Warrior Spirit

Unconquered and unconquerable, the spirit of the Chickasaw warrior lives on in unwavering determination, a fierce competitiveness, and focused attention on the path to success in the modern world. See where it started in the history of Chickasaw warriors.

14 Items

The Warrior Mentality: Strong, Determined

Lona Barrick
Lona Barrick describes the warrior mentality that was traditionally associated with the Chickasaw people.

The Chickasaw Warrior Tradition

Jeannie Barbour
Jeannie Barbour describes how necessary the Chickasaw "warrior tradition" was in defending villages and boundaries against attacks & intrusion.

The Lords of the Mississippi: What the Warrior Spirit Means to the Chickasaws

T.W. Shannon, Chickasaw Citizen and Former Member of the Oklahoma House of Representatives
The Chickasaw warrior was revered by European colonists, colonial governors, presidents and kings.

Our Warrior Identity Is Timeless

Dr. Amanda Cobb-Greetham, Director of Native American Studies, University of Oklahoma
Dr. Amanda Cobb-Greetham says that the Chickasaw warrior tradition dates back to the tribe's first contact with De Soto.

A Warrior's Support System

Matthew Neumeyer
It wasn't until Matthew Neumeyer's military career took him far away from his homelands that he realized what his tribal identity truly meant.

Piominko Earned His Stature

Richard Green
Tribal historian Richard Green explains that only a warrior's exploits can earn him status as a warrior or war leader – versus any entitlement.

Tishominko: Last Great Warrior Leader

Brad Lieb
Tishominko was the most famous Chickasaw leader and warrior from the early 19th century.

Chickasaw Women: Rallying the Warriors

LaDonna Brown
Chickasaw women who wanted to be warriors became warriors.

The Warrior Identity in Lowak Shoppala'

Lona Barrick
Lona Barrick discusses the Chickasaw warrior identity in the production of Lowak Shoppala'.

Panther Women, Battle Strategist

Jeannie Barbour
Jeannie Barbour notes the role of Chickasaw women in battle as communicators and strategists.

How Mountain Leader Piominko Got His Name

Brad Lieb
The famed Mountain Leader Piominko’s name comes from the Chickasaw words “hopayi',” meaning prophet and “minko',” meaning leader.

Cultural Center Symbol: Warrior Sculpture

Dr. Amanda Cobb-Greetham, Director of Native American Studies, University of Oklahoma
Dr. Amanda Cobb-Greetham discusses the significance of the Chickasaw warrior sculpture at the Cultural Center.

Tishominko: Warrior & Standard Bearer

Dr. Amanda Cobb-Greetham, Director of Native American Studies, University of Oklahoma
Amanda Cobb-Greetham explains how Tishominko has come to represent the best of what it means to be Chickasaw.

The Chickasaw Warrior Identity

Brad Lieb
The Chickasaw men earned their warrior identity through a series of rites of passage in their youth.