Durant Appreciation Cultural trash dinner for meetings in clean up James Frazier Amarillo and Albuquerque Page 5 Page 6 Page 20 BISKINIK CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED PRESORT STD P.O. Box 1210 AUTO Durant OK 74702 U.S. POSTAGE PAID CHOCTAW NATION BISKINIKThe Official Publication of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma May 2013 Issue Tribal Council meets in regular April session Choctaw Days The Choctaw Nation Tribal Council met in regular session on April 13 at Tvshka Homma. Council members voted to: • Approve Tribal Transporta- returning to tion Program Agreement with U.S. Department of Interior Bureau of Indian Affairs • Approve application for Transitional Housing Assis- tance Smithsonian • Approve application for the By LISA REED Agenda Support for Expectant and Par- Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma 10:30 a.m. enting Teens, Women, Fathers Princesses – The Lord’s Prayer in sign language and their Families Choctaw Days is returning to the Smithsonian’s Choctaw Social Dancing • Approve application for the National Museum of the American Indian in Flutist Presley Byington Washington, D.C., for its third straight year. The Historian Olin Williams – Stickball Social and Economic Develop- Dr. Ian Thompson – History of Choctaw Food ment Strategies Grant event, scheduled for June 21-22, will provide a 1 p.m. • Approve funds and budget Choctaw Nation cultural experience for thou- Princesses – Four Directions Ceremony for assets for Independence sands of visitors. Choctaw Social Dancing “We find Choctaw Days to be just as rewarding Flutist Presley Byington Grant Program (CAB2) Soloist Brad Joe • Approve business lease for us as the people who come to the museum say Storyteller Tim Tingle G09-1778 with Vangard Wire- it is for them,” said Chief Gregory E. Pyle. “We 3 p.m. less, LLC meet families vacationing from places like Lord’s Prayer The Choctaw Nation Tribal Switzerland, Italy and Africa. It is a great Choctaw Social Dancing opportunity to share culture.” Soloist Brad Joe Council holds its regular ses- Storyteller Tim Tingle sion at 10 a.m. on the second The Choctaw Nation princesses will have a Saturday of each month in the world map set up and encourage everyone to Council Chambers at Tvshka place a pushpin in the general area of their home. The map from last take sessions from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and 2- 4 p.m. each day to teach how to Homma. year’s event was covered with the multi-colored circles, not only in the make animal forms with glass beads that would be ideal to hang on a key United States, but also representing vacationers from 23 other countries. chain or lanyard. The finished work will be a treasured keepsake of the Miss Choctaw Nation Cheyenne Murray, Junior Miss Choctaw Nation time spent at Choctaw Days. Cheyenne Shomo and Little Miss Choctaw Nation Josephine Gilmore will Janis McKinney’s beaded Choctaw jewelry adds sparkle to the eyes of Over 18 open each day with the “Lord’s Prayer” in sign language and perform a girls from the ages of 2 to 92. She and husband, Karl, will set up a booth “Four Directions Ceremony” in the afternoon. with everything from simple bracelets and hair barrettes to intricate years old? Approximately 1,000 tribal members live in the Washington area and medallions and collars worn with traditional clothing. Visitors can watch Don’t forget to update look forward each year to reconnecting with their heritage. as McKinney continuously works with her beads or sews a Choctaw dress your membership card Visitors will be able to hear the Choctaw language through conversa- for one of her daughters or granddaughters. tions, songs and stories. Dancers will mimic the antics of the playful Everyone who comes together to present Choctaw Days is multi-talent- If you have recently turned 18 raccoon and the curving paths of the snake. The Choctaw, unlike most ed. Most of the artists can also dance, chant or sing. Storyteller Tim Tingle or will be turning 18 within the tribes, include women in war dances, recognizing the important role of brings many elements to life in his tales. Surrounded by his audience, next 60 days and have not yet women in their society. The dancers are scheduled to perform three times Tingle becomes a rabbit or a turtle. The author often includes sad laments obtained your Adult Member- each day, demonstrating several Choctaw Social Dances including the or rhythmic beats of a drum with his stories, capturing and holding the ship card, please complete a Four-Step War Dance, the Wedding Dance and the Stealing Partners attention of all who hear. He turns the sad thoughts of the Trail of Tears to new Tribal Membership appli- Dance. happy sounds of laughter with a description of how the rabbit lost his tail, cation and return to the Choc- Pottery, moccasin, basket weaving and Choctaw flute experts will waving his hands above his head to imitate the long floppy ears of