The MOWA Band of Choctaw Indians represent a vibrant, state-recognized American Indian tribe with deep roots in the southern Alabama landscape. Their story is one of resilience, adaptation, and a continued commitment to preserving their cultural heritage in the face of historical adversity. Geographically, their presence is most strongly felt in Washington and Mobile counties, where the majority of their citizens reside. The heart of their community lies along the picturesque banks of the Mobile and Tombigbee rivers, a region rich in both natural beauty and historical significance.
The MOWA Band of Choctaw Indians maintain a tangible connection to their ancestral lands through a 300-acre reservation. This land, a vital symbol of their identity and self-determination, is nestled near the close-knit southwestern Alabama communities of McIntosh, Mount Vernon, and Citronelle, all situated north of the bustling port city of Mobile. These communities serve as both neighbors and integral parts of the MOWA Choctaw’s contemporary experience.
A Legacy Etched in Time: Treaties and Removal
The broader Choctaw Nation, from which the MOWA Band traces its lineage, holds a significant place in the history of interactions between Native American tribes and the United States government. Before the tumultuous period leading up to the Civil War, the Choctaw Nation entered into nine treaties with the United States. These treaties, beginning with the Treaty of Hopewell in 1786, initially aimed to establish clear boundaries and foster peaceful relations between the two sovereign entities. The Treaty of Hopewell was particularly important as it sought to enshrine a lasting peace.
However, the subsequent treaties gradually eroded the promises of the initial agreement. Through these agreements, the Choctaw were compelled to cede vast expanses of their ancestral lands, succumbing to the relentless pressure of westward expansion and the insatiable demand for land by European settlers.
The culmination of this pressure arrived in 1830 with the Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek. This treaty marked a devastating turning point for the Choctaw people, as the United States seized the remaining portions of their ancestral territory east of the Mississippi River. This act initiated the forced relocation of the majority of the Choctaw Nation to Indian Territory, located in what is now the state of Oklahoma. This forced removal, a tragic episode in American history, is remembered as part of the "Trail of Tears," a period of immense suffering and loss for numerous Native American tribes.
Remaining in the Homeland: The Genesis of the MOWA Band
While the majority of the Choctaw Nation was forcibly removed to Indian Territory, a contingent of Choctaw people, primarily from Mississippi and Alabama, resolutely refused to abandon their ancestral homeland. Exercising a provision within the Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek that allowed individual Choctaw to remain as state residents if they relinquished their tribal self-governance, these individuals chose to stay behind, clinging to their connection to the land and their cultural identity.
These resilient individuals formed the nucleus of what would eventually become the MOWA Band of Choctaw Indians. They maintained their communities and traditions in relative isolation, navigating the complexities of a rapidly changing social and political landscape. They faced challenges in preserving their cultural identity while adapting to the dominant culture around them.
Contemporary Life and the Pursuit of Federal Recognition
Today, the MOWA Band of Choctaw Indians is a thriving community of approximately 3,600 citizens, led by an elected Chief. Their main community is near the reservation, and most of the citizens live in 10 small settlements surrounding the reservation. The tribe is currently led by Chief Wilford Taylor. They are actively engaged in preserving their cultural heritage through language revitalization programs, traditional arts and crafts, and cultural celebrations.
However, the MOWA Band continues to face significant challenges. Since the late 20th century, the tribe has diligently pursued federal recognition from the United States government. Federal recognition would provide the tribe with access to crucial resources and services, including funding for education, healthcare, and economic development.
The process of obtaining federal recognition is rigorous and demanding, requiring tribes to provide extensive documentation demonstrating their continuous existence as a distinct tribal entity throughout history. The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), the federal agency responsible for evaluating tribal recognition petitions, has thus far deemed the MOWA Choctaw’s documentation insufficient to meet the stringent continuity requirements.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, the MOWA Choctaw’s pursuit of federal recognition has encountered opposition from two federally recognized tribes in the region: the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. Both of these tribes operate successful gaming casinos and may perceive the MOWA Band’s potential federal recognition as a threat to their economic interests.
Culture and Society: A Tapestry of Tradition and Adaptation
The Choctaw people, including the MOWA Band, have a rich and complex cultural heritage deeply rooted in the southeastern United States. Historically, the Choctaw society was organized around a matriarchal clan system. Identity was first established by Moiety and Iska, so a Choctaw identified himself first as Imoklasha or Inhulata and second as Choctaw. TheChoctaw clans include the Wind, Bear, Deer, Wolf, Panther, Holly Leaf, Bird, Raccoon and Crawfish Clans. This system influenced social roles, inheritance, and political organization. The Choctaw language, part of the Muskogean language family, is an integral part of their cultural identity, and efforts are underway to revitalize its use among younger generations.
Traditional Choctaw arts and crafts, such as basket weaving, pottery, and beadwork, continue to be practiced and passed down through generations. These art forms serve as both a means of cultural expression and a source of economic opportunity for tribal members.
The Choctaw are also known for their distinctive traditions, including stickball, a physically demanding and strategically complex game that holds significant cultural and spiritual importance.
The Impact of Historical Classifications and Identity
The history of the MOWA Band is intertwined with the complex and often discriminatory racial classifications imposed by the state of Alabama. During the Jim Crow era, the state implemented laws that effectively reclassified Native Americans, including the Choctaw, as "colored" or Black, denying them access to public services and facilities. This reclassification was fueled by the observation of intermarriage between Native Americans and African Americans, as well as the state’s desire to maintain a rigid binary system of racial segregation.
The term "Cajan," popularized by a state senator, was used to describe the mixed-race population along the Mobile-Washington county line, further obscuring the distinct identity of the Choctaw people. These historical classifications had a profound impact on the MOWA Band, contributing to the loss of cultural identity and the challenges they face in obtaining federal recognition.
Moving Forward: Resilience and Self-Determination
Despite the historical and contemporary challenges they face, the MOWA Band of Choctaw Indians remains a resilient and determined community. They are committed to preserving their cultural heritage, promoting the well-being of their citizens, and pursuing their goal of federal recognition.
The story of the MOWA Band is a testament to the enduring strength and adaptability of Native American people in the face of adversity. Their continued efforts to maintain their cultural identity and achieve self-determination serve as an inspiration to other tribes and communities across the nation. The MOWA Band of Choctaw Indians are actively shaping their future while honoring their rich and complex past.