The next several issues of the Biskinik will include recorded interviews of Choctaw elders from 2007. This month – Rebecca McDonald, Bill Coleman, Truman Heron and Ernest Hooser – Pages 9-13.

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

February 2011 Issue Serving 204,827 Choctaws Worldwide Choctaws ... growing with pride, hope and success

Hugo construction complete

Councilwoman remembered By DOUG RUSSELL News Editor, Stigler News Sentinel

A Haskell County fixture has fad- ed, but her legacy is far from gone. Longtime Choctaw Nation Coun- cilwoman Charlotte Jackson died Jan. 18 at the age of 70, after a long illness and an even longer life of giving to and serving others. Choctaw Chief Gregory E. Pyle said, “Our flags fly at half-mast in remembrance of her, and our hearts are with her loving family. “Charlotte served on the Choc- A special ribboncutting ceremony is held Jan. 13 for the new Tribal Services facility and the new Wellness Center in Hugo. taw Council since 1991, and many times was a guiding compass set- ting the direction of the legislative THE CHOCTAW NATION body,” Pyle said. “I have personally counted on her advice often and ap- IN CHOCTAW COUNTY preciated her wisdom, as well as New centers open for business The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma her amazing sensibility and sense Tribal Services in Hugo have nev- is the largest employer in Choctaw of humor. er been easier for tribal members County with 574 employees in a variety of fields. “I have never met anyone like to access. A ribboncutting on Jan. Charlotte Jackson. We may fill her 13 marked the opening of the new # of seat at the table but she will never 24,300-sq.-ft. Tribal Services facil- Facility Employees be replaced. Her leadership and her ity and the new 10,000-sq.-ft. Well- n friendship will be eternally ness Center in Hugo. Gaming 310 n missed.” The two buildings were added Housing Authority 87 n Born Feb. 28, 1940, Jackson was near the Choctaw Community Cen- CMDC/Choctaw Defense 71 n always interested in helping others. ter, Head Start and Clinic in Hugo. Outreach Services 43 n That led to her becoming a licensed With new landscaping and a walk- Health Clinic 23 n practical nurse and, eventually, to a ing track around a picturesque pond Environment Health 19 n seat on the tribal council of the with a water fountain, the Tribal Head Start 11 n Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. Services campus is a beautiful area Community Center 3 n “She was just one of those people off Hwy. 70 on the west side of the CNHSA Guest Services 2 n who always cared about others,” city. The Hugo Wellness Center is a state-of-the-art facility offers a vari- Career Development 2 n said Linda Colwell, a co-worker for The master plan is to eventually ety of equipment and workout areas as well as innovative exercise pro- Choctaw Archiving 2 n more than 20 years. “Until Char- See Ribboncuttings on Page 5 grams and wellness events. WIC 1 lotte came along, the Choctaws in this area really didn’t have or see much. We were kind of drifting. But she got in there and really worked hard. She worked with the chief and assistant chief and did what she could for, not just the CulbreathJoy Culbreath, Executive added Director of Education to for the Hall Eighteen years later, of she is the FameExecutive Director over all Ed- Choctaws, but for the entire com- Choctaw Nation, is one of an elite group to be named to the ucation programs for the Choctaw Nation, overseeing fourteen munity.” Oklahoma Women’s Hall of Fame. This honor goes to women programs and over 350 employees who serve thousands of “She will definitely be missed,” who are pioneers in their field, role models, and positive ex- Choctaw people. Some of her programs include: Jones Acad- said Marvin Ginn, a former mayor amples of the Oklahoma spirit. emy, Trio programs, early childhood services, high school and and current town council member Helping others improve their own lives has always been the college services, and the School of Choctaw Language. for Quinton. “She was a great lady. theme of Joy’s life. During the first stage of her professional Choctaw Chief Gregory E. Pyle gave Joy the task of building I can’t think of anyone who could career, she spent 27 years at Southeastern Oklahoma State a Language program for the Choctaw Nation. “Under Joy’s even come close to replacing her.” University working in Trio Programs to provide opportunities leadership, this program has grown to the point that Choctaw Not too many years ago many of for youth from disadvantaged backgrounds. language is state certified and taught in public schools, on col- Quinton’s streets were dirt and After ‘retiring’ from the university, she began working (as lege campuses for credit, and on the Internet,” said Chief Pyle, gravel. The town simply couldn’t the sole employee) to build an Adult Education program for “saving this language from being lost to future generations.” JOY CULBREATH afford to pave them, but Jackson the Choctaw Nation. She expected it to take about three years. See Culbreath on Page 5 worked with fellow tribal council member Joe Coley – portions of the community were located in each of See Councilwoman on Page 5 u What’s inside Tribal Council holds January 2011 session

Notes to the Nation...... 2 Language instructors receive certification Columns...... 3 Presentation of teacher certificates by the Choctaw School of Language Nursery News...... 4 kicked off new business during the Choctaw Tribal Council’s regular session People You Know...... 6 Jan. 8 at Tushka Homma. Education...... 7 Four new instructors have been added. Dayla Amos of Broken Bow, reign- Food Distribution...... 8 ing Miss Indian Oklahoma, was unable to attend the council meeting. Her Obituaries...... 14-15 father, Councilman Mike Amos, accepted the certificate for her. Yannash Iti Fabvssa...... 16 Ushi Scott of Madill will be holding classes in Madill. Carol Harris will be teaching at her home town of Spiro. Lucille Harjo of Tulsa will be teaching The Mission language classes in Claremore. of the Choctaw Community classes are currently being held in five states – Oklahoma, Tex- Nation of Oklahoma as, Kansas, California and Alaska. Fifteen new teachers were added in 2010. Several members of the Youth Advisory Board were in attendance, repre- To enhance the lives of all members senting chapters from Howe, Clayton, Heavener, Soper, McCurtain County Council Speaker Delton Cox, Councilman Mike Amos accepting cer- through opportunities designed to and Hugo. The YAB students are required to attend a tribal council meeting, tificate for daughter Dayla Amos, Yannash Ushi Scott, Carol Harris, As- develop healthy, successful and a school board meeting and a city council meeting every year. sistant Chief Gary Batton, Lucille Harjo, Councilman Joe Coley and productive lifestyles. See Council on Page 3 Roger Scott of the School of Language’s Community Program. February 2011, BISKINIK, Page 2 Okla Chahta Gathering to be held May 7 and 8 in Bakersfield The 16th Annual Okla This year’s hotel tions as well as taking pho- Chahta Gathering will be held tographs for the membership May 7-8 on Bakersfield Col- The Doubletree IDs. If applying for the Certifi- Pre-Register for the 16th Annual Gathering lege’s Practice Field in Ba- Bakersfield Hotel cate of Degree of Indian Blood Please pre-register for the FREE Saturday meal. kersfield, Calif. (CDIB), please bring the long- 3100 Camino Del Rio Court The two days are enjoyed form, state-issued birth certifi- Name______Bakersfield, CA 93308 by hundreds of Choctaws, cate from Sacramento. Please Address______661-323-7111 family and friends who come do not bring one that has been City/State/Zip ______together to visit with other A block of rooms issued by a county courthouse. West Coast Choctaws and all has been reserved with The long-form, state-issued Phone #______who attend from Oklahoma. a special room rate. birth certificate is the one re- E-mail______Are you a tribal member? ______Chief Gregory E. Pyle, As- quired by the Bureau of Indian sistant Chief Gary Batton, corn. Affairs (BIA). – Camping on grounds of gathering – Councilmembers and Chap- The annual Okla Chahta Several other tribal pro- Sign up now – limited number of spaces – they go fast – request early for a space! lain Bertram Bobb are among Princess pageant will be held. grams will be set up with in- YOU MUST REGISTER & PAY IN ADVANCE the special guests. For more information on the formation to share with area If you cancel you must do so 2 weeks prior to get a refund so we can open to someone else. Choctaw author and story- pageant or if you would like Choctaws. I wish to register for camping: teller Tim Tingle will be on A wide array of items will to enter, please e-mail Vic- Name______E-mail______hand, a favorite of everyone at toria Harrison at princess- be for sale throughout the the gathering. [email protected] gathering. The Okla Chahta Address______Phone______Plans also include cultural Store will have this year’s T- or call 661-393-6552. It is a RV Camping (size and type) ______$10 – Friday or Saturday classes on basketmaking, shirt, books and other great time-honored tradition and a or $15 for Friday and Saturday. beading, pottery, traditional items. If you are interested in wonderful opportunity for the Fee is per unit charge. All camping is dry – no electricity. No tent camping. food and stickball. young ladies to learn about a vendor space or would like Participants are encour- the heritage of the Choctaw more information, please call Please make checks payable to aged to join in the dancing and people. 661-323-7111. Or for more Okla Chahta Clan of CA Inc. and mail to P.O. Box 80862, Bakersfield, CA 93380 stickball games. Among the information about the gather- Staff from the Choctaw All camping is for self-contained only. No hookups – No electricity. special youth activities is the Nation of Oklahoma Tribal ing, call 661-393-6552 or e- always-fun corn game. It’s a Membership and CDIB office mail choctaws@oklachahta. Camping and other information can be found at www.oklachahta.org, battle of girls against the guys will be available for CDIB and org. Check out the website at phone 661-393-6552 or e-mail [email protected]. to see who can claim all of the tribal membership applica- www.oklachahta.org.

Chihowa Okla United Methodist Church The Chihowa Okla United Methodist Church in Durant is NOTES TO THE NATION the latest chartered United Methodist Church of the Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference (OIMC). Chihowa Okla means “God’s People” and is the first charter in 30 years within the Thanks for Grateful graduate OIMC Southeast District. I would like to express my The OIMC has recognized the need for churches in cities the help gratitude to Lauren English and where Native American people are moving for employment Thanks to the many the staff in the Choctaw Career and education opportunities. As native people move from their Choctaws of the McCur- Development Center for help- home churches, many seldom return for weekly worship. OIMC tain County communities ing me to realize my dream of had a vision to organize fellowships. Recognizing the growth for their stories to help with becoming a registered nurse. of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and the Choctaw people my presentation and essay From when I was just inquiring moving into the city of Durant, OIMC targeted this area as a for the monthly newsletter about the program to my post possible site for a United Methodist Church to fulfill the spiri- for the USDA, The Beacon. graduation job hunt, the career tual needs. Thanks also to the Invest- development staff has been ex- In January 2006, the Durant Indian Fellowship was organized ment Centers of Broken tremely encouraging and help- under the leadership of the Rev. Ronnie Tom and with the gen- Bow, Idabel and Wright City ful. Even though I live out of state, they were always attentive erous support of Tribal Councilman Ted Dosh. The fellowship for their assistance in obtaining information and history of the and prompt. Their professionalism even earned them compli- began its Sunday and Wednesday evening worship in the Choc- Choctaw tribe. ments from my school’s business office. Without their help and taw Nation Community Center. Thanks to Color Guard member Herbert Jesse of Haworth the funding from the Choctaw Nation, I would not have real- In July 2010, the fellowship was chartered as Chihowa Okla for his history in recognition and honoring Choctaw veterans. ized my dream. Since graduating from Mississippi Gulf Coast United Methodist Church. Officiating the event was Bishop Thank you to the Choctaw Language Department for their Community College Associate Degree Nursing program in Robert Hayes of the Oklahoma Conference of United Method- translation of “We the People,” the first three words of the Pre- December 2010, I am working as an RN at Memorial Hospital ist Churches and Rev. David Wilson of the OIMC. Currently amble. in Gulfport, Miss. Thank you so much for making a positive the Chihowa Okla UMC has memberships of Choctaw families Dedication of the essay and poster to all Native Americans difference in the lives of Choctaw members. that were relocated to Durant from Atoka, McAlester, Wright and fellow Americans during wartime and to the veterans who City and Broken Bow, most without a church and few inactive fought and lost their lives in combat. Megan Dooly members of a United Methodist Church. Gerald Nehka Chihowa Okla worships at the Choctaw Community Center, 2750 Big Lots Parkway, with Sunday school and studies at 9:45 Great Powwow a.m. followed by 11 a.m. services. Wednesday evening service The Choctaw Pow- begins at 6 p.m. with food fellowship followed by 7 p.m. eve- Appreciation for E-Recycle wow in Durant was ning worship. The door is open to all people in need of spiritual I wanted to thank the Choctaw Nation for coordinating the a wonderful way reconnection or a place to worship on a weekly basis. E-Recycle event. I was a great outlet for us to drop off some of to share with other Chihowa Okla members are raising funds for a land base the things around the house. Thanks again. Choctaw members the and a building for a permanent place to worship. The church Dennis Cullum connections made and is aware of the Native American students arriving to the city of moments shared. My Durant for education opportunities and has taken steps to orga- daughter, Gabby, is pictured with Assistant Chief Gary Batton. nize a Native American Ministry to outreach to young adults Thank you for the dance. I hope we can have another one next attending Southeastern Oklahoma State University. SURE assistance year. Chihowa Okla UMC contacts are Lee Watkins at 580-230- David Nucosee 9053 or Oneida Winship at [email protected] or available for farmers 580-931-7730. For more information on OIMC contact the Rev. Farmers and ranchers throughout the Choctaw Nation who David Wilson at [email protected]. were adversely affected by natural disasters in 2009 can apply Searching for half-sister for the Supplemental Revenue Assistance Payments Program I am searching for my half-sister who I have never met. Her (SURE) starting Jan. 10, 2011. Eligible producers should apply name at birth was Alice Marie Bales. Alice was born in Stigler Gregory E. Pyle Gary Batton at their County Farm Service Agency (FSA) office to receive on March 14, 1938, to Arvilla Martin and Kenneth Bales, both Chief Assistant Chief financial relief, according to Kevin Dale, the FSA Outreach Choctaw. Please contact me, Terry Bales, at 1367 Eaglefen contact for the Choctaw Nation. Drive, Diamond Bar, Calif. 91765 or email at tkbales62479@ The Official “SURE is one of five disaster related programs in the FSA yahoo.com. Monthly Publication portfolio,” Dale said. “This program provides a tremendous Terry Bales of the amount of assistance to producers who have suffered from nat- Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma ural disasters and is part of the “safety net” designed to assist farmers and ranchers who feed America and the world.” Judy Allen, Executive Director The SURE program provides benefits for farm losses- ac Lisa Reed, Director/Editor Melissa Stevens, Circulation Director crued in 2009 due to natural disasters. A producer is eligible for Energy-saving opportunity Larissa Copeland, Assistant Editor the program when a secretarial disaster designation has been Nearly 2.5 billion electrical products containing power sup- Karen Jacob, Purchasing Coordinator made for their county and they have production losses of at plies are currently in use in the United States, and about 400 to Brenda Wilson, Administrative Assistant least 10 percent, or when actual production is less than half of 500 million new power supplies, linear and switching, are sold Bret Moss, Copy/Production Assistant the normal established production. in the U.S. each year. The total amount of electricity that flows Chrissy Dill, Journalism Intern Producers are eligible for payment when they have crop in- through these power supplies is more than 207 billion kilowatts P.O. Box 1210 surance and/or a Non-Insured Crop Disaster Assistance Pro- per hour (kWh) a year, or about 6 percent of the national elec- Durant, OK 74702 gram (NAP) policy. Several groups of producers including tric bill. More efficient designs could save an expected 15 to 20 (580) 924-8280 • (800) 522-6170 socially disadvantaged, beginning farmers or ranchers and percent of that energy. Savings of 32 billion kWh a year would Fax (580) 924-4148 limited resource producers may be eligible without crop insur- cut the annual national energy bill by $2.5 billion, displace the www.choctawnation.com ance or NAP. Choctaw members would qualify as a socially power output of seven large power plants and reduce carbon e-mail: [email protected] disadvantaged group. dioxide emissions by more than 24 million tons per year. The BISKINIK is printed each month as a service to Tribal The signup period for 2009 benefits is scheduled to close on Power supplies can be located within the devices they are Members. The BISKINIK reserves the right to edit submitted July 29, 2011, and producers are encouraged to call the Durant intended to power (internal) or outside of the product in a material which it finds inaccurate, profane, offensive or mor- ally unacceptable. Copy may be edited for proper grammar and FSA office at 580-924-4131, ext. 2, or another one of the FSA separate housing (external). Typical applications that have an punctuation. Copy will be accepted in any readable form, but offices in the Choctaw Nation (Hugo at 580-326-3655, Idabel external power supply include cordless phones and answering where possible, it is requested that material be typewritten and at 580-286-2574, Poteau at 918-647-2047, McAlester at 918- machines, video games, computer speakers and cordless tools. double spaced. You must include an address or phone number 423-4073, or Atoka at 580-889-2554. You may also contact or These products are often referred to as “wall packs,” “bricks” where you may be reached. Due to space limitations and the visit online at www.fsa.usda.gov/ok for more information. or “transformers.” Most external power supplies are linear quantity of article submissions, we are unable to include every- USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lend- power supplies with efficiencies in the range of 30 to 40 per- thing we receive. er. cent. If you are receiving more than one BISKINIK at your home Typical applications of internal power supplies are in person- or if your address needs changed, we would appreciate hearing from you. al computers, servers, televisions, monitors and a wide range of The BISKINIK is a nonprofit publication of the Choctaw Na- electronic appliances. Most internal power supplies currently tion. Southeastern Oklahoma in the market are switch-mode power supplies, which have ef- Circulation is monthly. Article deadline is the 10th of the ficiencies in the range of 65 to 70 percent. month for the following month’s edition. Indian Credit Association The tremendous growth rate of electronic appliances sug- The Southeastern Oklahoma Indian Credit Association of- gests that power supplies will be pervasive all over the world, The BISKINIK E-News is a digital version of your monthly constituting a major load segment. Therefore, the efficiency of Biskinik. It is delivered to your e-mail inbox twice monthly and fers small business, home, home improvement and agriculture contains articles from the most recent BISKINIK newspaper loans. power supplies will be of critical importance in achieving a as well as links to the current BISKINIK and archives. Sign up To be eligible to apply, a person must reside within the sustainable global growth of the digital economy with mini- today on choctawnation.com. 10-1/2 county service area of the Choctaw Nation of Oklaho- mal environmental impact. As power electronics-controlled ma and must possess a Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood motor drives start proliferating in other appliances such as air (CDIB) from a federally recognized tribe. conditioners, heat pumps, refrigerators, washing machines and The BISKINIK is printed For more information, please contact Susan Edwards at dishwashers, the importance of a highly efficient AC-to-DC on recycled paper. BISKINIK® 2011 580-924-8280 or toll-free 800-522-6170. conversion process will be become even more critical. February 2011, BISKINIK, Page 3 Choctaw festival at the Smithsonian Choctaw heritage celebration to be held in June in Washington, D.C. From the Desk of Chief Gregory E. Pyle tion of the festival. Materials for the crafts will be provided. Visitors will also be able to handle a set of kabocca (stickball The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma is the first tribe to be sticks), and see how baskets are woven. It is a great privilege to asked to host a festival at the Smithsonian in Washington, DC. have prominent Choctaw artists such as Marcus Amerman and We will be celebrating Choctaw heritage June 22, 23, 24 and Gwen Coleman-Lester join us to set up displays and demon- 25 at the National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) strate their talent for the event. with song, dance, art and food. A theater in the NMAI will be showing a short film on Choc- Booths showcasing beadwork, pottery, Choctaw language, taw Code Talkers produced by RedHorse Productions and a flutes, weapons and food are some of the highlights of the fes- Trail of Tears documentary called “The Long Walk” produced tival that is being planned for this summer. Choctaw dancers by Arkansas Education Television Network. There is no charge and Choctaw singers will be performing several times each of for entrance to the museum or theater. the four days, and renowned storytellers Tim Tingle and Greg Opening day of the festival will include an evening recep- Rodgers will also entertain the crowds. tion for Choctaws and friends at the Smithsonian. The program The café at the National Museum of the American Indian will include Choctaw flute music and hymns in the Choctaw will feature Choctaw food on the menu while we are hosting language. the festival, and their chef, assisted by our cooking experts, This is going to be one of the most exciting events we have will demonstrate how the dishes are prepared. hosted and I hope to see many of the tribal members who live Crafts will be held each afternoon in a “make-and-take” sec- in the Washington, D.C., area attend!

