Te Ata: Influential Storyteller

Te Ata Fisher was an incredibly influential storyteller and one of the best-known Chickasaw actors of all time. Here, explore her story and discover how Chickasaw playwright JudyLee Olivia forever immortalized her in a play about her life.

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Te Ata

World-famous for using her dramatic talents to tell the story of the Chickasaw people
Mary Frances Thompson took on the stage name Te Ata, which means "bearer of the morning" in Chickasaw.

Te Ata: A JudyLee Oliva Production

Experience Chickasaw History and Culture
This film presents a short but fascinating biography of the woman who inspired a nation.

Te Ata, the Play by Dr. JudyLee Oliva

Lona Barrick
Dr. JudyLee Oliva's play Te Ata recounts the fascinating journey of this Chickasaw icon.

June 1, 2012 – Te Ata Play

Chickasaw Nation News
Chickasaw playwright JudyLee Oliva discusses the impact of famed Chickasaw storyteller Te Ata.

JudyLee Oliva: Quiet Power

Meet Our People – The Enduring Spirit of the Chickasaw Nation
JudyLee Oliva explains that, to her, being Chickasaw means being in possession of a "quiet power that gets things done."

Te Ata: Inspirational Storyteller

Lisa Billy
Lisa Billy recounts the ways in which the renowned Chickasaw Te Ata Fisher contradicted the norms of her day.

Te Ata's Roots in Boarding School

Lona Barrick
Lona Barrick recounts the early childhood of Te Ata, who attended Bloomfield Academy with her sisters in the early 1900s.

Te Ata and Ataloa in College

Lona Barrick
Lona Barrick illustrates the relationship between Te Ata and her cousin Ataloa – another successful Chickasaw artist.

Te Ata: The Emerging Artist

Lona Barrick
Lona Barrick illustrates the charismatic charm Te Ata exhibited throughout her very successful career.

Te Ata: Native Ambassador to the World

Lona Barrick
Lona Barrick describes the impact Te Ata had on Native American cultures by bringing their stories to the world's attention.

Te Ata: An Inspiration to Us All

Lona Barrick
Lona Barrick explains how Te Ata became honored as Oklahoma's "first cultural treasure."