. Montgomery,
Chairman Phillip Martin and Dr. Emery Johnson discuss
construction.
23
The Health center, completed in 1975, is a
58,000 square foot facility that includes a modern
43-bed general hospital, a three-chair dental suite,
and office space for administrative and supportive
services. In addition to the Health Center at Pearl
River, there are satellite field clinics at Bogue
Chitto, Conehatta, and Red Water. The
department's Community Health Services
program includes health, education, community
nursing services, patient transportation including
ambulance service, mental health/alcohol/
substance abuse programs, and a community
health technician program. Environmental Health
Service monitors reservation living conditions. Its
primary concerns are clean water and the
prevention of environmentally-related disease. The
function of the Planning and Evaluation Division is
to serve as a resource for the Health Department.
It provides consultant services for planning,
development, and evaluation, and is responsible
24
for training and career development.
Culture-specific, efficient health care given
Choctaws today is a far cry from the neglect that
followed Removal and continued through the first
two decades of this century. Until the Bureau of
Indian Affairs built the Indian Hospital in the 1920s,
Choctaws in Mississippi received virtually no
medical attention. But now, the modern Choctaw
Health Center has been fully accredited by the
Joint Commission on the Accreditation of
Hospitals. This Health Center was achieved with
the aid of many members of Congress, especially
Julia Butler Hansen, Chairman of the House
Interior Appopriations Subcommittee, Senator
John C. Stennis, and Congressman G. V.
Montgomery.
Self-Determination in this important area of
tribal life has improved the health of the Choctaw
people and promises greater improvement in the
years ahead.
Education
Choctaw yearning for education is
historic. Fifteen years before Removal,
Protestant missionaries established a
school system in Choctaw territory.
Twenty-two schools were closed by the
Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek. Removal
pressure through the years destroyed
schools established by the churches, an
elementary school at a Catholic mission
founded in Tucker in 1884 being the only
educational institution to survive the turn
of the century. The peculiar pattern of
segregation that developed in east central
Mississippi deprived most Choctaws of
any opportunity for school: not until 1930
were there elementary schools in all seven
communities; and not until 1963, when
Choctaw Central High School was built at
Pearl River, did Choctaws have any real
opportunity to attend high school.
Even a generation ago, in 1950, few
Choctaws had completed more than a
year or two of school. Fifteen years ago
there were virtually no Choctaws in high
26
school and far too many had not
completed elementary school.
Educationally, today, the tribe has
graduated 486 persons from high school,
and has given high school diplomas to 233
adult members of the tribe, through the
Adult Education Program.
x
x
15
15
16
17
18
x
finger
20
21
22
23
24
25
21
COL
x
127
28
29
30
31
X
Shoe
27
Two hundred thirty-six Choctaw
young people under 5 are being served by
the tribal Comprehensive Early Childhood
Education program. From 1952 until 1974,
30 Mississippi Choctaw students received
their BA/BS college degrees with financial
aid through the BIA Higher Education
Grant Program. Operation of the Grant
Program by the tribe since 1974 has
resulted in an additional 32 students
obtaining college diplomas, for a grand
total of 62 college graduates. The Tribe
28
annually assists approximately 70 full-time
and 75 part-time college students with
their college-related expenses, and is
working on the establishment of a
Reservation-based Junior college.
The Tribe's adult education program
has received national recognition for its
excellence and effectiveness. Day and
night classes are conducted in all seven
Choctaw communities to give adults the
opportunity to work for eighth grade
certificates and high school diplomas. The
program also offers enrichment courses in
health, nutrition, consumer economics,
driver education, Choctaw history, and
arts and crafts.
Groundwork has been laid for a
broad range of educational services for
mentally and physically handicapped
Choctaw children. The program will
provide bilingual language instruction for
children through their eighth year. The
program is coordinated with special
education programs already in place in the
BIA elementary schools.
29
A principal reason for successes of
Self-Determination among Choctaws east
of the Mississippi is demonstrated by the
care taken in planning and executing
education programs. Existing programs of
education, those conducted by the BIA
and the tribe, were closely examined
recently by outside research specialists. A
comprehensive report was given on the
status of education with input from
students, staff, and parents. Successes,
failures, deficiencies, hopes, and
ambitions of all those involved in and
affected by BIA and tribal education are
considered, as the groundwork for
educational improvement is laid.