Foundation of the Christian life It is always a blessing to share God’s plan and purpose Chaplain’s Corner for us from His Word for our spiritual growth. God has given to us many promises important thing is that to claim by faith. I appreciate God gave the increase. your encouraging letters and Even though there are personal words on the Chap- different types of min- lain’s Corner. May God con- istries, we have one tinue to bless you. purpose and one goal. In Paul’s letter to the Paul first wrote of Church at Corinth he writes sowing the seed. He about three different kinds then introduced the of men. In chapters one and subject of rewards for two of First Corinthians we our labor in verse 8b: read about the Spiritual man. “... and every man shall In the latter part of the second receive his own reward chapter we learn some things according to his own Library doors open for you about the unsaved man whom labor.” The Choctaw County Library was recipient tance, Costilow was eliquent in saying, “Hos- he calls the Natural man. Paul later stated of a $10,000 donation from the Choctaw Na- pitals are for when you are sick; healthy or Chapter three tells us about this truth a little more tion of Oklahoma on Jan. 13. The funds will be ill those doors are open. Schools are for the the Carnal man – the person clearly in II Corinthians added to the general fund for the library itself, young, but young or old those doors are open. who is born again but who 5:10: “For we must all “to keep our doors open,” said Board President Roads are for coming and going, but coming lets his life be controlled by appear before the judg- Miriam Costilow. Pictured are board members or going those doors are open. So for anyone, the desires of the flesh and by ment seat of Christ; that Bob Rabon and Martha Wettstain, Chief Grego- anytime, yakoke.” The Choctaw County Li- the reasoning of men rather ry E. Pyle, Costilow, library patron Khyrie Wil- brary is open six days a week from 9 a.m. to 7 Rev. Bertram Bobb every one may receive than by the Spirit of God. lis and Assistant Chief Gary Batton. p.m., except for Wednesdays when it closes at Tribal Chaplain the things done in his In the first four verses of body, according to that Thanking the Choctaw Nation for its assis- 5 p.m. and Saturdays when it closes at 2 p.m. chapter three we learn that Paul could not he hath done, whether it be good or bad.” teach the deep things of God to these people We are going to receive rewards for the because of their carnality. He had to feed them things we have done while we were in the spiritual milk (Hebrews 5:12-14) instead of flesh. This truth is the key to a wider un- spiritual meat. Paul said the marks of carnal- derstanding of His Grace. In verse 9, Paul ity are: envy, strife, divisions – factions, jeal- writes: “For we are laborers together with Plans to ensure a great future ousies, and quarreling. God...” Having accused them of carnality because We are working together with Him. It From the Desk of of their divisions, Paul presented another is very important that we understand this Assistant Chief Gary Batton question. He asked, in verse 5: “Who then truth. When we do, life will take on a new is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by meaning. What a privilege to be laborers Chief Pyle and I listened togeth- whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to together with God! He has given us His er as President Obama delivered every man.” work and the power and strength with his State of the Union Address in It seems as though Paul was saying, “God which to do it. He gives us His Word, His January. As Obama expressed the has used us as ministers, but who are we? We love, His grace, and even Himself – all that importance of jobs and economic are mere servants to whom the Lord has given we need to do His work. He is everything; development, the significance of a ministry.” we are merely instruments. Being a CO- cooperation and the necessity of Then he added in verse 6: “I have planted, laborer with God is more than a privilege; sharing responsibility and creat- Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.” it is a responsibility. As CO-laborers, we ing better lives for our children, Paul planted the seed and Apollos watered it, are going to have to give an account of our we commented that these words but God made it grow. Paul and Apollos were work to God. echoed concerns expressed by our merely instruments in God’s hands. Paul wrote in verse 10: “... I have laid the own Council and tribal members. Paul had planted the seed of spiritual truth foundation...” Paul was not the foundation; Whether we are in Oklahoma, in the hearts of these Corinthians. Apollos had Jesus Christ was. Paul wrote in verse 11: Washington, or anywhere else in watered that truth, but God caused the spiri- “For other foundation can no man lay than the United States, Choctaw people tual growth in the heart of each willing Chris- that is laid which is Jesus Christ.” have the same needs and concerns tian. Weeds and thorns represent sin. (Mat- Paul laid the foundation. He presented as other citizens across America. thew 13:24-30) Christ to them and evangelized them. The 100-year vision that the When weeds get into a field, the plants can- Evangelism is the laying of the foundation Chief, Council, and other leaders not grow properly. When sin gets into the life for men. Salvation is the foundation of the of the tribe are composing entail of a Christian, spiritual growth is hindered. Christian life. plans that provide services for tribal members to the continued growth of each service. God wants to use us, but He cannot do so until Salvation is based upon the work of and communities in Choctaw Nation for many Each facility that is constructed, each busi- we allow Him to cultivate our lives and take Jesus Christ on the Cross, because it was years to come. It is vital that health, education ness that is expanded or began and each new away the sin. complete; nothing can be added to it. We and employment programs continue so that the program that is initiated are all given cautious When the weeds, thorns, and thistles of sin cannot add or subtract from this foundation tools for success are available so each person deliberation prior to action so that the best de- in our lives are removed, God can give growth of salvation. But when the foundation – Je- can have the most amazing future possible. cision possible can be made on behalf of the to our spiritual lives. (Read I John 1:9) sus Christ – is laid, we can build on that We are being extremely prudent in the plan- Choctaw people. Nothing is done without ap- In verse 8, the Apostle Paul said: “Now he foundation. That is our labor for God. ning process for programs for the next several propriate research and consideration. We real- that planteth and he that watereth are one...” There are some who try to live a Chris- generations – it is important to consider the fi- ize that we have the power to invent our own This means that they have a unity of purpose. tian life without first laying the proper nancial implications of the economy as it relates future and we want it to be a GREAT future! There should be no rivalry among Christians. foundation. Perhaps you are one of them. They should have one purpose in heart and Perhaps you have not accepted Jesus Christ mind. God has called some to be evangelists, as your own personal Savior – you have not some to be missionaries, some to be pastors, been born again. Perhaps you are trying to some to be teachers. God calls different ones live a Christian life in your own strength. Proposed water district information to different fields, and they should not be ri- You cannot do it, for you must have Jesus A proposed new Water District, McCurtain quired to begin this project is short, and the vals. Each person has a particular calling to Christ in your heart, in your life – He is the County RWD # 6, is planned for portions of Mc- Choctaw Nation is encouraging all residences do; each one has his own place. foundation of the Christian life. Curtain and LeFlore counties. The district will and businesses to sign up for a water meter Some plant the seed of God’s Word, and If you have never trusted Jesus Christ as be predominantly funded with stimulus funds that this project may proceed. others water it. Perhaps you have watered the your personal Savior, will you make that through the USDA Rural Development Office The meter fees for all qualified Native seed that another has sown, or perhaps you decision, by faith, today? and others, including the Choctaw Nation. American homes will be paid for by the Choc- have sown the seed, while others watered it Remember to pray for America and for This proposed project will bring jobs, in- taw Nation of Oklahoma. Please contact Deb- and reaped the fruit. Whether or not God will our leaders Pray for our brave men and creased property values and potable water to the bie Price at 580-244-7561 if you would like to allow us to reap the fruit is not important. The women in service. served area. The minimum number of homes re- sign up for this worthy project. Council Speaker encourages youth to read the the tribe’s constitution Continued from Page 1 Other new business included: ronment and policy approaches to improve nutrition and physi- Council Speaker Delton Cox welcomed the youth to the first • Application to the U.S. Department of Education for the In- cal activity. council meeting of 2011, remarking on the importance of wit- dian Children Demonstration Grant for Project Ikhvna (to learn). • Application to the U.S. Department of Justice Office for Vio- nessing the legislative body of the Choctaw Nation of Okla- The grant program will assist the Choctaw Nation achieve its lence Against Women for the Legal Assistance for Victims Grant. homa. He explained that the council met each month prior to goal of increasing the achievement of American Indian students The grant will help ensure quality representation for victims of the regular session meeting to discuss the council bills on the in its service area through developing and testing of effective domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking. agenda, addressing any questions or concerns. He also encour- services and programs. • A budget modification to the FY 2011 General Fund to pro- aged everyone to read the tribe’s constitution. It can be found at • Application to the Association of American Indian Physi- vide funds for the Chahta Foundation. choctawnation.com/history/documents or a copy can be mailed cians for the Healthy, Active Native Communities Grant. Funds • Amendment of CB-136-10 granting easement for right of upon request by calling Brenda Wilson, Biskinik Administrative from the Association of American Indian Physicians will support way in favor of OG&E on property owned by the Choctaw Na- Assistant, 800-522-6170, Ext. 2138. the Choctaw Nation with innovative, culturally sensitive envi- tion in LeFlore County. February 2011, BISKINIK, Page 4 Choctaw Nation Health Care becomes AADE accredited Choctaw Nation Health Care was recently named an accred- Choctaw Nation Diabetes Wellness Center was established in ited diabetes education program by the American Association 1997. In 2003 the DWC clinic was built on site in Talihina. The of Diabetes Educators. This will allow residents in and around clinic provides diabetes care that includes an Endocrinologist, a Choctaw Nation increased access to critical diabetes education PA, and FNP, podiatry, Registered Dietitian, exercise specialist services. and Diabetes Educators. Diabetes care expanded to the commu- Diabetes education is a collaborative process through which nities in 2001 and includes Diabetes educators and a Registered people with or at risk for diabetes gain the knowledge and skills Dietitian. Choctaw Nation Health Care strive to provide edu- needed to modify behavior and successfully self-manage the dis- cation on management and prevention of Diabetes to improve ease and its related conditions. It is provided by diabetes educa- quality of life to the people they serve. tors. “Trends show that diabetes education is moving out of the hos- Choctaw Nation Health Care clinics, located in, Talihina, pital and into the community, so AADE’s accreditation program McAlester, Poteau, Stigler, Idabel, Hugo, and Atoka, will be was created, in part, to encourage diabetes education where the Bernice Williams (Right) Lee Ann Griffin (Middle) and offering diabetes education. Currently, nine Certified Diabetes patient is seeking care,” said Leslie E. Kolb, RN, BSN, MBA, Annette Choate (Left) represent the Diabetes Wellness Educators work in the Choctaw Nation Clinics. In addition there Director, Diabetes Education Accreditation Program. “Choctaw Center by taking blood sugar reading and passing out are two Registered Dietitians and three RN nurse educators. Ed- Nation Health Services is exactly the type of program we envi- information at the Heath Fair in Durant. ucators are available by appointment in each clinic. sioned when we set up our accreditation program in 2009.”

Prevent Cancer this February with a healthier diet Nursery News Halito, February is National Cancer Prevention Michael Kade Reed Month. The very thought of cancer terrifies most Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry people, yet there are several approaches that can be This year the title of “First Baby of taken to lower the risk of cancer; one such approach Sauce: the New Year” goes to Michael Kade is to work toward a healthy weight. The American • 1 1/2 Tbsp reduced-sodium soy sauce Reed, a 7 pound, 12 ounce, 20 inch Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) states “A large • 2 Tbsp unsweetened pineapple juice long baby boy born at 1:16 p.m. on and growing body of research shows that what we eat • 1 Tbsp fat-free, reduced-sodium chicken or vegetable broth or water Jan. 3, 2011, in the Choctaw Nation and how physically active we are affect our risk of • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced Health Care Center, Talihina. Little developing cancer, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and • 1 tsp cornstarch Cade, as the parents will call him, is many other chronic health problems.” When making Stir-Fry: the first child of proud parents Sara a choice to eat a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole • 8 oz. boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces and Mike Reed of Cameron, Okla. Little Kade was due to arrive grains and beans we are helping our bodies by taking • 1 tsp reduced-sodium soy sauce on Jan. 13, so it was an unexpected surprise when mom went in foods that are rich in protective properties to help • 1 tsp seasoned rice vinegar into labor around 11:30 a.m. on Jan. 2. Mom didn’t have much defend against many types of cancer. Not to mention • 1/8 tsp ground ginger competition either as no other women were ready to deliver un- that research shows by eating these types of foods • 1 Tbsp sesame oil, divided til the 4th of January. can help manage weight due to these foods being • 1 small carrot, sliced into 1/4-in. pieces Mom and Dad said the 13 hours of labor and delivery were naturally low in calories. The AICR reports that if ev- • 1/2 medium green bell pepper, seeded and cut into ½-inch pieces a bit rough but mom and baby are doing very well. Kade is eryone ate a healthy diet, was physically active every • 1/2 cup snow peas, cut in half lengthwise the new grandson of Tim and Sandra Reed and Greg and Sally day and maintained a healthy weight, approximately • 1/3 cup chopped green onion, green part only McGowen. He is also the great grandson of Junior and Linda 1/3 of the most common cancers could be prevented • 1/2 cup pineapple chunks, fresh or canned in unsweetened juice and Lawrence and Sherilyn Colvard. The hospital congratulated worldwide. One simple way to achieve these life- drained the new parents with a basket full of gifts for having the New style changes is by making gradual changes to your • 1 cup cooked brown rice Year’s baby. Kim Erwin, OB unit manager, said there were 480 meals. Start by just adding more vegetables to your Preparation: babies born at the hospital in 2010, with 39 births in December plate then decrease portion size of red meats and then 1. In small bowl, whisk together sauce ingredients, set aside. of 2010. The health care center averages 43 births per month, change from red meats to chicken and fish. Over time 2. In another small bowl, mix chicken with soy sauce, vinegar and gin- with 61 being the highest monthly total of births in September these changes can become lifestyles. The following ger. Set aside to marinate. of 2008 and 534 total births that same year. are guidelines from the AICR for cancer prevention: 3. In nonstick skillet, heat 1/2 Tbsp oil over medium-high heat. Add 1. Choose mostly plant foods, limit red meat and carrot and green pepper, stir-frying for 3 minutes. Add snow peas and avoid processed meat. stir-fry another 2 minutes. Remove vegetables from pan and set aside. Lane Thomas Karnish 2. Be physically active every day in any way for 30 4. Add remaining oil to hot pan. Add marinated chicken. Stir-fry con- minutes or more. stantly until chicken is cooked through, about 3 minutes. Layne Thomas Karnish was born at 3. Aim to be a healthy weight throughout life. 5. Return vegetables to pan. Add onion and stir-fry for 1 minute. Add 4:29 p.m. Oct. 6, 2010, in Enid, Okla., 4. And always remember – Do not smoke or chew pineapple. Stir sauce and pour over mixture. Stir-fry until sauce thickens, at Integris Bass Hospital. He was 8 tobacco. 1-2 minutes. Serve over brown rice. pounds 13 ounces and 21.25 inches To help meet these guidelines you can try this rec- Nutritional Information: 2 servings Per serving: 396 calories, 32g pro- long. Layne was born with HLHS and ipe which includes vegetables, whole grain and lean tein, 45 g carbohydrate, 9 g fat, 2 g saturated fat, 6 g fiber, 709 mg sodium was mediflighted to Children’s Hos- chicken. pital in Dallas on Oct.11, 2010. He had surgery on his heart on Oct. 18. Layne underwent his first heart surgery which is the Norwood Procedure. His second surgery for corrections is scheduled Feb. 10, 2011. All the prayers for baby Layne have been ap- Idabel Community Center busy with activities preciated. He will also have another correctional surgery when For Choctaw seniors look- tribal members seeking ser- he is 2 to 3 years of age. ing for a way to stay active, vices. The offices at the cen- the Idabel Community Center ter are the Community Health is the place to be every Tues- Representative, Children and Layla Kay Gillham day and Thursday mornings. Family Services, Domestic Senior fitness classes, led by Violence, WIC, and the office Stephanie Akers Gillham and hus- Walker Davis for the past four of the District 1 Councilman, band Thad Gillham are proud to an- years, are held there from 9 to Thomas Williston. nounce the birth of their daughter, 10 a.m. Lunch is also served Anyone with questions Layla Kay Gillham, born Nov. 16, in after the class on Thursdays. about any of the activities go- Towanda, Pa. Layla weighed 8 pounds The fitness classes are open ing on at the center or services 8 ounces and was 22.5 inches long. to all local Choctaw seniors. offered can contact Council- Paternal grandparents are Billy and The current fitness group is man Williston or the field of- Frances Pollard, left, and Dorothy Henson do part- Cindy Gillham of Wister and Cheri White of Denison, Texas. made up of approximately 20 fice representative, Matilda ner-assisted stretches at the Idabel senior fitness class on Maternal grandparents are Steve and Susan Akers of Poteau. Choctaw seniors, ranging in Paxton, at 580-286-6116. Jan. 25 at the Idabel Community Center. age from 67 to 90, who meet for the classes as a way to stay active and improve health. According to Davis, the Enjoy the weather high rate of diabetes among Sinking into the sofa on a Native Americans was the cold winter’s day can make anyone forget a New Year’s WIC main reason he wanted to be- WOMEN, INFANTS resolution to be more active. It’s gin teaching the classes. “Dia- AND CHILDREN easier to watch movies together betes is a problem and we can as a family than consider physi- beat it,” he told the class. “I cally active alternatives. Yet working up a sweat can do more want you all to live a healthy, than just leave you and your kids in better physical condition. wonderful life and we can do Active fun can also turn into a common interest. Winter is a that with exercise.” great time to have family fun indoors and outdoors. The class is currently wrap- ping up an eight-week pro- Tips to enjoy winter with children gram and classes will contin- ue to be held every Tuesday • Play Tag- When it snows, don’t stay cooped up in the house, bundle everyone up and go outside. Make paths in the snow and and Thursday mornings. Idabel senior fitness class attendees: back row from left, Sam McGowen, Bill Amos, Si- Activities at the community play snow tag! mon Amos, Eual Kelly, Robert John, Charolete Davis and Sandra Holt; front row from • Be a Role Model – Children love to copy what their parents center don’t end with the fit- left, Isabell Clampet, Louise Amos, Walker Davis, Dorothy Henson and Frances Pollard. ness classes. The center also do, ask him or her to help you shovel snow off the sidewalk or sprinkle salt on the ice. holds a weekly senior meal • Be a Snow Angel – Everyone loves to make snow angels, every Wednesday at lunch- teach your child how to make one. Lay on your back, and move time. The free lunch is avail- your arms up and down to create ‘wings’ in the snow. able to all Choctaw seniors Choctaw Nation WIC • Build a Tent – On really cold or rainy days, let the children residing in the area. make tents in the living room. Drape blankets on chairs and Additionally, a bingo game, WOMEN, INFANTS AND CHILDREN other furniture, invite other children to come play too. Children sponsored by various lo- are more active when playing with other children. cal nursing homes and home Many winter memories stem from family time together. By health organizations, is held SITE PHONE HOURS DAYS keeping your families active, there will be many more winter every other Wednesday imme- Antlers 580-298-3161 8:30-4:00 Every Tuesday memories to cherish. Every Mon., Thurs. & Fri. diately following the lunch. Atoka 580-889-5825 8:00-4:30 Remember…Family time creates happy, healthy memories 1st, 3rd & 4th Wed. Also offered every other that last a lifetime! Tuesday is a pottery class Bethel 580-241-5458 8:30-4:00 1st Tuesday taught by Tribal Archae- Boswell 580-380-2517 8:30-4:00 1st & 2nd Friday Recipe of the Month: Beef Veggie Soup ologist Dr. Ian Thompson. Broken Bow 580-584-2746 8:00-4:30 Mon., Wed., Thurs. & Fri. 2nd, 3rd & 4th Tuesday Ingredients: Thompson teaches traditional 1 lb. lean beef roast, cut into small cubes pottery-making techniques Coalgate 580-927-3641 8:30-4:00 2nd Wednesday Durant 580-924-8280 x 2255 8:00-4:30 Daily 1 (16 oz.) package of frozen vegetables using hand-dug Oklahoma 1 (28 oz.) can of chopped tomatoes clays. The classes run from Hugo 580-326-5404 8:00-4:30 Mon., Tues., Wed. & Thurs. 3rd & 4th Friday 2 (14.5 oz.) cans of beef broth 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Idabel 580-286-2510 8:00-4:30 Mon. & Fri., 1st & 3rd Thurs. 2 Tablespoons of dried basil or oregano A Choctaw language class McAlester 918-423-6335 8:00-4:30 Daily Preparations: is also hosted every Tuesday Poteau 918-647-4585 8:00-4:30 Daily Cook beef cubes in a large saucepan until browned, about 5 evening for those wishing to Smithville 580-244-3289 8:30-4:00 2nd Thursday to 10 minutes. learn their native tongue. Ray- Spiro 918-962-5134 8:00-4:30 Every Wed., Thurs. & Fri. Season the meat with salt and pepper to taste mond Davis teaches the class. Stigler 918-967-4211 8:30-4:00 Every Monday & Tuesday Add vegetables, tomatoes, beef broth and herbs to cooked The community center also Talihina 918-567-7000 x 6792 8:00-4:30 Mon., Tues., Wed., & Fri. meat houses several offices and Wilburton 918-465-5641 8:30-4:00 Every Thursday Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 30 minutes. five full-time employees for Serve hot with crackers or cornbread. February 2011, BISKINIK, Page 5 Councilwoman Charlotte Jackson remembered Wellness Continued from Page 1 she could. Center their districts – and before too long crews were laying asphalt. “Any time, day or night, she was there for anyone in the community.” “The Choctaws paved our streets and even built two bridges,” Ginn said. “They “There’s really no telling how many programs and events she worked on,” did quite a bit of stuff for us. Colwell said. “Charlotte was a real people person. She liked being around people ribboncutting “Charlotte was a real nice person and a hard worker for everybody in the com- and she really loved helping people.” Continued from Page 1 have all of the Choctaw Na- munity. She’s going to really be missed. She was a great lady.” “I’ve sure seen the results of her hard work in Haskell County,” said District 1 tion’s Hugo tribal operations Long before she was elected to the tribal council Jackson was helping people Commissioner Kenny Short. “She worked hard for everybody in the county … situated in a central location, in another way, working as a community health representative, visiting people Her whole family is that way. They’re just good, good people.” allowing easy accessibility and in their homes and providing a great deal of basic care. “In the old days, a CHR District 3 Commissioner Paul Storie recalled that Jackson helped him get the ample parking for the Choc- might even load someone in their car and take them to the doctor’s,” Colwell re- financing for the first bridge he ever built in Haskell County. “She was just like taw poeple. called. “She’d do that. She’d do whatever she could to help people.” that,” he said. “She helped everybody, no matter who they were. The facilities were funded “She’s the only person I ever knew that, honest to goodness, I never heard “She was a true Christian lady. Charlotte truly had the heart of a servant. She by separate HUD Indian Com- will be sorely missed,” said Gary Batton, assistant chief of the Choctaw Nation anything bad said about. munity Development Block of Oklahoma. “They won’t replace her.” Grant funds in the amount of During her 20 years on the council, Jackson was instrumental in the success or “She was the most dedicated legislator I’ve ever seen to her community,” Short $1.6 million each and tribal completion of a wide range of projects. The old Choctaw Community Center on said. “That’s out of all the legislators I’ve seen in my lifetime, including repre- funds. South Highway 82 had been expanded several times over the years, but was still too sentatives and senators.” The two-story Tribal Servic- small to meet the needs of the community, so Jackson set about getting a new one. “If her health would have held up, she would have run again,” Colwell said. es facility has 58 offices, hous- She got it. The new center was dedicated in 2008. “You couldn’t ask to work for or with anybody better. She was available to people ing staff of several programs She was also instrumental in getting the current Choctaw Child Development any time, day or night.” including Guest Services, Center in Stigler, the Choctaw Health Clinic in Stigler, and a new community cen- Carroll Huggins, executive director and CEO of KI BOIS Community Action, Social Services, Children and ter in Spiro. She co-sponsored several Trail of Tears Walks in the Spiro and Skul- said, “She was a fine lady and a tremendous leader. She was a real mover and Family Services, Agriculture, lyville area, and always went out of her way to support young people, whether that shaker in Haskell County.” WIC, Law Enforcement and was through supporting schools, the Choctaw Princess program, area livestock “Charlotte Jackson was one of the most wonderful people I have ever met and Outreach’s Vocational Reha- events or educational programs. was a great leader for the Choctaw people of Haskell County and the Nation as bilitation, Victims Assistance, “It didn’t matter who you were, if you needed help, she’d do her best to help a whole,” Batton said. “She was always positive, always upbeat, always looking Youth Outreach, Project Em- you,” said David Howard. “If you needed help with a utility bill, whatever, and out for others above herself.” power, Empower 2 Dream, didn’t know where to turn, you could tell Charlotte and she’d try to help any way “She was there to help people,” Ginn said. “She was there for people.” Injury Prevention, Hokli Nit- tak, Chahta Inchukka, Transit, CHIPRA, Choctaw Support for Pregnant and Parenting Teens, Community-based So- Culbreath among an elite group of Oklahoma women cial Work, Elder Advocacy Continued from Page 1 faith in God. begin a meeting with people of working hard and doing a rich or famous but they gave and Faith-based Counseling.. Joy works tirelessly to im- As a proven leader, Joy is who are strangers, but they good job. Her mother set an me something more impor- Offices are open 8 a.m. to prove the lives of people in sought out by people from always leave knowing they example of kindness, accep- tant – they cared about me.” 4:30 p.m. Monday through so many ways, whether it be every stage of life, from the have made a new friend. She tance and pride in her Indian The Oklahoma Women’s Hall Friday. For information, call in her Tribe, her community, downtrodden to the influen- makes the hard decisions and heritage. Her early years were of Fame ceremonies will be 580-326-8304 or 877-285- her family or her church. tial. She is widely recognized, fights the difficult battles, not influenced by many people in April 7 at the Oklahoma His- 6893. A typical day may involve not just within the Tribe and for her glory but for the bet- her neighborhood and church. tory Center. The program will The center provides some of the finest workout equipment five or six hours of driving local community, but state- terment of others. When asked for comment begin at 3 p.m. in the Chesa- in southeastern Oklahoma as time to attend meetings and wide and nationwide as an Joy is quick to praise the in- about her selection to the Hall peake Event Center followed well as a basketball court. various functions of her job, innovative, wise and ethical fluences and people that have of Fame, she stated, “I am by a celebratory reception in Wellness Center staff have then rushing directly to her trailblazer. Recently, Joy re- shaped her life. Education has very honored to be included the Devon Great Hall. activities scheduled Monday church where she does what ceived a presidential appoint- been a recurring theme in her in this group of women who The other inductees are Dr. through Saturday with some- she considers her most im- ment to a national negoti- family background. Her great- have made a difference in Laura Boyd (Norman); Chloe thing for everyone including a Oklahoma, but I feel that portant work – ministering to ated rulemaking committee. grandfather graduated from L. Brown (Tulsa); Marcia J. wide array of exercise classes there are so many others who children. Joy truly lives her She has been able to build Vanderbilt with a law degree Mitchell (Tulsa); Ardina J. as well as classes in self- should be honored instead of beliefs. The love, acceptance, partnerships with individu- and all three of her daugh- Moore (Miami); Dr. Cynthia defense, senior nutrition and guidance and understanding als, universities, other tribes, ters have careers in some as- me - people who have helped S. Ross (Lawton); Kathryn ballroom dancing. An after- she shows to others are made and businesses simply by pect of education. Her father to mold my life into what it is L. Taylor (Tulsa); and Helen school program is held four possible by her unshakeable being who she is. She may taught her the importance today. These people were not Harrod Thompson (Ardmore). days a month with a different age group each day. The Wellness Center is open 6 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Friday, OK Choctaws elect new officers 8 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturdays.for At the General Meeting held on Jan. 17, the OK Choctaws Choctaw Nation tribal mem- elected a new slate of officers and three new board members. bers and employees. For more Della Eisel was elected president over incumbent Phyllis Been information, call 580-326- who was voted to take board position #3 vacated my Stella 9422. Long. Perrin Deal opted not to run for her secretary position and in her place, Tina Henbree-Enslinger was voted on by ac- clamation as the only other candidate. Healthy For board position #1 that was vacant, the winner was Henry Harjo. For board position #3 with the incumbent stepping down Volunteers was past president Phyllis Been. For board position #5 with the incumbent stepping down we now have Betty Arduine, and for Needed! position #7, the incumbent Mary Ann Allen won out. The Choctaw Nation Since Della Eisel was the current vice president, that position Memory Clinic is looking is now open and will be, or was as the case may be, voted on at for the following: Chief Pyle, Assistant Chief Batton, Tribal Councilmembers, and a host of local dignita- the February general meeting. • Ages 20-45 ties and employees brave the cold for a ribboncutting at the Idabel Casino on Jan. 13. Prior to the voting, Mary Jane Coffman from the American • American Indian vol- Red Cross talked to us about how they enjoyed the support we unteers w/CDIB Card gave in allowing the Red Cross the use of our facility and brief- • High school graduate Idabel Casino unveils multi-million dollar renovation ly about other programs that the Red Cross is involved with. or GED Choctaw Casino in Idabel ment venue, new lighting, ment experience,” said Janie The Alliance has several activities for our members that are • Read and speak Eng- has completed a compre- new carpet, a new stage for Dillard, executive director of ongoing. There is the Choctaw dancing, culture, ceremonies, lish fluently hensive multi-million dollar, entertainment, a totally re- gaming for Choctaw Casinos. and history each Tuesday at 6 p.m. followed by the Choctaw • No history of brain in- 17,000-square-foot renova- designed casino floor layout, “We are certain the ‘new’ language classes at 7 p.m. On Thursdays from 7 to 9 p.m. there jury, substance abuse, or tion and remodeling project. modernized gaming and lob- Choctaw Casino will keep is the bead class where as of January they were working on severe mental illness The casino has more than by areas, displayed artwork our players coming back to the collar necklace. On Fridays there is the Senior Outing and If you are interested in 400 slot machines, including from local artists that depict Idabel for years to come.” Clothes Closet from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with lunch served at 12 participating in a study of progressives, high-stakes and the local logging industry and Project team members in- noon. The Alliance holds their monthly taco sale the second computerized tests examin- penny slots. the pioneers who first settled clude Oklahoma City-based Saturday each month from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. with the Choc- ing attention, memory, and Located at 1425 Southeast in Idabel, and newly planted Benchmark Construction Ser- taw Veterans meeting at 10 a.m. just prior to the sale. In Febru- reasoning, please call 918- Washington Street, the design Dogwood trees, which are vices as the general contrac- ary plans were for the Choctaw dress class to resume again on 448-6796. goal of the project was to cre- native to the Idabel region of tor, as well as Heidi Wood, Wednesday evenings but call first to see if that occurred. Choctaw Nation ate a unique cultural space Oklahoma. project director for Choctaw Upcoming special events are the pottery firing for those Memory Clinic that is indigenous to Idabel “There was a desire and Casinos, Steven Loyd, op- who attended the pottery class in December and a bow making Study PIs: C. Munro Cul- and inspired by the Choctaw need to provide a refreshed, erations director for Choctaw class.The March meeting will be held March 14 at the Alliance lum, Ph.D. and Myron F. tribe’s native origins, incor- quality environment for lo- Casinos, and Amy Ward, gen- building. Meetings are usually scheduled for the second Mon- Weiner, M.D. Contact PIs@ porating a rustic, Western cal gamers, which was a key eral manager of Choctaw’s day each month barring bad weather. 214-648-4427 mountain-forest theme. High- consideration for the design Idabel Casino. Additionally, The Alliance is located at 5320 S. Youngs Blvd., in Okla- Participants will be com- lights include both interior of the newly remodeled facil- the assistance of the entire Id- homa City, about five blocks north of SW 59th Street between pensated for their time upon and exterior upgrades, such ity. In addition, our goal was abel employee team played a May and Pennsylvania Avenues. For information about mem- completion of the study as the addition of an on-site to provide a high quality food major role in the unveiling of bership or activities, contact Della Eisel at 405-550-2823, or visit with a $25 Walmart gift bar and grill and entertain- and beverage and entertain- the newly remodeled facility. Stormy or Judith Bryant at 405-755-6983. card.

