Location: The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma is located in the southeastern part of Oklahoma.
History: The Choctaws were the first tribes to be moved to Oklahoma in 1830 on the Trail of Tears. Once in Oklahoma, the Choctaw quickly adapted to white culture with the help of missionaries. They accepted a new religion and code of morals, a new educational system, adopted the constitution and legal system of the United States, and modified their agricultural and commercial practices.
Daily Life: Culturally, the Choctaws have always honored their women as the head of every family household. They were, and still are today, considered the care-takers of the home. Today the Choctaw Nation provides many services for the Indian people, including housing programs, medical services, job training, and educational programs. The Choctaw Nation has become deeply involved in economic development enterprises such as bingo palaces, smoke shops and shopping centers which have provided many jobs for Choctaws.
Best Known Feature: The Annual Choctaw Labor Day Celebration has become one of the largest and most well known events in Oklahoma today. Tourists and Choctaw alike can enjoy traditional cultural activities, annual Choctaw Princess Pageant, traditional foods, arts and crafts, sporting games, camping, fishing and musical entertainment.
