The Tragedy of Broken Trust

Promises were broken and generations of Chickasaws are affected

"The Tragedy of Broken Trust" recounts a side of American history that isn't taught in schools.

The Tragedy of Broken Trust

The effects of this era of federal control over the tribal governments reverberate today

"The Tragedy of Broken Trust" recounts a side of American history that isn’t taught in schools, a story of broken promises.

Woodland Era

Technological advancements such as pottery and weaponry expanded during this time

Our Chickasaw ancestors resided in the valleys of the Mississippi, Tennessee and Tombigbee River.

Continued European Expansion in the Americas

The Age of Exploration continues to affect the Chickasaw way of life

Spain, France and England each competed for their stake in the new world.

Trade Relationship Grows

The movement of goods between Carolina traders and the Chickasaws increase

The English in the Carolina colony were aware of the French claims and explorations in the Mississippi Valley, and eagerly pushed west.

Augusta Conference

More than 700 tribes attended to discuss the encroachment of traders and settlers onto their lands

Word of the Royal Proclamation had not yet reached the North American continent.

Setting the Stage for Removal

President Andrew Jackson considers options for a new Native American policy

By 1815, as Americans continued intruding onto tribal lands, the U.S. needed more land for its citizens.

Legislation and the Choate Case

A landmark land and taxation legal ruling for the Chickasaw Nation

In November of 1910, Congress acted to sell a portion of the unallotted land, which included 750,000 acres of Chickasaw land.

Termination Policy

A new decision to completely assimilate Native Americans into the general population

A 1943 survey of reservations throughout the U.S. showed the extreme poverty of much of the Indian population. The BIA and others were blamed.

First American Indian in Space

Astronaut John Herrington embarks on the sixteenth Space Shuttle mission to the International Space Station

John Herrington became the first enrolled member of a Native American tribe to fly in space.

Douglas H. Johnston Elected As Governor

The first governor of the Chickasaw people to be appointed by the president of the United States

Douglas H. Johnston became governor of the Chickasaw Nation in 1898. He served as governor from 1898-1900, 1900-1902, 1904-1906, and 1906-1939.

Benjamin Overton Elected As Governor

Known for his no-nonsense attitude and advocacy for the improvement of Chickasaw education

Benjamin Overton became governor of the Chickasaw Nation in 1874. He served as governor from 1874-1876, 1876-1878, 1880-1882, and 1882-1884.

The Indian Removal Act

With a formalized act and funding, the U.S. government could begin relocating the Five Civilized Tribes

This act authorized Jackson to negotiate with Southeastern Indian tribes for their land in return for territory west of the Mississippi River.

Settling Down

A separation from the Choctaw Nation and a new era of self-governance

In 1855 the Chickasaw signed a treaty of separation from the Choctaws and regained their independence and rights to self-government.

WinStar Opens

Eventually becoming the second largest casino in the world

Originally opened as WinStar Casinos in 2004, the facility was expanded and renamed WinStar World Casino in 2009 and then in 2012 was expanded again.

Land Run and Its Effects

Marked an increase in non-Indian settlement and led to statehood for Oklahoma

On April 22, 1889, thousands of non-Indians left the town of Purcell and rushed to claim their 160-acre tracts in the "unassigned lands" to the north.

Fort Washita

Protected the Chickasaw people from Plains Indians and non-native intruders

Fort Washita was established in 1842 under Colonel Zachary Taylor as the southwestern-most military post of the United States.

Remington Park

Reinvigorating racing and gaming in Oklahoma City

In 2009, a subsidiary of the Chickasaw Nation bought Remington Park, a racetrack and casino in Oklahoma City. By 2010 the park set attendance records.

Treaty with the Chickasaw, 1832 (also known as Treaty of Pontitock Creek)

Relinquished Chickasaw lands in exchange for suitable land west of the Mississippi River

The Treaty relinquished Chickasaw lands east of the Mississippi River in exchange for a promise to find suitable land west of the Mississippi River.

Indian Trade and Intercourse Act

The first law to regulate trade between Native Americans and colonists

One of the initial acts passed by the first U.S. Congress was the Indian Trade and Intercourse Act of 1790.