VISTA program holds MLK Jr. presentations Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Ms. McGee’s kinder- garten class at Wash- ington Irving Elemen- Capture Photothe Spirit of the ContestChoctaw Nation of Oklahoma tary School in Durant and share your heritage with tribal members around the world. celebrated Martin Lu- Winning entries will be used in the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma’s 2012 Calendar. ther King Jr. Day with PHOTOGRAPHY SPECIFICATIONS: Connie Hudson as she Digital images are preferred but not required. read excerpts from High resolution 300 dpi RGB JPG files are preferred. MLK’s life in an age To be considered for a top inside calendar page images need to be at least 2 to 5 mb JPG appropriate way (pic- files in horizontal format. tures, coloring pages). Hudson is a represen- All photos must be received by July 1, 2011. tative of AmeriCorps All photos must be accompanied by photographer’s contact information including name, VISTA and works address, phone number and e-mail address. The subject(s) of the photos must be identified. through the program “National Society for Ameri- 12 and Jan. 19 in Durant of being a “community with- All photos will become the property of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. can Indian Elders.” She is as- commemorating Martin Lu- in a community” and has cre- Watch future Choctaw publications and web sites: Even if you don’t win this calendar signed to the Choctaw Nation ther King Jr. She spoke with ated a project for them called contest, your image may be used in future publications! Aging Services. The key note more than 90 seniors about “Elders helping Elders.” Vol- subject with the children was the MLK legacy and of his unteerism does not end with A Grand Prize of $150 will be awarded to the person submitting the cover photo. “What are you doing for oth- dream of equality and free- retirement if others in the Individual $50 prizes will also be awarded each person whose photo is chosen for calen- ers?” They had many ques- dom. MLK had a vision he community need help. The dar pages. tions and helpful answers. called “Beloved Communi- officers volunteer many hours E-mail entries to [email protected] or mail to Hudson also presented an ties.” Hudson reminded the and have great participation Lisa Reed, PO Box 1210, Durant, OK 74702 informative program on Jan. elders of their unique place among their elders. February 2011, BISKINIK, Page 6

ByThree-year JIM STEPHENS special and saga renews ancient spirit must be kept Three years ago, Oklahoma from becom- rancher Bryant Rickman was ing extinct. notified that his Blackjack Over the years Mountain grazing leases were Gilbert went to being cancelled. In fact, eight extraordinary other leases were also being efforts to docu- cancelled on the timber lands ment the herds in Pushmataha County. In a and prevent changing world, several large the bloodlines timber companies chose this from being course of action in order to mixed with concentrate on intensive for- bigger and estry management. more popular Bryant’s horses were breeds. caught up in this dilemma. In 1980, Bryant and researcher Fran- Bryant started cine Locke Bray through working with Gilbert and time needing to be fed, all the three miles of fencing through allotment and land deed re- soon the spirit of these Indian available grass was quickly a reserve in the mountains search have documented that horses called out to him. Bry- eaten. Bryant, with limited was built by Bryant, Harold the majority of these horses ant’s childhood love of these resources, faced a mountain Davis, Stanley Clark, and a belonged to the Native Amer- little horses was rekindled; most people would never few helpers. This fencing was icans allotted tracts of land his first horse was an Indian dare to climb. However, most completed in mid-December, in Pushmataha County. The pony. Bryant continued to people are not like Bryant in only eight days. They are removal and census records work with Gilbert until Gil- nor were they there to look now on range near the land of the 1800s, as well as indi- bert’s death in 2000. Then, as into the eyes of those hungry of their ancestors and where vidual writings, verify these Gilbert wished, Bryant con- horses. Bryant’s struggles and they were born, within sight horses were owned by fami- tinued to care for the horses in sacrifices during those dark of Blackjack Mountain. Bry- lies who came to this terri- the mountains. Gilbert once days are too great to limit to ant has kept his promise to tory during the 1830s Trail of told Bryant that a select group a few short paragraphs. The Gilbert Jones! Tears. of these horses must always full story will soon be told This new land will not be In the 1950s, Gilbert Jones be allowed “to run wild and by Francine Locke Bray in an accessible to the public. Since came to this area with a free” on Blackjack Mountain, upcoming book about the leg- these horses are so significant small group of western Span- “as a Spanish Mustang was end of Bryant and the Mus- and a treasure to so many, ish Mustangs in an effort to meant to be”. Bryant agreed were several hundred horses strain of Spanish Mustang. tangs of Blackjack Mountain. especially those who under- keep them safe in the isolated and promised Gilbert he running in the mountains, In Pushmataha County and We are all excited about her stand and appreciate their Blackjack Mountain of south- would see that this wish was started the tremendous task elsewhere, several conserva- efforts in writing this history. spirit and the significant role eastern Oklahoma. While car- carried out. of catching, feeding, and tion preserves have been set The survival of these special they played in Native Ameri- ing for these horses on the When Bryant was required finding them a new home. aside for these horses. All of horses has captivated inter- can history, Bryant hopes, in open mountain range, Gilbert to remove the horses from With the help of family and the horses removed from the est from people all over the the future, to give interested began to acquire the local and the mountains, this promise friends, Bryant was able to timber company lands were world. parties the opportunity to wild roaming Indian horses placed a heavy burden on his catch and remove from the Coggins tested by the State During this time of need come and share in the beau- left there by a number of shoulders. The cattlemen also mountain over 400 horses. In of Oklahoma and not one of some special individuals, ty and spirit of the Choctaw Choctaw families. Something had to either sell their herds addition to those that Bryant them was diseased. groups, and Native Ameri- Horse. about the spirit and unique- or find new range, this in has kept for breeding purpos- Bryant had only 274 acres can Nations stepped forward ness of these Indian horses the midst of one of the worst es, many of the horses have at his homestead and leased to help and gave Bryant the nurtured a bond between Gil- droughts recorded in Pushma- found homes with breeders another 600 or so nearby spirit to carry on. In order to Jim is owner of the Chahta bert and the horses. Gilbert taha County. and individuals interested acres. With over 400 head of give a permanent home to the Isuba Ranch and the Fossil knew these horses were very Bryant, knowing that there in preserving this special horses on these lands at one horses kept by Bryant, the last River Horse Refuge.

PEOPLE YOU KNOW

Congratulations Happy birthday, Jessica Erica Marie Battiest married Jessica Raylene Pitts celebrated her 14th Sergio Jr. Andrade on Nov. 15 birthday Jan. 23. Her parents are Johnny and in Norwalk, Calif. Erica is the Sheilla Pitts of Coalgate. Jessica is the grand- daughter of Sheryl Lynn Battiest daughter of Laverne Cadwill of Blanco, and granddaughter of Marcus Okla., and great-granddaughter of Katie N. and the late Dorothy Battiest. Strain of McAlester. Happy birthday, Jessica!

Congrats, Bruce Congratulations to Bruce Hoyt Hale/Heitt engagement of Gilbert, Ariz., who won a World Anoli Dance Troupe Robert Hale and Ramona Hale of Series of Poker (WSOP) event held On Dec. 29, members of the Anoli Dance Troupe, who have Norman announce the Jan. 2, 2011, in January at the Choctaw Casino in performed at Choctaw Casino and Resort in Durant, traveled to engagement of their daughter Kay Durant. Bruce won the $345 HORSE Pasadena, Calif., to take part in the 122nd Annual Rose Bowl Hale to Briton Heitt, son of Mr. game, earning a cash jackpot and a Parade on New Years Day. Anoli Dance Troupe members who Heitt of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and WSOP circuit ring. He beat out a field attended were: Michael Roberts, Rebecca Roberts and T’ata Paige Martin of Norman. Kay is a of 147 players to take home the ring and the first place prize Roberts. They were invited by Brule’, a Native Rock Band, graduate of the University of Okla- of $11,477. who is based in Branson as guest dancers to accompany the homa and is pursuing a Master’s of Bruce has 11 grandchildren and is a proud Choctaw member. float “One Nation.” The float won “Craftsman’s Trophy” for Education Administration, Curriculum and Supervision, and The 59-year-old has been playing poker since 1968 and has dramatic impact and best showmanship. The One Nation float plans on becoming a principal after building experience in the a total of four cashes in the WSOP over his career, including was sponsored by RFDTV. Thank you to the Choctaw Nation elementary classroom. Briton is attending the University of three this year alone. for supporting us in our performances and travels. Oklahoma Community College and is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Language Arts Education, and an eventual Master of Arts in Education. The wedding will be held on the beaches of Destin, Fla., in June 2011. Major Pruitt graduates On Dec. 10, 2010, Maj. Lisa M. Pruitt graduated from the United Happy birthday, States Army Command and General A Salute Staff College in Fort Leavenworth, Mady and Jayse Kan. This facility functions as a I would like to wish my two graduate school for the United States daughters a very happy birth- Armed Forces and foreign military day. Madysen Leigh Lucas leaders. As a graduate of the Inter- turned 14 on Jan. 18, and Jayse mediate Level Education, she was Nikole Smith will turn two on trained to operate in full spectrum Army, joint, interagency March 9. Madysen, you’re a Turner retires and multinational environments as a field grade commander great person, and Jayse you bring joy into our lives. You girls Sgt. 1st Class Wil- and staff officer. are the light of our lives. From Mom, Luc, Caymen, Nanny liam “WT” Turn- While attending this professional school, Maj. Pruitt also and Papa. er of Atoka retired completed her Master’s of Arts in International Relations. Dec. 7 with over 37 years This study enables her to analyze the complexities and pro- of military service. cesses involved in world politics and international affairs. Her Turner joined the Army Master’s of Art degree was obtained at the Fort Leavenworth National Guard in 1973 campus of the Webster University in Saint Louis, Mo. Happy birthday, Laura while attending Atoka High Maj. Pruitt is the daughter of Hugh and Donna Pruitt of Ardmore and great-granddaughter of original enrollee Fannie Laura Carney of Smithville celebrated her 98th birthday on School and graduated from basic training at Fort Polk, La., Elizabeth Buckholtz Zellner. Dec. 26 with her family. Loved ones that shared Laura’s special in 1974. He then joined the Army in 1977 and was sent to day with her were her son Elton, granddaughters Michelle and Schweinfurt, Germany, for two years. He then went into the Heather, great-grandchildren Summer Carney, Brinley Butler, Army Reserve for the remainder of his service. Brothers serve Damion Butler, Trenton Dees, Clarissa Bohanon and Kyle Fin- Turner just completed a two-year mobilization at Fort Sill ley and great-great-grandsons Kamden Finley, 3 years old, and in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, where he was an their country Karson Finley, one month old. instructor for more than 60,000 soldiers. He received his re- Sgt. Howard Burns of the tirement award from President Barrack Obama, Gen. George U.S. Air Force and BU3 Jona- W. Casey Jr., Lt. Gen. John C. Shultz, Command Sgt. Maj. than Burns of the U.S. Navy Kayla crowned queen of the Army Kenneth O. Preston and John McHugh, Secre- Seabees are proudly serving tary of the Army, giving their appreciation of military service. their country. Jonathan will Congratulations to Kayla Ma- Turner also received a personal letter from President Obama be returning from a tour in rie Meenoz who was crowned and Michelle. Afghanistan this spring and New Waverly High School 2011 Turner is the son of the late Elmer and Ruth Turner of his older brother Howard is Homecoming Queen. Kayla is Atoka. He has two daughters, Michelle Turner of Janesville, scheduled to deploy this year. the granddaughter of Clarence Calif., and Sarah Turner of Atoka, and five grandchildren. He They are Choctaw members and the great-great-grandsons of and Perteet. is employed as a manager at Choctaw Casino in Durant. He Philip McCann, great-grandsons of Dixson McCann and the attributes his military career to God and his parents. grandsons of Donald McCann of Purcell. Ferbruary 2011, BISKINIK, Page 7 EDUCATION Choctaw students join All Native American High School Academic Team Two Choctaw students, about it through the wonder- To the Youth of the Nation Cassandra (Cassie) Morley ful SAP database,” she said. Gotta Love FFA, by Kristi Adams of St. Paul, Minn., and Derek The Choctaw Nation Schol- Littlejohn of Willamina, Ore., arship Database was custom Think of your grandpa, your grandpa’s grandpa, then his have been named to the Amer- designed for Choctaw stu- grandpa. Here at Howe High School, showing for the FFA ican Indian Graduate Center dents and contains thousands show team is deep in our blood, veins, and heart. We are (AIGC) All Native American of opportunities compiled by passionate about it. At the Summer County this year we High School Academic Team national experts in identifying dominated in every single class that we entered an animal for the 2010-2011 academic diversity funding sources. in, which was ALL but one. Then at Arkansas/Oklahoma year. Both Morley and Lit- The AIGC is a national or- State Fair we did great considering for the amount of ani- tlejohn are members of the ganization headquartered in mals we had entered. All of this, and it is just the start Choctaw Nation’s Scholar- Albuquerque, N.M., provid- of the 2010 school year. Between the months of August ship Advisement Program. ing educational assistance to through November we have accomplished something that Each year AIGC’s All Na- ings or vacations. He has teer work. Cassie’s commu- American Indian and Alaska we have never accomplished before at Howe. Freshman, tive American High School spent many hours volunteer- nity service hours have been Native graduate students. Nick Smallwood, competed in the Greenhand quiz against Academic Team honors 10 ing for Little Guy Football, with the Bush Children’s Since its founding in 1969, 5000 other students, finishing in the top 50, and went to American Indian and Alaska Youth Basketball and Little Center, Vis Corps Service AIGC has awarded more than state competition. Nick did an outstanding job and we are Native high school students. League Baseball as an umpire Club, Mano a Mano, Christ- 15,000 scholarships totaling very proud to call him a Howe FFA member. The key element, given most and referee. Derek will be at- mas Stocking Project and the over $44 million to graduate This is the start of our best year yet. We come with weight by the judges, is a stu- tending Linfield College in Choctaw Nation Youth Out- students in all fields of study. smiling faces, confident hearts, and we are just confident dent’s outstanding original Oregon where he will pursue reach Coat Drive. Cassie and Though the center is well enough to win it all. The members of Howe FFA are all ex- academic, artistic or leader- a Bachelor of Science degree her twin sister, Christie, have known for its graduate fel- tremely motivated and excited about all we have done and ship endeavor. Judging is also in physics and engineering. both received scholarships lowships and scholarships, anticipating upcoming events. Our members would like to influenced by a student’s abil- Derek’s parents are Michael to Dartmouth College in Ha- there are also many oppor- extend our gratitude to Mr. Troy Dyer for all of his hard ity to describe that outstand- and Michelle Littlejohn. nover, N.H. Cassie intends tunities for undergraduate work and dedication to Howe FFA and its members. He ing endeavor in his or her Cassie Morley graduated to pursue a degree in Native students to receive financial makes all we do possible. own words. Teachers or com- from Convent of the Visi- American Studies and/or In- assistance. In 2001 AIGC munity members must nomi- tation School in Mendota ternational Relations. Both Scholars was incorporated as nate applicants. Heights, Minn. She has been Cassie and Christie complet- the administrator of the Gates Derek Littlejohn graduated on the honor roll for four ed their 50-hour spring senior Millennium Scholar Program Choctaw Nation selected to from Willamina High School years and is a Choctaw Na- service project at the Ameri- for the American Indian and where he was a member of the tion Honors Scholar. Some of can Indian Magnet School in Alaska Native population. join fight against head injury National Honor Society. He her accomplishments include: Dayton’s Bluff in St Paul. With funding from the Gates received many athletic awards taking Advance Placement Cassie’s mother, Teresa Program, AIGC Scholars is The U.S. Department of Defense has selected the Choctaw in football and baseball. He courses for four years, being Morley, credits the Choctaw able to award undergraduate Nation to help in the fight against head injury in military per- has performed community a National Merit Commended Scholarship Advisement Pro- scholarships annually to stu- sonnel. service with D’Gadabouts Scholar and recently receiv- gram’s proprietary scholar- dents who have demonstrat- Over the next two years, American Indians with CDIB cards Inc., where he chaperoned ing the President’s Volunteer ship database for Cassie’s ed excellence in academics, will be asked to join in a study of computerized tests of atten- adults with special needs on Service Award for complet- AIGC High School Academic leadership roles and commu- tion, memory and reasoning that will be used to help detect weekends, week-long out- ing over 100 hours of volun- Team Award. “We found out nity involvement. brain injury in our service men and women. In order to be simi- lar to military personnel, participants will need to be from 20- 45 years of age, have a high school education or GED and have Rosiere attends no history of brain injury, drug abuse or severe mental illness. In the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, one of the worst injuries national conference has been the effect of blast injury to the brain. Only a few years Former Jones Academy graduate ago, soldiers who suffered severe blast injury did not live. Now, of 2010 and Choctaw member Ma- thanks to new and more effective medical treatments, these sol- randa Rosiere recently attended the diers survive, but then must live with the long-term effects of National Collegiate Honors Council their brain injuries. Many of these soldiers have physical signs, in Kansas City, Mo. She went as a like weakness or paralysis. Others have damage that is not vis- representative of the honors pro- ible, such as confusion, poor judgment and inability to remem- gram at Eastern Oklahoma State ber or to learn. This type of damage is frequently overlooked College. During the conference, held Oct. 20-24, 2010, Ma- in the course of combat as more obvious physical injuries are randa was able to attend lectures and presentations pertaining treated first. to honors program issues and higher education. She also visited The DoD has selected as leaders of this project Drs. Munro student exhibits and participated in round table discussions and Cullum and Myron Weiner, who have been involved with the break out sessions during the conference. Choctaw Nation Memory Clinic for the past 10 years. Test- Jones Academy Super Students According to Maranda, she met people from all over the ing will be done at the CNO Healthcare Center in Talihina. It Jones Academy has selected its second nine-weeks super stu- world, including honor students from Africa, Pakistan and Chi- will involve one visit lasting about 90 to 120 minutes. A $25 dents. Pictured in front are second grader Melina Tushka and na. She remarked that she was “in awe” to meet some of the Wal-Mart gift card will be given after testing is completed. The first grader Melvin Birthmark. Behind are fifth grader Ashton “smartest people in the world.” Maranda also expressed how study will be coordinated by native Oklahomans Angela Cur- Wise, junior Elisa Reyes, sixth grader Cody Clark, fifth grader grateful she was for the opportunity to attend the conference at ran and Carey Fuller, who can be reached at 918-448-6796. McGavyne Lone Elk, fourth grader Desma Valdez, sixth grader the invitation of her professor and honors director, Ruth Brels- Brittany Dixon and third grader Xynia Thlocco-Deere. These ford. Coloring contest winner students are selected for being the best they can be in areas of All elementary students at Jones Acad- academics, citizenship and conduct. emy were given the opportunity to par- Nutrition class ticipate in a coloring book contest facili- Congrats to contest at Jones tated by the McAlester Choctaw Nation The sixth grade students at Clinic (MCNC). Jennifer Epps, a dental mother and son Jones Academy participated in hygienist with the MCNC, presented the Loren G. Intolubbe-Chmil has a contest during nutrition class winner, first grader Lastenia Lainez-Or- successfully earned her PhD at with Mrs. Sparks, Registered tiz, with a $10.00 gift card to Wal-Mart. the University of Virginia in So- Dietitian with the Choctaw cial Foundations of Education. She Nation Health Services, on de- earned her master’s degree at UVA veloping a healthy breakfast menu. Each student was asked to KTC Student of the Month and her bachelor’s from Mary Bald- create a healthy breakfast selection using the food guide pyra- Shelly Ben has been selected by the Talihina Kiamichi Tech- win College. She and husband John Chmil’s son, Johnathon mid and their knowledge of what they have learned in nutrition nology Center Practical Nursing class as student of the month. D. Intolubbe-Chmil, recently graduated with honors from the class. This year there were two winners: Mariella Chatkehoo- Shelly, a wife and mother of three, is the associate director University of Colorado with a degree in Sociology in hopes to dle (right) and Felicity Leflore (left). Each student’s breakfast of the Clayton Food Pantry and is a member of the Clayton attend law school. recipe will be served to all staff and students on campus. Chamber of Commerce. Congraulations, Shelly! Map Your Future 2011 Career Expo

