History of Toli: Choctaw Political Organization

The Choctaw, just prior to contact with European powers, had a complex society that encompassed more than 100 permanent communities. These communities were divided into three discrete geographic and political units. The districts (Okla Hannali in the south, Okla Falava in the northwest, and Okla Tannap in the northeast) were all autonomous units with each having its own non-hereditary Chief. Each Chief traditionally was aided in decision making by a Speaker, a War Chief, and several of the local village chiefs. In times of need, representatives from each District would meet to make decisions for the entire Nation.

Pictured here is Chief Moshulatubbee, one of the three chiefs who signed the Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek (which ultimately lead to the removal of most Choctaw from Mississippi).