From Poverty to Prosperity: The Path of Education among the Mississippi Choctaw

ABSTRACT Stark D. Harbour: From Poverty to Prosperity: The Path of Education among the Mississippi Choctaw (Under the direction of Malinda Maynor Lowery) The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians knew early in their post-recognition existence that education was the key to future success for the tribe. From 1945 to 1963, the MBCI methodically built the framework for an autonomous school district that would provide students with a comprehensive curriculum that addressed tribal needs. The crowning achievement of this project was a high school that kept tribal members in the community for their secondary education. This analysis traces the creation of Choctaw Central High School from conception to completion and highlights the contributions of tribal leaders in making the project a major tribal success. Tribal Chairmen like Emmet York and Philip Martin helped develop a progressive school curriculum and the capital necessary to fund the school as an independent entity. Choctaw Central High School serves as a prime example of Choctaw self-determination and shrewd diplomacy to advance tribal education and the MBCI’s external image.Master of Art