Te Ata’s Story: Becoming the Beloved Chickasaw Storyteller

Have you ever thought about how role models shape our lives? For Te Ata, a renowned Chickasaw storyteller, this inspiration came from the teachers and mentors who helped her find her path. 

In this post, we will take you through the key influences that shaped Te Ata’s remarkable career. You will learn about:

• The teachers who ignited her passion for storytelling and the Chickasaw culture

• The role models who inspired her to pursue higher education and share First American stories worldwide

• How Te Ata’s commitment to storytelling helped preserve Chickasaw heritage for future generations

Join us as we explore the life of Te Ata, whose dedication to storytelling continues to inspire generations of Chickasaws and beyond!

The Teachers who Shaped Te Ata's Future

Mary Frances Thompson, better known as Te Ata, discovered her passion for storytelling through the guidance and influence of several key teachers during her formative years. These mentors not only recognized her potential but also played a pivotal role in shaping the course of her life and career.

Three teachers in particular stand out: Muriel Wright, Maxie Woodring and Frances Dinsmore Davis. Each of these women had a profound impact on Te Ata’s development as a storyteller, guiding her in her journey to preserve and share First American stories, songs and legends.

Governor Douglas Johnston and Bettie Johnston

Role Models Close to Home

Te Ata’s early life was shaped by her family’s close friendship with Chickasaw Nation Governor Douglas H. Johnston and his wife, Bettie Johnston, who had both served as teachers at Bloomfield Academy. Te Ata's father, Thomas Thompson Sr., was connected to the Johnstons through his aunt, Nellie Bynum, who was Douglas Johnston’s first wife.

As a young girl, Te Ata often visited the Johnston home in Emet, Indian Territory (I.T.), where she was captivated by their shared readings of literature, music and dance. It was here that she first saw a leather-bound copy of William Shakespeare’s works, sparking her dream to own one of her own someday. These moments planted seeds of curiosity and inspiration in Te Ata's heart.

Muriel Wright

A First American Teacher Who Changed Everything

When Te Ata started her senior year at Tishomingo High School, she was not particularly enthusiastic about academics. That changed when she walked into her history class and met Muriel Wright, her new teacher, who was also a First American. Wright was the granddaughter of Choctaw Chief Allen Wright and only six years older than Te Ata. She had been trained as a teacher at East Central Normal School (now East Central University).

Young Muriel Hazel Wright, Choctaw, whose presence in the classroom inspired Te Ata to dream big.

 

Image courtesy of the Oklahoma Historical Society Photograph Collection. 

Seeing someone who looked and spoke like her in a position of authority made a profound impact on Te Ata. For the first time, she realized she could aspire to something more. As she later wrote, she spent a lot of time just staring at Miss Wright, who she described as “wonderful,” and felt the first stirrings of ambition. Wright’s presence showed Te Ata that a young girl from Emet could dream of greater things.

Frances Dinsmore Davis and Dr. Maxie Woodring

College Mentors

Two key figures in Te Ata’s life at Oklahoma College for Women — now the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (USAO) — were Frances Dinsmore Davis and Dr. Maxie (Mona) Woodring. These professors didn’t just teach her; they helped shape the direction of her life.

Frances Dinsmore Davis, a professor of drama and expression, quickly recognized Te Ata's potential. She encouraged Te Ata to enroll in an expression class and cast her in college productions. She helped Te Ata develop her storytelling skills while encouraging her to focus on First American stories for her senior project.

Davis’s guidance did not stop at college. She pushed Te Ata to attend Carnegie Tech in Pittsburgh, which boosted her confidence and led to opportunities in New York. Davis used her connections to help Te Ata break into the theater world. Thanks to this support, Te Ata became a confident performer, eager to share her heritage. Without Davis’s encouragement, Te Ata might never have pursued the storytelling path that made her famous.

Te Ata, pictured with her mentor Frances Davis, whose encouragement helped her bring First American stories to life on stage.

Dr. Maxie Woodring, a speech professor, also became a lasting influence. When Te Ata moved to New York, she reconnected with Woodring, who was then teaching at Columbia University. Their friendship blossomed and Woodring introduced Te Ata to influential circles in New York, while also providing a retreat at her vacation home, Loon Island. This sanctuary became a place where Te Ata could recharge and draw strength throughout her career.

Dr. Maxie Woodring, a lifelong mentor to Te Ata, featured in The Chickasha Daily Express on April 6, 1978. Through friendship and guidance, she opened doors in New York and provided a sanctuary for Te Ata’s spirit on Loon Island.

Image courtesy of the Oklahoma Historical Society via The Gateway to Oklahoma History.

Shifting Focus

Telling Stories to Future Generations  

In the late 1920s, Te Ata faced a turning point. Should she continue pursuing a career on Broadway or focus on her passion for storytelling? During this time, one of her former professors at Carnegie Tech gave her a piece of advice that would shape her destiny: "Stop entertaining old ladies and concentrate on the children."