Raible receives Discus Award Cabrina Raible of Lin- coln High School in Lin- Guest Speaker: coln, Ark., has been rec- ognized as a 2010-2011 Mr. Sam Glenn Discus Award winner for “The Attitude Guy” her achievements in the areas of Arts, Community April 6, 2011 Service and Other Achieve- Transportation is ments. The Discus Awards available to Tribal Members is a national program that 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. provides recognition and in Southeast OK. RSVP to scholarship opportunities Southeast Expo Center Career Development by to all-around high school 4500 W Hwy 270 students who excel in three March 28th. of 10 key attributes. Cab- McAlester, OK 74501 rina is now eligible for 2010-2011 Discus Awards 150+ businesses & training facilities scholarships. Also, Cab- rina created a multimedia profile highlighting her achievements, which may Motivational Speakers be viewed in the Discus Career Development & Awards Winners Gallery at Scholarship Advisement Program www.DiscusAwards.com/ Businesses will be accepting winners. (866)933-2260 Cabrina is the daughter of resumes and applications on site www.choctawcareers.com Chris and Virginia Raible. February 2011, BISKINIK, Page 8

Gen. Leroy Sisco nominated to NRA Chief Pyle visits Crowder Center Congratulations to Lt. Gen. Leroy Sisco, USA (Ret.), who has been nominated to the National Rifle Association (NRA) Board of Directors. The membership will receive ballots the end of February. Sisco is currently retired from the military after completing a 42-year career. Prior to that he commanded the TXSG and he was deputy commander of the 49th Armored Division and also assistant adjutant General of Texas over the M-Day force. Born in McAlester, he moved at the age of 14 with his family to Abilene, Texas. He has served in a variety of joint and com- bined assignments that included major staff po- sitions with the 71st troop command. General Sisco served on the National Guard Associa- tion of Texas Board for six years and five of those years he served on the executive board. Councilman James Frazier, World War veteran Martin Kill- Chief Pyle enjoys visiting with Doralene Smith and Christine He held various offices during this time and ingsworth and Chief Gregory E. Pyle pose for a picture. Higgins. was President in 1996. This organization has over 65,000 members. He has received many awards for his support, performance and dedication. He has several business interests from Texas Trophy Hunters TV Show, Ranching, Military Warriors Sup- port Foundation (helping our Wounded Heroes with homes, jobs, activities and scholarships) www.militarywarriors.org. The Texas Legislature has honored him twice for his duty and dedication to the State of Texas and this Country. The State of Texas in- ducted him into the Texas Infantry OCS Hall of Fame. He serves on the board of the Code Talk- ers Association for the Choctaw Nation and on the Texas Military Forces Support Foundation Board. He is serving on one of the advisory boards for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Board. Additionally he is serving on an advisory board for the Texas Veterans Commission. Jerry and Thelma Fleck and Clarence Morris look at photo- Vanessa Allen and Walter Spears hold a beautiful quilt made Gen. Sisco’s awards include, Legion of graphs as they wait for the finishing touches to be put on the by Dolly Horton that was presented to Chief Pyle from the senior Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Com- mendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, meal. citizens of Crowder. Lone Star Distinguished Service Medal, Ad- jutant Generals Individual Award, Texas Out- standing Service Medal, Army Reserve Com- ponents Achievements Medal (4th Award), National Defense Medal, Reserve Components Achievement Medal (4th Award), Reserve Service Medal (2nd Award), Army Service Ribbons, and Engineer Regimental Affiliation Badge. The National Infantryman’s Associa- tion has honored him with the Martyrdom of St. Maurice award at the highest level of Primi- cerius. The Adjutant General of Texas honored him with the Order of the Iron Cross Award. Governor Rick Perry honored him by commis- sioning him an Admiral in the Texas Navy. General Sisco is married to the former Fran- ces Wiseman. They have two sons, Brandon Choctaw Nation Participatesand Trevor,in the and Recycling a daughter Shae. of: They have five grandchildren Blake, Alexia, Ty, Jayden and Trenton. Chief Pyle speaks to Crowder senior citizens. Crowder seniors have been practicing a line dance. General Sisco and his family reside outside of San Antonio, Texas, and are in their new Aluminum Cans – PLEASEhome at EMPTYEstancia in Boerne,CANS Texas.

FOOD DISTRIBUTION Choctaw - Marked with recycling code 1 on or near the Plastic 1 PETE ANTLERS Head Start bottom of the container include: soft drink, water and sport drink Market open weekdays March 1-29 , except for: March 2: Idabel 9-11 a.m.; Broken Bow 12-2 p.m. (market closed) and Pre-School bottles, edible oil and salad dressing bottles and household March 9: Bethel 9-10:30; Smithville 12-2 (market closed) cleaner bottles (examples: Pine-Sol and dish soaps) Closed March. 29-31 for inventory now recruiting Cooking with Carmen: March 7 &14, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. The Head Start Program PLEASE RINSE AND EMPTY BOTTLES durant of the Choctaw Nation of Choctaw Nation Participates in the Recycling of: Market open weekdays: March 1-28, except for: Oklahoma is recruiting pro- spective students for the Closed March 29-31 for inventory 2011-2012 school year. Ap- . Cooking with Carmen: March 2 & 11, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. Aluminum Cans – plications are accepted all Plastic 2 HDPE - Marked PLEASE with recycling EMPTY code CANS 2 on or near the

McAlester year, but a concerted effort bottom of the container include milk jugs, shampoo/toiletry is made beginning in January Plastic 1 PETE - Marked with recycling code 1 on or near the Market open weekdays March 1-28, except for: bottles, laundry detergent and household cleaners (Soft Scrub Closed March 29-31 for inventory each year to identify children bottom of the container include: soft drink, water and sport drink Cooking with Carmen: March 4 & 16, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. who might be eligible for the and bottles,Fantastik), edible and oil motor and salad oil bottles dressing bottles and household free child development ser- cleaner bottles (examples: Pine-Sol and dish soaps) POTEAU vices provided by Head Start. PLEASEPLEASE RINSE RINSE AND AND EMPTY EMPTY BOTTLES BOTTLES Market open weekdays March 1-28, except for: This program serves chil- Closed March 29-31 for inventory. dren who will be 3 but not yet Cooking with Carmen: March 9 & 18, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. . 5 years of age by September Plastic 2 HDPE - Marked with recycling code 2 on or near the 1st. We serve children of all bottom of the container include milk jugs, shampoo/toiletry Choctaw Nation Food Distribution nationalities, although we do Paper bottles –, lShreddedaundry detergent and Nonand -householdshredded cleaners Office (SoftPaper, Scrub have a Native American pref- Open 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday thru Friday. We will take Newspaper,and Fantastik), Magazines and motor/Catalogs oil bottles, B ooks, Phone Books lunch from 11:30 to 12 noon erence policy. The Head Start PLEASE RINSE AND EMPTY BOTTLES program is directed primarily WAREHOUSES & MARKETS Antlers: 306 S.W. “O” St., 580-298-6443 toward low-income families and offers the possibility of boxes flattened and free of Durant: 100 1/2 Waldron Dr., 580-924-7773 Cardboard – McAlester: 1212 S. Main St., 918-420-5716 free afternoon care for fami- Paper – Shredded and Non-shredded Office Paper, food/Styrofoam/plastic contaminants Poteau: 100 Kerr, 918-649-0431 lies who qualify, in addition Newspaper, Magazines/Catalogs, Books, Phone Books Food Distribution Sites to the child development ser-

Bethel: Choctaw Community Building vices. Free transportation ser- Cardboard – boxes flattened and free of Broken Bow: Choctaw Family Investment Center vices for Head Start children food/Styrofoam/plastic contaminants Idabel: Choctaw Community Center are provided to families who Other Items: meet transportation guide- Smithville: Choctaw Community Center Stigler: Choctaw Community Center lines, as well. PrescriptionOther Items Bottles: Christmas Cards In accordance with federal law and U.S. Department of Agri- Families of children with culture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on special needs are strongly en- Prescription Bottles Christmas Cards couraged to apply. The Head Printer/Toner Cartridges Cell Phones the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, political Printer/Toner Cartridges Cell Phones beliefs, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write Start program assists families USDA, Director, Office of Adjudication and Compliance, 1400 in obtaining needed support SteelSteel Cans Cans (Vegetable (Vegetable Cans) Cans) Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, or services for children with call 800-795-3272 (voice) or 202-720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an special needs. Items sorted, bagged, and tied assist in collecting material for Choctaw Nation Head Start equal opportunity provider and employer. Itemsbetter sorted, recycling. bagged, and tied assist in collecting material for provides families with assis- tance in their efforts to obtain better recycling. educational, health, nutrition- The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe al and social services. The

program provides a nutrition- For recycling locations and questions opens new food distribution center please contact: ally sound breakfast, lunch Choctaw Nation Recycling Program The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas has opened a food and afternoon snack each day. 3108 Enterprise Blvd. Durant, OK 74701 distribution program in Livington, Texas. This program is For more information and (580)924-8280 or 1-800-522-6170 available to Choctaws living in Polk County with one CDIB to obtain an application, For recycling locations and questions holder in the household. The household must meet USDA contact the Choctaw Nation please contact: guidelines to be eligible for this program. Households inter- Head Start Center in your Choctaw Nation Recycling Program ested in applying or have any questions about the program can area. You may also contact 3108 Enterprise Blvd. contact the director, Peter Seahmer, with the Alabama-Coush- Durant, OK 74701 the Durant Administration of- (580)924-8280 or 1-800-522-6170 atta Tribe of Texas located at 374 State Park Road 56, Living- fice at 1-800-522-6170, Ext. ton, Texas, or calling 936-563-1129. 2353. February 2011, BISKINIK, Page 9 Rebecca Ward Conrad McDonald shares memories of growing up Choctaw in the Spiro area couldn’t speak English, they Rebecca was wearing a pink would know that’s five of Rebecca’s chil- had to speak Choctaw to her,” dress and bonnet her mother where dances hap- dren ended up gradu- remembered Rebecca. had made for her. A man on pened, both square ating from Spiro. “She was raised as a Choc- the train tried to purchase Re- dances and round Rebecca had lived taw.” Rebecca’s Grandpa becca from her mother offer- dances. Sam played next to Robert Mc- Ward was a full-blood Choc- ing her $300. Mary held onto the fiddle and Aunt Donald for years taw, making her father half Rebecca tight the rest of the Becky called the and their parents got and she a fourth. She didn’t ride, worried the man might square dances. Rebec- acquainted. Robert learn the Choctaw language try to take her. ca still has her father’s would always bring as well as her great-granny, Rebecca attended school fiddle today. Rebecca’s mother but she learned how to count at Murry Spur School where Rebecca was 17 a turkey, since they to ten. she was taught by Mr. Ches- years old when she raised them, and the Rebecca’s Aunt Becky took ter Noblet. When she and married Koots Farmer family would have Choctaw elder Rebecca a special liking to her. She her family moved into their Conrad on Oct. 24, him over for Thanks- Ward Conrad McDonald took her everywhere in her own house and out of Granny 1932. Koots was born giving and Christmas was born on Feb. 25, 1918, one-horse buggy, including Ward’s, she would walk the in Mulberry, Ark. He dinner. Rebecca and to Mary Eunice Fox Ward had just come back Robert were married and Sampson Sumler Ward. from California. His on June 7, 1965. She Mary gave birth to Rebecca first wife had died was 47 and Robert was in Sampson’s mother’s house, during childbirth, as 53. They had dated for where they lived at the time, well as the child. Re- two or three years and just south of Spiro. They becca met Koots in the Rebecca and sister Anna. thought they would called this their home until road close to the Poteau never get married, but Rebecca was seven years old. River. She was going to her in Spiro, was able to make one day, after a Sunday drive, Sampson’s mother Lula Mae Uncle Bill’s house and Koots an exception since he was the they went to the Justice of the Bateman Ward, or “Granny was going the other way. He oldest son at home. Peace and were married. Ward” as Rebecca called her, must have noticed her, be- On the third day of Roger’s Their children have been shared her home with Re- cause he came to her house first week attending school, successful. K.F. is a retired becca, her mother and father soon after. he ran back home. Rebecca chemist of Pine Bluff Arsenal and Rebecca’s Aunt Becky, Rebecca and Koots made was hanging clothes on the and schoolteacher at Spiro Sampson’s sister. Rebecca their home just down the road line when she saw his little High School and Bigsby. was the first born of Sampson from her parents’ house. Sam blond head running up to the Sampson worked at a scis- and Mary. had 210 acres in his Choctaw house. She stopped hanging sor factory and retired from Rebecca grew up listen- Rebecca with Shannon, Soe and Roger represent four allotment and had given Re- her clothes, put him right back Reams. Kenneth worked at ing to her great-granny generations of her family. becca 10 when she got mar- in the car, and drove him back the school in Hodgen. Mary speak only the Choctaw lan- ried, which she and Koots to school. Mr. Noblet told her retired from Whirlpool in Ft guage. “Great-Granny (Ward) to school. Rebecca’s school mile and a half to two miles built a house on. Unfortu- she might as well keep him at Smith. Roger retired from the was a two-room schoolhouse. to school. She was able to en- nately, later this house burned home, but she refused saying Air Force having worked for “We played jacks a lot, and joy the walk with several oth- down, but Rebecca still owns he can’t grow up ignorant. All the 188th at Ft Smith. we played ball.” er kids. Her special friend at the 10 acres and she won’t Aunt Becky was devoted to Murry Spur was Ruby King, part with them. They’re all her family. She and her sister who played jacks and softball that’s left of her daddy’s al- Laura were both engaged to with her. lotment. be married when Laura devel- Rebecca’s father Sam was By the time Rebecca was oped crippling arthritis. They known around town for his 21 she had three children: broke their engagements and dances he held at the Ward K.F., Sampson Sumler and Becky took care of Laura household. He had plenty of Billy Kenneth. She then had while living with Granny cousins, the Caseys, who al- a girl, Mary, and another son, Ward. ways wanted to dance on Fri- Roger. Three years after Rebecca day or Saturday nights. Sam In 1957, when her young- was born, her parents gave would have them cut enough est child Roger was five years her a baby sister, Anna Ge- wood to burn in the fireplace old, Koots had a tractor acci- neva. and took the heater and bed dent and passed away. Rebecca with her grand- Rebecca and Anna’s moth- down to have enough room The Draft Board called pa Fox and cousin Harvey er would take them to Ft to dance. If you mentioned K.F. to come to serve, but Bittle. Smith on the train. One trip, the name “Sam Ward” people Mr. Conn, Rebecca’s banker Rebecca and husband Robert McDonald.

Choctaw Comminity Center of Spiro plays important role in community smaller trips are in the works taw members of that local. to places such as an Okla- Veteran’s Post Skullyville homa City trip to view the 4501 also conducts its busi- Chickasaw Cultural Center ness in the Spiro center. located there. Holiday parties are hosted Further designations in dis- for all Choctaw’s in that area. cussion include South Dako- Basket giveaways take place ta, Branson, San Antonio and at the center, which the se- even the Grand Canyon. No niors assemble as a group. decision have been made yet, Children’s Christmas parties but the seniors are constantly are also hosted for the youth working toward whatever of Spiro. goal they set for themselves. The center also provides When they are not work- as Community Health Repre- ing toward their travels, this sentative (CHR) for the area group is involved in several to aid the senior citizen’s with Mary Hunter, Field Office Director, and Carol Harris, other endeavors. They are their health. This particular CHR, take a break after the events of the afternoon come Ethelyn Moore gets a blood pressure check at the weekly involved in the recycling pro- (CHR), Carol Harris, is able to an end and prepare for further endeavours. senior meeting. gram and “everyone is doing to speak the Choctaw lan- their share,” said Casey. He guage and is deeply involved The Choctaw Nation Com- of the activities in which the went on to mention that they with the center and its hap- munity Center of Spiro is a seniors partake. From the an- “are looking into an exercise penings. hub for Choctaw activity in nual events such as Christ- program.” the northern portion of the mas, Thanksgiving and Val- During the weekly meet- Choctaw Nation of Oklaho- entine’s Day celebration, to ings this congregation of ma. more unique things as cultur- seniors celebrate birthdays, This center is a shared com- ally rich trips to Philadelphia, anniversaries and holidays munity center for districts four Miss., and Vicksburg Cem- together. They have Choctaw and five. The Choctaw Senior etery, this group of elders is singings on occasion and par- Citizens group is perhaps the always up to something. ticipate in the Trail of Tears most active organization of To raise money for their Walk together. the center. This group meets trips and activities, the se- This particular center every Wednesday to hold niors hold fundraisers, the boasts several Outstanding meetings and share a meeting most popular of which is Choctaw Elders such as Jane together. In those meetings the Indian taco sells. “They Ann Parent, Ronnie Parent lunch is served, events are have a really big turn out for and Wanda Stewart. planned and health check-ups the taco dinners,” said Mary Aside from housing the are provided. Hunter, the Field Director of Choctaw Senior Citizens the Jane Parrent (left), treasurer of the Choctaw Senior John Casey, President of the Spiro Center. Spiro center houses the WIC Rickey White poses for Cititzen’s group, along with Brenda Lovejoy, chaplain, the Choctaw Senior Citizens The seniors already have office for that area and hosts the camera after the senior sign members into the meeting before the meal and busi- of Spiro shed light on some big plans for 2011. A few several events for the Choc- gathering. ness take place.

