Chickasaw Unconquered and Unconquerable.

Chickasaw Unconquered and Unconquerable

David G. Fitzgerald, photography

Chickasaw Press

PO Box 1548, Ada, Oklahoma 74820

University of Oklahoma Press (distributor)

2800 Venture Dr., Norman, OK 73069

9781558689923, $34.95, www.oupress.com

Featuring an introduction by Bill Anoatubby (Governor of the Chickasaw Nation), "Chickasaw Unconquered and Unconquerable" is a magnificent, vivid retelling of the incredible story of the Chickasaw nation. In the words of Chickasaw nation Governor Bill Anoatubby," The story of the Chickasaw Nation is one of survival, persistence, triumph, achievement, and beauty. It is the story of a people determined not only to survive but to prosper and live well ... It is a chronicle of unsurpassed natural splendor and spiritual connectivity to the land that can never be permanently separated from the hearts of Chickasaws."

Richly illustrated by full color photographs and portraits by award-winning photographer David Fitzgerald, plus illustrations by Chickasaw artist Jeannie Barbour, and additional historical paintings and artworks, "Chickasaw Unconquered and Unconquerable" displays the full panorama of a nation's complex 900 -year -plus history. A convenient illustrated timeline appears on Pages 8-9 to guide the reader through stages of the history with significant events such as the 1830 Indian Removal Act and the 1856 Chickasaw constitution written and government established, highlighted. Chapter essays by Jeannie Barbour, Amanda Cobb, and Linda Hogan complete the cultural collection, along with poems, paintings, and more wonderful photographs of living Chickasaw teachers, lawyers, artists, and elders preserving and bestowing their part of the Chickasaw legacy.

"Chickasaw Unconquered and Unconquerable" is more than a beautiful cultural history book, though it is also that; it is a glimpse of a nation's living spirit, resilient, strong, and true to its heart. A resource for Native American studies and art and cultural historians, the book will enlarge, challenge and change previously held opinions of dominant culture expansion.

The closing poem on page 121, "Native and American," by David Ballard perfectly summarizes how the Chickasaw warrior tradition continues today, as shown by the photo portrait of four Chickasaw warriors enlisted U.S. Army personnel, including U.S. Army Major Ted Scribner (retired), Sergeant Thea Stephens, Specialist Bradley J. Barrick, and Chief Warrant Officer jay Mitchell. "From the East to the West, we believe in freedom/ From the North to the South/ It's the Red, White and Blue/ And like the eagle flying high above this land I love/ I'm proud to be Native and American."