She performed as a representative of Native Americans at state dinners before President Franklin D. Roosevelt in the 1930s. From Pittsburg she moved to New York City, worked in theater, and entertained the city's social elite. Audience Reviews for Bearer of the Morning: The Life of Te Ata Thompson Fisher. Mary Frances Thompson, best known as Te Ata, was an actress and citizen of the Chickasaw Nation known for telling Native American stories. See also: AMERICAN INDIANS, ORAL TRADITION–AMERICAN INDIAN, CHAUTAUQUA, CHICKASAW, RECREATION AND ENTERTAINMENT. 1984 Recognition of Te Ata Fisher for meritorious achievements by the Governor's Advisory Committee on the Status of Women. A citizen of the Chickasaw Nation, Te Ata was an accomplished actor and teller of Native American stories. She attended Bloomfield Academy and later attended high school in Tishomingo, encountering "white" children for the first time. Mary Thompson attended Bloomfield Academy in the far southeast corner of Johnston County. Her father, T.B. Te Ata Fisher broke the mold for what society said she should be. Honoring Mary Frances Thompson “Te Ata” Fisher December 3, 1895 - October 25, 1995 Best known as Te Ata or Te Ata Fisher after her marriage, she was an superb actress and member of the Chickasaw Nation known for telling American Indian stories. With Davis's encouragement she attended Carnegie Institute of Technology in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, for one year. Te Ata incorporated these experiences in performances later in her storytelling. This movie, based on a true story, spans a long time period, from 1895 to the 1930s. Born December 3, 1895 in Emet, Indian Territory. TeAta's uncle,was Douglas H. Johnston. Early life. Later, Te Ata toured Europe, giving performances for royal families and heads of state. More than 70 years! Half sister of Selina Isabella Thompson. Nellie Ellen Shepherd-Wikipedia. Jane Werner Watson, "As I Remember It: Te Ata" (Unpublished manuscript, 1977). 6.50 feet. A woman born in the late 19th century, a Native American child of the Chickasaw … Thompson, the last treasurer of the Chickasaw Nation, operated stores in Tishomingo. Governor of the old Chickasaw Nation. Mary Thompson Fisher was born Dec. 3, 1895, near Emet, Oklahoma. Te Ata set her sights on Broadway and what she thought was her life's dream. Hometown | Tishomingo Fun Fact. Bio. Her mother was Lucy Alberta Freund. She performed as a representative of Native Americans at state dinners before President Franklin D. Roosevelt in the 1930s. Te Ata’s name means “Bearer of the dawn”. She was born Dec. 3, 1895, near Emet, Oklahoma. "She was a cultural icon for Chickasaw Nation and other Native American cultures. Her parents were members of the Chickasaw Nation. Te Ata was born on this date in 1895 in the Chickasaw Nation (in what was then called “Indian Territory”). 4. MacKenzie Austin Clyde Fisher. Her portrait of Te Ata Fisher hangs in the Oklahoma State Capitol, and other work is in the collection of the Oklahoma City Museum of Art. TeAta, achieved national and international acclaim as a traditional native storyteller. She received her early education in Tishomingo, and eventually went to the Oklahoma College for Women. Jenni Mabrey Bettie Johnston. The Fishers traveled in South America and extensively in the United States, often observing Native ceremonies and learning different traditions. In 1976 she received the Governor's Award of Oklahoma, and was named "Woman of the Year" by the Ladies Home Journal. Te Ata Fisher, Chickasaw, entertained President Franklin D. Roosevelt & British King George VI through song, dance & storytelling. She preserved and promoted great affection for old ways, American Indians, and natural beauty. Gil Birmingham T.B. Copyright to all articles and other content in the online and print versions of The Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History is held by the Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS). Her father, Thomas B Thompson, was the last Treasurer of the old Chickasaw Nation.