Gene and Teddi Sockey enjoy another Wednesday meet- Randy and Judy Size more prepare to discuss future Pam Perry and Johnny Edwards prepare the lunch for ing with their fellow seniors. plans of their senior group. the senior meeting at the Spiro Community Center. February 2011, BISKINIK, Page 10 A boy during the depression, a man defending his country Billy Gene Coleman was he was required to stay at the toward the ground. However, the company boarded a tank born Sept. 27, 1926, in Boko- work site for fire call. The the other pilot wasn’t as lucky. lighter and crossed Sea Lark she at a time in history when government only paid once a As he attempted a left wing Channel to Tulagi where Bill the great depression was be- month so his mother and the over the left wing of his plane stayed from March 16, 1944, ginning to make its presence boys had a long and hungry pulled off and he came out until April 15, 1944. known. Three short years later month. of his craft as it tried to bank Operation Watchtower the stock market crashed and In 1931, the Midwestern and right. His chute did open but kicked off Aug. 7, 1942. This threw the whole country into Southern plains states’ crops the severed wing struck the was the battle for Guadalca- a full-blown depression that died and the black blizzards top of his chute causing it to nal. At the same time, troops lasted until the beginning of began. Dust from their over- stream. They all stood in hor- of the 1st Marine Division World War II in 1941. The plowed and over-grazed farms ror and watched the young landed on the south shore of fifth of six sons born to Gus began to blow away at an man fall to his death just out- Tulagi and swept across the and Sybil Coleman, Bill grew alarming rate. That’s the year side the boundaries of the Na- island’s ridge, which lay the up during those depression the drought began that would val training station. For five length of the island. The Ma- years. affect all the Great Plains minutes after the accident the rines’ advance was steady Farm work wasn’t plentiful states. By 1934-35, the great whole company was quiet and but casualties were frequent. but if a person was willing to migration began that would no one said a word. Finally the By nightfall, the Marines had work they could hire out to har- swell California’s population company commander was the advanced to the north shore vest potatoes, cotton and other to almost twice its normal size. first to say anything and his overlooking Tulagi Harbor. farm jobs available through People left their homesteads in remarks were that all training By the afternoon of Aug. 8, the year. They could keep the drought and dust bowl- could be deadly if not done the mop-up was completed food on the family’s table. His stricken states by the thou- properly and under supervi- and the battle for Tulagi and dad was a hard worker, Bill sion. Accidents will and do the Japanese Sea Plane base at remembered, and they never happen while taking training Purvis Bay was finished. and some of the greatest loss Bill said the time he spent missed a meal but sometimes Bill Coleman’s interview includes many their meals were a little on the of life has occurred during on Tulagi wasn’t bad. Most of short side. His parents taught memories from his childhood and the time training exercises. their days were spent anchor- their children to eat what they he served in the U.S. Navy. Bill believed the men of the ing sawed palm tree logs into company got something out of the soil making foundations to raised and the rest was har- Space limitations prevent printing the entire interview. that little talk because every- support Quonset huts for other vested from Mother Nature’s If you would like to read all of Mr. Coleman’s interview, one started helping each other troops who were to come after garden – poke greens, wild please call the Biskinik, 800-522-6170, ext. 2245, or e- during the training phase. Ev- their group left. They cleaned onions, sassafras roots for tea mail [email protected] and one can be sent and medicine, wild grapes, eryone began to take a differ- up the little island of Gavuta either electronically or through the mail. plums, wild sage, onions and ent attitude toward training. where one of the most violent any other wild herbs that were The time at Camp Farra- and cruel battles took place available. All the fruit and gut was just about to run out. during World War II. vegetables that were grown Some would be sent to schools After arriving at Turner City, such as apples, peaches, pole stateside and the rest of the they were given Sundays off beans, black-eyed peas and company would start am- to attend church services or corn were processed and dried phibious training at the new whatever. On Bill’s first day in the sun. Fresh corn on the amphibious base being built off, he decided to do a little cob was available in the early on the south end of Coronado exploring. He walked into summer until it became hard Island across the bay from San the jungle close to their tent to eat off the cob, then it was Diego. area and started looking at the ground into grits and corn- Bill didn’t know what hap- flora and fauna. He found his meal. pened but they didn’t go direct- first fauna in just a few min- They ate plenty of black- ly to the old destroyer base and utes when a big monitor lizard eyed peas. It seemed, Bill start training right away. They climbed up the side of a giant said, that his Dad had plenty were sent to Balboa Park for a jungle tree. The largest lizard of recipes for black-eyed peas. kind of rest and recreation. All the Oklahoma boy had ever He even made sausage using they did for about two weeks seen was a mountain boomer black-eyed peas and they tast- was eat, sleep and do close-or- and they weren’t close to the ed great, not only for break- der drill and physical training. size of that lizard. fast, but just about any time It was a good break from such The monitor lizard averaged they were prepared. a rigorous schedule and every- three to four feet in length The Colemans moved sev- one was rested up and ready with white spots on a kind of eral times, sometimes twice in for the tough training that lay greenish-grey body. Later on, the same year. ahead. After two weeks, they that type of lizard would play In the fall of 1929, Gus The USS Titania KA13 were moved over to the old a big part in some entertaining Coleman moved the family to destroyer base and started am- pranks they played on others. Peno, Okla., to pick cotton; to sands looking for work to put was enjoying it. He was in an that would last through the phibious training. They knew their time was a small two-roomed log house food on the table. Today, many entirely different world. He war years and longer. At first, On the last day of January getting short on Tulagi and that was furnished but in bad of the migrant workers are had never traveled any farther Bill thought he was the only 1944, Bill’s company was told they would be shipping out need of repair. The windows owners of some of the richest west than the town of Stigler, one who was “backward,” but to make everything shipshape to the fleet any day. The men were without screens and they agriculture land in the state of Okla., and no farther east than very shortly found out there and seagoing and to be ready knew something big was could count the chickens be- California. The drought hit the Ft. Smith, Ark. He had a lot to were others who came from for muster at 0800 hrs the next brewing because rations were low through the cracks in the area where the Colemans lived learn and a lot to catch up on. the same kind of environment. morning. After muster they cut to two meals a day and floors. The roof leaked like a in 1934. The morning Bill left home After getting acquainted they were given a sack lunch, load- work schedules were cut in sieve and after the sun set in In the summer of 1936, the for the Navy wasn’t sad or found out they were all from ed onto buses and moved out, half. Breakfast was served at the evening a horde of mos- government paid World War something he dreaded to do. about the same economic en- leaving San Diego behind. It 0800 hrs and lunch at 1400 quitoes occupied the premises I veterans a bonus. Mr. Cole- It was something that had to vironment. One was a small- was a foul day, rainy, foggy hrs. Work hours were over at 2 until daybreak. Every evening man used his bonus to get back be done and he felt he was ex- town schoolteacher. Others and a little bit cold. They knew in the afternoon. This was the a small fire was built to pro- in the farming business. He pected to do his part. His coun- were from small farming com- they were going north but time of the big buildup in the duce smoke to help drive away bought a team of mules and try was at war and it needed all munities or other rural areas. didn’t know where they were South Pacific. Everyone was the mosquitoes. farming equipment that kept the help it could get to put that Those going to San Diego going. Everyone thought they getting anxious for an assign- Gus often remarked that him farming until after World bunch of “gangsters” in their were mustered (assembled) were headed to the port in San ment to the fleet. even though they didn’t pay War II. He became a milk place and get the rest of the and loaded under blackout Francisco but soon realized “I guess we sometimes much per pound for picking producer a few years after the world back to normal. conditions onto buses and they were headed inland. Bill thought the war was passing cotton he could still make war, but as building material Bill arose early on the morn- driven to the train station in didn’t know how fast the bus- us by,” Bill said, “but little did more money picking it than became plentiful after the war, ing of Oct. 7, 1943, without Little Rock. They boarded and es were driving but they didn’t we know our time was com- he could growing it. He made there were a lot of new homes having to be called – some- were assigned a sleeper and by stop anywhere and traveled far ing.” enough money to buy new to be built. Bill’s dad was a thing unusual for him. He 7 p.m. were on their way to the into the night. Sometime that Bill received his orders for shoes and coats for everyone good carpenter, so he started shaved, something he usually U.S. Naval Training Station in night they were off-loaded, the fleet on April 8, 1944, for and feed the family. Bill re- building homes and worked didn’t do during the week, just San Diego, Calif. They were they didn’t know where, but the USS Titania AKA13, an membered going to the cotton as a carpenter until a stroke on weekends. He thought he headed for boot camp. they had a place to sleep and attack cargo vessel. He went field with his mom and dad forced him to retire in 1959. had better get used to doing it The recruits were taught fac- were told muster would be at aboard her in Purvis Bay, Tu- because there wasn’t anyone Those were the good years. because he would be shaving ing movements, close-order 0800 hrs the next morning. lagi, just across the jungle to watch the smaller children. Things were quiet and peace- every morning in the Navy. drill, hand salute, manual of The next morning they found from Turner City. Before the They would play along or in ful, but not for long. Stories He ate a breakfast of two arms and rifle salute. They out they were at a replacement invasion of Guadalcanal, the between two cotton rows as began appearing in the daily fried eggs, bacon, homemade marched at attention every- depot at Camp Shoemaker, Japanese had used Purvis Bay their parents picked cotton. newspaper about Hitler and biscuits, jelly and coffee. He where they went, never any Calif. That didn’t mean a lot as a seaplane base. Their first After the kids tired of that they Togo. “The war in Europe didn’t have a suitcase so he slouching along. In class- because no one knew where trip out was April 18, 1944, would go sit or lay beneath the intensified,” Bill said. “The packed his things in a brown rooms, they were taught both Shoemaker was located. They to Guadalcanal just 20 miles big wagon that held the cotton Japanese began to rattle her paper bag – two pair of under- enemy and friendly ship and found out there wasn’t much south across Sea Lark Chan- after it was picked. There was saber for the world to hear, and wear, two pair of socks, an ex- aircraft recognition. They to do around there but sleep, nel from Tulagi. They arrived always an older person at the bang-o – Pearl Harbor – and tra shirt and trousers, his shav- learned Morse code, how to eat and keep the place policed there that day and started tak- wagon who weighed the cot- the United States was at war.” ing gear and some hankies. use semaphore flags and signal up and wait. ing aboard Army troops and ton and kind of looked after After the United States Bill said goodbye to his pop, lights to send and receive short When they arrived at the equipment. They left two days the kids who came by to sleep joined the war in 1941, two of mom and his younger brother, messages, especially distress port in San Francisco, boy did later, bound for Cape Glouces- or play. the Coleman brothers were al- walked down to the main road messages. They also learned they get a surprise. The bus ter, New Britain, just southeast Bill remembered that place ready in service, one stationed and hitched a ride on the milk to recognize friendly or en- stopped alongside one of the of New Guinea. Although the well. The man who owned the on Corregidor in the Philip- truck driven by his next farm emy ships at night. If anyone largest ships anyone had ever invasion of Cape Gloucester cotton fields, Richard Smith, pine Islands and the other in neighbor, Pershing Grey. Bill didn’t know how to swim they seen. They were introduced to had taken place Dec. 26, 1943, gave him his first dog, a little Ft. Bliss, Texas. In 1942, two had to ride in the back of the were taught one hour at night the compartment commander there was still a lot of mopping white Spitz he called Chum. more of the brothers left for pickup all the way to Ft. Smith in their off time. If they didn’t and he welcomed them to the up to do which required fresh Bill and Chum had a lot of fun the Army Air Corps. At the in the cold. He left the milk learn by the time they were USS West Point, one of the troops. together. They were constant time, Corregidor had fallen truck at the corner of Garrison eligible for liberty they didn’t fastest transports in the Ameri- Titania brought fresh troops companions for years. into Japanese hands and the & Towson and walked west get liberty. can transport fleet. Before her and supplies. They arrived In the summer of 1934, the oldest brother had been taken on Garrison Avenue, window They had a lot of fun while commission into service for there April 22, 1944, and im- government started what was a prisoner by the Japanese. shopping along the way to taking their training, but they the Navy she was the famous mediately began unloading to become known as the Civil Bill remembered saying to his North Sixth Street then walked saw at times how dangerous it luxury liner, SS America. Army troops and equipment Conservation Corps or CCC father in a joking way several south to the recruiting office could be. One morning while None of the Arkies and Okies and took on board battle-worn camps. Gus Coleman applied times, “I had much rather face located in the U.S. Post Office taking lifeboat training in a had ever heard of the famous Marine troops who had made for and went to work near Wil- old Tojo than face our quarter- on South Sixth Street across channel that ran into the Naval ship so everything he told the initial invasion back in De- burton. In those days no poor mile cotton rows.” Bill never from the Sebastian County training station, they were all them was news to them. He cember 1943. They departed folk owned a car so he walked liked to work the cotton fields Court House. Another recruit goofing off, watching harbor stated he would be our eyes Cape Gloucester on the 28th of a mile from where they lived and hated to chop or pick cot- arrived shortly after Bill did seals and the dogfights going and ears all the way to their April and immediately started back in Peno to the Poteau ton. and the old chief petty officer on above them. The air was destination, Noumea, New taking on more Army troops River bridge and as the Kansas Bill stayed on the farm and didn’t waste any time getting full of P38s, Hell Cats, A20 Caledonia. and equipment bound for Cape City Southern freight slowed helped his dad until late 1943. them to the bus station and on fighter-bombers, TBFs – you They were off-loaded onto a Gloucester. They left Guadal- to cross the river bridge out As he neared his 17th birthday their way to Little Rock. name it, and they were all lighter and ferried to the dock, canal on May 1, bound for the of Ft. Smith, he hopped it and he told his dad he wanted to All the enlistees and draftees there practicing. They were then trucked to their destina- Cape and arrived at the Cape rode to Howe, Okla. The KCS enlist and help his other broth- were housed at the YMCA in all watching almost directly tion up in the hills southwest on the 3rd of May, unloaded generally stopped in Howe to ers fight the Japanese and free Little Rock. Most came with above their heads when two of the city. Back to living in the Army troops and as soon switch freight for the Midland their oldest brother. He turned a group to enlist or be drafted P38s ran head on into each Quonset huts as they off-loaded, started tak- Valley and he had an easy hop 17 on Sept. 27, 1943, and two and a lot of them were from other. They watched as one About seven days after he ing on Marines bound for the to Wilburton. There a govern- weeks later on Oct. 11, he was the same hometown. Howev- pilot did a right wing over flip- arrived at Noumea, Bill board- Russells. They left the Cape ment truck took them to the sworn into the U.S. Navy in er, after a weekend at the “Y” ping his plane on its back and ed a ship headed toward Gua- on May 5 and arrived in the work site. Little Rock, Ark. Talk about playing pool, swimming and came out feet first. His para- dalcanal. They were aboard Russells on May 6, off-loaded He came home almost every someone being out of their eating at the same restaurant chute opened almost imme- the ship overnight and landed Marines and their equipment weekend, but some weekends realm, he really was but he several friendships were made diately and he floated gently the next morning. Most of See Coleman on Page 11 February 2011, BISKINIK, Page 11 Coleman remembers World War II’s Pacific Theater of Operations Continued from Page 10 of the skies before they could departed the next day bound the first curve the driver lost ers being dropped just off our the unconditional surrender for two days and sat in port for reach the loaded ships at Eni- for Tulagi to pick up new re- control and flipped the duck, bow. Something like that will and the war was over. an extra day. Bill didn’t know wetok. There were gas alerts placements. Some of the older killing one and seriously injur- get your attention real quick.” “We were five days out of why they stayed there an extra because the Japanese were ex- crewmembers were due for ing himself. Well, as it always Despite the heavy cross Pearl Harbor and what a happy day until they were underway pected to try anything. rotation back to the states. The seems one comes through an swells, suicide swimmers and day that was.” for the canal. A half a day out, On the morning of July 17, gunnery department got three accident unhurt and in this boats, Titania begin discharg- The Titania arrived in Pearl the convoy came under attack the convoy moved out of the new men; all their names start- case, one did, and everyone ing her cargo of tanks, trucks, on Aug. 20, 1945. They em- by submarines. No ships were harbor at Eniwetok, headed ed with a T – Thompson, Tur- aboard liked the one who was ammunition and gasoline, as barked personnel and loaded hit but a couple had close calls. for the evasion of Guam. They vey and Trumpold – all fresh killed. well as personnel. On Jan. LTVs (landing track vehicles) The big 2100 Destroyer es- were at battle stations every out of gunnery school. In their The next few days everyone 12, Titania departed Lingayen that were originally on their corts and F4 U Corsairs Com- night as the Japanese dropped homeport area of the South Pa- was getting edgy about the Gulf for Leyte Gulf, arriving way to the Pacific Theater of bat Air Patrol (CAP) took care flares trying to locate the con- cific with a new skipper and a upcoming invasion and were there on Jan. 15. In Leyte, one Operation and were returned of them. In about 20 minutes voy. During the day, the car- full complement of ships crew, told they could expect just half of the ship’s company to the United States. Some they had an all-clear. rier pilots took care of any they were faced with the dif- about anything to happen. The spent an afternoon in Tocloban personnel got liberty in Pearl, Some time before they had left Japanese aircraft that cared to ficult task of training troops enemy stronghold on the is- and everyone enjoyed the time but Bill declined because, “I for this last trip to the cape, venture out. On July 21, break- in preparation for the upcom- lands had been occupied back off, had a few beers and did wanted to be one of the first the gunnery department had fast was at 0400 hrs.; troops ing invasion of the Philippine in early 1942 and they were some shopping, buying fresh to receive leave home when an opening for a gunners mate were fed steak and eggs. They Island. well entrenched with plenty eggs, potatoes and onions. For we arrived in Bremerton Navy striker. Bill applied for it. One They departed of air support. Bill remembers the next couple of days, outrig- yard.” day during the trip to the cape, Tulagi around they left Hollandia on Oct. 1, gers brought merchants from They departed Pearl on the the chief gunners mate casu- noon on the 17th 1944, slowly making their way the beach and they were able 22nd of August and arrived in ally asked Bill if he was ready of August, ar- toward the Island of Leyte. to purchase the same produce Bremerton on Aug. 30, 1945. to come work for him. riving in Bou- A convoy can only travel as without going back to town. Bill awoke early that morning Before arrival at the canal, gainville late in fast as its slowest ship. They However, all good things and made his way up to the Bill was no longer a deck ape. the afternoon were harassed continually, must come to an end. On the Flying Bridge, sat down on an Bill started his duties as a gun- on the 18th. The night and day. After the third 18th of January, they were un- ammunition ready box and as ners mate and was assigned next morning, day out the fleet aircraft kept derway again headed for Mo- they entered Puget Sound, it two 3-inch .50 antiaircraft guns they started tak- most of the Japanese planes rotai in the Halmahera Island, was one of the most beautiful located on the bow of the ship. ing on Army at bay most of the time, but part of the Dutch East Indies, sites he believes he had ever They arrived at Guadalcanal troops bound for some mine-laying aircraft got which lay just off the northern seen. on May 8, loaded with Marines always had a good breakfast Finsch’hafen on the 21st. The by and dumped mines in their tip of New and took on small stores (ships before hitting the beach. The harbor was very deep and to path. All the transports trig- Guinea, a re- exchange) and rations. They Infantrymen from the Marine anchor the ship they had to gered rigged paravanes and ally hot place started getting the ship ready Corps hit the beaches at day- anchor on a narrow ledge. kept them out until the night only about for aerial gunnery practices break. By midday, the hospital The ship hit the spot but dur- before they entered into Leyte 3 degrees and left Guadalcanal the morn- ship was beginning to fill up ing the night a storm moved in Gulf. The Japanese looked for north of the ing of May 11, 1944, bound and most of the troop ships and they were set adrift. The them every night by dropping equator. for Tulagi. They spent the next were taking the overflow of engine room was secured on flares. Some of the destroyers They arrived two weeks getting the old ship casualties. a 10-minute notice and they had radar fire control and they on the 21st ready for some extended time Before his 18th birthday, Bill kept the ship from drifting into kept up a barrage, using flash- of January at sea. Decks were chipped had his first close-up look at another ship or out of the har- less powder when the Japa- and were in- fore and aft, removing any what war really produced – se- bor. They anchored again the nese showed up. Bill and the formed they rust spots from the ship’s sides verely wounded and mangled next morning and got a good others hit the Gulf just before would be above the waterline. This was young men. As all deck per- solid hook, then started off- daylight and started to make attached to Bill and Ruth Coleman in Ft. Sill on the physical work and all hands sonnel were used for off-load- loading the troops. They left their way toward the landing Task Group day of his retirement from the U.S. Army., (turn-to, a Navy term meaning ing during invasion someone Finsch’hafen that afternoon beaches. One lone Japanese 78.1 as a unit Nov. 1, 1969. everybody works). was needed to help with ca- bound for Hollandia, New seaplane made a run down the of the 7th On May 31, 1944, they made sualties. Bill was one of those Guinea, which was about half- middle of the convoy, drawing Fleet. They a trip to Guadalcanal and back detailed to go down into the way up the east coast. They ar- a lot of AA fire. It looked as if a stayed in the harbor there from “The salt air mixed with the to Tulagi in the same day and ramp boats and hook stretchers rived on Aug. 24, anchored in person could walk on the trac- the 21st until Feb. 3, 1945. smell of pine and fir trees un- that afternoon were back at the to the yard and stay (a type of Humboldt Bay and started tak- ers that were fired at him. He Morotai was a pretty secure touched by the death and de- canal. Guadalcanal didn’t have boom hook up for fast loading ing aboard Army troops. They was finally shot down further place at that time; however, struction on the Pacific Islands any docking facilities so the and unloading) to bring casual- departed Hollandia for Aitape, on up the line from their ship. old “washing machine Char- was an experience I will never ship anchored just off its north ties aboard. New Guinea, with a full load In the days that followed, Ja- lie” would interrupt their on- forget,” he said. shore. That afternoon, a fleet Human blood and the smell of troops and equipment, ar- pan launched mass kamikaze deck movies almost every The Tilting Tilly (KA13) tanker came alongside and of death generally made the riving there on the 29th. They attacks to deter the formida- night. No one ever fired a shot was scheduled for a complete they fueled up. Later, a sup- faint at heart a little queasy; had a mock invasion of Aitape ble invasion force. On Jan. 6, at him but the Australian and overhaul and the first thing ply ship came alongside and however, Bill didn’t get sick and hung around until Sept. 12 1945, combat air patrol (CAP) U.S. armies would put him they started doing was making replenished supplies. but, “I probably looked a little practicing mock invasions. planes shot down a Japanese under a big search light for all the ship ready for dry dock. The next morning, it seemed green around the gills because They left Aitape on the 12th plane just 1,000 yards from to see. Sometimes he would The gunnery division was re- as if everyone was getting our old Warrant Boatswain for Milne Bay, arrived there on Titania’s port bow. Air activ- drop a bomb but it was always sponsible for removing all am- the idea that something big told the deck petty officer to the 14th and unloaded for an- ity picked up two days later wild and as soon as he made munition and explosives from was about to happen. As they replace me in the boat with other mock invasion of Milne as the convoy’s CAP downed his flyover they were able to the ship and securing all unat- watched and talked, Bill re- someone older,” he said. “It is Bay. After two four planes. finish their movie. That’s the tended weapons left aboard. membered, a huge armada an experience I haven’t forgot- or three mock A “Val” ap- place everyone got introduced As they began removing appeared on the horizon. As ten over the past 62 years and invasions they proached to Australian beer and, “Boy, it 5-inch projectiles and powder it came closer, the men began it will probably stay with me left Milne from Titania’s was good beer,” Bill remem- bags from the aft magazines, to pick out the battleship and until the day I die.” Bay on Sept. port quarter, bered. “It cost 3 bucks a liter. they got quite a scare. They cruisers. Several big 2100 Although Guam is above the 26, 1944, crossed her The Australians kept us sup- had filled the small hoist with tin cans were running screen equator it was tremendously headed for stern, and plied as they were allowed to 5-inch projectiles and as it for the convoy, which was hot during the invasion and Finsch’hafen. dropped one have beer aboard ship and the reached the halfway mark up, made up of three battle ships, the troops who landed on the The next bomb 100 Americans were not.” the cable broke. If the hoist four cruisers and several big beach suffered more than the day out of yards from After getting some badly had been working properly the destroyers, along with mind shipboard personnel did. The Milne Bay, the ship’s port needed rest and repairs, in ear- counter balance and stopping sweeps and other ships. All deck force unloaded in five Bill celebrated quarter and ly June the old veteran attack pawls would have stopped it. moved into the anchorage of days and they left Guam the his 18th birth- another only transport was underway again, However, they were not and Guadalcanal. While they were night of July 26, 1944. They day. They ar- 50 yards off this time loaded with elements the frayed ends of the cable there, Bill and the others came arrived back at Eniwetok on rived on Sept. her starboard of the 9th Australian Division came down the shaft in a cir- under a submarine alert, which July 31. They departed Eni- 28 and left on the same day, bow. Titania and other mem- of the Australian I Corps head- cular motion flowed by a blaze interrupted their troop loading. wetok the next day bound for headed for Hollandia in Hum- bers of the convoy had taken ed for Brunei Bay, Borneo. On of sparks. The 5-inch powder The next morning they were the New Hebrides Islands. En boldt Bay. The men spent the the plane under fire and finally June 10, the Titania arrived off room was open and filled with all gone and the men started route the ship ran into a mas- next week taking on fuel, am- splashed it only 100 yards off the “Oboe Six” assault area highly flammable ether fumes. taking troops. By the evening sive typhoon and suffered munition and food and filling the Titania’s starboard bow. and began unloading cargo. My friend, Clifford Trumpold, of June 3, they were loaded some damage, losing four LCP tanks with fresh water. They After traveling the last 48 Despite a surprise attack by a and I were the only two in the and ready to go. ramp boats. The cooks weren’t started taking on the 24th In- hours through enemy water Japanese “Nick” which dove magazine. Late that evening, several able to cook, so everyone ate fantry Division equipment, and being attacked by enemy out of low clouds and dropped “The one thing I could think loaded troop transports ar- canned corn beef sandwiches getting ready for the invasion aircraft, Bill said they hoped a bomb which exploded some of,” Bill remembered, “was to rived. The morning of the 4th, for about three days. They did of Leyte, Philippines Islands. the landing at Lingayen Gulf 300 yards off her port beam, jump into the powder room the Titania was underway with have coffee to drink; how- After the extensive routine would be a quiet one. On the they continued unloading and and dog the door down from a large convoy headed for ever, everyone was glad when of mock invasions, most of the morning of Jan. 9 Titania on the morning of May 11 the inside which we did and I Kwajalein, Marshalls Islands. that storm departed their neck deck force was pretty well at dropped anchor off Crimson were completely unloaded and believed that saved our lives They arrived at Kwajalein on of the woods. They arrived the breaking point. They were Beach and attempted to unload departed for Morotai. that day.” June 8, 1944, for the purpose in New Hebrides on Aug. 6, worn out and needed a break. her cargo. However, unload- After spending almost a The gunnery division com- of making a joint invasion of 1944, and had to wait a day or All the heavy equipment was ing became very difficult due month at anchor in Morotai, pleted their tasks aboard the Saipan and Guam after the ini- two for the boat replacements loaded and the skipper said to cross swells. It not only Titania got underway on the Titania on Aug. 31, 1945, and tial assault on Saipan. Titania to arrive. that half of those who wanted slowed Titania down, but the 30th of July and visited San when evening came everyone and other troop-loaded vessels They did get some time off. to go ashore to visit the Army’s APAs had more difficulty get- Pedro Bay, Leyte and Ulithi. was ready to head for the big destined for the invasion of The ship had a party on the PX could go that evening. ting the infantry ashore with- Finally, after 33 months in the city of Seattle. Guam were held in reserve and beach. The cooks made up for Not everyone wanted to go out dumping them in deep wa- Pacific Theater of Operation, Bill left for home on Mon- circled Saipan for three days. their time off during the storm ashore; they had much rather ter. Also, at night, suicide boats the longest length of time for day, Sept. 3, 1945, Labor Day. On the second day, as they by cooking up some pretty just take the afternoon off and and swimmers attacked them. any ship of her kind to remain The train traveled across parts circled Saipan, a lone Japa- good steaks. At the same time, stay aboard. However, there’s They had to deploy armed out of the United States, they of the United States Bill never nese torpedo plane found the a big USO show was perform- always the few who were just LCP boats to circle the ship at raised their going-home pen- dreamed of being able to see. convoy and made a run on an ing every day on the beach. dying to get ashore. night. Titania didn’t take a hit dent and made their way to- He spent his waking hours APD transport directly on their Bob Hope, Francis Langford, They left the ship that after- but the USS Mohawk, which ward Pearl Harbor. glued to the window, afraid he stern. It couldn’t get through Martha Ray and several other noon with a ramp boat full of lay at anchor 100 yards off The air was full of news of would miss seeing something. the intense antiaircraft fire and well-known stars were there. personnel and most were back Titania’s starboard beam took a possible surrender of Japan Moving across eastern Wash- was shot down. They returned Bill saw some of his friends on the ship before dark. Some a few hits from swimmers but any day. Everyone aboard was ington and western Montana, to Kwajalein fully loaded with who were on Tulagi with him. were missing, though, and that was quickly rescued by one of very hopeful the news would the areas seemed to have plen- 14th Defense Battalion and They were serving on the three didn’t present a big problem. the destroyers, which sunk two come soon. That would be the ty of wildlife, deer, elk, prong- remnants of the 3rd Marine Di- presidents troop ships – The They could have easily missed suicide boats before they could best homecoming they could horn antelope, big horn sheep, vision, Medical Battalion, Dog Adams, Jackson and Hayes. the boat and all they had to do reach Mohawk’s side. While receive. Then, on Aug. 6, 1945, and occasionally if he looked Battalion and others to await They traveled in convoy with was to contact the beach mas- the Titania was there, late in a news bulletin was published high enough up a mountain the initial invasion of Guam. them almost all the time they ter and say they needed a ride the evening, the destroyers on ship stating the U.S. Air slope, he would glimpse the The Marines stayed aboard were in the Pacific Theater of home. and rescue boats began laying Force had dropped an atomic white spot of a Rocky Moun- from June 3 until the invasion operations. Well, the call did come, but down smoke screens to protect bomb on the city of Hiroshima tain goat. of Guam on July 21, 1944. Well, all good things have to it was around 0100 hrs in the the convoys from night and in Japan. No one aboard had Bill remembers Missoula, They left their rendezvous come to an end, Bill said. They morning. Of the three men early morning air attacks. ever heard of an atomic bomb Mont., well because of its giant with Saipan and made their said goodbye to the New Heb- who were missing, one was in They did try to find ships in and what destruction it could railroad center. The big cab- way to the harbor of Eniwetok rides Islands on the 14th day custody, one was in the hos- the mornings by just dropping do. Then, on Aug. 9, another forward steam engines boost- on the Marshall Island. They of August bound for Guadal- pital in serious condition and bombs as they flew across the bomb was dropped on the ed the other trains through the arrived there on June 28, 1944, canal, arriving at the canal on the third was dead. They had convoy anchored in the Gulf. Japanese city of Nagasaki, de- tunnels and over the Rocky fully loaded and sat waiting un- the 16th day of August, replen- been drinking and stole an “And how well I remember stroying nearly one-half of the Mountain. Butte, Mont., was til July 17. While they were in ishing their supplies and pick- Army duck. They decided they the early morning bomb runs,” city’s 142,784 population. another place that was a won- the harbor, the ship was under ing spare parts for the engine wanted to visit the hospital and said Bill. “My friend, Cliff “After we learned what an der for Bill – to see Berkeley’s condition 2A; watches were room. While they were there, find some nurses. They found Trumpold, a fellow gunners atomic bomb was and how giant open pit copper mine – the same as if at sea. Almost they had a change of com- the hospital and at the same mate, and I always slept by our much destruction it could do,” an enormous pit where all the every day they went to battle mand. Commander Burger, time found the Army MPs. anti-aircraft gun at night, locat- Bill said, “we knew the war ore was mined to be smelted station two or three times a USNR, was replaced by Mal- They immediately started back ed on the bow of the ship. We was close to being over.” into copper that fed the de- day. It seemed the Navy fliers colm W. Callahan, Command- down the mountain with the had an early wakeup call one On Aug. 15 the official word fense plants manufacturing kept shooting the Japanese out er U.S. Navy (retired). They MPs in hot pursuit and at about morning by two 500-pound- came that Japan had accepted war materials of World War II. February 2011, BISKINIK, Page 12

