The Choctaw Indians are native to the Southeast and the Trail of Tears; they were relocated to parts of Oklahoma. In the 19th century, the Choctaws were known as one of the "Five Civilized Tribes." The Choctaws agreed to sign various treaties, but they were the first Native Americans to be forced to comply with the Indian Removal Act. The Choctaw were driven out because European Americans wanted to expand their colony. In 1831, at the Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek, some Choctaws were among the first large non-European ethnic groups to become American citizens. Their economic situation has varied since the beginning. At first, they traded with the French; they were known for their high-quality agriculture. At one time, they were known as the poorest in the country. In 1945, the United States government recognized them at the federal level. Later, in the 1960s, their situation had not improved much. Their unemployment remained at 80 percent. Then, in 1969, the Choctaws opened their first business where they built homes for tribal members. After that, they started opening many other businesses. Some of these companies were nursing homes, hotels and casinos. Since the opening of all the different Choctaws, they have continually strived to provide new career opportunities to their