C
C
C
C
C
C
30
Mushulatubbee and the
Early Choctaw Schools
On April 19, 1819, the first school opened in the
Choctaw Nation with ten children. Several schools
followed. Chief Mushulatubbee, accompanied by other
leading men, brought two of his sons and a nephew to
leave as members of a school. They were delighted with
the facility. The Chief addressed the school children
(about fifty in nine different classrooms) as follows:
"When I was young such a thing was not known
here. I have heard of it, but never expected to see it. I
rejoice that I have lived to see it. You must be obedient to
your teachers, and learn all you can. I hope I shall live to
see my council filled with the boys who are now in school;
and that you will know much more than we know, and do
much better than we do."
At the time of the Removal following the Treaty of
Dancing Rabbit Creek (1830) the Choctaws were said to
have had the best school system in the south. It would be
almost a century before the Choctaws of Mississippi
could again boast their own educational system.
ARRIORS
40
78
24
14
91
74
65
84
52
51
in
20
71
70
22
31
Human Services
The tribe currently administers a
broad range of programs designed to
develop Choctaw communities,
strengthen Choctaw families, and improve
the living conditions of individual members
of the tribe. These programs, divided
between the tribal departments of Family
Services and Community Development,
interact with social development
programs operated by the Bureau of
Indian Affairs' Choctaw Agency. In the
area of human services, perhaps even
more than in others, Self-Determination is
essential to the improvement of family and
individual life.
A major recent impact on Choctaw
family structure, and all Indian families,
was Congressional enactment of the
Indian Child Welfare Act, which outlines
responsiblities of Indian tribes; state
32
IVING RULES
33
courts; and the Indian child, parent, or
custodians in child custody proceedings.
The law was passed after much
involvement by outraged tribal leaders
trying to convince the Congress that the
treatment of Indian children had to be
changed and tribal governments had to be
involved. In the past, state courts and
social workers arbitrarily placed Indian
children in non-Indian homes ignoring the
fact that a child's identity with his relatives
and his maturation with culturally
acclimated peers were the most important
factors in healthy development. The Act
has now placed a barrier to arbitrary
placement--the involvement of the tribe of
which the child is a member.
In working with Choctaw families, the
tribe and the BIA Division of Social
Services concentrate on the family unit as
a whole, combining the resources of
several categorical programs with
concentration in specific areas such as
juvenile delinquency prevention and
treatment, child protection, services for
the elderly, emergency nutrition,
commodity food distribution, and
recreation.
These efforts aimed at protecting the
integrity of the Choctaw family are
matched by tribal government efforts to
develop the Choctaw communities in
carrying out community improvement
projects. A Wildlife and Parks program
develops unpopulated reservation areas
as wildlife habitats and controls and
encourages hunting and fishing on the
reservation.
These family and communty
programs have a wider focus than aiding
the needy; they serve to demonstrate the
"bootstrap" aspects of the Self-
Determination policy and the progress
that can be made through united tribal
effort.
34
35
Choctaw Indian Fair
Every year in mid-summer since
1949, the Mississippi Band of Choctaw
CONEHATTA COMMUNIT
Indians has presented the Choctaw
Indian Fair as a major social gathering
IT IS A TIME
to revive and preserve Choctaw
heritage and to promote public
relations with surrounding com-
munities. It has grown into a major
tourist attraction.
The Fair attracts over 20,000
people a year in four days of the Fair.
They come from nearby and faraway
places---even Europe, where there is
considerable interest in Indian culture.
36
THE CHOCTAW FAIR
37
Stickball
The stickball game as it is played today is a living
memorial to the game as it was played in earlier times.
The playing field approaches the appearance of a football
field with goal posts at each end. A point is scored when
the ball strikes the opponent's goal post. The ball is about
the size of a golf ball and is made by weaving leather
strips around a round core. Ball sticks are about a yard
long with a shallow, leather-laced scoop at one end.
Players may not touch the ball with their hands but may
bat, throw or run with the ball as long as the ball sticks
are used. There is no set number of players but teams are
evenly matched. The ball is thrown in the air at the start
of the game, and after each point, and the players simply
go at it.
The following description of a game of stickball is
given by George Catlin, a painter of Indian life, and is
based on a Choctaw game he saw in Oklahoma in 1836,
just after Removal. His account parallels earlier reports
by European travelers, and he adds that the only firm
rule was that deadly weapons were not allowed on the
playing field.
