Te Ata Thompson Fisher - Chickasaw Storyteller
Te Ata Thompson Fisher, whose name means Bearer of the Morning, was born December 3, 1895, near Emet, Oklahoma. Her career as an actor and storyteller spanned over eight decades and led her to perform in England and Scandinavia, at the White House for President Roosevelt, for the King and Queen of Great Britain, and on stages across the United States.
Although Te Ata worked as an actor and drama instructor, she is best known for her artistic interpretations of Indian folklore and has authored several children's books on the subject. Her world renown talent has won her several honors including induction into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 1957, being named Oklahoma's Official State Treasure in 1987, and having a lake near Bear Mountain in New York named after her. She is also the subject of a video production, God's Drum, the proceeds of which have supported the Te Ata scholarship fund for Indian students at her alma mater in Chickasha, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma.
