The Choctaw Nation is the third-largest Indian nation in the United States, with over 200,000 tribal members and more than 11,000 employees. The first tribe over the Trail of Tears, historic boundaries are in the southeast corner of Oklahoma. The Choctaw Nations vision, Living out the Chahta Spirit of faith, family and culture, is evident as it continues to focus on providing opportunities for growth and prosperity.
Formalized in 1857, the pipe within the seal is traditionally understood as a representation of community alliances. Rising tobacco smoke from the pipe can symbolize prayer connections, and the unstrung bow is a symbol of the Choctaw people's love of peace but willingness to go to war if attacked. The three arrows honor Choctaw Chiefs Pushmataha, Moshulatubbee and Apuckshunnubbee.
The Choctaw Nation is governed by the Choctaw Nation Constitution, which was ratified by the people on June 9, 1984. The constitution provides for an executive, a legislative and a judicial branch of government. The chief of the Choctaw Nation is elected every four years, Tribal Council members are elected from single-member districts for four-year terms. The legislative authority of the tribe is vested in the Tribal Council, which consists of twelve members.
Cultural Services preserves Choctaw cultural values by providing a foundation of knowledge utilizing traditional elders, resource materials, cultural activities and by protecting historic sites and cultural artifacts sacred to the Choctaw peoples past and future.
Welcoming visitors to explore the rich history, culture, and experiences of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and its community. The Cultural Center offers over 100,000 square feet of rich, living exhibitions, a vast Living Village, classrooms, a theater, caf and retail that combined, bring the Chahta spirit of faith, family and culture to life!
The Choctaw Nation was divided into three districts: Apukshunnubbee, Moshulatubbee, and Pushmataha. Each district had its own chief from 1834 to 1857; afterward, the three districts were put under the jurisdiction of one chief.
