Jena Band of Choctaw Indians

Jena Band of Choctaw Indians
Eastern Choctaw
Total population
241[1]
Regions with significant populations
 United States ( Louisiana)
Languages
English, Choctaw
Religion
Christianity, traditional beliefs
Related ethnic groups
Other Choctaw tribes, Muscogee (Creek), Chickasaw, Seminole, Cherokee

The Jena Band of Choctaw Indians are one of three Federally recognized Choctaw groups in the United States. They are based in La Salle, Catahoula, and Grant parishes in the U.S. state of Louisiana.

The Jena Band received Federal recognition in 1995 and has a reservation in Grant Parish, with their headquarters at Jena. Tribal membership totals 241.[1][2]

Government

The tribe is headquartered in Jena, Louisiana. Their current Principal Chief of the Jena Band is Cheryl Jackson Smith.[3]

Reservation

The Jena Band of Choctaw Reservation (31°26′16″N 92°29′56″W / 31.43778°N 92.49889°W / 31.43778; -92.49889) is located in two separate parts in Grant Parish, in and near the village of Creola. The larger section is located northwest of the village, while the smaller section is located within the village.

Culture

Main article: Choctaw Culture

Choctaw culture has greatly evolved over the centuries absorbing mostly European-American influences. It was also shaped and contributed to Spain, France, and England colonial cultures. They were known for their rapid incorporation of modernity, developing a written language, transitioning to yeoman farming methods, and accepting European American and African Americans into their society by birth, adoption or marriage.

References

  1. 1 2 Jena Band of Choctaw Indians Brief Historical Summary. Jena Band of Choctaw Indians. Retrieved on 2008-05-09.
  2. ↑ Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 55 / Thursday, March 22, 2007 / Notices (PDF). Library of Congress. Retrieved on 2008-05-09.
  3. ↑ "Tribal Governments by Area: Southeast." National Congress of American Indians. (retrieved 7 Sept 2010)
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