by James L. Cummins
The name “Choctaw” is believed by many to have come from one of their legendary leaders, Chahta; however, others believe it was derived from their word for Pear River, Hachha. Unfortunately, the Choctaw Indians left few written accounts so verifying some of the early origins can be difficult. Still, there is plenty we do know.
The Choctaw were one of the largest tribes belonging to the southern Muskhogean branch. Historically, nearly all the Choctaw towns were in the southeastern part of Mississippi, though they also controlled the adjoining territory in the present state of Alabama. Many of the small tribes of Mobile were often referred to as Choctaws.
Known as agriculturists and hunter gatherers, the Choctaw’s primary food sources included corn, nuts, fruit, beans, pumpkins, fish, bear, and deer. They have been known throughout history as hard-working people. Typically, the men were the hunters and warriors, and the women were gatherers, cooks, and caretakers. Men and women contributed to other facets of life equally, including acting as storytellers, artists, musicians, and even doctors. Also historically, men have served as chiefs, but in October 2011, the first female chief was duly elected by the Choctaw people.
Federally recognized in 1945, the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians is the only federally recognized American Indian tribe living within the state of Mississippi. This band of Choctaws live on a reservation, which belongs to the tribe and remains under its control, whereas the Oklahoma Choctaws live on trust land. Each tribe consists of its own government, laws, police, and services; however, the Choctaws are also U.S. citizens and must obey American law.
The Choctaw Indian Reservation encompasses 35,000 acres of land scattered over ten counties in East-central Mississippi. Their 10,000-plus members are disbursed among eight reservation communities: Bogue Chitto, Bogue Homa, Conehatta, Crystal Ridge, Red Water, Standing Pine, Tucker, and Pear River–which is the site of the tribal headquarters, the Choctaw Health Department/Center, the industrial park, and the well-known Pearl River Resort, among other tribal services.
The Choctaw language is a very rhythmic language, much akin to the language of the Chickasaw. While some in the Choctaw tribe still speak their native language (especially the elders), most primarily speak English.
While the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians continues to uphold their rich traditions and customs, the Choctaws are also crucial to the state. The Choctaws own and operate a diversified portfolio of service, retail, manufacturing, and tourism enterprises. Originally, the tribe chose to develop businesses to create jobs for its people to generate funds for services within their reservation including health care, education, and police and fire protection, among other things. Today, however, the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians provides thousands of full-time jobs with a wide diversity of employees. With annual payrolls over $100 million, the tribe continues to be one of the ten largest private employers in the state.
James L. Cummins is executive director of Wildlife Mississippi, a nonprofit conservation organization founded to conserve, restore, and enhance fish, wildlife, and plant resources throughout Mississippi. Their web site is www.wildlifemiss.org.
