Chickasaw Tribe By Eric Jenkins

Lived & Homeland The Chickasaw are a native American tribe that originally lived in what is now the southern United States. Their traditional homeland was centered in what is now northern Mississippi, but it also included parts of what are now Alabama, Tennessee, and Kentucky.

Society and Culture The Chickasaw built their house with poles frame, which they covered with grass, bark, or hide. Chickasaw women planted corn, bean, squash, melons, and sunflowers. To celebrate the ripening of the corn crop, they held the Green Corn Ceremony every summer. Chickasaw men hunted deer and bear and caught fish.

History The Chickasaw had separated from their relatives the Choctaw before Europeans arrived in the area. They were more welcoming to English traders who arrived in the 18th century. The Chickasaw often sided with the English in their battle with French traders and settlers. They also took in members of the Natchez after that tribe was broken up by the French.

History Chickasaw were considered to be one of the Five Civilized Tribes, along with Cherokee, Choctaw, Creek, and Seminole. Relationship with U.S. became strained after moving into their territory. They were finally forced to move west in 1837. They lived among the Choctaw, who lost their lands in the Southeast. 1855 Chickasaw established a separate nation. In 1907 it became part of the state of Oklahoma.

Chickasaw Now -There are now 20,000 Chickasaw in the United States . -Half still lives in Oklahoma. -Centered in the town of Ada, the Chickasaw tribal government has about 2,000 employees and runs several shops and other profitable businesses