MOWAChoctaw

09/10/2025

What if your ancestors fought to stay on their land — and the system still doesn’t recognize them?

That’s the story of the MOWA Choctaw Tribe of Alabama. And now, nearly 200,000 people have watched our PBS special sharing the truth about who we are — and how the federal recognition process works.

Who will be the 200,000th viewer? Could it be you?

Each week, thousands more are learning about the MOWA Choctaw —
✅ A fully functioning tribal government
✅ Nearly 8,000 enrolled members
✅ Continuing our efforts to be federally recognized

🎥 Watch the PBS Origins special now:
https://youtu.be/z6RP2S1TR-M?si=rMnzcsNSBlJQ-DTC

📢 Help us keep the momentum going:
👉 Share this link on social media
👉 Talk about it with your family and friends
👉 Tag your elected officials
👉 Help educate others about the federal recognition process and why it matters

We are MOWA Choctaw. We are still here. And we are not going away.

Check out Weathered: Earth's Extremes: https://to.pbs.org/WeatheredITMThe 1830 Indian Removal Act led to the forced relocation of nearly 50,000 Indigenous pe...

09/10/2025

🌟 We’re Honored to Be Featured in the News! 🌟

The Montgomery Advertiser recently highlighted Alabama’s Native tribes — including the MOWA Band of Choctaw Indians, Alabama’s first state-recognized tribe.

For generations, our people have called McIntosh, Mount Vernon, Calcedeaver, and Bayou Chastang home. Today, we continue our work for federal recognition and celebrate all the good that Native tribes bring to Alabama — in culture, history, and community service.

We thank the Montgomery Advertiser for shining a light on the story of Alabama’s tribes and our continuing journey.

👉 Read the full article here:
https://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/news/2025/09/09/how-many-native-american-tribes-are-recognized-in-alabama-there-are-9-heres-what-to-know/86046364007/

Alabama has 9 recognized Native American tribes, 1 federal and 8 state. Here's what that means and who these Indigenous communities are today

08/05/2025

🎯 Indian Gaming Is Not About Gambling—It’s About People.
Across Alabama and the nation, tribal government gaming is proving what many still don’t realize:
It’s not about games. It’s about giving back.

The Poarch Creek Indians just made one of the largest donations ever to the upcoming Saban Center—a new STEM and arts education hub led by Nick and Terry Saban. This project will benefit students and families across the state, regardless of background.

💡 That’s the power of tribal gaming—revenue being reinvested into:

🚸 Education for our kids
🩺 Healthcare for our elders
🏠 Housing for our families
💼 Jobs and training for our communities
🎓 Scholarships and opportunity for all

This isn’t a one-time story. It’s a nationwide movement.
From Oklahoma to California to Alabama, tribes are using gaming not for profit—but for purpose.

We’re proud to see tribes like Poarch Creek leading with vision, partnership, and heart.
This is what tribal sovereignty looks like in action.

▶️ Read the full story on the partnership with the Saban Center:
https://1819news.com/news/item/nick-and-terry-sabans-upcoming-education-center-partners-with-poarch-creek-indians-with-one-of-the-largest-donations-to-date

📢 Let’s keep showing the country: Indian gaming is building a better future for everyone.

The Saban Center, a self-proclaimed “cutting-edge educational campus that integrates STEM and the arts,” announced a “significant partnership” with the…

08/05/2025

📣 Opinion by Chief Lebaron Byrd: Why Tribal Gaming Matters
Chief Lebaron Byrd of the MOWA Band of Choctaw Indians makes a powerful case for why tribal government gaming isn’t just about casinos—it’s about investing in people, strengthening communities, and building a better Alabama.

✅ Tribal gaming revenues fund education, healthcare, elder care, and infrastructure—not shareholders.
✅ The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) ensures regulated, transparent partnerships built on tribal sovereignty and community benefit.
✅ Across Alabama and beyond, tribes like the Choctaw Nation and Seminole Tribe have proven the transformative power of responsible gaming.
✅ Chief Byrd calls on Alabama lawmakers and citizens to support clear, fair, forward-thinking gaming legislation for all.

Dive into the full op-ed: Tribal government gaming is about people, community and a better Alabama by Chief Lebaron Byrd on Alabama Political Reporter.

This is a thoughtful, forward‑looking vision rooted in fiscal responsibility and commitment to our shared future.

📝 Read more now and share your thoughts:
https://www.alreporter.com/2025/06/30/opinion-tribal-government-gaming-is-about-people-community-and-a-better-alabama/

While corporate gaming focuses primarily on shareholder profits and quarterly earnings reports, tribal gaming reinvests directly into communities and places people first.

08/03/2025

🎉 175,000 Views and Climbing! 📺
The Origins story of the MOWA Band of Choctaw Indians—our fight for recognition, our history, our resilience—has officially surpassed 175,000 views on PBS.

💬 That’s 175,000 people who now know the truth we’ve carried for generations.

So here’s the question: Who will be #200,000?

📽️ If you haven’t watched it yet—now’s the time.
🎯 If you have—share it with someone who needs to.

Because recognition doesn’t happen in silence. It happens when voices rise and stories are heard.

▶️ Watch now: https://youtu.be/z6RP2S1TR-M?si=rMnzcsNSBlJQ-DTC

🪶 This is our story. And it’s just getting started.

