WHERE DOES YOUR TRASH GO?

March 2019 Issue Recycling Center Reaches 20 Million Pound Milestone by APRYL MOCK came from antlers, and portance of recycling. He use the recycling bins rattlers were made from said, “It’s the right thing instead of the trash when hoofs. Deerskin made to do. It helps preserve our applicable. Please do not Every piece of waste breechcloths and shirts Mother Earth and protect throw your food waste in has an impact on our for the man and cloaks for the resources used.” them. The Life Cycle of planet. The Choctaw Na- the women.” According to Lilley, the When janitorial staff a Water Bottle tion Going Green Team, Our ancestors under- recycling centers have come by, don’t have them which operates under the stood that each resource increased their monthly empty your waste basket Natural Resources Divi- was a gift. output thanks to a new until it is full, or instead sion, is doing their part to In today’s world, it is sort line and auto tie baler. of requesting a new trash preserve earth. easy to become compla- “That has really helped can liner, simply pour the As of Jan. 31, the Du- cent when it comes to the efficiency of the recy- trash over into their bin. rant and Poteau Recycling honoring what we’ve been cling department,” Lilley You can reduce your Centers have processed given. said. waste by purchasing a wa- a staggering 20,548,832 Fast food restaurants One of the biggest ter filter, drinking from a pounds of recycling. churn out plastic straws, problems affecting the re- reusable bottle or purchas- Reducing waste has paper bags, cups and cycling facilities is receiv- ing a reusable straw. A B C always been a part of cardboard boxes by the ing items that cannot be It may not feel like Chahta culture. millions and when you’re handled at our facility and much, but every little bit In the book, “Chahta! a busy person, it’s easy to contaminated items. helps keep garbage out of Remembering Our Roots,” just throw those things in While plastic and metal the ecosystem and out of Juanita Jefferson recounts the trash. can be rinsed out and our wildlife. Making small what our ancestors did The Going Green Team processed, paper products changes can make a big with animals following a is attempting to combat soiled by food waste can- difference. hunt. this problem by providing not and neither can your For any questions, “The kill not only 133 recycling bins across food. comments or concerns A provided food but clothing the 10 ½ counties. To find If you would like to as- regarding recycling with Bottle “A” goes to a sewn with strings from a bin near you, contact sist the Choctaw Nation’s the Choctaw Nation, you landfill where rain sinews. Needles and tools Jason Lilley, Recycling recycling endeavors, there may contact the Durant water leeches harm- were made from bone and Manager of the Choctaw are many small things you Recycling Center at (580) ful compounds out of horns. Glue, arrow tips Nation at (580) 920-0488 can do to help. While at 920-0488 or the Poteau the bottle and into the and flint making tools Lilley stresses the im- work in the headquarters, Center at (918) 649-0343. groundwater. It will not degrade for 1,000 years. The Last Straw B Lately there has been a lot of con- single day and it is estimated as many Bottle “B” ends up in troversy surrounding plastic straws. as 8.3 billion plastic straws pollute the ocean. Currents While straws may seem like a very the world’s oceans. pull it into the “Great minor thing, they are wreaking havoc Because of their size, they often Pacific Garbage Patch” on wildlife. slip through the cracks at recycling (a section of the ocean If you haven’t seen the YouTube sorting facilities. Not to mention they filled with non-biodegradable gar- video of a sea turtle having a straw are made of Polypropylene, which bage.) Animals mistake the colorful removed from his nostril, it might requires an incredible amount of plastic for food. This makes them feel The Choctaw Nation just make you swear off straws alto- energy to extract and refine. full when they aren’t and they starve recycling center accepts gether. (The video is graphic, viewer If you would like to cut down on to death. three types of plastic re- discretion is advised.) plastic waste and help out some sea cyclables. Types 1, 2 and According to National Geographic, turtles, www.thefinalstraw.com offers 5 are welcome, but types C 500 million straws are used every a nifty reusable metal straw. 