Chickasaw resourcefulness has often defined us as a tribe
This article appeared in the April 2015 edition of the Chickasaw Times
Facing challenge is something everyone encounters in life. How we respond to each challenge is what sets us apart.
Chickasaws are known for meeting challenges head-on, and for being highly resourceful in overcoming obstacles and adversity.
Resourcefulness is defined as “the ability to meet and handle situations.” That definition certainly applies to virtually every era of Chickasaw history!
Chickasaws have historically been highly resourceful, both individually and as a tribe. Our ancestors regularly encountered all kinds of obstacles. How they responded to those challenges is a big part of our tribal history.
We know Chickasaws were, and are, widely recognized for their warrior skills. Those skills included how to expertly utilize weaponry. But, significantly, those skills also included the ability to adapt and win. Our tribal history is full of examples of exceptional Chickasaw battle strategy.
Our ancestors understood how to properly plan each encounter to pave the best path to victory.
We were also known as accomplished traders. Chickasaws traversed the Mississippi River and its tributaries trading goods. Our ancestors were good at figuring out what the people on the other side of transactions needed, and how best to secure what fulfilled the needs of the tribe.
We all know that Removal, and the years that followed, were very challenging. Chickasaws had to adjust to new realities. They responded by surviving a tremendously hard environment and rebuilding the nation in new lands.
Our ancestors, as always, proved up to the task.
In today’s Chickasaw Nation, we have traveled relative “light years” from those days, all the while maintaining our traditions of resourcefulness and adaptability. We have together built a successful, vibrant, caring tribe. Programs and services for Chickasaws across the country, and around the world, are helping produce improved, happy Chickasaw lives.
As Chickasaw citizens, there are so many doors open to us today. Chickasaws everywhere are building careers, families and tremendous futures for themselves and their children.
As a modern Chickasaws, we have within us all that resourcefulness we inherited from previous generations. We have “the ability to meet and handle situations” - and in a very positive way!
We have all have pulled together to build an outstanding tribe. Chickasaws long ago determined they were going to be winners. That determination has never waned.
Today, Chickasaw people continue to be highly resourceful and highly successful. Chickasaws understand they will meet challenges along the way. The way positive and pragmatic way they respond to those challenges is what has defined the Chickasaw Nation throughout its history.
Just like those Chickasaws who preceded us, we know we will face challenges, obstacles and adversity. And like our ancestors, Chickasaws will continue to be actively engaged in achieving progress.
There is much ahead to be accomplished. Together, as Chickasaws, we will meet the future with the confidence born of our forefathers. Our Chickasaw history reminds us that all things are possible with determination, perseverance and hope.