Check out Weathered: Earth's Extremes: https://to.pbs.org/WeatheredITMThe 1830 Indian Removal Act led to the forced relocation of nearly 50,000 Indigenous pe...

07/02/2025

🎲 Tribal Gaming: Good Citizenship, Stronger Communities, and a Brighter Alabama 🌟

Chief Byrd shares thoughtful insights on why responsible tribal gaming benefits everyone—not just tribes, but entire communities across Alabama. Learn how tribal gaming has transformed other states and can bring meaningful growth here at home.

👉 Read the full story here:
https://www.alreporter.com/2025/06/30/opinion-tribal-government-gaming-is-about-people-community-and-a-better-alabama/

While corporate gaming focuses primarily on shareholder profits and quarterly earnings reports, tribal gaming reinvests directly into communities and places people first.

06/26/2025

🇺🇸 A Wonderful Day of Partnership and Progress! 🌟

The MOWA Choctaw community was honored to host a special visit from the U.S. Army Reserve, marking a memorable day filled with smiles, collaboration, and meaningful service! Our tribal members received essential services and care, while soldiers gained valuable training and strengthened connections with our community. It was truly inspiring to see everyone come together!

Don't miss this fantastic story of teamwork and community spirit in action!👇
https://www.dvidshub.net/news/500756/army-reserve-unit-conducts-inaugural-innovative-readiness-training-mowa-choctaw-community

A special heartfelt thank you to all the dedicated men and women who serve and protect our nation—your commitment and sacrifice are deeply appreciated.

More than 70 Soldiers from the 7245th Medical Support Unit, along with supporting and partner units, took part in the inaugural Innovative Readiness Training event at the MOWA Choctaw Indian Reservation in Mount Vernon, Alabama, from June 1, 2025, through June 15, 2025. The mission provided free med...

06/25/2025

🪖💡 When Training Meets Purpose
What happens when Army Reserve medical units show up—not for war games, but to serve a tribal community?

You get something powerful.
This week, the U.S. Army Reserve brought its first-ever Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) mission to the MOWA Choctaw Indian Reservation. It wasn’t just about practice—it was about partnership. From basic health screenings to hands-on medical readiness, the services were real—and they mattered.

The MOWA Choctaw people have always found ways to protect and care for one another—this training was no exception.

Seeing our elders, youth, and service members side by side reminded us that healing and strength come in many forms. Our community opened its doors. They brought their expertise. And together, we created something worth remembering.

🎥 Watch the story unfold:
🔗 https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fwww.dvidshub.net%2fvideo%2f967346%2farmy-reserve-medical-command-units-lead-inaugural-irt-mowa-choctaw-indian-reservation&c=E,1,pNL-lR0Krne6XBUpwoPh0q3Nq-qOT0JvJ3JLzRkXzVmrMXtZK7R95WMPdl5GjSKlvCNCxsjV21rH1_cpIXtgS7Z7QUAb8OISI3duQGfg74j1W7c,&typo=1

This is what it looks like when service meets sovereignty—and training meets trust.

We hope this is just the beginning of more shared efforts to serve both country and community.

06/24/2025

🇺🇸 A Wonderful Day of Partnership and Progress! 🌟
The MOWA Choctaw community was honored to host a special visit from the U.S. Army Reserve, marking a memorable day filled with smiles, collaboration, and meaningful service!

Our tribal members received essential services and care, while soldiers gained valuable training and strengthened connections with our community. It was truly inspiring to see everyone come together!

Don't miss this fantastic story of teamwork and community spirit in action!👇

https://www.dvidshub.net/news/500756/army-reserve-unit-conducts-inaugural-innovative-readiness-training-mowa-choctaw-community

A special heartfelt thank you to all the dedicated men and women who serve and protect our nation—your commitment and sacrifice are deeply appreciated.

More than 70 Soldiers from the 7245th Medical Support Unit, along with supporting and partner units, took part in the inaugural Innovative Readiness Training event at the MOWA Choctaw Indian Reservation in Mount Vernon, Alabama, from June 1, 2025, through June 15, 2025. The mission provided free med...

06/12/2025

🇺🇸✨ Our Youth Shine in Washington, DC! ✨🇺🇸
Our amazing MOWA Choctaw youth continue to make us proud during their memorable trip to Washington, DC! Today, they had a special opportunity to tour the Department of the Interior and meet with Nicki Bass, Director of the Office of Federal Acknowledgment.

We sincerely appreciate Director Bass taking the time to engage with our students, sharing her experiences, wisdom, and inspiring them as future tribal leaders. These meaningful conversations truly highlight our youth's potential to continue our tribe’s legacy into the future.

We're incredibly proud of our students—keep shining bright and representing our community so well!

Stay tuned for more updates on their exciting journey in our nation's capital!

06/10/2025

🇺🇸 Proud to Host Military Service Members at the MOWA Choctaw Reservation! 🇺🇸

We were honored to welcome 88 military service members who visited our reservation providing health services during our Wellness Mission for our tribal families. Our guests toured the MOWA Choctaw Museum, gaining insights into our rich heritage and learning about our ongoing journey toward federal recognition.

We deeply appreciate their visit and interest, as well as their dedicated service to our country. Events like this help foster mutual understanding and meaningful connections.

Stay tuned for more community updates and highlights!