3, 4, 6 and 7 cannot be Bottle “C” will be made in recycled at our facility. to clothing, carpet, sleep- Plastic straws are just the Foldable To make sure you’re re- ing bags and much more. right size to get lodged in the Straw cycling the proper plas- Bottle caps are made in Drying nose of a sea turtle or the Rack tic, check your waste for to rakes, yarn, ropes, etc. Carrying throats of other marine life. Case the symbol above. The sky is the limit when Save a sea turtle by checking Cleaning Squeegee One common item you recycle! out www.thefinalstraw.com which is unrecyclable and getting your very own at our facilities is chip reusable straw. bags. Visit www.ter- It arrives in a handy case racycle.com to recycle that fits on a key ring and your chip bags for free. comes with a drying rack and cleaning squeegee. ter freestyle swim Talihina duringtheWinter SpecialOlympics. Shay Hillof AnadarkoNine-year-old won MadisonBradshaw asilver of medalinthe50-me - women who are thingsandaccomplishingsomuch doinggreat intheirlives. Oklahoma. Nation of theChoctaw Choctaw women tobethefuture leadersof younger generations of those servinginleadershippositions. women These are leadingtheway for tors for ourtribe. Choctaw The Nation employs currently 5,761women, 176of communities. Today, Choctaw women are stillservingasleadersandmotiva- accompanied menondiplomatic missionsandserved asmotivators for their thefood for theirfamilies. They sisted inharvest andproduced themajorityof ChoctawTraditional societywas amatriarchal one. Women owned property, as- somuchthe motherswho togive sacrificed uslove, lifeandshelter. impactonmya huge lifeandwho Ihave become. Iwant tosay yakoke toallof love lastyear theybestowed andshehad uponus. Ilostmy motherinMay of back fondly ontimewe spentwiththem,andare thankfulfor thelessonsand andtraditionsalive. together inkeeping ourfamilies part an integral We look Choctaw people. the theChoctaw of toastheheart tribeandisreferred in theoriginstoryof north of Moyers, remind me of why. Moyers, remind meof of north small size. Events at the“Kindred Spirits”sculpture inIreland, andonBigMountain tently played role alarger inworld affairsthan you’d thinkpossible, given our relatively ence toourBritishfriends. make They me proud tobeChoctaw. Ourpeoplehave consis- our ColorGuard are always “impeccably out”andare excellent turned at what theydo. something tohimpersonally, aswell asprofessionally. Maj.O’Donnellpointedoutthat every year since2000,faithfully helpinghonorBritain’s servicemembers. fallen Itmeant I’m pleasedtotellyou hesingledoutourColorGuard, notingthat theyhave beenpresent Maj. CraigO’Donnellthanked theChoctaw Nation for itsgenerosity andthoughtfulness. local residents intheiryearly commemoration at themonument. RAFSquadron Leader Royal AirForceUnited States aswell of families. officersandtheir asagroup Batton andIhostedthecommemoration andwelcomed Britain’s ConsulGeneraltothe featuring theChoctaw Nation’s ColorGuard. Lastyear, onthe75thanniversary, Chief ing allthesurvivors, who cameover from Englandand New Zealandfor theoccasion. thecrashingplane. of which isknown asthe“Natural Tombstone.” stonewas uprightby The turned theforce thetwo crashsites, adjacenttoasmallboulder seal. ItstandsonBigMountainat oneof thedeceasedpilotsandbearsRoyalMonument AirForce which liststhenamesof whom are Choctaw, students,The many of erected abeautifulmarker known astheAT6 pilots, andalsowiththetwo pilotswho survived theiremergency landinginthevalley. allfour deceased thecrashes,tigated madecontactwithsurviving family membersof Impson put downValley, safely onthefloorof nearAntlers. weather onthat day mountains, to in1943,crashingintoseparate andanothermanaged four fliersintrainingfrom Britain’s Royalof Air Force.Three planes went down inbad Strong InternationalRelationships Choctaw NationContinuestoFoster four BritishRoyal Air Force flierswholost their livesina trainingaccidentonFeb.20,1943. Tavener laywreaths atthefoot ofthe AT6 Monument inmemoryofthe76thanniversary ofthe Flight Sgt.Paul Szulc,Squadron Leader Maj.CraigO’Donnell andSquadron Leader Steve Assistant Chief JackAustin Jr. In this month’s issue of theBiskinik,you willbeintroduced toseveralIn thismonth’s young issueof Historically, Choctaw respect great andpower. women have heldpositionsof played us, andgreat-grandmothers ourmothers, grandmothers For many of Our Color Guard’s faithful attention to another country’s fallen made a world of differ Our ColorGuard’s attention madeaworld faithful toanothercountry’sfallen of FebruaryThis theRoyal AirForce families, again withtheir tojoin officers returned, Smaller commemorations have beenheldeach February sincethat them year, each of AT6The Monument was dedicated inFebruary 2000,before avery crowd, large includ- school studentsfrom Rattan ElementarySchool inves- of In 1999and2000,agroup 2 Chahta OhoyoCelebratedDuringWomen’s HistoryMonth Chief GaryBatton fatal airplane crashes north of Moyers tookthelives of crashesnorth fatal airplane a similarkindness. Feb. 20marked the76thyear since I’m pleasedtotellyou we’ve beenable toshow others Choctaw Nation’s headquarters. Itwas aspecialday. in 2017.In2018,Ireland’s primeministervisitedthe attending itsdedication had thehonorandprivilege of I Batton and their own. Chief experiencing sufferingof moneyfor ourancestorstoshare sosoonafter a lotof would beapproximately $4,700in2019dollars. $170was the Potato Famine. Choctaws The donated $170,which people tothedestituteIrish,who were sufferingfrom financialaid by theChoctaw rates the1847donation of County Cork, Ireland. “Kindred Spirits”commemo- several reasons inparticular. thinking about that one for Month.Ifind myself tage thoseisprobably Irish-AmericanHeri- best known of March hasbeennamedto remember at least14.The year tocommemorate ideas, themesorprograms. The ChoctawThe peopleare strong and andgracious, In 2017,the“Kindred Spirits”statue was unveiled in M

