The Choctaw Indians originated in the Southeast and across the Trail of Tears; they were relocated to parts of Oklahoma. In the 19th century the Choctaw were known as one of the “Five Civilized Tribes.” The Choctaws agreed to different treaties, but were the first Native Americans to be forced under the Indian Removal Act. The Choctaws were driven out because European Americans wanted to expand their settlement. In 1831, with the Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek, some Choctaws were among the first large non-European ethnic groups to become U.S. citizens. Their economic situation has varied since the beginning. At first they traded with the French; they were known for their high-quality agriculture. At one point they were known as the poorest in the country. In 1945 the US government recognized them at the federal level. Later, in 1960, their situation had not seen much improvement. Their unemployment remained at 80%. Then, in 1969, the Choctaw opened their first company where they built homes for tribal members. Subsequently, many other companies began to open. Some of these companies were nursing homes, hotels and casinos. Since opening all the different, the Choctaw are continually working to provide new career opportunities for their
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