User:CCNorthfield/Chickasaw

The Chickasaw Wikipedia page is generally well written and neutral. It could, however, benefit from numerous improvements. Immediately I would say its lead section is slightly long and could be consolidated. Within this section, there is one instance of tense I would recommend be changed from past to present. The order of sections could be another area of improvement; I would likely move history above etymology as it is more important. As with most articles, this one could also benefit from more indigenous perspectives.

I have a few specific recommendations I would like to consider.


 * Add any existing archaeological evidence of the migration of the Chickasaw from the west
 * Edit or create a new map
 * Expand Culture Section
 * Add a section about land disputes

Lead
Land Disputes (20th Century)

Following the Chickasaw removal from their

Article body
In the 15th century, proto-Chickasaw people left the Tombigbee Valley after the collapse of the Moundville chiefdom.

Chickasaw culture believe that the foundation of Chickasaw from proto-Chickasaw peoples was determined by the Mississippi River. The river providing symbolic meanings of washing away the past of history of proto-Chickasaw into a new modern age of Chickasaw people. The migration from west of the east of the Mississppi marked the genises of a new era of Chickasaw and native peoples, also including the Choctaws.

They settled into the upper Yazoo and Pearl River valleys in present-day Mississippi. Historian Arrell Gibson and anthropologist John R. Swanton believed the Chickasaw Old Fields were in Madison County, Alabama.

Chickasaw and Spanish

The first European contact with the Chickasaw ancestors was in 1540 when Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto encountered them and stayed in one of their towns, most likely near present-day Starkville, Mississippi.

The Chickasaw were alert around the Spanish. They placed war banners implying their intentions for when they would meet the Spanish. Also, the Chickasaw gather intel that the Spanish recently fought a battle they almost lost in the town of Mabila led by leader Tascalusa only a few months prior to the Spanish entering their territory. In the winter of 1540, conflict finally struck between Chickasaw warriors and the Spanish Explorers. The reasonings for the battle vary from Spanish looting Chickasaw food storages, to general heated animosity between the two groups.

After various disagreements, the Chickasaw attacked the De Soto expedition in a nighttime raid, nearly destroying the force.

The Spanish moved on quickly.[12]