Catlin wrote: "On the day before the game several
thousand Indians arrived to camp in two points of timber
a half mile apart on either side of an area of flat prairie. At
sundown the game area was measured and goals erected
fifty rods apart, and goods for betting (knives, blankets,
dresses, pots, kettles, dogs, horses, and guns) were set
down on either side of a line. Soon after dark and at
intervals throughout the night the ball dance was held to
solicit the favor of friendly spirits. Although the Sioux
and other northern tribes carry only one stick, the
Choctaw ball players carry one in each hand. The ball is
caught in the small net at the end of the stick and is
thrown from the net without being touched with the
hands. The only clothes a player is permitted to wear is
his breechclout, supported by a beaded belt, a "tail" of
white horsehair or eagle feathers and a "mane" around
his neck that is made of horse-hair dyed various colors."
Catlin further describes the start of the game at nine
in the morning: "The two parties and all their friends
were drawn out and over the ground; when at length the
game commenced by the judges throwing up the ball at
the firing of a gun; then an instant struggle ensued
between the players, who were some six or seven
hundred in numbers, and were mutually endeavoring to
catch the ball in their sticks and throw it home and
between their respective stakes; which, whenever
successfully done, counts one for game
in these
desperate struggles for the ball, when it is up (where
hundreds are running together and leaping and darting
in every possible manner, and every voice raised to the
highest key, in shrill yelps and barks!) there are rapid
successions of feats, and of incidents, that astonish and
amuse far beyond the conception of any one who has not
had the singular good luck to witness them. In these
38
struggles, every mode is used that can be devised, to
oppose the progress of the foremost, who is likely to get
the ball; and these obstructions often meet desperate
individual resistance, which terminates in a violent
scuffle, and sometimes in fistfights. No man is allowed to
intervene or to go for a weapon, all of which are laid away
in the two camp grounds."
In addition to being an occasion for betting, stickball
was also used to settle inter- and intra-tribal disputes, as
a form of diplomacy. In its role as a peacemaker it was
often called the "Little Brother War."
Today's stickball game is played for sport. But it is
still rough and tumble, and the teams are out to win. It is a
living element of Choctaw culture.
In the stickball championships held each year at the
Choctaw Indian Fair, community teams compete for the
title of world champions. For the last 22 years, the
champions have been:
1980
Bogue Chitto
1979
Independents
1978
Independents
1977
Pearl River
1976
Pearl River
1975
Bogue Chitto
1974
Conehatta
1973
Conehatta
1972
Conehatta
1971
Conehatta
1970
Pearl River
1969
Conehatta
1968
Conehatta
1967
Conehatta
1966
Conehatta
1965
Conehatta
1964
Conehatta
1963
Conehatta
1962
Conehatta
1961
Conehatta
1960
Conehatta
1959
Conehatta
39
Entertainment is a mixture of
modern and traditional songs and
dances, ranging from raucous rock-
and-roll to the moving songs and
dances of Choctaws.
The Choctaw cultural heritage is
presented to a fascinated public. Skills
in archery, the blow gun, rabbit stick
throw, basket weaving, and bead work
are demonstrated near a neon-lit,
modern midway. A traditional stickball
game is played each day by community
teams, and is a major attraction of the
Fair. It is in this setting that visitors see
the oldest ball game in America.
The Fair reunifies the tribe
annually, giving people the opportunity
to meet old acquaintances, a type of
homecoming in which Choctaw people
are proud to share with the non-Indian
public their unique cultural past and
progress made to date in human and
community development.
40
Choctaw Indian Princess
A tribal princess is chosen every year during a
pageant on the first day of the Choctaw Indian Fair.
Contestants are sponsored by various tribal
organizations in the seven communities of the
reservation. A panel of judges chooses the Choctaw
Indian Princess on the basis of an interview, a written
essay, poise and appearance, and personal
accomplishments. During her year-long reign, the
Princess is a central figure at many tribal activities, and is
the tribe's ambassador at off-reservation functions.
