The districts were established when the Choctaw Nation relocated via the Trail of Tears to the Indian Territory — present-day Oklahoma — and were originally intended to be homelands for settlers from the three major clans or divisions of Choctaw Indians comprising the nation . In practice , the clan affiliations and allegiances rapidly became less important after the Choctaws ’ arrival in the Indian Territory . The districts ’ importance in the political life of the nation , which earlier had reflected geographic settlement and development , waned over time , and the three district chiefs lost power and authority to the principal chief of the nation . Eventually the principal chief became , simply , the chief . No longer a “ first among equals ” , he became the sole political leader
Trail of Tears
Trail of Tears
Apukshunnubbee District