Introduction: The Trail of Tears was the forced displacement of approximately 60,000 people of the "Five Civilized Tribes" between 1830 and 1850, and the additional thousands of Native Americans within that were ethnically cleansed by the United States government.

As part of Indian removal, members of the Cherokee, Muscogee, Seminole, Chickasaw, and Choctaw nations were forcibly removed from their ancestral homelands in the Southeastern United States to newly designated Indian Territory west of the Mississippi River after the passage of the Indian Removal Act in 1830. The Cherokee removal in 1838 was the last forced removal east of the Mississippi and was brought on by the discovery of gold near Dahlonega, Georgia, in 1828, resulting in the Georgia Gold Rush. The relocated peoples suffered from exposure, disease, and starvation while en route to their newly designated Indian reserve. Thousands died from disease before reaching their destinations or shortly after. A variety of scholars have classified the Trail of Tears as an example of the genocide of Native Americans; others categorize it as ethnic cleansing.

Overview:

In 1830, a group of Indian nations collectively referred to as the "Five Civilized Tribes" (the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Muscogee, and Seminole nations), were living autonomously in what would later be termed the American Deep South. The process of cultural transformation from their traditional way of life towards a white American way of life as proposed by George Washington and Henry Knox was gaining momentum, especially among the Cherokee and Choctaw.

American settlers had been pressuring the federal government to remove Indians from the Southeast; many settlers were encroaching on Indian lands, while others wanted more land made available to the settlers. Although the effort was vehemently opposed by some, including U.S. Congressman Davy Crockett of Tennessee, President Andrew Jackson was able to gain Congressional passage of the Indian Removal Act of 1830, which authorized the government to extinguish any Indian title to land claims in the Southeast.

In 1831, the Choctaw became the first Nation to be removed, and their removal served as the model for all future relocations. After two wars, many Seminoles were removed in 1832. The Creek removal followed in 1834, the Chickasaw in 1837, and lastly the Cherokee in 1838. Some managed to evade the removals, however, and remained in their ancestral homelands; some Choctaw still reside in Mississippi, Creek in Alabama and Florida, Cherokee in North Carolina, and Seminole in Florida. A small group of Seminole, fewer than 500, evaded forced removal; the modern Seminole Nation of Florida is descended from these individuals. A number of non-Indians who lived with the nations, including over 4,000 slaves and others of African descent such as spouses or Freedmen, also accompanied the Indians on the trek westward. By 1837, 46,000 Indians from the southeastern states had been removed from their homelands, thereby opening 25 million acres (100,000 km²) for white settlement. When the "Five Tribes" arrived in Indian Territory, "they followed their physical appropriation of Plains Indians' land with an erasure of their predecessor's history", and "perpetuated the idea that they had found an undeveloped 'wilderness" when they arrived" in an attempt to appeal to white American values by participating in the settler colonial process themselves. Other Indian nations, such as the Quapaws and Osages had moved to Indian Territory before the "Five Tribes" and saw them as intruders.

Choctaw Culture

Choctaw Homes and Community: Choctaw homes were traditionally thatched-roof cabins of logs or bark plastered over with mud. The tribe was skilled in agriculture and used agriculture and the trade of surplus crops to sustain their economy. Community life was important, with dances held often. Extensive funeral rites were also performed among the Choctaw, and the ceremonies included spiritual men and women removing the bones from the deceased’s body in a spiritual ritual. The Busk, or Green Corn, festival was also important to the Choctaw.

Choctaw Pottery: The Choctaw Nation has been making pottery for centuries. There are two main types of vessels: Shuti and Ampo. Shuti vessels can be used to cook food, as they function well at high heat, much like cast iron. Ampo dishes are traditionally used to serve food and have intricate designs that often represent the patterns of nature. 

Colonization has tried to stifle this art form, but it has remained strong and has even seen a resurgence since 2009. Choctaw communities have begun classes and events to teach pottery and bring more people into the tradition. 

Choctaw Traditional Dances: Another form of expression threatened by assimilation, Choctaw dances have been kept alive by elders who witnessed the dances and participated in them. The revival of these traditions has led to a renewed tribal pride and identity, and the dances have returned to family and social functions. 

One of the most significant Choctaw dances is the War Dance. Both men and women can participate in the War Dance, which speaks to the importance of women in Choctaw culture. Special clothing is worn, and the dance includes increments of four steps since the number four is sacred to Choctaw natives as it represents several different cycles of life and nature. The dance is performed in a circular motion, with women on the inside of the circle, which represents the importance of protecting the home and the family.

Later Years: Near the end of World War I, a group of Choctaw Natives from Oklahoma became code talkers for the United States, using their language for covert military communications that turned the tide of the war. 

The Ireland Connection: Ireland and the Choctaw nation developed a special relationship over the years, as both people experienced the devastating effects of colonization. In 1847, just shortly after their forced relocation to Oklahoma via the Trail of Tears, a group of Choctaw Native Americans raised over $5,000 (in today’s money) to aid the Irish during the Irish Potato Famine. 

In 2018, Ireland established scholarships for Choctaw students to study abroad in their nation. During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ireland sent aid to several native tribes as a return gesture for their aid during the Potato Famine. 

Today, there are three federally recognized Choctaw tribes in the United States: The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, and the Jena Band of Choctaw Indians in Louisiana. Choctaws today are still advocating for the preservation of their culture, beliefs, and history. 

Famous Choctaw include Norma Howard, an artist from Stigler, Oklahoma, who paints scenes of children playing, women working in fields, and other images representing Choctaw life and family. Another famous Choctaw Native is George Quincy, a composer who has written for theater, dance, music, and television.