On July 4, 1837, Chickasaw men, women, children and elders prepared to venture into the unknown aboard a Mississippi steamship. But this journey of survival began decades earlier.

In this episode of Winter Fire, historians and Chickasaw experts detail the evolving encroachment of the Chickasaw homeland by Euro-Americans that forced the tribal leadership to make difficult decisions. This era of uncertainty is marked by backroom deals and painful betrayals from U.S. officials, but Chickasaw people and leaders remained steadfast throughout these shifts.

Despite illegal settlements, manipulation and broken treaty promises, Chickasaw leaders, including Tishominko and George and Levi Colbert, kept eyes on the future. Their dedication to the longevity of the unconquered and unconquerable Chickasaw Nation informed every decision they made, setting the stage for today’s thriving and sovereign Chickasaw Nation.