­­­ FFC any groups designate specific months of the the designateany specificmonthsof groups site plays acentralrole the MotherMound.The named nvnih waiya, for early Choctaws is the mostsacred places life. Oneof of porters asgiversnized andsup- were They - recog regard. have heldwomen inhigh tory, theChoctaw people what itistoday. the Choctaw Nation into who have helpedshape powerful Chahtaohoyos, rich history, with filled Choctaw Nation hasa Month inAmerica.The tional Women’s History Throughout ourhis- M arch isNa- Photo ByBradleyGernand - you asguidanceandinspiration. Remember theirstrength andresilience. thepowerful Chahtaohoyospush yourself. who camebefore Usethestoriesof high. You you canaccomplishanything work you setyour hard and mindtoif in amazingways. Iwant theseyoung toencourage ladiestodream bigandaim countless Choctaw women who are outthere representing theChoctaw Nation Reclamation. young These women theInterior’sBureau are of amongthe of theYear for theU.S. was asEngineerof Anna Hoag recognized Department America’sGotTalent. Andfinally, AmericaandSeason13of on GoodMorning recently went Potter viralfor dance. theirHarry They’ve madeappearances Harley andCharlotte HopperandtheirWalden Grove HighSchool danceteam her hard work onthebasketball andintheclassroom. court ChahtaSisters was recently awarded theDennisHemphill Hustle Award andScholarship for Nation proudly andkeepingour traditionsalive. Women’s historymonth. We honor our Chahtaohoyopastandpresent, whoare representing the are heldinhighregard andare recognized as thegiversandsupportersoflife.March isNational Melissa Bohannanhasbeenthepillar ofher familyfor generations.InChahtaculture, women his “just weight” to whoever will ask of him. his “justweight” towhoever willaskof will give usthebalancewe need.Godloves peoplesomuch that heiswillingtogive isthe“justweight” which weighed, we Lord willcomeoutunbalanced.The himself God’s Word. Whenourdishonesty, pride, hypocrisy andotherperverse thoughtsare tricks toweigh hisown manwillbeweighed justice. onthescalesof Buttheways of thetrade”inthislife.on top. Mankindhasdevised many There are many “tricks of theboyand instructed toputlidsonthecrates, themover, turn andplacethelabels long. Aftertheboy packed theapples according returned toinstructions, themanager themanager,for thesmallerapples. but boy notfor The marveled at thehonestyof thecrates toreserve thetop gave apples toputthelarger inthebottomof instructions found ajobinanapple orchard. Hisjobwas topack crates withapples. manager The goingtoschool. Hedecidedtoleave homeandfindagoodpayinggot tired of job. He placed intheotherscalepanuntiltwo pans hunginabsolute balance. June 1-Durant May 23-Talihina May 23-Idabel May 23-Coalgate May 16-Hugo May 16-Atoka May 16-Antlers April 25-Wilburton April 25-Stigler April 25-Poteau April 18-McAlester April 18-Broken Bow There is a story that illustrates the meaning of thispassage. Asixteen-year-old boy There isastorythat illustrates themeaningof 2019 DistrictPrincessPageants www.choctawnation.com/2019-2020-district-princess-pageant-information Pastor OlinWilliams All pageantswilltakeplaceat6p.m.thecorresponding Employee Chaplain Weights andBalances Pastor OlinWilliams Choctaw CommunityCenter. placed ononescalepan,andknown weights were hung at each objecttobeweighed end.The was cord attached Scalepans toafixed support. were “beam” scale, abeamwas hungat itscenterby a scaleinthisverse. Inthe“balance“or this typeof known to toman,nodoubtSolomon isreferring or “beam” scaleistheoldestweighing device be simply countedby pieces. Sincethe“balance” goodsthat couldnot a needtoassessthevalue of ing developed, merchants were confronted with necessity. scalewasThe developed Astrad- out of life. try, of scaleisanessentialpart themodern to ultra-precise devices usedinresearch orindus- devices times. inmodern From bathroom scales versally. Weighing scaleshave becomehigh-tech somekind.Scalesare useduni- sure weight of “weight” and“balance”refer toascalemea- but ajustweight two ishisdelight.”The words balanceisanabomination“A false totheLord: T he first verse of Proverbs 11states plainly,he first verse of Photo ByDeidreElrod Choctaw Nation Fully Recognized for Diabetes Program

success of your lifestyle change pro- betes prompted the CNO to start the should have an annual physical By CHRIS JENNINGS gram makes an invaluable contribu- Choctaw Nation Diabetes Preven- with their provider and discuss tion to the prevention of Type 2 dia- tion-CDC Lifestyle Change Program risk factors.” The Choctaw betes, both in your community and in 2013. “What we’ve seen across the The Full Recognition dem- Nation received nationally.” The status puts the CNO board, is people want to be healthy. onstrates the Nations commit- Full Recognition among only 10 organizations state- They’ve dropped their A1C (A com- ment to the health and well- Status from the wide with Full Recognition. mon blood test used to diagnose being of its tribal members and Centers for Dis- Eleven trained Lifestyle Coaches Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.) back