This advice struck a chord with Te Ata. At a time when First American culture was being pushed aside and erased, Te Ata recognized the critical role she could play in preserving and sharing these stories. She knew it was important to pass down the traditions, stories and songs of her culture to the next generation. Focusing on children meant planting seeds of understanding and pride in their heritage that could last a lifetime.

Te Ata did not stop performing for society groups, but she shifted her focus. She started collecting and performing First American stories and songs from various tribal cultures, making sure these stories were heard in schools, camps and places where children could experience them. She knew that by connecting with young audiences, she could help keep First American culture alive and thriving.

Preserving First American Heritage through Storytelling

Te Ata's work was not simply about entertainment — it was a mission. She understood that to combat the forces trying to suppress First American traditions, the stories needed to be shared, celebrated and remembered. Through her storytelling, she became a bridge between the past and the future, ensuring that the rich cultural heritage of First Americans would not be forgotten.

In a documentary about her life, “God’s Drum: Te Ata Thompson Fisher,” produced by USAO, Governor Bill Anoatubby said, “At a time when perhaps we needed it the most, Te Ata perpetuated the [First American] heritage and culture. At a time when it was the thing to do to suppress the [First American] culture, she did just the opposite.”

Thanks to her dedication to sharing her culture with future generations, Te Ata not only entertained but also educated and inspired countless people, helping to preserve the stories of her people for years to come.

Step into Te Ata's Story

The AYA Walk app brings Te Ata’s voice and stories directly to you, inviting you to walk in her footsteps and experience her remarkable journey. As you go about your day, the app counts your steps, gradually unlocking more of Te Ata’s life story with each stride. Along the way, you will discover the rich tapestry of stories she performed and learn how she became an iconic Chickasaw storyteller.

Here’s a glimpse of what you will experience with Te Ata:

1. Mentors Who Ignited Te Ata’s Passion
   Te Ata’s love for storytelling blossomed under the guidance of mentors who helped her refine her craft and set her on the path to becoming a renowned international storyteller. As you walk, she will share the significance of these individuals and how they shaped her into the cultural ambassador she became.
   
   
2. Chickasaw and Indigenous Tales
   Immerse yourself in some of Te Ata’s most cherished stories, including "Baby Rattlesnake," "How Death Came into the World" and "How Day and Night Came to Be." These tales offer a glimpse into the oral traditions she passionately preserved, transporting you to a time when wisdom was passed down through storytelling.
   
   
3. Performances Across the World
   From small towns in Oklahoma to big stages worldwide, Te Ata brought Indigenous stories to life for everyone. Her storytelling celebrated the Chickasaw Nation and Indigenous cultures, helping people understand and appreciate their traditions. She performed for audiences across the world, even a U.S. president and European royalty.

Honoring the Legacy

Walk with Te Ata and Preserve Chickasaw Heritage

Walking with Te Ata through the AYA Walk app is not only a journey into her life but a way to honor those who inspired her. Without the teachers and mentors who guided her passion for storytelling, Te Ata may not have become the beloved Chickasaw storyteller we celebrate today. These remarkable individuals helped her uncover her purpose and empowered her to share First American stories with the world. Thanks to their guidance, Te Ata preserved our Chickasaw heritage and passed it down to future generations.

By listening, learning and sharing in her journey, you play a role in preserving this legacy. Download the AYA Walk app today and let Te Ata’s voice transform your daily walks into meaningful explorations of Chickasaw history and culture.

Anowa chipisala'cho (until we meet again),

- The AYA Walk Team

About the Te Ata Series: "The Talking-Leaves of Te Ata – Chickasaw Storyteller"
Voiced by: Donna Courtney
Character Series: The Hall of Fame Series
Time Period: Early to Mid-20th Century

The Te Ata Series features both audio and transcripts. Stories include:
• "Baby Rattlesnake"
• "How Death Came into the World"
• "How Day and Night Came to Be"
• "Story of Meadowlark"

Listen and be inspired by the stories that Te Ata lovingly shared, keeping the traditions of Indigenous peoples alive for future generations.

References:

Brittain, S. (Director). (1995). God's Drum: Te Ata Thompson Fisher [Motion Picture].

Green, R. (2015). Te Ata Chickasaw Storyteller American Treasure. Ada, OK: Chickasaw Press.

Muriel Hazel Wright, photograph, Date Unknown;  (https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc1617579/: accessed November 1, 2024), The Gateway to Oklahoma History,  https://gateway.okhistory.org; crediting Oklahoma Historical Society.

For More Information about Te Ata:

Watch the documentary produced by Chickasaw Films: Bearer of the Morning, The Life of Te Ata Thompson Fisher

Read the biography released by Chickasaw Press: Te Ata Chickasaw Storyteller American Treasure