Reference Materials

The Chickasaw Nation offers reference materials for Chickasaw citizens, non-citizens, educators, students, parents and others to learn more about Chickasaw history, culture and traditions. This reference material can be used with Chickasaw student curricula or used independently to further one’s knowledge and understanding about Chickasaw culture and history. For information on the Chickasaw Nation curriculum and online lessons, please visit the curriculm page. The curriculum page offers educators and students information and lessons developed for classrooms on Chickasaw history and culture.


Title Grade Level Description Unit Source Lessons
A Brief History of the Natchez Trace in Chickasaw Country Secondary

These reference materials examine how the Natchez Trace was used by prehistoric Native Americans, Chickasaws, Europeans and later Americans making it a multicultural trading path, communication network and post road.

1 Students
Battle of Hikki’ya’ (Ackia) Elementary Secondary These reference materials discuss the events that led to the Battle of Hikki'ya' (Ackia), the 1736 battle between the Chickasaws and the French. 3 Students
Chickasaw Post-Removal Elementary These reference materials examine the history of events that followed the removal of our people from our historic homelands into Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma).  2 Students
Chickasaw Pre-Removal Elementary These reference materials provide a glimpse at early Chickasaw livelihood in our homelands of the North America southeast prior to removal to Indian Territory 2 Students
Chickasaw Removal Elementary Secondary

These reference materials examine the events that led up to the Chickasaws’ removal from our historic homelands of Mississippi, Alabama, Kentucky and Tennessee.

1 Chickasaw Nation
Chickasaw Removal and Resiliency Elementary These reference materials document the Chickasaws' journey from our homelands of the southeast during removal. 2 Students
Douglas Johnston and the Chickasaw White House Elementary Secondary These reference materials introduce Chickasaw Governor Douglas Johnston as well as his home in Emet, Oklahoma known as The Chickasaw White House.  2 Chickasaw Nation
Early Chickasaw Education Secondary

These reference materials examine early Chickasaw education during a time of uncertainty and change in our historic homelands of Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi and Tennessee.

1 Students
Indian Territory Government Elementary Secondary

These reference materials examine the Chickasaws’ current government structure and how it came to be.

1 Chickasaw Nation
Overton James and the Chickasaw Constitution Elementary Secondary

These reference materials describe the impact and influence of Gov. Overton James on the history of the Chickasaw people.  It follows the development of the Chickasaw Constitution and the Grassroots movement at Seeley Chapel.

3 Chickasaw Nation
Piominko, Payamataha and Tishominko Elementary Secondary

These reference materials examine three pre-removal Chickasaw leaders who tirelessly fought for our Chickasaw people, traditions and culture during a time of great change and uncertainty.

1 Chickasaw Nation
Protecting What is Sacred Secondary

These reference materials examine the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) and Chickasaw sovereignty as it applies to the Chickasaw Nation and the U.S. federal government’s relationship, specifically, in Mississippi along the Natchez Trace.

1 Students
The Civil War Elementary Secondary These reference materials discuss the part the Chickasaw Nation played in the Civil War and outlines specific Chickasaws who were involved in the War. 2 Chickasaw Nation
The History of Chickasaw Entrepreneurship Elementary Secondary

These reference materials explore how our Chickasaw people utilized entrepreneurship to provide and strengthen the lives of our own, both before and after Chickasaw Removal from the Homeland.

3 Chickasaw Nation
The War of 1812 Elementary Secondary These reference materials explore the role Chickasaws played in the War of 1812 and examines some specific contributions of Chickasaw warriors. 2 Chickasaw Nation
Through Our Own Eyes: A Chickasaw Perspective on Removal Secondary

These reference materials uncover the history of our removal from our historic homelands of Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi and Tennessee.

1 Students
Treaties between the Chickasaw Nation and the United States Secondary These reference materials identify some of the treaties signed between the Chickasaw Nation and the United States. Each treaty represents a moment in time when Chickasaw leaders selflessly fought to preserve Chickasaw identity, culture and sovereignty. 4 Students
World War I and II Elementary Secondary These reference materials give an overview of Chickasaws involved in WWI and WWII as well as introducing Chickasaw men and women who served in those wars.  2 Chickasaw Nation