The Princess Pageant began in 1955 and has
continued each year since. The Princesses of modern
Choctaw history have been:
1955
Patsy Sam
1956
Abbie Gibson
1957
Shirley Chapman
1958
Shirley York
1959
Donna Jean Farmer
1960
Earline Hickman
1961
Annie Ryan Bell
1962
Loretta Steve
1963
Sally Ann Bell
1964
Mary Ann Henry
1965
Ruth Ann Farmer
1966
Doris Thompson
1967
Lois Willis
1968
Susie Henry
1969
Joanne McMillan
1970
Jane Morris
1971
Laurine York
1972
Ellen Gail Farmer
1973
Linda Willis
1974
Patricia Martin
1975
Alma Willis
1976
Velma Sam
1977
Phyliss John
1978
Brenda Billie
1979
Karen Lillie
1980
Dee Ann Gibson
The current Princess is Dee Ann Gibson, who is a
senior at Choctaw Central High School and a member of
the National Honor Society. Dee Ann, whose reign will
conclude with the 1981 Choctaw Indian Fair, is planning
to attend the University of Mississippi, majoring in
Pharmacy.
41
Clothing
Few tribes in the United States have
held so tenaciously to the dress of 100
years ago as the Choctaws of
Mississippi. Origin and time of adoption
of this distinctive dress is not certain,
but it is similar to traditional peasant
dress in France's Brittany province.
Worn daily by many older women,
the handmade Choctaw dresses have a
full skirt requiring up to six yards of
colorful material. Their pattern is of
yesterday. Bright design and decorative
aprons and multi-colored ribbons
normally adorn this costume, with
beaded necklaces added for dress-up
occasions.
The colorful shirts for men are
trimmed in ribbon and worn with
ribboned black felt hats and ribboned
belts at special tribal events. Beaded
sashes carry on design ideas native to
the Choctaws -- designs which trace
their origin to the fabled Mississippian
period in southeastern Indian
prehistory. The costumes represent
many hours of careful design and hand
work.
Some of the persons proficient in
needlework who are carrying on this
tradition and teaching the young are:
Mollie Anderson
Winnie Isaac
Mary Williams
Mary Lou Sam
Mary Lou Farmer
Sally Isaac
Zuline Shumake
Corine Willis
Rosie Hickman
Willie B. Willis
Emma Polk
Nan Charlie
Nellie Willis
Phelia Allen
42
Choctaw Language
Nearly all of the Choctaw people in Mississippi are
bilingual, speaking both Choctaw and English. The
language is a bond which has been and continues to be
an important factor in the cultural integrity of the tribe.
Chahta hapiakat Chahta ilanompuli hikat nayuppa
hapia oke, which means "We are Choctaw and we speak
the Choctaw language gladly." Choctaw is spoken as the
primary language in over 90 per cent of the Choctaw
homes.
Choctaw is a Muskogean language and therefore
CHOCTAW
related to Creek, Chickasaw, Miccosukee, Alabama-
ARTS $ CRAFT
Coushatta. It was the trade language of the Southern
Indians. There are many place names borrowed from
ENTERPRISE
Choctaw including states, rivers, cities, counties and
towns. Some of these colorful names and their meanings
are:
Oklahoma
Red people (okla homa)
Tombigbee
Coffin maker (itombi ikbi)
Tuscaloosa
Black warrior (Tushka lusa)
Neshoba
Wolf (Nashoba)
Bogue Chitto
Big River (Bok Chitto)
Bogalusa
Black River (Bok lusa)
Tiak O'Kata
Pine Lake (tiak okhata)
Tulahoma
Red Rock (Tuli homa)
Conehatta
Pale Skunk (Kani hatta)
Chunky
Game stone (chunki)
Yalabusha
Tadpole (yaloba ushi)
Achafalaya
Long River (Hucha Falaya)
Talahina
Railroad (tali hina - "rock road")
Tougaloo
Two (tuklo)
43
Traditional
Choctaw Dance
As other elements of Choctaw culture, Choctaw
music expresses the Indian value of living in harmony
with nature, the "deep and different spirituality" that
other Americans find difficult to understand.
In ancient times, the most important dance of the
year occurred in late July or early August, at the Green
Corn Festival, lasting three to five days.
Today, dances in three categories have been
preserved: social dances, animal dances and the war
dance. Among the creatures depicted in the animal
dances are the duck, the quail, the snake, and the
raccoon. Social dances include the jump dance, the
wedding dance, the stealing partners dance, the
friendship dance, and the walk dance. Unlike with other
tribes, the unique Choctaw war dance is danced by both
men and women. War dances in former times would last
for eights days prior to battle.
The musical instruments traditionally used by
Mississippi Choctaws are drums and a pair of striking
sticks. A good deal of traditional dancing skills were lost
during a period of social inactivity during and following
World War II. The advent of the annual Choctaw Indian
Fair and the teaching of dance in the Choctaw Schools
have revived dancing on the reservation.
