Civilized Tribe - History of the Choctaw
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Published 2016-02-15
The Choctaw tribe contributed soldiers to the U.S. in every major war since the Northwest Indian War (1785-1795) and the War of 1812. Choctaw Code Talkers provided crucial intelligence by communicating in the Choctaw language during World War I and World War II, dumbfounding the enemy.
Deemed one of the five “Civilized Tribes” because they adopted many colonial practices, including many converting to Christianity, the Choctaw were forcibly relocated to Indian Territory in 1830 by the Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek.
Representing the Choctaw nation, Ryan Spring will discusses the History of the Choctaw up to the Trail of Tears at the Allen Public Library.
A GIS/GPS specialist for the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Historic Preservation Department, Spring received his bachelor’s in anthropology from the University of Arkansas in 2011. He was hired by the tribe to implement GIS (Geographic Information System) and GPS (Global Positioning System) technology to aid in protecting sites important to the Choctaw people, creating cultural maps for education, and conducting Choctaw cultural presentations, research and advisement.
“Being a member of the Choctaw Nation means I have the duty to respect my ancestors, do my best to aid my family and tribe, and to make the future culturally and environmentally sustainable for future generations of Choctaw people,” Spring said.
Spring is enrolled at Southeastern Oklahoma State University to earn his master’s in Native American Leadership. He enjoys playing Choctaw stickball for the Choctaw Nation’s stickball team as well as helping coach stickball to youth and adults in his community.
All Comments (21)
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My Dads family is from Ireland I was born here in California, after the trail of tears the Choctaw tribe sent money over to Ireland to help aid the starving Irish during the potato famine. They saved a lot of lives, God Bless the Choctaw tribe! 🇮🇪
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The Choctaws sent help to my home country of Ireland during the famine of the 1840's, an amazing gesture which must never be forgotten. Thank You to the Choctaw people.....from Ireland.
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I’m Mississippi Choctaw and would’ve never known any of this if I had not clicked on this video I’m born and raised in Oklahoma.
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Choctaw fam where u at?
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As an Irish man from Ireland, I'll always have a place for you in my heart. I'm sure you know why. You're a beautiful people!
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I am not of the Choctaw, unfortunately. But I am from a small island off the west coast of Europe. The Choctaw didn't know who we were but they heard we were hungry and sent us relief. Their backs were against the wall at that time, no doubt but their big hearts felt it enough to send relief to us. And we will never forget that love.
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I listened to this because I knew what the Choctaw people done for us Irish but I wasn't expecting it to be mentioned in this, when I heard you say how you helped us it brought a tear to my eye, worlds apart but yet one, I hope we can repay you some day, your help will not and should not ever be forgotten
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This brought tears to my eyes. My dad always told me that we were Choctaw and always taught me to be proud of this!! And I am, as are my children. Later I found out that I may have some Monacan in me as well. Watching this makes me want to get more in touch with my native heritage. Thank you for this!! Many blessings to all the native people still in our country.
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We are the Choctaw, Creek, And Seminoles of Mississippi, Louisiana and Florida, who Never left our lands and caught demonic savage hell as a result, but we are still here ✊️
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Tough crowd man! You are great. Choctaw People held very close to our hearts here in Ireland. Gratitude Forever. Peace.
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My best friend is Choctaw and I enjoy learning about Choctaw history. My nephew is Chickasaw and he’s very proud of his heritage.
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I’m Irish, my ancestors benefited from donations in 1847, I’m overwhelmed to learn this. Now Irish are trying to pay a debt of gratitude to your noble people and help tackle coronavirus. Peace to you all
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My grandmother was Choctaw I still know one of the songs. My family left Louisiana in the 30's depression. I am the only one left, Ian 73.
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native American were not primitive. by and large, you see some of the best farming systems in the world. That took a lot of thought and for planning. They out farm us to THIS DAY. their farming systems are still more productive.
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My whole dads side of the family is full blooded Choctaw I just found out now I’m totally obsessed finding out the history and background of the culture
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I was Raised knowing that I have Choctaw Indian Blood. The Older I get the More the Desire to know More of my Heritage Grows. So this is my 1rst Step in Learning More. Can't wait to watch this Video & Hopefully this will be the Beginning of my Journey but Not the End... #Excited 💥🌳❓😂💬👥
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Like if your Choctaw
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Great Presentation!!! I am Kumeyaay, but my husband and kids are Chickasaw and Choctaw. Love learning the history of their culture!!!
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Thank you for this amazing video! The Choctaw Nation gifted Ireland money during the Great Famine. My family is From Cullomane West outside of Skibbereen where they have a famine walk with a plaque honoring the Choctaw Nation. It literally brought tears to my eyes because in 1845 they were going through colonization but they did not hesitate to send relief !! Ireland 🇮🇪 never forgot that gesture because they understand colonization from British occupation after 600 years of this themselves! Shout out to Choctaw Nation and all Indigenous Tribes!
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This is awesome. I need to go to the cultural center. I’m 99% white but I still want to honor my Choctaw ancestors, especially since them being there was due to racism. It’s DNA and genealogically confirmed and I’m proud of that part of me. I hope I can help Choctaw people in the future.
