The site serves as a testament to the rich history of the Chickasaw Nation and the broader Roots and Resilience Project. Roots and Resilience is dedicated to preserving narratives, artifacts, photos, and original documents from other Chickasaw families and tribes, preserving integral parts of American history and fostering an ongoing dialogue of understanding and appreciation.

The Chickasaw Indians have a rich and fascinating history that spans centuries. From legends of their forested home to the tragic forced migration that split the tribe into two groups, the Chickasaw people have a distinct cultural identity shaped by these foundational tales.

Though a Chickasaw tribal member myself, I only began learning the history of my tribe and ancestry fairly recently. As I became more fascinated by the tribe’s rich culture and history, I felt compelled to impart its legacy to a wider audience.

In school, students are often taught to think of Native Americans as a singular racial and ethnic group; however, that conception is a stereotype far from the truth. The Chickasaw nation is one of over 500 different tribes, each with a unique language and distinct traditions, beliefs, and values based on how the tribe adapted to its specific geographic landscape. My hope in writing this book is to preserve and celebrate not only the Chickasaw tribe but all Native American tribes that have demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of injustice.