Ernest Hooser wasErnest born on Hooser - Elder, Educator, Influence Oct. 8, 1917, along with his sas, their boat ran aground, but and two fireplaces. Someone algebra. twin sister Ernestine on his big they weren’t at their desired had to get wood and kindling In 1966, Durant Public brother Hickman’s birthday, location. The weather was se- and someone had to build the Schools installed a television just two days before his moth- verely cold and most of the In- fires in the morning. Ernest’s station. Ernest knew that if er’s birthday. Ernest’s mother dians were barefoot and with- mother cooked in this stove all Durant hired a teacher to direct didn’t know she was going to out coats. It’s said there were his life. Only until after he was this station, he would want to have twins so she didn’t have about 250 people and only out of college did she get a gas be the one to do so. So he be- names picked out. Down the 100 blankets. Ernest’s great- range stove. gan working with no pay for road from their home was a grandfather’s wife died here Ernest graduated from KXII Channel 12 in Denison man who had a team of mules and they had just enough time Tuskahoma in May of 1936. to gain experience. named Ernest and Ernestine, to bury her on the bank. He went on to study at Mur- Ernest worked for KXII which is where they got their Along this boat ride, the ray State College in Tishom- from Monday to Wednesday names. food supply ran out and some ingo. From Murray he went with no pay when they of- Following the Treaty of starved to death. It was so cold to Oklahoma A&M College fered him a part-time job on Dancing Rabbit Creek, Indi- that some froze to death. Even- in Stillwater, which will later Wednesday with pay, and ans were being sent to Oklaho- tually, they made it to Fort be called Oklahoma State, he accepted. Ernest decided ma. There were about 17,000 Smith. and earned his bachelor’s and he needed formal education to 20,000 Choctaws in Mis- They walked from Fort master’s degrees. Ernest stud- on television, so he enrolled sissippi. It was decided that Smith, having very few wag- ied education and majored in at East Texas in Commerce, one-third of the Choctaws will ons. Ernest’s great-grandfa- math and science. which had two full television be sent in 1831, the next third ther, along with the children, While attending Oklahoma stations, for Saturday classes in 1832 and the final third in walked to DeQueen, then Ar- A&M, Ernest met his wife and began training. 1833. Ernest Hooser’s great- kansas, then onto Oklahoma Helen, a home economics ma- Ernest competed his formal grandfather was a member of near Eagletown. jor from Tishomingo. After training at East Texas so he the first one-third Choctaws After making it to Oklaho- Ernest graduated in 1940, he was able to begin directing the sent to Oklahoma. ma, he met up with his wife’s Ernest Hooser is a retired educator, a father and loves and Helen got married. They educational television station Ernest’s great-grandfather sisters, named Ahobotema and telling his stories. had their first child, Patricia at Durant Schools. The station and his wife traveled from Pisatema. Ahobotema later be- Ann, in 1941 and a boy in began by recording art, music Bywya, close to where Phila- came his wife and helped him Peter was married to the 1920s, he worked for the 1942 named Carl Ernest. and science for first through delphia, Miss., is today, to take care of the children. They Amanda Bohanan, Ernest’s Oklahoma Historical Society, Upon graduation, Ernest third grades. They soon orga- Memphis leaving about Oct. had three children, one of them grandmother, for 66 years. assigned to write the history of began teaching science and nized the station to allow the 15. They had children with being Ernest’s grandfather Pe- She passed away at the age the Choctaws. He also worked a little math at Stigler High high school to participate at them, the oldest being four ter J. Hudson. of 89. While at Tuskahoma, for a United States judge. School, where he stayed for noon each day and had four years old. Peter was born at Stock- Peter and Amanda had a baby Ernest’s mother Helen at- three years. From Stigler he televisions in the lunchroom When they arrived at Mem- bridge, a missionary site near girl named Helen Hudson, tended Tuskahoma Female went to become principal at for the students to watch. The phis, they were put on a boat Eagletown. He was fortunate Ernest’s mother. Their other Academy until she was in Tuskahoma High School, students worked on the micro- that was sent down the Mis- enough to attend school at children, Preston, Irene and eighth grade. She married Er- where he also taught math and phones, operated cameras, the sissippi River to where the Ar- Stockbridge, later at Bohan- Nathan came soon after. nest’s father in 1911. Along science. soundboard and videos. kansas River empties into the an then at a boarding school After leaving Tuskahoma, with Ernest, they ended up In 1944 Ernest and his fam- Ernest’s instruction in the Mississippi. northwest of Fort Towson. Peter and Amanda moved to a having six children. ily moved to Antlers where he station influenced many stu- As they came up the Arkan- He then went onto attend little community called Buffa- Ernest and Ernestine were became principal of the senior dents. One girl went on to Drury Academy in lo where Amanda’s father (Er- born in their home located high school. He kept this po- make her career in television. Springfield, Mo., nest’s great-grandfather) was just a half a mile over the hill sition until 1955. Ernest en- One boy would always bring in 1869 and stayed a preacher of a small church from the Clayton Cemetery. In joyed his years at Antlers and his Bible to the station with there for 18 years. called Cupco. Peter began 1919, they moved into a box was able to teach some classes him. He once wrote a script Peter became a teaching school here. house where Ernest’s brother while he was principal there. called “How to Witness for preacher after he Peter and Amanda had a John still lives today. The children at Antlers en- the Lord Jesus Christ,” which received his degree fifth child in about 1899, but There were six children in joyed Ernest as their principal was broadcasted. A few years at Drury, spend- she only lived about two days. the Hooser family. From the as well. They had a nickname later, Ernest found the student ing three years at They buried her just outside time Ernest was young, he for him, calling him “Pos- working as a pastor in south Hartford, Conn. the Cupco churchyard, which knew he would go to college. sum.” They didn’t realize Er- Oklahoma City. He informed He later became today is a cemetery. This is Five out of six Hooser children nest knew this was the nick- Ernest that his television class a missionary for also where Ernest’s great- went to college, three received name he was given by them; prepared him more for his Choctaws, visiting grandparents are buried. degrees and two worked be- much less he thought it was a work more than anything he’s two churches: Mt. Peter later became an of- yond a master’s degree. Ernest fun thing. ever done, besides his Bible Zion and Big Lick. ficer in the Choctaw govern- was working on his doctorate Ernest encountered some studying, and what helped him In 1892, a school ment, the auditor of the tribe. degree when he stopped to troublemakers during his days most was being on the micro- was being built in Around 1907 through 1911, focus on his career. He lived as an educator, but he had a phone. He didn’t like being Tuskahoma. Pe- he was appointed by the chief 240 miles from the univer- lot of fun with ter was elected to to delegate to the President of sity and had to take Tuesday his students. One be first superin- the United States and he was night and Saturday classes, so time, he had a tendent, where he interested in legislation. he couldn’t afford to take that couple of boys stayed a number of Peter and Amanda came to time off work. try to flush a Ernest with his children, Patricia years, until around Oklahoma in 1911. In 1916, Ernest was supposed to go firecracker down and Carl. 1898. Peter went to Washington. In to school at Prairie View, but a commode in several schools consolidated the bathroom on including Tuskahoma, Dry the third floor Creek and Buffalo. He walked of the school, a mile to catch the bus to go to and no one ever school at the new school. Er- confessed. Years nest’s school bus was a Model later, at a class T Ford truck that had a body reunion, the boy put on the back. There were asked Ernest if no individual windows, just he remembered School heavy screen wire. When the the incident and weather was bad, they rolled a said, “I’m the tarp and tied it down. The bus one,” and he Ernest Hooser and late wife, Helen. of Choctaw Language just had three long benches, thought about it and it was used for about six all the time. on the microphone, but Ernest years until the school pur- Ernest was a great influ- knew it was good for him, and chased a bus made by a manu- ence on his students as well. it paid off. facturer. One day, a student was sent to One day, while Ernest was Ernest and his sister en- Ernest’s principal’s office for unloading rolls of tape, he hurt rolled in the first grade at Tus- calling a teacher a bad name. his back and was in bed for a kahoma. It wasn’t very large The student ended up quit- month. During this time, the Community Classes and the first grade shared a ting school, but the basketball administration assigned a high Community classes are held in various locations in Oklahoma, Texas, room with the second grade. coach was able to bring him school student to take over the back after talking to him. Af- station. He now runs a church Arkansas and California. For more information, call Richard Adams at In high school, Ernest took basic algebra, geometry and ter returning, he received his television studio. Ernest ex- 1-800-522-6170. English. He was also taught punishment from Ernest with presses great pride in his suc- penmanship nearly every year a paddling. Years later, he vis- cessful students. so he would be able to write ited Ernest at his home and After the television station Internet Classes eligibly. handed him a piece of paper in Durant Schools was closed, Language classes are available on the Internet and will continue to During high school, only the saying, “That’s your copy.” Ernest began teaching pho- This was the student’s doctor’s tography classes. He taught expand to meet the needs of those who are interested in enrolling. The superintendent and the coach had cars. Some students would dissertation. He told Ernest, “I in public schools as well as Chahta Anumpa Internet Course is taught by Lillie Roberts. come to school on horseback, needed an attitude adjustment Southeastern Oklahoma State feeding and watering their and you gave it to me.” University. At SOSU, he in- horses at lunchtime. From Antlers, the Hooser structed a photography class High School & College Courses The children took their family moved to Eagletown that took place at night and all With One-Net Distance Learning Technology, Choctaw Language lunches to school with them. and Ernest became super- the students were adults. courses are taught in approximately 35 high schools within the Choctaw Ernest’s lunches consisted of intendent. Eagletown was a Ernest retired from teaching two biscuits, usually having small school and consisted in 1980. He was an educator Nation and in two colleges, Carl Albert State College in Poteau and Eastern sausage, ham or bacon. He of a white school and a black for 40 years. Oklahoma State College in Wilburton. carried them to school in his school, the campuses located In 2004 Ernest’s beloved hip pocket. The school didn’t about a mile apart. When Er- wife Helen passed away. They have a lunchroom. During the nest experienced heart prob- were married 64 years. University Classes depression, the school would lems that came with the stress Today, Ernest enjoys telling Instructors from the School of Choctaw Language also teach a course at serve soup and crackers when of being the superintendent, he his grandchildren and great- went back to teaching in the grandchildren stories of his Southeastern Oklahoma State University. In addition to learning to read and it could afford it. The Hooser children didn’t classroom. past and Choctaw culture. He write in Choctaw, the students also learn the history and culture of the tribe. always know they didn’t have Ernest’s last year in Eagle- occasionally goes to Durant a lot of money because they town was 1959, and Patricia Public Schools and speaks had always been raised that and Carl graduated. Ernest with the students about Choc- Materials for classes can be purchased at way. They ate well, especially received a job at Durant junior taw heritage. He even teaches Chahta Holisso Akanchi at breakfast. They had bis- high school, which he pre- them to sing in the Choctaw cuits, gravy, sausage, bacon, ferred to high school. language. Choctaw Bookstore oatmeal, sorghum molasses, His first year at Durant Jr. Ernest tells students he vis- Carolyn Cross, Manager butter and milk. High Ernest taught two sev- its that they each have their 888-932-9199 • 580-920-3148 When the kids came home enth-grade math classes, two own story yet to be told. His eighth-grade math classes great-grandchildren will often 800-522-6170, ext. 5148 • 580-924-8280, ext. 5148 from school in the evenings, their mother would serve and two ninth-grade math sit on the floor and listen to his them supper then they’d work classes, teaching six periods a stories that he wants them to in the field gathering crops. day. Eventually, Ernest began hear, because they have a heri- www.choctawschool.com They had a wood-cook stove teaching first and second year tage to be proud of. February 2011, BISKINIK, Page 13 Durant Choctaw Seniors stay active in the community The Choctaw Community A bake sale, which is a reg- to the head start to demon- Center in Durant holds many ularly occurring activity for strate the passing of knowl- activities to keep Choctaw the seniors, took place on Jan. edge of the Choctaw heritage senior citizens entertained, 21. The seniors made fried to the younger generation. energized and happy. Lately, pies to sell as a fundraiser to The seniors plan to con- their membership has in- earn money for general funds tinue their friendship with creased significantly, and to use for trips and other the head start children with a more and more people are events planned. cook out in the future. “The participating. The seniors are getting kids love to see the seniors’ “Our seniors are very, very dirt under their fingernails Choctaw dresses and outfits,” active,” said Choctaw Seniors by growing a “Going Green said Marilynn. “We all just President Marilynn Mitchell. Garden.” The Going Green love the children.” Every Wednesday, the cen- Garden committee is hard at On Jan. 26, a health fair ter holds a meal and meet- 2008 Outstanding Choc- work and they currently have took place in the center just ing for the Choctaw seniors taw Elder Lorene Blaine manure coming in so they can before the lunch meeting. The of District 9. They say the investigates a booth at the start planting. health fair featured several Pledge of Allegiance and eat health fair in Durant on Jan. When their garden vegeta- departments from all over the a meal cooked a great chef. 26. bles are in season, the seniors Choctaw Nation, and many At their Wednesday meet- are able to put them on their services and information ings, seniors participate in weather hit the community, salad bar at lunchtime so their were provided for the seniors. exercises instructed by “ser- Marilynn came to the center work can pay off as part of With the money earned Shirley Barboan and Jo Selby take a break from their geant-at-arms” Willie Walley, for “fried pie prep” and found a good meal. Last year, they from their fundraising events, pie making duties to pose for the camera. who’s over 80 years old. They that 23 seniors were pres- grew watermelons and had a the seniors are able to make also learn Choctaw songs ent and ready to lend a help- tasty summer treat. trips to interesting and enter- taught by Gaylia Green and ing hand. “Our people are The Choctaw Head Start taining places. They just got make their weekly announce- tough!” she said. is just right across from the back from Branson on Dec. ments. The Choctaw Seniors of community center, and the 6, and they were able to visit The number of seniors Durant participate in a num- seniors love to participate the Texas State Fair in Sep- in attendance at the weekly ber of activities and fundrais- in activities with the Choc- tember. meetings has increased to ers. Usually every month, taw children. The youngsters The Choctaw Seniors are around 100 seniors at one they conduct an Indian Taco helped the seniors with their in high spirits and are always time. “We’re delighted,” said sale. vegetable garden last year by having a great time. “We al- Marilynn about the number They are learning a new planting seeds and cleaning ways have lots of activity,” present. “In the past there activity, line dancing, which up the area of grass in front said Marilynn. “Councilman were much less.” they practice every week. of the center. The Outstand- Ted Dosh is very supportive These Choctaw seniors are Dominoes are also a frequent ing Elders of the center have and does good things for us. very dedicated. When bad occurrence at the center. made a “symbolic walk” over We always give him credit.”

Registered nurses Loyce Wright, Kelly Adams, Clara Battice, Brandi Burris and community health representative Robin Green operate their booth at the health fair.