to employees of CNO. Chief Bat- ease Control for across the 10 ½ counties follow a normal and in some cases, been able ton says, “It speaks volumes be- the Lifestyle CDC-approved curriculum. During to stop taking medications. Another cause we are about family. It is Change Diabe- the 12-month program, participants great benefit is the fact that the fam- our commitment that our fam- tes Prevention learn how to make positive lifestyle ily members and people in the lives ily members stay healthy and Program. changes and track their diet and of the participant also learn healthy with us as long as possible.” The CDC said physical activity. lifestyle habits,” said Sherrill. If a tribal member or em- in a letter that, Participants meet in groups with a The CNO has chosen to invest in ployee of CNO is interested in “The sustained trained lifestyle coach for 16 weekly its members with the diabetes pre- learning more about the diabe- sessions and six-monthly follow-up vention program. Chief Gary Batton tes prevention program, please sessions. They learn ways to incor- says that this investment is impor- contact the diabetes educator porate healthier eating and moder- tant “We want to prolong and im- in a clinic near them, or con- ate physical activity into busy prove the quality of our tribal mem- tact Lee Ann Sherrill, RN, CDE lives. They also work on add- bers’ lives.” at [email protected] 918- 3 ing problem-solving, stress- Sherrill says “Diabetes is the sev- 423-8440, Ext. 31069. reduction, and coping skills enth most common cause of death into their daily lives. in the United States.” Compounding The simplest way to pre- that fact, Native Americans are more vent diabetes is by making than twice as likely to develop type 2 healthy lifestyle changes. diabetes according to the CDC.” Choctaw Nation Diabetes Along with more stress and a po- Wellness community coordi- tentially reduced life expectancy, nator, Lee Ann Sherrill, RN. ignoring the diabetes warning signs CDE says, “This program em- can lead to increased medical costs. powers patients with prediabe- The CDC says average medical ex- Location Days Hours tes and those at risk for Type 2 penses among people with diabetes Antlers Every Tue. diabetes to take charge of their are twice as high for people without 580-298-3161 8:30 a.m.– 4 p.m. health and well-being. If diag- diabetes. Atoka Mon., Wed., Thurs. nosed with prediabetes and you The health implications of having 580-889-5825 & Fri. 8 a.m.– 4:30 p.m. start working on lifestyle changes Type 2 diabetes can have a serious Battiest 1st & 2nd Tue. you can prevent, or delay diabetes impact on quality of life for people 580-241-5458 Every Month 8:30 a.m.– 4 p.m. for years.” with diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is a Boswell 1st Thurs. of Every Prediabetes is when your blood disease characterized by high blood 580-380-2518 Month 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. sugar is higher than it should be, sugar, usually resulting from un- Broken Bow Daily Mon. - Fri. but not in the diabetes range yet. healthy lifestyle habits and obesity. 580-584-2746 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. According to the CDC, over 84 mil- Type 2 diabetes can also cause heart, Coalgate 1st Wed. of Every lion American adults have pre- eye, kidney and nerve disease. Early 580-927-3641 Month 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. diabetes; this puts them at risk for control of Type 2 diabetes can stop Durant Daily Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and complications from progressing. 580-920-2100 Mon. – Fri. 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. stroke. An A1C lab test of 6.5 percent or x-83517 Sherrill says, “A structured life- above, can help to determine if you Hugo Daily style change intervention showed have diabetes. Common warning 580-326-5404 Mon. – Fri. 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. that weight loss of 5 to 7 percent, signs of diabetes include thirst, fre- Idabel Daily achieved by reducing calories and quent urination, blurred vision and 580-286-2510 Mon. – Fri. 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. increasing physical activity, re- wounds that heal slowly. McAlester Daily duced the risk of developing Type Sherrill adds, “Anybody who 918-423-6335 Mon. – Fri. 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. 2 diabetes by 58 percent. thinks they might have diabetes or Poteau Daily The seriousness of Type 2 dia- have a family history of diabetes 918-649-1106 Mon. – Fri. 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Smithville 1st Thurs. of Every Month 580-244-3289 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Spiro Wed., Thurs. & Fri. Take The Test — Know Your Score 918-962-5134 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Stigler Mon. & Tue. 918-867-4211 YES NO Height Weight (lbs) Height Weight (lbs) 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Talihina Mon., Tue., Wed. 1 0 Are you a woman who has had a baby 4’10” 129 5’7” 172 918-567-7000 & Fri. weighing more than 9 pounds at birth? 