In this post, we will take you through the key influences that shaped Te Ata’s remarkable career. You will learn about:
Join us as we explore the life of Te Ata, whose dedication to storytelling continues to inspire generations of Chickasaws and beyond!
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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:
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