When the Chickasaw Nation was re-established as a tribal government on March 4, 1856, in Tishomingo, Indian Territory, the Chickasaw people honored their last war chief, Tishomingo, by representing him on the Great Seal of the Chickasaw Nation.  In addition, the figure represents the courage of the Chickasaw people. 

The Great Seal of the Chickasaw Nation was affixed to all legal papers and government documents by the tribal government until Oklahoma statehood in 1907.  At that time the federal government took possession of the Seal for use in its representation of the Chickasaw tribal government.  The Seal was returned to the Chickasaw tribal government in 1984 and is today used by the governor on official tribal government documents.

About the Great Seal of the Chickasaw Nation:

• The outer rim of the seal is gold, representing the purity of the Chickasaw people.
• The inner rim is light purple, representing the honor of the Chickasaw people.
• The two arrows held by the warrior represent the two divisions of ancient Chickasaw society.  One group lived in the woods and served as warriors, while the larger group lived in fortified towns.
• The four head feathers represent the four directions of the earth and the freedom of the Chickasaw people to choose their own direction.
• The band crossing over the warrior's left shoulder and passing under his right arm is known as the Warrior's Mantle and was made of swan feathers.  It was a traditional decoration for great warriors.
• The quiver was generally made of deerskin, with the bottom half being decorated with white fur. The quiver stands for the great hunting prowess of the Chickasaw warrior, as well as for his willingness to defend his people. Since recorded history began for the Chickasaw Nation in 1540, the Chickasaws have never been known to have lost a battle or to have suffered a defeat.
• The bow was made of hickory and also represented the ability of the warrior to provide for his people.
• The knee straps were made of deer hide strips and were a form of Chickasaw medicine. They were thought to bring fleetness to the wearer. Chickasaw warriors were feared because of their great stamina and ability to run for many hours without rest.
• The shield was made of deer hide stretched across a wooden frame. The shield signifies the protection of the warriors for all Chickasaw people.
• The river in the background of the seal is the mighty Mississippi, which means 'without source' in ancient Chickasaw. This river was crossed by the Chickasaws many hundreds of years ago when the tribe was making its way to the promised land in the east.
• The trees and plants within the seal are those generally found near the Mississippi River and serve to remind the Chickasaw people of their original homelands.