The Choctaw and Chickasaw tribes migrated from the west to what is now the southeastern United States, led by brothers Chiksa' and Chahta. They originally inhabited Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana but were forced to move by European settlers. The Chickasaw settled in parts of Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi and Alabama, relying on local river systems for trade. Both tribes had prominent chiefs who negotiated treaties, and engaged in arts like basket weaving, pottery and beadwork. The document provides an overview of the origins and traditions of the Choctaw and Chickasaw peoples.

1. Choctaw and
Chickasaw Indian
History
Where Did They Come From?

2. The Beginning of Two Nations
Many, many moons ago, these two Native
American tribes migrated from the West to
the Southeastern part of the US.
Brothers, Chiksa’ and Chahta, led them in two
groups.

3. Who are the Choctaw Indians
They were the original inhabitants of
what are now the southeastern states.
These are Mississippi, Alabama, and
Louisiana.
As the French moved into Louisiana, the
English and Irish and Scottish into
Alabama and Mississippi, the Indians
were forced to move from their homes.

4. The Chickasaws: Rebels
Had many enemies and constantly fighting
Settled in what is now Kentucky, Western
Tennessee, North Mississippi, and Northwest
Alabama
They relied on the Mississippi, Tennessee,
and Tombigbee Rivers to sustain them
These rivers made trade easy.

5. Most Famous Chief of the Choctaws
Pushmataha was the chief who
negotiated several different treaties
during the War of 1812.
He lead the Indians along with the U.S.
against the British.
Alfred Wade first governor of the
Choctaw Nation, 1857

6. George Hudson - born 1808 in
Mississippi
Among the first Indians to
be
removed to Indian territory
On the Choctaw Council

7. Chickasaw Chiefs
Piamingo (or Piaminco) - born near Tupelo, MS, 1750
Treaty of Hopewell: 1786, set boundaries for the Chickasaw Nation
Was friends with George Washington and awarded Washington Peace
Medal
Tishominko - assistant leader to Ishtehotopah before the Trail of Tears in
1837
May have died at age 100 of smallpox after the removal to Indian
territory

8. Life of the Choctaw
and Chickasaw Males
Did all the hunting
Trained the young boys to hunt
Were the storytellers
Played musical instruments

9. The Choctaw Female
Women Controlled land of their
own
Raised the crops
Cooked cleaned and took care of
the children

10. The Children
Girls could do what they wanted,
but most helped their mother
Boys trained to hunt and fight at
very young ages
The children played Stickball

11. Art of the Tribes
The Bow and Arrow:
● Traditionally shaped like a “D”
● Dates back 1,300 years
● Made from hardwood
● Arrows were made from cane
or saplings

12. Basket Making
Choctaws are famous for their
basket making.
Made of strips of cane
Dyed from colorful plants

14. Pottery
They have been making
pottery for 5,000 years.
Used for cooking, eating,
storage and making medicine.
Used for dying fabrics also.

15. Beadwork
Shoes
Sashes
Belts

16. Moccasins
Made of Deer Skin
Beaded for Decoration

17. Housin
gCalled the “Chukka”
Made of Clay and long grass

18. These Indian groups lived in villages that were
permanent in nature in the Mississippi region.