Jena Band of Choctaw Indians

The Jena Band of Choctaw Indians (Choctaw: Jena Chahta) are one of three federally recognized Choctaw tribes 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. Their headquarters are at Jena, Louisiana. Tribal membership totals 327.[1][2]

Jena Band of Choctaw Indians
Eastern Choctaw
Total population
327[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
Location of the Jena Band of Choctaw Indians in Louisiana

Government

The tribe is headquartered in Jena, Louisiana. Their elected 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) 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 by and contributed to Spanish, French, and English colonial cultures. They were known for their rapid incorporation of modernity, developing a written language, transitioning to yeoman farming methods, and accepting European Americans and African Americans into their society by birth, adoption or marriage.

References
  1. Jena Band of Choctaw Indians Brief Historical Summary. Jena Band of Choctaw Indians. Retrieved on 2020-06-10.
  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." Archived 2010-09-26 at the Wayback Machine National Congress of American Indians. (retrieved 7 Sept 2010)
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