What Happened to the TCAB?

While this publication stated its support for Hollis Cheek, we did raise questions, which still needed to be answered. Rather than addressing these questions and then lets moving forward, all committee members apparently resigned. (Note: Martha Potts resigned for health reasons)

This leaves no leadership among the Cherokees, except 85 year old Saunders Gregg who is the Chief Justice. Certainly he will not be in a position to pick up the pieces of this mixed up puzzle.

While for the last 150+ years we have had our ties in Texas to these Cherokees and many, including myself are descended from, them. However, we as Choctaws have been the ones keeping them afloat. Had it not been for our families, the group would have died out politically after 1975.

The fear of many relatives I spoke to was that this group would become like so many others just claiming to be tribes but no historical or genealogical basis for such.

Therefore, should we intervene once again? From past experience, it would seem the answer should be no. However, we need to look at other issues such as the Mt. Tabor cemetery, which probably has some Choctaws from the Fannin-Doak lines there as well. This newsletter supports the acquisition and restoration of the Mt. Tabor cemetery, but not the political re-taking of the Texas Cherokees and Associate Bands, just to keep it going. While our history is tied to the TCAB, we can document our past through them and as a separate community as well.

Then what is to become of the TCAB? If the Mt. Tabor descendants, Thompson-Martin family included, do not step up to the task, then it is most likely finished for good. The only way it can be resurrected at that point is by the Pine Hill descendants, of which we would want to support wholeheartedly.

Now it appears to just be a wait and see game as to what, if anything happens next.

ADA--Candidate filing period for tribal elections is set for the week of June 7-11. To ensure all Chickasaw voters receive candidate information and voter ballots at their proper destinations, the department of tribal governmental services is encouraging all Chickasaw citizens to update their mailing addresses as soon as possible. For Chickasaws needing a Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood (CDIB), voter registration card, or citizenship application, call (580) 436-2603, ext. 527

ADA--The Chickasaw Nation is offering a program to assist Native Americans with filing for disability and supplemental income benefits and other governmental benefits. For assistance, stop by or call James Ross at the Carl Albert Indian Health Facility at (580) 436-3980. Ross counsels and advises Native Americans on the requirements to receive benefits, and on completing forms, making appointments, discuss entitlements and interpret correspondence. Also on file are many of the required by the government to apply for benefits. This service is open to all Native Americans.

SULPHUR--The Chickasaw Nation is planning its annual diabetic camp, June 8-11, at the Chickasaw Lodge and Restaurant. The camp will feature information sessions specifically related to nutrition, fitness, personal effectiveness and motivation in a natural park setting as visits will be made to the park near by. Registration has started at the Carl Albert Indian Health Facility in Ada and the satellite clinics. For more information contact: Pat Cox, (580) 226-8181; Phyllis Wernli, (580) 226-4869; Bobby Saunkeah, (580) 436-3980, ext. 4332; or 1-800-851-9136, ext. 4332

Mississippi Band of Chickasaws?

Our people would certainly qualify, as they would surely welcome proven Chickasaws, but are they for real?

In looking at their website, what we see is a Chickasaw version of Hicks Cherokee group. Yes they may have some who are Chickasaw descendants, but they are not a tribe/band according to the criteria set forth by the United States Government. They have no community ties as do we, nor do they have a long-term government that we have. They formed because they want to be a tribe, not because they are.

It is amazing how hard this is for some to understand that you must be a distinct community separate from those around you or have an inter-marriage rate high enough to prove you are distinct, before the government will accept you as a band or tribe. That is the primary problem with the TCAB meeting in March and same problem with the Hicks group.

Therefore, we encourage our people not to become involved with this group at all. We are still working hard to improve our relationship with the Chickasaw Nation. If we do decide in June to pursue federal acknowledgment, it will be due to our looking at all options and knowing we can prove to anyone, we are what we claim.

We still have to consider that some family members are already members of the Choctaw Nation and others the Chickasaw Nation, while the majority are members of neither. All views need to be considered and shall be before we move forward. As to the Mississippi Chickasaws, we wish them luck. Our path though should not be with them.

51^st Annual Thompson Reunion

Issues: Federal Status for Texas Chickasaws; Constitution & by-laws; Letter of Intent to the Bureau of Indian Affairs; Texas Cherokees & Associate Bands Status; Descendants list-enrollment; Litigation of treaty rights, etc.

Our hope is that all can attend in what may become a historic meeting for our family. For more information on the reunion contact Brad Thompson at: (254) 968-2485

Partial List 1818 Chickasaw Annuity Roll

When the advance party of the United Sates Treaty Commissioners arrived at the Treaty Grounds near the Chickasaw Old Town on September 29, 1818, they were surprised to find not only a very light attendance by the members of the Chickasaw Nation, but additionally a refusal by the Chickasaw Chiefs and head men present to entertain any "Talks" until they had been paid the annuity owed to them for some time. A messenger was immediately dispatched to Nashville to obtain the funds, while other clerks, on Thursday, October 8^th, began enrolling members of the Chickasaw Nation for the purpose of distributing the annuity when it arrived.

This annuity roll was the first known attempt at a complete census of the members of the Chickasaw Nation. According to the Journal kept on the 1818 negotiations, it was a census by clans. Unfortunately, it appears that the actual 1818 roll may have been lost sometime in the first half of the 1900's, but a hand written list of the names on that roll was made about the time of its disappearance.

