Sequoyah Constitutional Convention

An effort that was not supported by the Chickasaw Nation

In early 1905, James Norman, a Cherokee, began a separate statehood movement for Indian Territory.

Enabling Act

Congress prepares Oklahoma for statehood

In 1906 Congress passed the Enabling Act, which provided for a draft of a constitution for a single state made up of Oklahoma and Indian Territory.

Indian Reorganization Act

Proposed to restore more sovereignty to the Native American people

The Wheeler-Howard Bill became known as the Indian Reorganization Bill or IRA. It was proposed by the new Commissioner of Indian Affairs.

Termination Policy

A new decision to completely assimilate Native Americans into the general population

A 1943 survey of reservations throughout the U.S. showed the extreme poverty of much of the Indian population. The BIA and others were blamed.

American Indian Movement

Founded to reverse ruinous federal policies and renew the spirit of American Indian people

The late 1960s was a period of unrest for many in the United States, including American Indians, many of whom felt they were not being treated fairly.

Peter Maytubby Elected As Governor

Elected but didn't serve

Although Peter Maytubby was elected in 1906, he never officially took office.

Governor Johnston's Death

The passing of the last chief executive of the Five Tribes

Governor Johnston, the last chief executive of the Five Tribes elected by his people, died on June 28, 1939.

Floyd Maytubby Appointed As Governor

A World War II and Great Depression governorship

Floyd Maytubby was appointed governor of the Chickasaw Nation in 1939. He served as governor from 1939-1963.

Indian Citizenship Act

First Americans denied citizenship until now

This Act, also known as the Snyder Act, was named in honor of Representative Homer P. Snyder of New York. It granted Indians full U.S. citizenship.

Legislation and the Choate Case

A landmark land and taxation legal ruling for the Chickasaw Nation

In November of 1910, Congress acted to sell a portion of the unallotted land, which included 750,000 acres of Chickasaw land.

Allotment Act

Congress breaks up tribal land mass

In the Supplemental Agreement Act to the General Allotment Act of 1902, each member of the Choctaw and Chickasaw tribes was allotted 320 acres.

The Tragedy of Broken Trust

The effects of this era of federal control over the tribal governments reverberate today

"The Tragedy of Broken Trust" recounts a side of American history that isn’t taught in schools, a story of broken promises.

Oklahoma Indian Welfare Act

Supported the business and governmental aspects of Oklahoma tribes

While Governor Johnston had generally supported Collier's Indian Reorganization Act, that Act tended to favor the Southwestern Indians.

Overton James Appointed As Governor

The youngest to serve in that position at that time and appointed by President John F. Kennedy

Overton James became governor of the Chickasaw Nation in 1963. He served as governor from 1963-1987.

E.B. Maytubby Appointed As Governor

He assumed governorship in May of 1963, following the death of his nephew, Governor Floyd Maytubby

E.B. Maytubby was appointed governor of the Chickasaw Nation in 1963. He served as governor from May 1963 to October 1963.

Reviving Chickasaw Government and Culture

Social and cultural programs introduced to preserve the heritage of the Chickasaw people

• History Timeline

In 1963, the Chickasaws began to pressure the federal programs to provide social and economic services.

Oklahoma Statehood

No longer a territory, Oklahoma becomes the 46th state

On November 16, 1907, President Theodore Roosevelt proclaimed Oklahoma a state.