Songs for dances are led by a chanter who may also
dance if he is a young man. If he is older, he stands in the
middle of a circle of dancers. He begins with a "shout"
appropriate to the category of dance song, and the
others join in.
44
Basketry
Nothing better illustrates Indian friendship with the
land than the practical art of basketry.
An abundance of cane in the low-lying areas of east-
central Mississippi gave Choctaws a plentiful supply of
the best basket material, and the making of baskets with
cane is among tribal crafts practiced today by Choctaw
people. Choctaw women produce both single and
double weave baskets. Double weave baskets, using one
of the most difficult and tedious techniques of plaited
basketry, requires skillful weaving of one basket inside
another with one continuous weave of material. The
basket makers produce their own dyes from roots and
bark.
Until the establishment of the Choctaw Arts and
Crafts Enterprise, basketry was a dying skill. Now the art
is being maintained through sales of baskets. Young
people are once more becoming interested in preserving
and perpetuating Choctaw basketry.
Some of today's master basket weavers, carrying on
the tradition and teaching younger members of the tribe
are:
Leila Solomon
Celia Isaac
Susan Denson
Frances Polk
Jeffrie Solomon
Zula Chitto
Christine Cooper
Adell Polk
Sally Mae King
Flora Monk
Esbie Gibson
Phoebe York
Mollie Smith
Lolee Jim
Beauty Denson
Melvin Henry
Willie B. Willis
Sophia Willis
Arie Willis
45
Choctaw
Heritage
Council
In part because of the interest generated by the
The Choctaw Heritage Council is a Mississippi
150th Anniversary of the Treaty of Dancing Rabbit
nonprofit corporation, and contributions are tax
Creek, the Tribal Council established the Choctaw
deductible. We are accepting donations from
Heritage Council on October 14, 1980. This group of
organizations, corporations, and individuals who want to
tribal members and historical and anthropological
assist in the development of the museum and archives
experts was charged by the Tribal Council with
facility. When the facility is completed, our aim will be to
maintaining a firm connection between tribal members
make it one of the best Indian museums in the Southeast,
and their past history, providing a means for archival and
to preserve the past and educate young people of all
other historical preservation, conducting education
races to better understanding of Mississippi history -
activities, and planning and constructing a museum
Choctaw history and the history of the Southern Indians.
complex on the reservation.
When the building is completed we will give proper
In the face of longstanding efforts to eradicate the
recognition to all donors to this large undertaking.
Choctaw presence in Mississippi, the Heritage Council is
People wishing to contribute should make checks
especially important to Choctaw people in preserving a
payable to the Choctaw Heritage Council and mail them
living past and to non-Indians in becoming acquainted
to the Choctaw Tribal Finance Office, Tribal Office
with southeastern Indian history and culture.
Building, Route 7, Box 21, Philadelphia, MS 39350.
46
Pushmataha: His Last Speech
The Choctaws allied themselves with the young
United States, seeing their future as part of the new
experiment in democracy. Indeed, Benjamin Franklin,
and others of the founding fathers, drew heavily on the
native American confederacy pattern as they shaped the
Union. Franklin said, in effect, if the Indians can do it so
can we.
A great confederacy in the South, the Choctaws
were composed of many sub-tribes, allies, and satellite
groups.
In 1824, Pushmataha and other Chiefs journeyed to
Washington City to call on the President. His opening
speech was to the Secretary of War. At that time the
Indian Service was in the War Department. His opening
speech was to be his last. In it he reaffirmed the alliance of
the Choctaw Nation with the United States:
"I can boast and say, and tell the truth, that none of
my fathers, or grandfathers, nor any Choctaw, ever drew
bows against the United States. They have always been
friendly. We have held the hands of the United States so
long that our nails are long like the talons of a bird and
there is no danger of their slipping out."
the
Pushmataha
Monument
CHOCTAW
HERITAGE COUNCIL
Pushmataha was buried in the Old Congressional
Cemetery in Washington, D.C. John Randolph spoke in
the Senate:
"In a late visit to the public graveyard, my attention
was arrested by the simple monument of the Choctaw
PHILLIP MARTIN
Chief, Pushmataha. He was, I have been told by those
who knew him, one of nature's nobility; a man who would
KENNITH YORK
THALLIS LEWIS
have adorned any society. He lies quietly by the side of
our statesmen and high magistrates in the region--for
ROBERT BENN
ROGER BELL
there is one such--where the red man and the white man
are on a level. On the sides of the plain shaft that marks
JOHN PETERSON
ANDREW BILLIE
his place of burial, I read these words: 'Pushmataha, a
Choctaw Chief, lies here. This monument to his memory
PAT GALLOWAY
CHARLES HUDSON
is erected by his brother chiefs, who were associated
with him in a delegation from their nation, in the year
PETER FORSYTHE
TOM GOLDMAN
1824, to the government of the United States.