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. 4’11” 133 5’8” 177 x-6792 1 0 Do you have a sister or brother with Wilburton Every 5’0” 138 5’9” 177 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. diabetes? 918-465-5641 Thursday 5’1” 143 5’10” 188 1 0 Do you have a parent with diabetes? 5 0 Do you weigh as much as or more than 5’2” 147 5’11” 193 the weight listed for your height at right? 5’3” 152 6’0” 199 Building Healthy Families Through Good Nutrition 5 0 Are you younger than 65 years of age 5’4” 157 6’1” 204 and get little or no exercise in a typical 5’5” 162 6’2” 210 day? 5’6” 167 6’3” 216 5 0 Are you between 45 and 64 years of age? 9 0 Are you 65 years of age or older? 6’4” 221 CHOCTAW NATION FOOD DISTRIBUTION WAREHOUSES & MARKETS IF YOUR SCORE IS 3 TO 8 POINTS — This means your risk is probably low for having prediabetes now. If you’re overweight, lose weight. If you have high cholesterol or high blood pressure, talk to your health care provider Open 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, about your risk for type 2 diabetes. IF YOUR SCORE IS 9 OR MORE POINTS — This means your risk is high for Wednesday, Friday having prediabetes now. Please make an appointment with your health care provider soon. Thursday: 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Antlers: 400 S.W. “O” St., (580) 298-6443 Broken Bow: 109 Chahta Road, (580) 584-2842 Durant: 2352 Big Lots Pkwy, (580) 924-7773 Nutrition Month Nursery News McAlester: 3244 Afullota Hina, (918) 420-5716 Poteau: 100 Kerr Ave, (918) 649-0431 It’s National Nutrition Month! The theme this year is “Bite Into a Healthy Lifestyle.” Greyson James Sims April 2019 Feeling inspired but not sure where to start? Here are a few great ways to build a healthy lifestyle. Make Smart Choices. Do you know what’s really in ANTLERS Market open weekdays April 1-30, except for: your food? How many calories? How many nutrients? Greyson James Sims Closed: April 19, 29 & 30. The more you know, the wiser your decisions can be. was born Jan. 15, 2019, If you’re shopping in the grocery store, look at the at 6:32 p.m. in Okla- BROKEN BOW Nutrition Facts labels of foods before you put them homa City. He weighed Market open weekdays April 1-30, except for: in your cart. If you’re dining out, look up the menu 2 pounds, 13.5 ounces Closed: April 19, 29 & 30. online. and was 14 inches long. DURANT Eat and Drink Fewer Calories. Keep empty calories Greyson is the son Market open weekdays April 1-30, except for: to a minimum and focus on foods like fresh fruits, of Lane Sims and the Closed: April 19, 29 & 30. fresh vegetables, lean protein sources, low-fat dairy grandson of Andy and MCALESTER products and whole grains. Barbara Sims. Market open weekdays April 1-30, except for: These are all keys to a healthful and balanced diet Closed: April 19, 29 & 30. that’s rich in nutrients. POTEAU Market open weekdays April 1-30, except for: Closed: April 19, 29 & 30

Spanish Omelet Cooking With Carmen: Cooking With Carmen is can- celled until further notice. Ingredients

• 5 small potatoes, peeled and • 3 whole eggs, beaten In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department sliced of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the • 5 egg whites, beaten USDA, its agencies, offices, employees, and institutions partici- • Vegetable cooking spray pating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from • Pepper and garlic salt with herbs, discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, religious • 1⁄2 medium onion, minced to taste creed, disability, age, political beliefs, reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or • 1 small zucchini, sliced • 3 ounces shredded part-skim funded by USDA. Persons with disabilities who require alternative mozzarella cheese means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, • 1 1/2 cups green/red peppers, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should sliced thin • 1 Tbsp. low-fat parmesan cheese contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech dis- • 5 medium mushrooms, sliced abilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made Preparation available in languages other than English. To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program 1. Preheat oven to 375 °F. Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: 2. Cook potatoes in boiling water until tender. http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at Photo by Chris Jennings any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and pro- 3. In a nonstick pan, add vegetable spray and warm at medium heat. Nutrition Facts: vide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. Servings: 5, Serving size: 1 slice. Calories: 260, Trans 4. Add onion and sauté until brown. Add vegetables and sauté until tender but not To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. brown. Fat: 0 grams, Cholesterol : 135 milligrams, Sodium: Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by Mail: U.S. 5. In a medium mixing bowl, slightly beat eggs and egg whites, pepper, garlic salt, Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary 240 milligrams, Total Carbohydrates: 30 grams, and low-fat mozzarella cheese. Stir egg-cheese mixture into the cooked vegetables. for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washing- Dietary Fiber: 3 grams, Sugars: 3 grams, Protein: 16 6. In a 10-inch pie pan or ovenproof skillet, add vegetable spray and transfer potatoes ton, D.C. 20250-9410; Fax: (202) 690-7442; or Email: program. grams and egg mixture to pan. Sprinkle with low-fat parmesan cheese and bake until firm [email protected]. and brown on top, about 20–30 minutes. This institution is an equal oppertunity provider. Recipe by the Centers for Disease Control 7. Remove omelet from oven, cool for 10 minutes, and cut into five pieces. Chahta Sisters Part of Viral PAC Dance Team

