David Cay Johnston: “over 90 years ago, a small poverty ridden community of Choctaw Indians who lived in the area around Jena, LA, walked for…”

“over 90 years ago, a small poverty ridden community of Choctaw Indians who lived in the area around Jena, LA, walked for 9 months from their homes to Muskogee, OK, to testify before the Dawes Commission. Although that commission determined that the Jena Band were full-blooded native American Indians, entitled to land and services, lands were not yet ready for allotment. Consequently, the Jena Band returned to Louisiana empty-handed. Soon thereafter they were told by letter that they could claim such lands and benefits--but only if they returned to Oklahoma within 4 months. This was impossible for them, they did not return, and therefore received no land or benefits to which they were rightfully entitled. This story of promised benefits, land, and services has been repeated throughout the last 90 years. Each time the Jena Band has come close to receiving the recognition they deserve, some additional obstacle has been thrown in their way. Yet, despite this long history of broken promises and neglect the Jena have maintained their identity, their dignity, and their hope that the Federal Government will at long last live up to the commitments made to them so long ago in Muskogee.”