Nixon's Message to Congress

The first modern presidential message of its kind promoting the rights and well being of native people

On July 8, 1970, President Nixon delivered a special message to Congress on Indian affairs.

Chickasaws Elect a Governor

Overton James became the first elected Chickasaw governor since 1904

Under the Indian Civil Rights Act of 1968, as well as other federal legislation, the right to hold popular elections was restored.

First Chickasaw Business, Chickasaw Motor Inn

The first of many successful economic ventures to come

In 1972, the Chickasaw Nation purchased a travel lodge in Sulphur, Oklahoma, paving the way for successful economic ventures around the globe.

Indian Self-Determination and Indian Education Assistance Act

An era of tribal termination ends

Signed into law in 1975, the Indian Self-Determination and Indian Education Assistance Act reversed 30-years of termination policies.

Chickasaw Headquarters in Ada

A new central location for the Chickasaw Nation's seat of government

An increase in federal grants became available with the passage of the 1975 Act, just as the Chickasaws were outgrowing their tribal headquarters.

Early Plans to Reenter Tupelo

Back to the Homeland

Governor Overton James went to tour the Chickasaws' ancestral home in Tupelo in 1978.

First Lieutenant Governor

Lieutenant Governor Bill Anoatubby elected by popular vote of Chickasaw Nation tribal citizens

In late 1979, Bill Anoatubby was elected the first Lieutenant Governor of the Chickasaw Nation by popular vote of the tribe's citizens.

A New Chickasaw Constitution

Tribal officials worked tirelessly to formulate a constitution to fit the needs of a modern Chickasaw society

• History Timeline

In 1979, the Department of Interior and a federal district court approved a draft of a new Chickasaw Constitution.