Igniting the Indigenous Flame: “Te Ata” – An Inspirational Chickasaw Storyteller

“Te Ata” – both a unique art name and a remarkable movie – depicts the life story of Mary Frances Thompson Fisher (1895-1995), a renowned Indigenous woman from the Chickasaw First Nation. Despite facing numerous obstacles of discrimination during her youth, Te Ata transcended adversity, honed her talents, embraced her inner calling, and dedicated the rest of her life to the native art of storytelling. In New York City, Te Ata successfully achieved her Broadway dream and found her true love in Dr. George Clyde Fisher – a dedicated scientist and renowned curator. It was during this period that she rediscovered her soul mission–to become a Native American storyteller.

“This is our home; we don’t have to wander anymore. Neither do you.” “I want to focus on Broadway.” “Maybe it’s not about what you want to do. Maybe it’s about what you were meant to do.” “Your daughter has a gift. She can open up the eyes of the world to the Chickasaw people.” She was honored to perform for many elites, including President Franklin D. Roosevelt and his wife Eleanor in the White House. Te Ata’s talents also caught the attention of royalty, as she performed for Their Majesties King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother of the United Kingdom during Their visit to the United States in 1939.

The “Te Ata” movie pays homage to Native American culture and heritage through various noteworthy aspects. “She defied all the stereotypes at all levels, as Native American, as well as a woman, at a time when either of those things presented difficulties and challenges. Yet she celebrated both. And she did so in a way that brought honor to those she represented: Native Americans, females, Oklahomans, Chickasaws.”