The roll is an index of those individuals having English surnames and showing the page number wherein they appeared on the original roll.

Please be advised that while a surname was given for each individual on the original hand copied list, their has been some thought that in some cases this assignment of surnames was speculative. Further, the researcher should be aware that in many cases the order of enrollment was family head, wife, children, but this order was not followed in every known case. Additionally, it was the custom among the Chickasaw for some males to have more than one wife at a time, and hence more than one family. Sometimes the second or third wife might be listed, with her children, as a separate entry on the roll.

To complicate matters further, there are several occurrences on the list in which siblings are listed in the so-called children section. This has lead to some confusion among researchers in the past.

If in fact the original 1818 enrollment was by clan, as suggested by the Journal, then it is unfortunate that the names of the clans and who was a member of same was not preserved in the listing. Under the old Chickasaw marriage custom a man married into his wife's clan and their children became members of his wife's clan. A male could not marry someone from his own clan.

1999 Commemorative Choctaw "Trail of Tears" Walk

Young and old, strong and feeble, hundreds traveled to gather in Millerton, Oklahoma on May 1. They lined up on the streets of the small southeastern Oklahoma town ready to walk a few steps in honor of those who walked many. "We couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day for our memorial to our ancestors," said Chief Gregory E. Pyle. "From the roots they established deep in this red earth has come a tribe that grows stronger every day." The group, led by Chief Pyle and his wife, Pat, Little Miss Choctaw Dayla Amos and Jr. Miss Choctaw Reannon Frazier, left Millerton Park under beautiful skies. They followed a winding country road for two and one-half miles, reaching the historic Wheelock Academy within an hour. The Color Guard marched proudly, carrying the billowing colors of the Choctaw Nation and the United States high. Kids ran ahead. Many took their time, all enjoying the mild spring day. One image brought both a sadness and a strength to the walkers-our ancestors, bent against the harsh cold wind, struggling to walk through the freezing rain and snow. One hundred sixty-eight years ago the journey began. Not all of the Choctaws who left for Indian Territory survived the Trail of Tears. They battled not only the bitter winter weather but hunger and disease as they left the comfort of their homes and began the journey to the new land. As the group of walkers completed their trek, they held their heads high, proud of the heritage coursing through their veins. They joined others on the grounds of Wheelock in celebration of that heritage. "We had a wonderful turnout," said Chief Pyle. "Almost 3,000 visitors spent the day in fellowship, enjoying the activities and touring the historic buildings of Wheelock." "We have many of our staff members to thank for their hard work. They added many special touches to Wheelock such as fresh coats of paint, cleaning and mowing the lawns and planting flower beds," said Chief Pyle. Established in 1832 by the Rev. Alfred E. Wright, it began as Presbyterian mission. Ten years later, the Choctaw National School System adopted Wheelock into it as an exclusive school for Choctaw girls. The late 1850s knew it as the best seminary for young Choctaw girls in the Choctaw Nation. In 1882 the Choctaw Council set into action plans to operate the seminary as a boarding school for girls and began building a dormitory, Pushmataha Hall. The bell rang again from the tower atop Pushmataha Hall, its deep tones carrying over the crowd. Full of fond memories, many of the girls who once attended Wheelock came for a special reunion. Signing the register were 154 former students of the academy. Several had donated old pictures, school records and such for display during the day. In LeFlore Hall, once the faculty's living quarters, special exhibits adorned the walls-photos of Pushmataha Hall before the long porch was added to the front...fires that once ravaged parts of the buildings...class photos...smiling faces...the school in its glory days. Two of the ladies, Laura Carney of Smithville and Lena Mae Walker Rader of Idabel, were the oldest to attend. They are both 87. "It was a joy visiting with the former students,"said Chief Pyle. "They had many wonderful memories to share with everyone. It had to have been difficult for some of these ladies to attend the festivities, but they came anyway. Hopefully, meeting at Wheelock every year will become a tradition."

For those in the mood for a traditional meal, the Broken Bow Senior Citizens had cornhusk-wrapped banaha, pashofe corn and fry bread. They also had on hand several mouthwatering homemade desserts. The Choctaw Nation provided free Indian Tacos for those who walked. And, if your taste buds were hankering for a good old 'burger or hot dog, those were available, too. A dozen arts and crafts booths were set up around the perimeter, with everything from handmade jewelry to wooden crafts. There were games and face painting for the children. Choctaw Councilman and historian Charley Jones and Language Specialist Olin Williams told stories for everyone. Entertainment began on stage at 11 a.m. with the haunting sounds of D.J. Battiest's flute followed with performances by the Choctaw princesses. After lunch, The Orphan Family, the Battiest Family and the Master's Touch presented a variety of gospel music. A blow gun exhibition by Curtis Billy exploded puffs of smoke into the air. In an arena surrounded by hay bales, Broken Bow and Mississippi Choctaw dancers joined in several traditional Choctaw dances. Then, taking it to the field, the Oklahoma Choctaws took on the Mississippi Choctaws in a stickball competition, the last event of the day. Reprinted from the Choctaw Nation Information Page.

Inside Future Issues of the Choctaw Times

{Note: due to a computer "melt down" this issue was delayed and a lot of the information lost, that we had planned to present. We hope this is not too much of an inconvenience for all of you. We are now back and running and looking towards the future.}

 Chickasaw Land Sessions: Tennessee Lands 1805-1818

By Frederick Smoot, Tennessee GenWeb History Presentation