a taw Nation Tribal Membership showcase the creativity passed down through generations. The skill of cottontail. Tingle tells of Choctaw trials, travels and triumphs. Department. today’s craftsmen reflect the versatility implemented centuries ago out of There will be much to see, hear, and taste during Choctaw Days. The The application can be found necessity combined with improved techniques made possible by modern Choctaw Nation’s cultural awakening will be evident throughout the online at www.choctawnation. materials and equipment. Potomac Atrium, films in the theater and in the Mitsitam Native Foods com or by contacting the Tribal “One of my favorite things during the festival is watching people’s Cafe with several Choctaw Choctaw-inspired dishes on the menu. Membership office at 1-800- expressions as they walk from table to table,” said Assistant Chief Gary The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian is located 522-6170 or 580-924-8280. Batton. “They are fascinated with the process of shaping a clay bowl or a at 4th St. and Independence Ave., SW in Washington, D.C. basket from river cane. The Choctaw Nation has some of the best instruc- There will be a book-signing for the 200-page book, “Choctaw: A tors in the country on historic preservation.” Cultural Awakening” from 12-1 p.m. Saturday, June 22, in the museum’s u What’s inside Choctaw Nation Cultural Services staff will also be holding make-and- Roanoke Museum Store on the second level. Columns .............................................2 Notes to the Nation .............................3 Nursery News .....................................4 Food Distribution ................................4 People You Know ...............................6 ‘Choctaw: A Cultural Awakening’ book launch held Education ............................................7 The many facets of the Choctaw signing on April 13 at Full Circle Obituaries ........................................8-9 Nation reflect paths traveled by Bookstore in Oklahoma City and a Iti Fabvssa ........................................19 thousands over many miles. The book signing on April 30 at the Choctaw people persevered Donald W. Reynolds Community The Mission through centuries of change and Center and Library in Durant. have emerged as one of the largest Major contributors Dr. Ian of the Choctaw and progressive nations in the Thompson, Judy Allen and Eleanor Nation of Oklahoma world. Choctaw history and culture Caldwell, along with award-win- have provided a strong foundation ning photographer David Fitzger- To enhance the lives of all members and more and more tribal members ald, were on-hand to autograph through opportunities designed to today are experiencing a revival of copies of the book. develop healthy, successful and interest in their heritage. Countless visitors came to get productive lifestyles. Capturing the essence of the their books signed and speak with nation is “Choctaw: A Cultural the authors, including sisters u Get your digital copy! Awakening,” a striking 200-page Rhoda Anderson and Linda Choctaw Nation: LARISSA COPELAND collection of images, history and Nelson-Addis, who attended the information. Exploring through second event in Durant. Above, sis- Scan this code with your smartphone ters Rhoda photos and stories by spiritual and “‘A Cultural Awakening.’ That to go online for this issue and archive Anderson, far historical leaders such as Virginia title really spoke to me,” says copies of the BISKINIK! right, and Linda Espinoza, Bill Coleman and Anderson of McAlester. “I love it http://www.choctawnation.com/news- Nelson Addis Eleanor Caldwell, “Choctaw: A because it shows how we are room/biskinik-newspaper-archive/ discuss the book Cultural Awakening” shows that beginning to expose our real Choctaw: A members of the third-largest culture, our clothing, food, Cultural Awak- Indian Nation are from all walks of language, anything that keeps our ening with key life, performing diverse jobs, and culture going. We are being authors Dr. Ian come from an amazing heritage. brought together with our pro- Thompson, El- “Choctaw: A Cultural Awaken- grams and events but without our eanor Caldwell ing” features families whose lives culture, we are lost. It’s good to see and Judy Allen, are ingrained with the rich heritage it all come together in this book. at a book signing of the Choctaw Nation. This speaks to my heart.” at the Donald Photo by RAINETTE ROWLAND Two events were held recently to “You can tell a lot of thought W. Reynolds celebrate this photographic and went into this book,” says Nelson- Photographer David Fitzgerald answers Library on April historical collection of Choctaw Addis of Durant. “It is very well put questions from a guest at the book launch 30. culture – a book launch and See BOOK on Page 4 and signing in Oklahoma City. 2 BISKINIK | May 2013 Century Chest reveals Oklahoma’s ‘hidden treasures’ From the Desk of hymn book with a white Chief Gregory E.