Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma (Durant, OK)
The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma (Chahta Okla) is a federally recognized tribe whose headquarters are in Durant, Oklahoma. The Choctaw people originally lived in the Southeast (especially present-day Mississippi and Alabama). In the 1830s, many Choctaw were forced to leave their homeland during the Indian Removal era, traveling west to Indian Territory (now Oklahoma). In Oklahoma, they rebuilt communities, formed a strong tribal government, and kept their identity through family, faith, education, and public service. Today, the Choctaw Nation is one of the largest tribes in the United States and serves its citizens through programs such as health care, education, and language learning.
Three interesting facts
The Choctaw Nation says it is the third-largest Indian Nation in the U.S., with more than 230,000 tribal members (stated in a December 16, 2025 news release).
The Nation operates a School of Choctaw Language (Chahta Anumpa Aiikhvna) and offers online courses from Durant.
A Choctaw-language hymnal was first published in 1829 and later expanded through multiple editions.
What is the tribe’s most recent population census?
For tribes, the most useful “census” number is usually tribal enrollment/registered members (not a U.S. Census category). The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma has recently reported more than 230,000 tribal members (December 16, 2025).
What is the language spoken by the tribe?
The tribe’s heritage language is Choctaw, often written as Chahta anumpa (“Choctaw language”). Choctaw is part of the Muskogean language family and is closely related to Chickasaw. Choctaw is written with a Roman-letter alphabet, and the Choctaw Nation has supported modern learning tools such as a New Choctaw Dictionary (published by the Nation).
Is there a language revitalization program in the tribe?
The Choctaw Nation runs the Chahta Anumpa Aiikhvna (School of Choctaw Language) with multiple ways to learn, including classes, online courses, and a language apprenticeship program (a year-long, full-time learning track). In late 2025, the Nation also announced a partnership with Rosetta Stone to build an immersive digital course to help more citizens learn Choctaw.
Does the tribe have any Christian history?
Christian influence among the Choctaw grew strongly in the 1800s through mission churches and mission schools. Historical sources describe missionaries like Cyrus Kingsbury, who helped establish mission work and schools among the Choctaw beginning in 1818. Over time, Choctaw believers and leaders also shaped church life, including Choctaw Christian ministers and worship traditions. The Choctaw Nation’s own history writing on hymns describes Choctaw and missionary leaders working together to build Choctaw-language Christian worship resources during a very difficult period in tribal history.
Is there a Bible in the language of the tribe?
Parts of the Bible were translated into Choctaw in the 1800s, including a published Choctaw New Testament produced through major Bible publishing efforts (for example, an edition credited to Alfred Wright and published by the American Bible Society in the 1800s). These early translations became a foundation for later work, but many readers today find the older style of language difficult because it uses older vocabulary and spelling patterns.
Are there any Bible translation efforts in the tribe?
In recent years, a Choctaw Bible Translation Committee has been working on a new, modern translation. Reported progress includes translated portions of Matthew, Mark, Luke, 2 Corinthians, 1–3 John, and some shorter Old Testament books (including Amos and Jonah). The project has involved funding for Choctaw translators and help from volunteers connected with Choctaw churches, with a goal (as reported) of completing a digital New Testament in 2027 and printing it afterward.
Are there any gospel hymns in the tribe’s language?
There is a long history of Choctaw-language Christian hymns, including a formal hymnal tradition. According to the Choctaw Nation’s historical article, Alfred Wright and Cyrus Byington began compiling a Choctaw hymnal, first published in 1829 with 55 hymns and five doxologies, and later editions added more hymns and worship materials. The article notes that multiple editions were published over time, and it highlights both Choctaw and non-Choctaw contributors who helped write and translate hymns in the Choctaw language.