Pushmataha was a warrior of great distinction. He was
CORA NORMAN
ARRELL GIBSON
wise in coucil, eloquent in an extraordinary degree; and
on all occasions, and under all circumstances, the white
BOB FERGUSON
man's friend'."
JOHNNY CASH
The monument itself has now been returned to the
Chief's Mississippi homeland and can be seen in the
Choctaw Museum of the Southern Indian. A replica
stands in its original place.
47
STICKBALL
AMERICA'S OLDEST FIELD BALLGAME
Rus
3
FPA
Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians
Philadelphia, Mississippi
1979
WORLD CHAMPION
STICKBALL TEAM
(THE INDEPENDENTS)
the
first
Choctaw Constitution
On August 5, 1826, the Choctaw Council adopted its first written constitution. The first
law adopted under this constitution provided for a Council House, which was located
south of the present city of Starkville on the Noxubbee River near the Noxubbee County
Line. The constitution provided for an annual general council consisting of representatives
from each of the three districts and a plural executive, composed of the three district chiefs
with each elected by his district for a four-year term. Thus the first constitutional executive
office was a triumverate.
District chiefs to removal time were:
Northwest District Upper Towns (or Okla Falaya).
1802-1824 Apukshunnubbee
1825-1826 Robert Cole
1826-1830 Greenwood Leflore
Northeast District Lower Towns (or Haiyip Tuklo).
? -1809 Hoomastubbee
1809-1826 Mushulatubbee (son of Hoomastubbee)
1826-1930 David Folsom
Southern District Six Towns (or Okla Hannali).
1803-1824 Pushmataha
1824-
Oklahoma (nephew of Pushmataha)
1824-1828 General Humming Bird
1826-
Samuel Garland (Elected, but refused recognition by either Humming
Bird or Nitak Achi)
1828-1838 Nitak Achi (nephew of Pushmataha)
49
Choctaw Veterans
Although Choctaw's have served in the United
Our records are not complete. If you know of any
States armed forces, most have not received proper
persons missing from this list, or if you know of stories or
recognition. Some gave their lives; practically all served
particulars such as decorations, POWs, etc., please
with honor. In recognition, we list those Choctaws who
contact the tribal office as we would like to add the
participated in the major armed conflicts of this century.
information to our Archives.
World War I
Isaac, Wilburn
Army**
Isom, Billy
Army
Ben, Tom
Army
Jackson, Carson
Navy
Chickaway, Kelly
Army
Jackson, Emmitt
Army*
Comby, William
Army
Jackson, William
Army
Farve, Bennett
Army
Jim, Vernon
Army
Farve, Paul
Army
Jimmie, Mack Sr.
Army
Ingram, Dave
Army
Joe, Billy
Navy
Tubby, Anderson
Army
John, Bilbo
Army
Wallace, Henry
Army
John, Eigbert
Army
World War II
John, Oden
Army
Allen, J. C.
Army
John, Smith
Army
Allen, Solomon
Army
John, Vardaman
Army
Allen, William
Army
Johnson, Nathan
Army
Anderson, Irvin
Army
Lewis, Ben H.
Army
Anderson, Phillip
Army
Lewis, Easland
Army
Benn, Hurbert
Army
Martin, Edmond
Army
Benn, Jimpson
Army
Martin, Phillip
Air Force
Benn, Wilson
Army
Martin, Raymond
Army*
Billy, Earl
Army
McMillan, A. J.
Army
Billy, Frank
Army
McMillan, Gibson
Army*
Billy, Gibson
Army
McMillan, Jimpson
Army
Billy, Ike
Army
McMillan, John
Army
Charlie, Charley
Army
McMillan, Smith
Army
Chickaway, Michael
Navy
McMillan, William
Navy
Chitto, Leo
Army
Mingo, Arch
Army
Comby, Gus
Navy
Mingo, Otis
Army
Comby, Jones
Army
Mingo, Prentis
Army
Comby, W. C.