Harley and Charlotte The team originates Hopper are proud mem- from Walden Grove High bers of the viral PAC School in Sahuarita, Ari- dance team. zona, Where Harley and The PAC dance team is Charlotte are both high responsible for the Harry school juniors. Potter dance video that The student council cre- went viral last year. The ates the concepts for their team performed the dance Hip Hop dances and the as part of a homecoming PAC dance team creates rally and gained over 7 the performance. million views and 1.3 mil- The team competed in lion shares. the Arizona State Cheer- They’ve also made ap- leading Championship pearances on Good Morn- on Feb. 15, and returned ing America as well as with a perfect score and America’s Got Talent, sea- their 5th straight state son 13, where they made it championship in Hip Hop 4 to the quarterfinals. dancing. Fore Earns College of Arts & Sciences Distinguished Alumni Award

Dr. Christopher Fore Native American tribes for behavioral health was awarded the 2018 and communities across services to consider the College of Arts & Sci- the U. S. generational trauma ences Distinguished During Fore’s visit, he faced by Native commu- Alumni Award. mentioned the obstacles, nities. Fore is a 1997 gradu- opportunities and effec- “Given the diversity ate of Oklahoma State tiveness of Telebehav- of Native cultures, it is University’s Clinical ioral Health in isolated important for us to in- Psychology doctoral American Indian com- crease our understand- program. munities. ing of cultural safety in The American Indi- Many communities the health care setting. ans Into Psychology have little or no access We have to leave the program and the Psy- to behavioral health doors open, and be able chology Department services. to honor and attempt to also awarded him at He also described his understand a person’s a reception with the work in developing the perspective,” said Fore. Distinguished Ameri- IHS Indian Children’s Fore also met with can Indian Psychologist Program, which pro- Clinical Psychology Award. vides education and graduate students and Fore founded and di- consultation on behav- provided information rects the Indian Health ioral health issues af- about internships. Fore Service Telebehavioral fecting American Indian discussed his own ca- Health Center of Excel- children. reer path with students, lence. The organization His talk emphasized and concluded his visit focuses on improving the crucial role of cul- with helpful tips on how Dr. Christopher Fore (left) poses for a photo with and his mentor, John Chaney. Fore was hon- access to care and devel- turally relevant prac- to navigate the business ored with the College of Arts & Sciences Distinguished Alumni Award. Fore is the founder of Telebehavioral Health Center of Excellence and a 1997 graduate of Oklahoma State University. oping models of care for tice as well as the need of psychology. Allread Pursues Doctorate Bradshaw Earns Silver Medal at Special Olympics Madison Bradshaw of William “Tanner” Allread recently gradu- Anadarko, Oklahoma, ated from Yale University with honors. He was collected a silver medal active in the Native American Association and in the 50-meter freestyle studied the Choctaw language. swim at the Winter Special After graduation, Tanner spent two years Olympics. with Teach for America. In the summer of 2018, She also took fifth place Tanner attended the Pre-Law Summer Insti- in the 25-meter freestyle tute, which prepares Native American students swim. for law school. This is Madison’s second He attended with 27 students from across the year to earn a medal at the U.S. and met with leaders in the field of Federal Special Olympics. Indian Law. Madison is the 9-year- The PLSI program named him “Best Over- old daughter of Gus and all Student.” Tanner is currently attending Jennifer Bradshaw and Stanford Law School pursuing a Juris Doctor- the granddaughter of ate, which is the highest law degree in the U.S. Gene and Kaye Jones. Tanner is from Union City, Oklahoma, and is the son of Bill and Ginger Allread, grandson of Harvey and Mary Ellen (Fout) Allread and great-grandson of Nelson Fout. Hill Receives Hustle Award Church Graduates from OSUIT Shay Hill a Senior at Talihina High School, was awarded the Dennis Hemphill Hustle Award Garrett Church of and Scholarship during the 87th Kiowa, Oklahoma, gradu- annual Leflore County Basket- ated from Oklahoma State ball