The Choctaw Seniors “Dream Team” hard at work making fried pies. Pictured (in no particular order) are Shir- ley Barboan, Frances Chandler, Kenneth Chandler, Jo Selby, Stella Mullins, Francis Speers, Margie Sutton, Jim Buddies Oscar Sutton (right) and Ollie Wilson (left) Browder, Geneva Shults, Diana White, Shirley McClain, Gaylia Green, June Sidles, Thelma Loftis, Gene Loftis, Nita enjoy some coffee and company before the weekly senior Kicinski, Sharisse Ladd, Marilyn Mitchell, Jimmye Browder and Phillis Knight. lunch. Tales of a Choctaw Air Force pilot: Truman Heron schoolhouse northwest of semester at the University of marry, but his title as a mili- for being shot down, McAlester. Oklahoma. tary officer allowed him to dead or captured. I rode a horse to school, I have a love for flying. I bypass that restraint. Truman In one instance a big old horse. One day a first got interested in aviation and Mary Jo were wed at her his plane was smok- strong wind blew some paper because of a guy in Scipio home on April 20, 1944. ing as he neared the in front of my horse, he half who had an airplane and took Truman was called into ac- runway to land at the reared and I fell off. My boot me riding, said Truman as he tive duty in January of 1943. base. As he slowed hung and I was dragged a tells why he chose the Air He went for training in many down it caught fire ways. Because of that I never Force over other options. places, beginning in Wichita and he had to land became a cowboy, said Heron After completing cadet Falls. He graduated at Moore the plane with fire as he recalls mishaps from his school, earning his wings and Field in McAllen, Texas and in the cockpit. Once youth. the plane has slowed He ended his schooling down enough for there in 1934 at the age of 12. Truman to escape, Truman Randolph Heron At that time he moved to his he evacuated the air- as the Outstanding Choctaw mother’s allotment of land in craft and it burned Elder for Distric 9 in 2005. Grant, Okla. His mother re- on the runway. ceived this land in 1935 and He was overseas Truman Randolph Heron was one of the last to be given for one year and was born Aug. 3, 1923 in land. then came back Mary Jo and Truman Heron, 1954. Scopio Okla., a town just While living in Grant, Tru- home. He was sta- northwest of McAlester near man and his family raised tioned at Perrin Air Force Headquarters. He became the the South Canadian River. corn and cotton. At the begin- Base in Sherman, Texas. Controller at the MATS Con- His great aunt, ascting as ning my father didn’t have From there he moved to Ran- trol Center and earned a four- midwife, delivered him into a tractor. He used mules to dolph Field in San Antonio engine commercial license, this world. He was the old- plow the land. We had a cow and then on to Good Fellow but never used it. est child of Della and Charles at home for milk, said Tru- Air Force Base in San An- For his service as a pilot, Heron. man as he described his early gelo, Texas. His first daugh- Truman was awarded the Dis- Truman’s grandmother was farming days. ter, Linda Jo, was born in San tinguished Flying Cross and a full blood Choctaw and his When he reached high Angelo. five Air Metals, the last being mother was a half. He is listed school, he attended Grant Truman takes pride in this aircraft, “The Merry Heron He then left for the South an Air Force Commendation as an eighth Choctaw and an High and was involved in II.” Pacific and stayed there for a Medal. eighth Chickasaw. sports. He was the quarter- year and a half. While he was Upon retiring for the Air He began his education at back in six-man football, obtaining the rank of Second then went to fighter training away, his second daughter, Force, Truman came back to school in Ardmore, but only played basketball and ran Lieutenant he married Mary in Strother Field in Arkan- Janet Sue was born. He did Oklahoma and went to school stayed there for six months. track. Jo Dickson, who he had met sas. During his time there, he not get to see her until Mary at Southeastern Oklahoma Upon leaving Ardmore, he He graduated from Grant in as a child and dated in high learned to pilot P-47 fighter Jo and the children flew out State University. While re- continued his early years of 1942 and enlisted in the Cadet school. planes and gained the nick- to Honolulu to meet him. The ceiving his education he was education at North Mount Program of the Air Force later At the age of 20, Truman name “Chief,” because of his girls stayed with him for a also running a farm and ranch Homa School, a one-room that year after spending a half was too young to legally Native American heritage. year on the Kwajalein Island. on his mother’s allotted land Leaving Ar- Following his time in the south of Grant. kansas, Tru- South Pacific, Truman came He earned a degree in man traveled to to Westover Air Force Base education in 1967 and com- Galveston Air in Massachusetts and stayed menced his teaching career at Force Base to there about a year. He also Washington Irving School in Durant where he taught fifth attend gunnery went to school for piloting grade. school and then C-97 planes, which are large He went on to gain a Mas- he began his four-engine transport planes. ter’s of Education and is cred- time overseas in Later, he went to Tokyo to ited for 24 years of teaching. Italy. While in learn to pilot C-54s. He was He retired in 1986 and began a Europe, he flew there for over three years and rich retirement filled with golf 100 combat mis- his family got to be with him and traveling. sions. the majority of his time there. Mary Jo and Truman have Truman re- He came back to the Unit- traveled all over the coun- members that ed States and learned to fly try. They have been to every the job of fight- C-118 planes at McGuire Air state and capital in the United er pilot was Force Base in New Jersey. He States. not a safe one. flew this class of aircraft until While Truman was in the He stated that he retired. MATS he traveled all over the planes were shot He was a Squadron Ad- world. From the Philippines down regularly jutant in a number of differ- and Saudi Arabia to most of and the mortal- ent places at the Military Air Europe, Truman has seen a Truman (upper center) and his fighter pilot buddies all geared up for action in 1944 Italy. ity rate ran 50% Transport Service (MATS) great deal of this planet. February 2011, BISKINIK, Page 14 Obituaries Lillie Mae ‘Judy’ Pezzolo Michael Ponder Lawrence Shoemaker Lillie Mae “Judy” Pezzolo, 82, of Michael K. Ponder of Hoyt passed Lawrence “Chili” Shoemaker, 65, Carson City, Nev., passed away Feb. away Jan. 16, 2011, in Fort Smith, passed away on Jan. 7, 2011, in Lone 22, 2008, surrounded by family at Ark., at the age of 68. He was born Grove. her bedside. She was born March 25, Nov. 24, 1942, in Hoyt to Carl H. Lawrence was born on June 6, 1925, in Graham, Okla., to Jessie and and Florene Gretchen (Harrison) 1945, in Ardmore to and Ella Mae Rose Stidham. Ponder. (Shoemaker) Willmond. Judy lived most of her life in the Michael is preceded in death by Lawrence attended school at bay area and moved to Carson City his parents and two brothers, Carl Overbrook and Greenville schools to be near her family. Being three Ponder Jr. and Timothy H. Ponder. and graduated from Plainview High parts American Indian, Judy was a He is survived by his wife, Char- School in 1964. He went to Haskell proud member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. Judy was lotte of the home; daughters, Carolyn Gletz of Tulsa and Ellen Institute of Welding and graduated. He moved to Oakland, Ca- the founder the National Organization for Mentally Impaired Kay Starkey of Claremore; son David Ponder and wife Ron- lif., to pursue his welding career. This is where he met and Children (NOMIC), an organization to help children with dis- nette of Chelsea; sisters, Patricia Harrison Ponder of Hoyt and married his first wife, Geri Vavalis. abilities. Over the years Judy blossomed into a woman of great Gwendolyn Gaye (Ponder) Partney and husband Leon, of Tul- He enlisted in the U.S. Army where he served his country in courage and strength, holding her love for her children closest sa; 10 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; four nephews; Germany and Korea. After his discharge he moved to Juneau, in her heart. and two nieces. Alaska, to be with his wife and daughter. In 1970, he moved She is survived by her daughters, Joanne Cluff and Christal to Dallas where he took up the trade of surveyor and in 1977 Saint Denis; son George Pezzolo; four grandchildren, Victoria moved to Ardmore where he worked in the oilfield and in 1979 Stone, Erica Stone, Chelsea Cluff, and Tyler Cluff; one great his marriage ended. He later met Shirley and the couple joined. granddaughter, Sienna Stone; two stepdaughters, Deborah Cletus Dobbs He was a member of the McAlister Baptist Church where he Fowler and Angel Varnell; numerous nieces and nephews; and accepted the Lord. He enjoyed gardening, working with hors- her devoted canine companions, Benji and Cookie. Cletus Dobbs, of Tulia, Texas, es, baseball, golf and pool. passed away on Dec. 28, 2010, at He was preceded in death by his mother, Ella Mae Will- the age of 74. mond; brothers, Ronnie Willmond and Ray Willmond; and Shawn Jameson He is preceded in death by his par- great-nephew Kylien Anh Willmond-Nguyen. ents, Benjamin Washington Dobbs Lawrence is survived by his wife, Shirley, of the home; Shawn Jameson of Shawnee and Dovie Mae Guie and two broth- daughter Keri Shoemaker-Combs of Juneau, Alaska; three passed away on Dec. 30, 2010. He ers, Joe Dobbs and Carl Hall. grandsons, Cody and Austin Shoemaker, both of Juneau and was 41. Shawn was born Jan. 31, Surviving him is his wife, Rita Richie Combs Jr. of Yakima, Wash.; brother Marcus Willmond 1971, at 10:28 p.m. at South Bay Dobbs, of Tulia; two daughters, Mel- of Ardmore; sister Melissa Mose of Ardmore; uncle, Erie Hospital in Redondo Beach, Ca- ba Simons-Brown of Aurora, Ill., Shoemaker of Ardmore; and aunt Sylvania Padilla of Dallas. lif. Shawn was a professional hair and Karen McBride of Paradise, Texas; one brother, George stylist. He moved to Oklahoma in Dobbs of Moore; three sisters, Margaret LeBlanc of Car- 2007 to begin a new chapter in his thage, Texas, Grace Marlow of Bokchito, and Inez Schaffer life. Shawn was a loving father. He of Midwest City, eight grandchildren, Daniel McBride, An- Thomas Lyle Jones Sr. had recently became certified as an gela McBride, Luke McBride, Justin McBride, Meredith Thomas Lyle Jones Sr. passed A+ Certified Computer Technician. He was a proud member Simons, Bethany Simons, Hope Brown, and Matt Brown; away on Nov. 28, 2010. He was born of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. He was preceded in pass- two great grandchildren, Matthew McBride and Liam Mc- in Coalgate on Oct. 25, 1937, to Jack ing by his grandmother, Sylvia. Shawn is survived by parents, Bride. Kenneth and Trudi Root; siblings, Valerie, Bill, Bobby, Rich- and Emma Jones. He grew up in ard and Cheryl; daughters, Bridgette and Isabelle Jameson; Oklahoma City and attended Colum- and 14 nieces and nephews. Shawn was deeply cared for and bus Elementary, Jackson Jr. High and passed inauspiciously. We will miss his special spirit. We pray Alex Joe Locke Capitol Hill High School. He was for peace for our sadness in his loss. proud of his Choctaw heritage and Alex Joe Locke passed away Dec. 23, 2010. He was born in often shared many of his childhood Tyler, Texas, on July 28, 1954. He lived in Irving, Texas, until memories with his family. He was an Betty Givens he was 9 years old. His family then moved to Bethany. Alex honest and trustworthy man, respected by all who knew him. resided in Bethany until his death. He married the love of his life, Judi Jones, in 1961, and raised Betty Gene Givens passed away Alex was a kind caring and giving man, who had great love three children. Tom worked with his brothers sheet rocking for Dec. 13, 2010. She was retired from for friends and family. Alex never met a stranger and would of- many years, then became a member of Teamsters, working for SBC (ATT) in Tulsa. She was a wife, Leeway, Transcon, BeMac, and eventually retiring from ABF fer a helping hand to anyone. He adored his mother and spent mother and grandmother who cared in 1998. Judi preceded him in death in 1997 from ALS, after as much time as possible with her. He looked forward to talks deeply for her family. being tenderly cared for by Tom and her family. His parents with his mother and sisters. She is survived by her husband, and three brothers, Bill, James and Eddie, also preceded him He took great pride and pleasure working with his uncle Richard J. Givens of the home; five in death. children, Kelli Moore of Norman, Bob, throughout the Oklahoma City area as an exterminator. Tom is survived by his children, Felicia Lucas and husband Sherill Callison of Hugo, Cary Cal- He was an avid fisherman and one of University of Oklahoma’s Marshall, Thomas Lyle Jones Jr. and wife Neva, Tonya Rogal- lison of Chicago, Johnna Callison of greatest fans. sky and husband Delbert, and a special “adopted” son, Ali A.H. Sacramento, Shawn and Annabell Callison of Lone Grove; nine Alex was survived by his mother, Lynn Locke; sisters, Jones; eight grandchildren, Nicole and Daniel Moghbelfar, grandchildren; two stepchildren; seven step grandchildren; Donna Locke Oiler and family, Patricia Locke McClelland and Dr. Shari Jones, Gerald and Joseph McGuire, Josh Rogalsky, three step great-grandchildren. Her cousins include Jack and family of Pasadena and Houston, and Early Sue Locke and and Billy and Jennifer Jones; four great-grandchildren, Brian Donna Sharp of Prump Nev., Carol Sharp of McAlester, Lynn family of Oklahoma; aunt Betty and uncle Richard of Paris, and Taylor Snyder, and Joseph and Jacob McGuire. He is also Sharp of Dallas, Bill Sharp of McAlester and Barbra Sharp of Texas; uncle Bob and aunt Tam of Oklahoma City; uncle Bill survived by his sister, Wanda McKinney; brothers, Jerry and McAlester. She will be greatly missed by her family and they and aunt Doris of Fort Worth, Texas; and all of his grandchil- Frank Jones; and numerous nieces, nephews and in-laws. He will always cherish the memories of her. dren, great-grand-children, a number of nieces, nephews and had many friends who mourn the passing of “good ole’ Tom cousins. Jones.” Ruby Beams Henderson Johnson Ruby Beams Henderson Valley. Clyde passed away Johnson passed away on Jan. in 1970 and Ruby retired and 1, 2011, at the Hillcrest Care moved to Purcell, where she Center in Tishomingo at the became a caregiver for the el- age of 100. derly. In 1985, Ruby married She was born on Nov. 24, James Johnson and moved to 1910, in Kingston to James Tishomingo. and Jettie Smith Beams. Ruby was preceded in death As a small girl Ruby and by her parents, two sisters and her family lived on her fa- two brothers. ther’s Indian allotment which cotton, tomatoes and grapes Mrs. Johnson is survived by was located around Shay. Her and worked in a cannery. her children, Kenneth Hen- father was a deputy for the When World War II broke out, derson of Tishomingo, Lon- sheriff’s office in Marshall Ruby’s family moved back nie Henderson of Fort Worth, County. Around the age of 10, to Oklahoma where Clyde Cecil Henderson of Pauls Ruby’s father moved the fam- farmed and Ruby worked in Valley, Eva Lou Powell of ily to McClain County where Dallas at the defense plant. Tishomingo, Dolores Ward of Ruby attended school at Stal- The Henderson family then Belen, N.M., and Joan Abbott ey, located southwest of Pur- moved to Garvin County of Tishomingo; 20 grandchil- cell. At the age of 18, Ruby where Ruby worked in restau- dren; 50 great-grandchildren married Clyde Henderson and rants at Lindsay as a cook. In and 30 great-great-grandchil- they had six children. In 1937, 1959, she went to work for the dren. Also, her special friend, Ruby and her family moved to State of Oklahoma as a cook Brenda Stacy of Carrollton, California where she picked at the State School in Pauls Ga.

Eugene Jones

Eugene Jones was born in in the last eight years at the Antlerson May 29, 1922, to Full Circle Senior Adult Day Harrison and Ethel Jones. Center. Life was a struggle for Gene Gene is survived by his as a youth although he al- wife of 36 years, Nancy; chil- ways took everything in dren Bobbie Jones and wife stride, just as he would in his Charlotte, Sandra Jones and later years. He went to Jones Melvin Jones; stepchildren, Academy Indian School as a Michelle Brockmeier and young child and later to Chi- husband Tim, John Grassi and locco Indian School. He was wife Norma Ting, sister Joyce in the CCC program in Ba- chanic. In 1967 he was part Wright and husband Roy; sin, Wy., building reservoirs. of the Tinker support team grandchildren Bobbie Jones Gene served in the Navy dur- that worked on the Titan Jr. and wife Brenda, Toni ing World War II on the USS II and Minuteman missile. Fox and husband Tim, Sean Mellette as a coxswain in the During the Vietnam War he Yelle, Michael Grassi, Joseph South Pacific and navigated made many trips to the base Rangel, Melissa Morehead, an LST that dropped off Ma- in Thailand to repair damaged Letitia Rangel; also many rines on the beaches of Iwo planes. He retired in 1974, great-grandchildren, nieces Jima and Okinawa. Gene was but continued to work in de- and nephews. Gene was pre- in the Air Force Reserves dur- veloping rental properties in ceded in death by his parents, ing the Korean conflict and Harrah and Midwest City. No Ethel and Harrison Jones; was called up again to serve job was too much for Gene to daughter Tommy Lee Jones in Texas. tackle and he took pride in the Swanson; siblings, Harrison Gene worked at Tinker Air pretty two-bedroom house he Jones Jr., Dorothy Mead, Bob Force Base for 28 years as built at Lake Eufaula. Gene Jones, Jack Jones, and Rich- an aircraft sheet metal me- spent many pleasant hours ard Jones. February 2011, BISKINIK, Page 15 Obituaries

