Te Ata: Chickasaw Storyteller, American Treasure

In 1987, Te Ata (1895–1995) became the first person ever declared an “Oklahoma Treasure.” Throughout a sixty-year career, her performances of American Indian folklore enchanted a wide variety of audiences, from European royalty to Americans of all ages, and Indians from across the American continents from Canada to Peru.

Richard Green’s beautifully written biography of Te Ata is based on extensive research in the artist’s personal papers, memorabilia, and the letters and photographs exchanged between Te Ata and her husband, Clyde Fisher.