Tournament. Shay is the University Institute of daughter of Jay and Karen Hill Technology Aug. 24, 2018. and the granddaughter of Judy He received an associate and Alan Cline, Kevin Fearn and degree in Applied Science the late Sue Sheffield Fearn. She as a Pro-Tech automotive is the sister of Tristan, Madison service technician. He and Levi Shay has a 4.12 GPA, graduated Summa Cum was on the Superintendent’s Laude and also received Honor Roll four years in a row, is his ASE Master Automo- a Varsity member of the Bas- bile Technician Certificate ketball team and has played for by passing all eight areas the Native American Basketball of certification. team for three years. Garrett would like to thank the Choctaw Nation Vocational Rehabilitation Program and Tim Hold for the financial support and New Year - New Career! guidance they provided to help him achieve his goals. Career Development Garrett is the son of Brad and April Church can assist you in and the grandson of Cecil and Joyce Church, Letha reaching your career goals! Everett and Charles and April Everett. CAUTION: Jones Siblings Accepted to Harvard, MIT This program may change your life! We offer: •Individual career planning and guidance Siblings Peyton and Connor Jones have been •Funding for training and earning of industry accepted into two of the most prestigious universi- credentials ties in the country. Peyton Jones is cur- •Professional job search strategies (resumes, rently a freshman at Harvard majoring in Cel- cover letters, interviews) lular Biology and Connor Jones is a sophomore at MIT majoring in Chemical Contact us today - 2019 can be the year Engineering. They are the children your dreams become reality! of Ron and Royce Jones of Richardson, Texas, and the grandchildren of (580) 920-2260 Frank Jones of Benning- ton, Oklahoma. www.choctawcareers.com ------Idabel •

NOTES 5 Jack Austin Jack Perry Thompson Dry James Dillard Anthony Bob Pate Frazier James www.choctawnation. April 23 April 24 • Wilburton & Coalgate April 26 • Atoka Bow April 30 • Broken - - 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. - 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Denim Day • Talihina . April 2019 Schedule • Poteau • • Poteau Session • McAlester • • Tribal Tribal Holds Regular Regular Holds Council Vote Counts: Vote Austin, Jack Woods, Jennifer Ward, YEAs-6 (Tony and Perry Thomp Delton Cox, Bryant, 3 (Kenny NAYs: Perry and Bob Pate) Abstain: 2 (Ron Bill Rejected Result: Vote of Immunity Sovereign a Limited Waiver k) Approve Bill Passed Result: Counts: YEAs-Unanimous; Vote Vote of Nation Amendment to the Choctaw l) Proposed Okla Counts: Vote Dry, James Woods, Jennifer Ward, YEAs-5 (Tony and Perry Austin, Jack Bryant, 3 (Kenny NAYs: and Bob Pate) Perry, Ron Abstain: 3 (Delton Cox, Bill Rejected Result: Vote Old Business Adjournment Closing prayer Next regular will be council meeting scheduled on these resolu detailed meeting information For The Choctaw Nation Tribal Nation The Choctaw During the regular ses ofThe minutes the regular ap included business New ofa) Administer Oath Office Council bills approved: of Four Five the Year Funds and Budget for b) Approve Bill Passed Result: Counts: YEAs-Unanimous; Vote Vote Tribal the Coordinated for Application c) Approve Bill Passed; Result: Counts: YEAs-Unanimous; Vote Vote Tribal the Coordinated for Application d) Approve Bill Passed; Result: Counts: YEAs-Unanimous; Vote Vote Tribal the Coordinated for Application e) Approve Bill Passed; Result: Counts: YEAs-Unanimous; Vote Vote Budget for the New f) and Approve CB-148-18 Rescind Bill Passed Result: Counts: YEAs-Unanimous; Vote Vote of Nation Choctaw g) Authorize Oklahoma Tribal Par Bill Passed Result: Counts: YEAs-Unanimous; Vote Vote of a Carryover to Request Application Funds h) Approve Bill Passed Result: Counts: YEAs-Unanimous; Vote Vote to Dispose ofi) Approve Surplus Assets Capital Bill Passed Result: Counts: YEAs-Unanimous; Vote Vote Leasing ofj) Approve Property Personal and Real Council Members Present: Ward Tony Bryant Kenny Delton Cox Woods Jennifer Perry Ronald Historic Site will host its fourth Academy Wheelock to started awareness in 1999 to bring was Denim Day Some of programs Nation and depart the Choctaw it partners has added more to make event This year’s 918- at Lyons contact Karen information more For James Dry, Anthony Dillard, and James Frazier) and James Dillard, Anthony Dry, James son) a Adoption by for homa Constitution to be Considered ofVote Qualified Tribal Members Frazier) and James Dillard, Anthony Thompson) Homma. Tvshka 9, 2019, at 10:00 am, March go to tions and Council bills, com/government/tribal-council/council-meetings- and-bills Council met in regular session cham 9, in their Feb. Saturday, Homma. Tvshka bers at sion, committee reports were presented. 12, Jan. session held Saturday, approved. 