Reasserting Sovereignty

With the leadership of President Richard Nixon, tribal nations were once again able to assert their sovereignty. Tribes reclaimed their right to self-government. Soon the Chickasaw Nation began developing profitable businesses and an ambitious range of facilities and services for tribal members. Each step towards reviving the centuries-old Chickasaw government strengthened the tribe and its members who now live around the globe.

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Te Ata

World-famous for using her dramatic talents to tell the story of the Chickasaw people
Mary Frances Thompson took on the stage name Te Ata, which means "bearer of the morning" in Chickasaw.

Governor Overton James

After first being appointed governor by John F. Kennedy, he was elected to the position four times
James served in the U.S. Navy before returning to Oklahoma and later being appointed by President John F. Kennedy as Governor of the Chickasaw Nation.

President Richard Nixon

The first president to truly push for Native American self-determination and independence
Nixon was the 37th president of the United States and it was during his term that important changes for Native American policy would take place.