Keeping pace with change is a historic Chickasaw talent

This article appeared in the June 2017 edition of the Chickasaw Times

There is one element we can consistently count on in our modern lives, and that one element is change.

In today’s fast-paced world, an existing reality can quickly make a turn when change marches in to alter everything! The pace of modern technology and communication offer excellent examples. Those of us who work with information are constantly challenged by change. Modern systems simply change at a faster and faster rate.

The Chickasaw Nation and the Chickasaw people are no strangers to change. Throughout our history we have been confronted with tremendous obstacles and changes of environment.

We were originally a warrior nation with a sophisticated system of government. Our Southeastern communities were cooperative, prosperous and well-defended.

Then, of course, our people were removed and sent to a new and virtually unknown territory. For generations to follow, we were challenged not just by the land and the scarcity of resources, but also by the intrusions of other entities that did not have our best interests at heart.

We have persevered and are once again prosperous, strong and vital. We are a leader among the hundreds of federally-recognized tribes, and our progressive posture and success have given us security.

The lesson for us is that we know change will come, and we have become good at adapting. Change is a constant the Chickasaw Nation and the Chickasaw people have faced with courage and success.

For the generations long past, the skills of war and hunting were most essential. Later, Chickasaws realized they would have to learn new skills in order to move forward with the ever-changing environment.

Today, Chickasaws are undoubtedly succeeding in the modern world. A commitment to education has been a real key to our success. An ever-growing number of Chickasaws are professionals, trades journeymen, artists, scientists, soldiers and so much more. Chickasaws are succeeding in these disciplines because we have recognized the changes in American society and stayed current with those changes.

Could Chickasaws a century ago have imagined what Chickasaws today are achieving? The Chickasaw Nation of 1917 looked much different than today. Chickasaw families, for the most part, lived and worked at subsistence levels. There was virtually no opportunity for Chickasaws. The changes that had swept through virtually all of Indian country had created tremendous hardship and challenge.

But the people persevered. It was slow going at first as Chickasaws adapted to the changes and learned how to survive. As time marched on, the challenges continued. But Chickasaws learned how to “roll with the punches” and make things better.

Today, the changes we experience are not so earth-shaking, but the change comes much faster. For Chickasaw people today, the key challenge is balancing the demands of modern work and society with the traditions that define us. We cherish our families and our relationships even as we are tugged by the seven-day, 24-hour demands of our careers and our world.

Even success has its challenges. Those are the challenges that today’s Chickasaws will meet and overcome, in accordance with our unique and wonderful history.

From our tribe of warriors and hunters we have evolved into a modern tribe of variety and aspiration. We now live in countless places, we engage in many career fields, and we are tugged by the changes the world continues to throw our way.

And, as always, we will remember our culture and heritage that is close to all Chickasaw hearts. We will care for each other; treasure our families; be upright, strong and proud to be Chickasaw!