Marie Stanley Henry Herbert Whiteman Joan Regalado Marie Stanley was born in McAl- Henry Herbert Whiteman, 83, Joan Kitty Franklin Regalado, 45, ester on Jan. 13, 1924, to the late Os- passed away on Jan. 2, 2011, in of Oklahoma City passed away on car Dunn and Bertha Audrey (Pusley) Beggs in his own home. He was born Jan. 5, 2011, in Oklahoma City. Joan Dunn. She died in Drumright on Oct. March 15, 1927, in Goodwater in the was born on March 6, 1965, in Dallas, 18, 2010, at the age of 86 years, nine home of his grandfather, W.J. White- the daughter of Henry and Edith (By- months and five days. She was raised man, and his grandmother, Mattie J. ington) Franklin. In 1981, Joan mar- and educated in McAlester and Bow- Harriss Whiteman, the daughter of ried Humberto Regalado. She was a legs, attending the Chiocco school. Choctaw judge Henry C. Harris. homemaker. She married Finis Stanley in Still- Henry’s parents were Choctaw en- Survivors include her sons, Hum- water on Dec. 24, 1943, and they had rollee Henry A. Whiteman and Nora berto Franklin of Oklahoma City, six children. They moved from Healdton to Drumright in 1944 Willis. He served in the arm in World War II from May 1945 to Christopher Regalado and wife Tiffany of Oklahoma City and and remained there the rest of their lives. Marie was a caregiver July 1946. He enjoyed going out to the county, rock collecting, Jeremy Regalado also of Oklahoma City; her daughter, Jacinda all of her life and had worked as an LPN at Saint Francis Hos- reading, writing and family get-togethers. He married Celia K. Regalado of Oklahoma City; her brothers, Wilburn Frank- pital in Tulsa for more than 15 years until her retirement in the M. Tovar in Mexico City, Mexico, on Aug. 10, 1958. He was lin of Oklahoma City, Gilbert Franklin of Okemah and Lester mid 1980s. a wonderful and unique man, husband, father, grandfather and Franklin of Colorado; her sisters, Wanda Pienda, Lena Frank- She loved her job and enjoyed crocheting, playing Bingo, great-grandfather. He will be missed very much. He went to be lin, Susan Morris, Henryietta Franklin and Betty Tsoodle all of cooking for everyone and telling stories. with the Lord on worship Sunday. Oklahoma City. Joan is also survived by nine grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her father Oscar Dunn, her Henry is survived by his wife, Celia Whiteman; four sons, She is preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Catherine and mother Bertha Audrey Dunn-Hunter, her husband Finis Stan- Tommy V. Whiteman and his wife, Delphie of Fort Worth, a brother Arbin. ley in 1996, two sons Raymond Stanley and Jim Stanley, two Herbert A. Whiteman and his wife, Carol of Mounds, David R. grandchildren Tracy Stanley and Lisa Faye Stanley, two broth- Whiteman and his wife, Erica of McKinney, Roger D. Bracher ers Johnny Dunn and Tommy Dunn and a sister, Mary Jane and his wife, Linda of Blanchard; three daughters, Mary E. Leonard West Bishop. Skaggs and husband Steve of Beggs, Diane Willbrant and Her remaining family includes her children Susie Stanley of husband David of Oklahoma City, and Jeannie Hodgin and Leonard “Wayne” West, 84, a resi- McAlester, Jeanie Rigsby of Drumright, Brenda Vann of Ol- husband Les of Blanchard; grandchildren and great-grandchil- dent of Colorado Springs, Colorado ive, Rocky Stanley of Drumright, 15 grandchildren, 27 great- dren. for 61 years, passed away on Oct. 3, grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren and one brother, 2010, at Emeritus of Broadmoor in Jim Dunn of Colorado. Also several nieces, nephews, cousins, Colorado Springs. Wayne was born in other relatives and loving friends. Francis, Okla., on April 23, 1926, son Janice Janette Tsosie of Albert Harley and Rena Floy West. Wayne was preceded in death by Janice Janette Tsosie, 55, of Wright his parents; wife Lorenia; brother Al John William Townsend City passed away on Jan. 12, 2011, at West; sisters, Louise Deaton, Wanda her residence. She was born Oct. 18, John William “Bill” Townsend, 88, born Feb. 16, 1922, in Price, Hazel McFadden; and grandson Jonathan West. He is 1955, in Talihina. Valliant, passed away Dec. 27, 2010, in Plano, Texas. survived by two sons, Clarence Harley West with wife Helen Janice was a member of the Chi- He was preceded in death by his parents, Clark and Ethel and Michael Lee West with wife Angie; four grandchildren; howa I Chuka Assembly of God. She Townsend; four brothers, Pushmataha Townsend, Brunson four great-grandchildren; sisters, LaVada Brown with husband enjoyed working at school with the Townsend, Joe Clark Townsend and Sam Townsend; two sis- Joe, Dixie Fields with husband Earl and Carolyn Gearhart; sis- young children in her church, and at- ters, Pauline Tidwell and Lucy Stephens; one daughter, Billie ter-in-law Barbara West; numerous nieces, nephew and count- tending to her yard work. She espe- Nell Gwaltney. less friends. cially enjoyed reading her Bible. He is survived by his wife, Susie Nell Townsend of Plano, Wayne was an honorably discharged Naval Veteran of World Janice was preceded in death by her parents, Jesse and En- Texas,; one daughter, Judy Payne and husband Patrick of Man- War II, proudly serving the United States aboard the USS Pres- nessie Davis; and her brother-in-law, Harold Gipson. sfield, La.; three sons, John Townsend and wife Carolyn of ident Adams, USS President Jackson and the USS President Janice leaves to cherish her memory her husband, Don of Millerton, The Rev. Jim Townsend and wife Marlene of Mil- Monroe carriers. Wright City; two sons, Kevin of Ft. Leonard Wood, Mo., Casey lerton, Father Joe Townsend of Broken Arrow; grandchildren, Wayne worked as an electrician at the Broadmoor Hotel for and his wife, Michelle of Byng; three brothers, David and his Patrick Payne, Blake Payne, Toby Townsend, Jay Townsend, 42 years and was a member of the Broadmoor Pioneer Club. wife, Annie of Wright City, Mike and his wife, Bernie of Du- Sissy Townsend, Jennifer Townsend, Joshua Townsend, Brad- He was a member of the Choctaw Nation and enjoyed making rant, Benjamin and his wife, Noreen of Springfield, Mo.; one ley Ballew, Beverly Miller and husband Keith, and Beth Mor- Native American jewelry. phew; eight great-grandchildren; five sisters, Mary Daniels of sister, Sharon Gipson of Wright City; five grandchildren, Hay- Idabel, Jane Whitten and husband Bobby of Idabel, Sarah Dun- doekeyo, Mia, A.J., Kaycee and Keeli; along with numerous away of Spencer, Juanita Townsend of Oklahoma City, and Pat nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends. Clinton Bailey Rymel Privott and husband Norman of McCloud; sister-in-law Carol Townsend of Clay Center, Neb.; stepson Jerry Hutchison and Clinton Bailey Rymel Sr. was born June 21, 1936, in Cloudy to Hal and wife Shirley with three step-granddaughters of Plano, Texas. Charles Garnett Simpson Sr. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Mabel (Spring) Rymel. He passed Bill was a proud member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklaho- Charles “Charlie” Garnett Simpson from this life Dec. 4, 2010, in Durant, ma. He attended Valliant schools and then served his country as Sr. of McAlester passed away on Dec. at the age of 74. a Seabee, the Construction Battalion of the U.S. Navy leaving 28, 2010, in McAlester at the age of Bailey lived in southern Oklahoma as a petty officer. He was a veteran of World War II. 87. Charlie was born Jan. 1, 1923, his entire life. He served his country Bill was a member of the Local 789 Pipeliners’ Union for in Boswell to Barnett and Germain during the early ’60s in the U.S. Air over 60 years, working all over the world. (Phillips) Simpson. He served in Force. Bailey married Eula Cocke Bill was well known as the family historian and storyteller. the U.S. Army during World War II. Nov. 22, 2002. He enjoyed dancing, He never met a stranger. Charlie married Gladys Carney Dec. hunting, and spending time with his family. 7, 1948, in McAlester. He retired Bailey was preceded in death by his father, Hal Rymel; moth- from the McAlester Army Ammuni- er Mabel Nelson; first wife, Betty Lou Rymel; and a brother, Audrey Mae Burleson tion Plant where he worked as a truck driver for over 30 years. Buddy Rymel. Audrey Mae (Isom) Burleson, 87, Charlie umpired baseball games in the area for many years. He He is survived by his wife, Eula Rymel of Sobol; children passed away on Jan. 4, 2011, in Dai- enjoyed being outdoors, hunting, fishing and gardening. Lorraine Billy of Antlers, Clinton Rymel Jr. of Broken Arrow, sy. She was born on May 10, 1923, to He is survived by a son, Dan Simpson of Albuquerque, Karla Sjurset of Geneva, Ill., Kolette Rymel of Soper, Hal Charlie and Angienoria (Billy) Isom N.M.; grandson Michael Simpson of Bixby; great-granddaugh- Rymel of Carthage, Texas, Steve Rymel of Hugo, Billy Rymel in Daisy. Audrey attended school at ter Alexis Simpson of Perry; daughter-in-law Vicki Steidley of of McAlester, Richard Rymel of McAlester, Teresa Satterfield Goss in Daisy and was a homemaker. McAlester; his dog, “Sweetie Pie,” and his friends at Mitchell of Rattan, Tracie Rymel of McAlester, Jody Irving of Bastrop, She married George Burleson in Feb- Manor. Texas, Raymond Martinka of Dallas, Lisa Pace of Los Moli- ruary 1939. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Gladys nos, Calif., Cindy Ferguson of El Campo, Texas, Mark Mar- Audrey was one-half Choctaw and Simpson in 2009; a son, Charles Simpson Jr.; and brother Rob- tinka of Alice, Texas, and Laura Russell of Bridgeport, Texas; very proud of her Choctaw heritage. ert Simpson. brother, Sammy Joe Rymel of Finley; sister, Mary Ann Ward She was the sixth of 10 children. She lived her whole life in of Bogota, Texas; 52 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; as Daisy only leaving for a few months when her late husband well as many other relatives and friends. George went to work in construction at the Silers Dairy in Ma- Butch Sorrels comb. She was a loving mother and grandmother (Nanny) who Raymond Logan loved to garden and was a great cook. If anyone ever needed Longtime Kenai resident, Mr. O.H. anything, they knew they could call Audrey and she would be “Butch” Sorrels, 66, passed away on Raymond B. Logan, 95, passed away on Jan. 4, 2011, at Lin- there. She was saved at the Goss School House and later bap- Jan.12, 2011, at Central Peninsula wood Village in Cushing. tized at Clear Creek. Hospital in Soldotna. Raymond B. Logan was born on July 13, 1915, in Yanush Audrey is survived by her children Ruth Kindred of Dai- Mr. Sorrels was born March 11, to the late Rev. William Francis Logan and Laura Potts Logan, sy, Jerry Burleson and wife LaDonn of Savanna and John- 1944, to Othel Houston Sr. and who was an original Choctaw enrollee. He later moved to and nie Burleson and wife Freida of Daisy; siblings Virgie Stout Drucilla Pauline (Nelson) Sorrels was educated in nearby Albion. He was the eldest child in a of McAlester, Alice Hutson of Daisy and C.H. (Copus) Isom in Los Angeles. He graduated from bustling household of 12 children. and wife Nadine of Daisy; sister-n-law Noreen Isom of Daisy; Farmington High School in Farming- Raymond was a decorated World War II veteran, entering grandchildren Jody Kindred and wife Melissa of Daisy, Adam ton, N.M. in 1962. Three years later into service on Jan. 8, 1942. He was a member of Company A, Burleson and wife Hollie of Daisy, Charlotte Kindred of Dai- he married Valerie on Jan. 21, 1965. He became a resident of 127th Infantry Regiment, 32nd Infantry Division. He ascended sy, Kelli Eales of McAlester and Holly Ann Burleson; great- Alaska, living in Kenai in October of 1978. O.H. worked for to the rank of Tech Sgt. and served admirably in combat of the grandchildren Alissa and Kayelin Kindred of Daisy, Maggie Band B Construction. He was a welder at Qwik Construction, Asiatic-Pacific campaign, seeing action in New Guinea and the Burleson of Daisy, Rachael and Kyle Bernardi of McAlester, an operator for Chevron, USA, and his latest employment was Southern Philippines. His decorations and citations include the Stormi McKay and Allison Eales of McAlester, Mackey Eales for BP working in Prudhoe Bay, Ala., as an operator until he Distinguished Unit Badge, World War II Victory Medal and of McAlester and soon to arrive Mollie Burleson; great-great- retired in 2001. He was a member of the Star of The North Ribbon, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal and Ribbon with 3 grandchild Addison Bernardi of McAlester, along with numer- Lutheran Church in Kenai. Bronze Service Stars, American Campaign Medal and Ribbon, ous uncles, aunts, cousins and many other dear and loved rela- He enjoyed hunting, fishing, collecting and shooting guns, Good Conduct Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, and Purple tives and friends. dancing, reloading ammo, camping, riding his Yamaha Rhino Heart. He was honorably discharged on March 8, 1946. Audrey was preceded in death by her parents Charlie and watching western movies, especially John Wayne movies. Following the war, Raymond attended Oklahoma State Uni- Angienoria (Billy) Isom; husband George Burleson; son Scot- Butch had a great sense of humor and would do about any- versity, Technical and Agricultural College in Okmulgee. He ty Burleson; grandchild Dewayne McKay; and siblings Frank, thing for a laugh. He also loved to tell stories and was especial- later taught at that institution joining the Faculty/Staff. While Bob, Duggan, Joe, Jay and Opal Burleson. ly proud of his time spent working with the Sherriff’s Depart- in Okmulgee and during his employment at OSU-Tech, he met ment in Farmington. He was a proud member of the Choctaw a beautiful young nurse, Mary Wilson Chedester, who was also Wilma Clark Nation. He overcame many health challenges over the last10 employed at OSU-Tech. Raymond and Mary were married in years, and had strength to be admired. Butch always said he 1974. After retirement, Mary and Raymond relocated to Albion Wilma L. Clark, 94, of Norman passed away July 29, 2010, was proud to be a Sorrel, where the men are good lookin’, the where they lived for more than 20 years. They moved to Cush- after a short battle with cancer. She was born June 25, 1916, in women are strong and the children are all above average. Butch ing in 1993. Boswell to Isaac and Bertha LeFlore. was very thankful for his many cherished friends. Raymond was an elder in the First Presbyterian Church of She was preceded in death by her husband L. H. “Tiny” He was preceded in death by his mother, Pauline Sorrels. Cushing. He was a proud member of the Choctaw Nation and Clark. She and Mr. Clark owned and retired from Clark’s He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Gail Sorrels of Kenai; he enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, and riding his many hors- Greenhouse & Nursery of Norman. Mrs. Clark was a member sons, Christopher Sorrels of Kasilof and Brandon Sorrels of es. He was an active member of the Cushing Senior Citizens of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Norman and was a member Kenai with his wife, Trish Sorrels of Kenai; daughter, Shan- Center and was a drummer in their “kitchen band” traveling of the Choctaw Nation. non Schillings and her husband, David of Nikiski; father Othel throughout the state entertaining many. Raymond was also a She is survived by her sister, Helen Hays of Oklahoma City; H. Sorrels, Sr. of Farmington, N.M.; sisters, Paula Sorrels of published poet, dancer and loving husband, brother, and uncle. nephew Harold (Giz) Hays and wife Pat of Norman; niece Farmington, N.M. and Judy Jeter of Grand Junction, Colo.; He is survived by two step children, Dani Lou Firth of San Rene Snelson and husband David of Oklahoma City; brother brothers, Steph Sorrels and his wife, Monica of Bloomfield, Antonio and Dr. Melvin DeGraw of McMinnville, Ore.; one Howard LeFlore and wife Mable of Tulsa; nephew Mike Le- N.M. and Joe Sorrels and his wife, Karen of Springtown, Tex- brother, William Logan of Poteau; three sisters, Glenna Creasy Flore of California; sister Mary “Cricket” Ford, of Dallas who as; 11 grandchildren, Adam Myers, Alyssa Schwenke and her of Toledo, Ore., Eva Lanning of McAlester, and Iva Tubbs of preceded her in death; niece Diann Ford of Dallas; niece, Jane husband, Tav, Samuel Schilling, Kimberly Schilling of Nikiski, Oklahoma City. He is also survived by a great nephew, Dr. Clark Smith of Purcell; nephew Gene Clark and wife Joy of Te- Mykel, Alexis Sorrels of Kasilof, Heather Sorrels of Paonia, Richard L. Benton of Louisville, Ky., and many dear nieces cumseh; nieces Alice Clark Meerians of St. Petersburg, Norma Colo., Sierra, Mariah, Dakota and Chelsea Sorrels all of Ke- and nephews. Watson of Tulsa, and Maxine DiGrappa with husband Jerry of nai and numerous nieces, nephews, and many loved ones and He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, six Texas. friends. sisters, and his beloved wife, Mary. February 2011, BISKINIK, Page 16 Choctaw baskets By a request from the edi- tor, this month’s edition of Iti Fabvssa focuses on Choc- taw river cane basketry. This important traditional artform combines native materials, in- Iti Fabussa tricate weaves, and attractive colors, drawing upon creative language, although palmetto colored strips of cane into the inspiration and a profoundly “tala” has also been used by basket. In addition to the natu- deep tradition, to form some- Choctaws living in the south- ral cane, the colors on early thing that is Choctaw to its ern part of the homeland, par- Choctaw baskets include core. For centuries, basketry ticularly when cane is difficult brown /black, yellow, and red. has been a visible, functional to get. The brown and black prob- art in our communities, and Cane was an important re- ably came from the black wal- today it is also prominently source to our ancestors, who nut tree. Yellow dye was made featured in museums and gal- developed many uses for it, by digging the roots of the leries across the nation and including blowguns, arrow dock plant in the fall, pound- the globe. Cane basketry is the shafts, matting, construc- ing them up with a mortar and traditional artform for which tion material, shields, flutes, pestle, and boiling them in Choctaw people are most knives, and food. Basket mak- water. The red dye was made widely recognized today, and ers located their favorite cane dying cane with dock root, is something in which we can patches that produced cane then burning equal parts of Oklahoma Choctaw women weaving cane basketry. and should take pride. with the qualities they desired. red oak bark and black gum Good cane for bark into ash, mixing them (Bushnell 1909:15). Some of ans has approximately 30-40 ers work to raise the aware- basketry was with water to form a paste, the finest Choctaw baskets basket-makers. Some of these ness of and the demand for found on is- and then putting the paste of are “tapushik pothoma,” or families still go out to cane- Choctaw basketry, the future lands near the the yellow-dyed can. Over double weaves. These have harvesting camps in the cool of the art is very much in banks of rivers time, the alkalinity of the ash double walls, with different season, and make baskets Choctaw hands. As basket- and creeks. In would turn the yellow dye to designs on the inside and out- year-round for sale (Dr. Ken- ry shows, these hands have fact, one of the red (Bushnell 1909:14). The side of the basket. nith York, personal communi- proven pretty able over the creeks located dye absorbs darker into the in- Other types of Choctaw cation, 2011). last 7,000 years. in what is now terior side of the cane, and so baskets have probably been Choctaw basketry has al- Choctaw Noxubbe Co., this part is always faced out- developed more recently. One ways connected the people to References Cited double-weave Mississippi, wards on baskets. Beginning of these is the market basket, the land. Today, basket-mak- was called trunk basket around 1900, many Choctaw which has handles and can ers face a serious challenge, Bushnell, David “Oski ai almo”, sometimes resemble a purse. in that cane brakes have be- 1909 The Choctaw In- (three views) basket-makers began to use meaning lit- commercial dyes. Another form is the wall- come a critically endangered dians of Bayou Lacomb, St. ca. 1830-1850. erally “cane While men and boys some- hanging basket. Still others ecosystem. 200 years ago, Tammany Parish, Louisiana. there gathered” times help to harvest the have lids and include: ham- some canebrakes extended for Smithsonian Institution Bu- (Halbert n.d.). cane, weaving it into baskets pers, “sew- miles, but to- reau of American Ethnol- This was only was and is primarily an art of ing” baskets, day, it is rare ogy, Bulletin 48. Government Choctaw basketry has an- one of many places that our women. These women have and “but- to find a cane Printing Office, Washington cient roots. Some preserved ancestors collected their cane. developed variations in twill- ton” baskets patch even D.C. pieces of basketry found in Sometimes, these cane ing and diagonal plating tech- (See Swan- 100 yards in Florida date back 7,000 years, patches were at a distance niques to form damp cane into ton 2001:41 extent. The Byington, Cyrus while another fragment found from where people lived, so a variety of basketry forms for for additional reasons are 1915 A Dictionary of the in Louisiana could be as much basket makers set up cane- a variety of uses: basket types many includ- Choctaw Language. Bureau as 12,000 years old. Even the harvesting camps, usually One of the oldest is the “ki- and Choctaw ing the dam- of American Ethnology Vol. lesser 7,000 year date indi- during the cool season. An ex- shi,” or pack basket (unless names). aging effects 46, Washington. cates that today’s Choctaw cellent description of an early- noted, the following Choctaw Choctaw of cattle graz- basket makers are descended style camp has been provided basket names can be found in basketry came ing, plow- Colvin, Tom from a line of no less than 350 by Tom Colvin (2006). The Byington 1915). This large, to Oklahoma ing up cane 2006 Cane and Palmetto generations of Native South- temporary houses in camp basket was carried on a wom- on the Trail of habitat for Basketry of the Choctaw of eastern basket-makers! were essentially lean-tos, with an’s back with the use of a se- Tears. Many An early Choctaw farmland, fire St. Tammany Parish. In Each generation has made a wooden framework and curing strap that was worn on families made pointed basket, National suppression, The Work of Tribal Hands. its own contributions to bas- thatching, tied together with her forehead. This was used utilitarian bas- and the chan- Northwestern State Univer- Musuem of the Ameri- ketry, and the art has changed beargrass, which grows in the for gathering and transporta- kets for use nelization of sity Press can Indian. and developed through the same area as the cane. The tion. This type of basket was and trade streams. The centuries. Rare surviving camp’s inhabitants went out also used to move the dirt to up into the loss of river Neuman, Robert 1000-year-old basketry frag- and cut cane that was mature- create the earthmounds. 1950s. When cane is seri- 2006 Split Cane Items in ments from the Southeast enough that it no longer had Another early basket is the Choctaw traditional foods and ous to everyone because the Louisiana: A View from Ar- (Neuman 2006) show that the the sheaves in the stalks. Tall “ufko,” or fanner. This is a flat food-processing techniques cane helps to filter and purify chaeology and Ethnology. In art was extremely advanced in canes were preferred, with the basket with one high end, it that required baskets began to water, and provides habitat The Work of Tribal Hands. terms of fineness, complex- greatest distance possible be- was used to winnow the husks be given up in favor of “eas- to a number of animals. The Northwestern State Univer- ity, and design. One of the tween the nodes. After a bun- from pounded corn kernels. ier” Euro-American equiva- Mississippi Band of Choctaw sity Press earliest written accounts (ca. dle of cane was cut and gath- The “ishshoha” (Bushnell lents, the art of basketry began Indians is currently partnered 1720) specifically referring ered, it was split lengthwise 1909:8), is a flat basket with to be practiced by fewer and with Mississippi State Uni- Swanton, John R. to Choctaw (and Chickasaw) into pieces, a process known an open weave in the bottom. fewer Oklahoma Choctaws. versity to study the biology of 1946 The Indians of the baskets describes them as in Choctaw as “oskashiba” It was used as a sieve in the Today, there are a couple of river cane in an effort to help Southeastern United States. “masterpieces,” and indicates (Byington 1915:329). A knife kitchen. Kishi, ufko, and ish- active Oklahoma Choctaw this important native plant to Smithsonian Institution Bu- that many of them were so made of river cane was used shoha were intended for heavy river cane basket-makers. survive into the future (visit reau of American Ethnol- fine and well-made that they to strip away the underlying work, and were not decorated Some other active Oklahoma http://www.rivercane.msstate. ogy Bulletin 137. Greenwood could hold water and were plant material from the outer with colored designs, only Choctaw basket-makers use edu/). Press Publishers, New York. sometimes used as eating skin of the split cane. It was variations in the weave of the materials other than cane, Today, as new generations 2001 Source Material for dishes (Catesby reproduced this outer part from which cane. while many other individuals of Choctaws learn basketry, the Social and Ceremonial in Swanton 1946:604). Sur- the baskets were made. The Tapa, and tvpishuk are have expressed in interest in as Choctaw people work to Life of the Choctaw Indians. viving Choctaw baskets from stripped outer skin was then square-shaped flat baskets of working to revitalize the art. encourage the growth of new Reprint. University of Ala- the 1800s, like those of today, trimmed to have a consistent decreasing size, sometimes The Jena Band of Choctaw river cane patches, and as oth- bama Press, Tuscaloosa. have a more open weave, but vertical width. These thin intended for utilitarian pur- Indians in Louisiana currently still show a high level of art- pieces were then rolled up poses, and sometimes deco- has one active basket-maker. istry and technical proficien- into spools called “uski tvpa rated with beautiful colored The situation is somewhat dif- Choctaw Traditional cy. afohli” (Byington 1915:566) designs. Topak is a handled ferent in Mississippi, where A general Choctaw word and dried for storage. Cane square basket. Taposhake although the demand for the Pottery Class for basketry is tapushik; spe- debris was thrown unto the shakapa is an elbow-shaped old-style cooking and storage cific Choctaw words exist roofs of the camp structures, basket, with a handle and two baskets has declined over the Durant for all of the different basket making them more rain-proof. openings. Taposhake chufa is last 50 years, the market for Feb. 20 & March 6 – 5-9 p.m. forms. Most Choctaw baskets Some types of Choctaw a basket that narrows from a colorful decorated baskets has Pottery Studio behind Cultural Events Building are made from river cane, baskets have colored patters, wide rim down to a pointed expanded. Today, the Missis- 4451 Choctaw Rd. called “uski” in the Choctaw made by weaving different- base; usually, it has a handle sippi Band of Choctaw Indi- Poteau Feb 21 & March 7 – 5-9:30 p.m. Poteau Field Office, 208 B Street Tenth annual ‘To Bridge a Gap’ conference planned Idabel The 10th annual “To Bridge a Gap” Feb. 22 & March 8 – 12:30-4:30 p.m. conference will be conducted April About TBAG Idabel Field Office, 2408 Lincoln Rd. 4-7 at the Riverwind Hotel in Nor- To Bridge A Gap (TBAG) is a joint partnership between the National Forest Ser- Antlers man. vice and federally recognized tribal governments with an aim to protect and manage Feb. 10, Feb. 24 & March 10 – 6 p.m. The four-day conference is de- important cultural and natural resources. Each year, federal, state and tribal officials Antlers Library & Community Building, 104 S.E. 2nd St. signed to strengthen government-to- get together to learn, share and discuss tribal relations, preservation issues, managing government relationships between the archaeological, natural or cultural resources, use of forest products, restoration of eco- Oklahoma City U.S. Department of Agriculture For- systems, fire management, sacred sites, and many more. The 2011 conference is adding Firing – Feb. 19 – 4-9 p.m. est Service and federally recognized the participation of several state historic preservation officers, who play an important OK Choctaw Tribal Alliance, 5320 S. Youngs Blvd. tribal governments. The Chickasaw role in the preservation process. Nation, in collaboration with the Na- TBAG began as a local meeting in 2001 with National Forests in Oklahoma and Ar- Goodland tional Forest Service Ozark-St. Fran- kansas (Ouachita and Ozark-St. Francis National Forests) and the tribes. The meeting March 3 – 6-8 p.m. cis and Ouachita National Forests, is expanded to a conference in 2002 and was hosted by the Choctaw Nation in Durant. hosting the conference. The Caddo Nation, Choctaw Nation, Absentee-Shawnee Tribe, Muscogee Creek, The conference will include pre- Chickasaw Nation, and the Forest Service have co-hosted the 2003-2010 conferences. sentations and question-and-answer More than 300 representatives from tribes in Oklahoma, California, South Dakota, sessions including “Building a Co- Arizona, Idaho, Louisiana, Minnesota, Montana, New Mexico and Texas, as well as operative Bridge,” “We are Distinctly National Forests across the nation, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Oklahoma Archaeological Unique People and Culture,” “Build- Survey, Oklahoma Historical Preservation Office, Ozark-St. Francis National Forests, ing Awareness through Education” Ouachita National Forest, and many more, attended the 2010 Conference in Tulsa. and many more. The conference provides a forum for the tribes to meet directly with policy planners The event will also include a ban- and project managers as well as serves as a gateway for more specific consultations quet with keynote speaker Janie Hipp, about land and resource management practices. Senior Advisor for Tribal Affairs to Planning for the next year’s conference begins at the close of the current session, with the Secretary of Agriculture Director tribal and Forest Service representatives working closely throughout the year. Confer- Office of Tribal Relations, USDA. ence topics and agenda are jointly decided by tribes and Forest Service. This year’s conference is also sup- Over the years, many federal, state, and local agencies as well as academic insti- ported by the Georgia Department of tutions and private firms have participated in the conference. Tribes have found this Transportation. conference to be a central forum to meet directly with agencies that manage lands and For more information or to register, care for those cultural and natural resources where their forebearers lived. This relation- please visit http://www.chickasaw. ship provides important ways for the tribes, federal, state and private entities to work net/tbagx/. together to protect the past for future generations.