Every day of the year a great day to be Chickasaw!


This article appeared in the July 2015 edition of the Chickasaw Times

The United States is now one of the longest continually operating countries in history. On Independence Day 2015, Americans celebrate 239 years of independence. On July 4, 1776, the Founding Fathers declared America’s independence from Great Britain with the signing of our Declaration of Independence.

Independence Day is, of course, a major celebration for all U.S. citizens. This marks the day our country rejected British colonialism and authority and officially struck out on her own. Of course, there would be many battles against the British during the American Revolutionary War, in which the U.S. eventually prevailed with the American victory over Cornwallis at Yorktown in 1781. The Treaty of Paris, officially recognizing American independence, was signed in 1783.

For Chickasaws, Independence Day is a great day. Despite the many challenges, stresses and serious issues between the U.S. and the Chickasaw Nation over the 239 years, Chickasaws are proud American citizens. Throughout history, Chickasaws have served in great numbers in the U.S. military and have fought for their country on numerous battlefields throughout the world.

Of course, we have been Chickasaw citizens far longer than we have been U.S. citizens. While that fact can be somewhat perplexing to non-Chickasaws, it is a relationship we cherish and celebrate. We are uniquely Chickasaw, and uniquely American…a wonderful combination!

Our tribal history, including our fully functioning government, became the bedrock of the recognition of our sovereignty. The U.S. Constitution, most particularly through its Commerce Clause, makes is clear that, from the very beginning, the U.S. recognized the tribal governments of the land as sovereign entities. Thus, we Chickasaws have a “dual citizenship.”

We have embraced our American nation and all the good things she represents. We also treasure our Chickasaw Nation. Our tribal government has operated consistently for countless generations, and our common culture binds us together as nothing else can. Over the many years, Chickasaws have counted on each other and built a strong nation through incredible effort and commitment.

We have the unique gift of being patriotic American citizens, and also loyal and dedicated Chickasaws. Our relationships with our country and our tribe are deep, historic and completely natural.

We celebrate the sacrifices that have been made to bring us to this point in our history. We enjoy living in a free and democratic country, and we cherish the enduring connections of our tribal family.

It’s a great day to be an American and a Chickasaw!