Navy
Mitch, Gilmore
Army
Davis, John
Army
Phillips, Riley
Army
Denson, Charlie
Army
Sam, Abel
Army*
Denson, David
Army
Sam, Ellis
Navy
Dixon, Marie
WAC
Sam, Beaman
Army
Farmer, Henry
Army
Sam, Harmon
Army
Farve, Phillip
Army
Sam, Louie
Army
Gardner, Elton
Army
Smith, Clay
Army
Gibson, Homer
Army
Sockey, Homer
Army
Gibson, John Lee
Army
Solomon, Murphy
Army
Henry, Dolphus
Army
Steve, McKinley
Army
Henry, Frank
Army
Steve, Maurice
Navy
Henry, I.D.
Army
Stoliby, Wilbanks
Army
Henry, Jasper
Army
Thomas, Isaac
Army
Henry, Melvin
Army
Thompson, Fommie
Air Force
Henry, Norman
Army
Thompson, Tubby
Army
Isaac, Edwin
Air Force
Thompson, Willie
Army
Isaac, Joe D.
Air Force
Tubby, Eugene
Army
Isaac, John D.
Army
Tubby, Henry
Army
Isaac, Tom
Army
Tubby, Hudson
Army
50
Tubby, J. C.
Army
Tubby, Jack
Army
Tubby, McKinley
Army
Tubby, Rufus
Army*
Tubby, Steve
Army
Tubby, Sullivan Sr.
Army
Tubby, Tex Wes
Army
Tubby, W.C.
Navy
Tubby, Willie
Army
Wesley, Benny
Army
Willis, A. J.
Army
Willis, Boy
Army
Willis, J. C.
Army
Williamson, Arnold
Army
York, Beamon
Army
York, Hester
Army
York, J. B.
Army
Korean Conflict
Bell, Henry
Navy
Bell, Roger
Army
Benn, Robert
Navy
Billie, Egburt
Army
Comby, William J.
Air Force
Dan, Bonnie
Marines
Davis, Michael
Army
Denson, Hector
Marines
Farmer, Frank
Army
Farve, Hamilton
Army
Isaac, Jessie
Army
Isaac, Calvin
Army
Martin, Anthony
Air Force
Isaac, Harold
Army
Nickey, Blondell
Army
Isaac, Preston
Army
Shumake, Felton
Army
Isaac, Vann
Army
Smith, Delmas
Army
Martin, Harry
Army
Smith, Hamilton
Army
Martin, Robert
Army
Smith, Roger
Army
Morris, Champ
Army
Sockey, Homer J.
Army
Steve, Curtis
Army
Solomon, Hilton
Air Force
Willis, Haywood
Air For/Mar.
Solomon, Howie
Army
Willis, John B.
Army
Solomon, Murphy
Army
Vietnam Conflict
Steve, Cecil
Air Force
Stoliby, Frederick
Air Force
Anderson, Hurley
Army
Thomas, Billy Wayne
Army
Sailor, Anderson
Army
Thomas, Ray C.
Army
Bell, Frank Jr.
Army
Thompson, Doris
Air Force
Ben, Harrison
Air Force
Thompson, Henry
Army
Benn, Charlie
Army
Tubby, Alfred
Army
Billie, Hugh Jim
Army
Tubby, Dorman
Marines
Chapman, Clifton
Army
Tubby, James
Army
Comby, David
Marines
Williamson, Milburn
Marines
Davis, Louis
Army
Willis, Harold E.
Marines
Denson, Billy J.
Army
Willis, Irvin
Army
Farmer, Ervin
Army
Willis, Lewis
Army
Isaac, Carleton
Army
Wilson, Sammie Jr.
Marines
Isaac, Carlston
Air Force
York, Glenn
Army
* Killed in Action
** Prisoner of War
51
SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY
Bartram, William. Travels. Mark Van Doren, ed. New York: Dover Publications, 1955. A classic, often charming and touching.
Benson, Henry C. Life Among the Choctaw Indians. Cincinnati: Swormstedt and Poe, 1860. A Methodist minister's account of his life among
the Choctaws in Indian Territory. A wonderfully calm statement of high character qualities found among Choctaws and other Indians.
Bourne, Edward Gaylord, ed. Narratives of the Career of Hernando De Soto. 2 vols. New York: 1904. The journals of the Gentleman of Elvas
and Rodrigo Ranjel (through Oviedo) are often dry, sparse, and ultra restrained.
Bossu, Jean-Bernard. Travels in the Interior of North America, 1751-1762. Tr. and ed. Seymour Feiler. Norman: University of Oklahoma Press
(hereinafter UOK), 1962. Influenced by Rousseau's "noble savage" idea, full of observations both practical and speculative. Sometimes
humorous.
Burt, Jesse and Robert B. Ferguson. Indians of the Southeast: Then and Now. Abingdon Press, 1973.
Catlin, George. Episodes from Life Among the Indians and Last Rambles. Marvin C. Ross, ed. UOK, 1959. Scenes and portraits by this famous
artist.
North American Indians. Reprint, 2 vols. Minneapolis: Ross and Haines, 1965. Observations of customs and conditions among
Indians he visited 1832-39. Excellent reading for any serious student above grades five or six; illustrated.
Cotterill, R.S. The Southern Indians. UOK. 1954. History of civilized tribes before the Removal. Much political and economic data; maps. Style
suitable to upper secondary students.
Crane, Verner W. The Southern Frontier, 1670-1732. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan, 1956. Valuable work by a historian. Considered a
classic, though done before anthropology and archaeology were much applied to history.
Cushman, Horatio B. History of the Choctaw, Chickasaw, and Natchez Indians. Greeneville, Texas: Headlight Printing House, 1899. Similar
to Benson book, written by a religious man who served the Indians. Sometimes rambling, but very moving. (No longer in print, but in many
libraries.)
Davis, Russell G., and Ashabranner, Brent K. The Choctaw Code. New York: Whittlesey House, 1961. A well-researched book especially for
young readers.
Debo, Angie. The Rise and Fall of the Choctaw Republic. UOK, 1934. An outstanding study, rich content suitable for all readers; maps.
The Road to Disappearance. UOK, 1941. Excellent study for all serious students; maps.
DeRosier, Arthur H., Jr. The Removal of the Choctaw Indians. Knoxville: University of Tennessee Press (hereinafter UTP), 1970. Clear,
consise, lively. Suitable for any serious student, grade six or above.
Driver, Harold E. Indians of North America. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1961. A comprehensive and scholarly work; maps.
Du Ru, Paul. Journal, Feb. 1 May 8, 1700. Ruth Lapham Butler, ed. Chicago: Caxton Club, 1934. This little gem by a French Jesuit missionary
from Canada, written during momentous times, deserves to be much better known.
Foreman, Grant. Advancing the Frontier, 1830-60. UOK, 1933. Excellent scholarly study; maps.
The Five Civilized Tribes. UOK, 1934. Excellent study with introduction by John R. Swanton.
Indian Removal. Reprint of 1932 ed. UOK, 1953. Scholarly account of emigration of Five Civilized Tribes; maps.
Fundaburk, Emma Lila, and Foreman, Mary Douglas. Sun Circles and Human Hands. Luverne, Ala.: Fundaburk, 1957. Story of art and
industry among southeastern Indians; many illustrations and maps.
Southeastern Indians: Life Portraits: A Catalogue of Pictures, 1564-1860. Luverne, Ala.: Fundaburk, 1958. Extremely useful, with
text mostly quotations from authorities.
Lewis, Anna. Chief Pushmataha, American Patriot. New york: Exposition Press, 1959. An old-fashioned but admirable synthesis of the
greatest Choctaw culture hero.
Lincecum, Gideon. Life of Apushmataha. Mississippi Historical Society, 9 (1905-1906), 415-85.
Romans, Bernard. A Concise Natural History of East and West Florida. Vol. 1. New York: Romans, 1885. If Romans did in fact print a second
volume of his firsthand observations, it has not been found.
Swanton, John R. The Indian Tribes of North American. Washington: Smithsonian Institution Press, 1952. See below.
Source material for The Social and Ceremonial Life of the Choctaw Indians. B.A.E. Bulletin 103. Washington. 1931.
Tuttle, Sarah. Conversations on the Choctaw Mission. 2 vols. Boston: Massachusetts Sunday School Union, 1830. Slanted for Sunday school
but full of interesting information about school children and the details of daily life. A reprint is expected soon.
Williams, Samuel Cole, ed. Adair's History of the American Indian. Johnson City, Tenn.: Watauga Press, 1930. One of the primary sources on
Indians of the Southeast.
52
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