2019, were ofproval items: the following Memberto Election Board Parent Jane Program the Special Diabetes for Indians for Continuation Grant ProgramCommunity-Directed (SDPI) PurposeAssistance Solicitations #1 – COPS Tribal Area Hiring and Equipment/Training Grant Resources Combined with D and E PurposeAssistance Solicitations #3 – Tribal Justice Area Grant Systems Combined with C and E PurposeAssistance Solicitations #7 – Tribal Victim Area Services Program Combined with C and D One of Health Strate Public Nation Year 2018 Choctaw the Agreement Cooperative Circles gic Planning Talking Title VI Elder Needs Assessment in Nationwide ticipation the Choctaw 2018 to FY 2019/2020 for FY 2015 through from Head Start Program Early Nation Durant: Monday, Wednesday and Friday Idabel and Broken Bow by appointment Phone: (580) 326-8304 Fax: (580) 326-0115 Email:[email protected] 429-6137, [email protected] or Sandy Hall at Hall at or Sandy 429-6137, [email protected] 918-302-0052, [email protected]. annual Denim Day April 24, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. April 24, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Denim Day annual sexual assault. this year will participate in the event ments that Proj SART, Nation Choctaw Empower, Project are, Services/Family and Family Children ect STRONG, Historic Preservation/Cultural Prevention, Violence Alliance Against Violence. Services and Native to sexual assault and bigger awareness and bring more will also be a special focus There its misconceptions. Booths, indigenous women. on missing and murdered shoe walk and a red guest speakers cultural activities, will also be part of activities. the day’s April 2 • Antlers City April 9 • Wright April 12 • Crowder April 17 • Stigler April 3 April 10 April 17 April By Appointment

- - - by March 15 JENA JOHNSON JENA KOBI COLEMAN KOBI 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Smithville Center Community a representative willa representative be available at the: If you are interesting in applying for a loan If you to provide assistance assistance to provide Policy Attn: Biskinik Attn: P.O. Box 1210 Box P.O. Biskinik Durant, OK 74702 ONLY P.O. Box 1210 Box P.O. Durant, OK 74702 Durant, Mail to: Choctaw Nation Legal Assistance Attn: Angie Ansiel, Attn: Angie Ansiel, Announcement TYLER LEE FITZGERALD Unclaimed Funds or email: [email protected] Or Phone 580-924-8280 ext. 2467 Or Phone 580-924-8280 ext. or toll-free (800) 522-6170. The Choctaw Nation of Nation The Choctaw Oklahoma The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma of Nation Choctaw The until 4:00 p.m. in the tribal headquarters building, until 4:00 p.m. 1802 Chukka Hina in Durant. Members at located legal for with appointments services should come Kristi Phillips. desk and ask for to the front The office does not provide representation in court in court representation provide The office does not the At this time matters. or assist in criminal department assistance with legal is not providing wills and probate. questions, any or for appointment, an make To (580) 380-8149. Guinn Guinn at contact Samantha 9:00 a.m. from Wednesday every will be available Family law (divorces, custody, child support) child custody, (divorces, law Family and modifications Guardianship All events sent to the Biskinik will run the month ofAll events This is a inconvenience. apologize any for We We accept milestone birthday greetings accept ages for milestone birthday 1, 5, We send in announcements ofCouples may their silver graduates from ofNews and only higher education tribal members. Choctaw all letters from welcome We A licensed attorney will be available attorneyA licensed will be available appointment legalwith simple to all free documents of Examples members. Choctaw that matters to assist with: able be the attorney may For more information, please contact Susan Payroll and Employee Services Accountant and Employee Payroll Southeastern Oklahoma Indian Credit Association Loan Be Eligible to Apply: To within the 10.5 counties of the Choctaw Nation - Must live - Must possess a CDIB card from a federally recognized tribe Loan Fund Choctaw Revolving Be Eligible to Apply: To within the 10.5 counties of the Choctaw Nation - Must live - Must possess a CDIB card from the Choctaw Nation The Southeastern Oklahoma Indian Credit Association offers small business, home, and agriculture loans. home improvement The Choctaw Revolving Loan Program offersThe Choctaw Revolving mico-loans, available for emergency home and small businesses. improvements Edwards at (580) 924-8280 ext. 2161, ext. 2158 chosen for publication must be under 150 words. We We must be under 150 words. publication for chosen the writer’s full Only full contact information. require name and city will be published. if or the month prior to the event the event the event falls on the first of the month. and necessary adjustment due to rising production mailing expenses. LEANN SCALLY FIGUEROA EDGARDO 13, 15, 16, 18, 21, 30, 40, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80 and above. of 25 years at anniversary marriage,wedding golden do We or 60+ anniversaries. 50 years, at anniversary announcements. not post wedding sports will be accepted submissions as space allows. because of of the volume However, mail, it isn’t send. Letters all letters our readers to publish possible • • The Accounting Department of Na the Choctaw tion of to contact the individu Oklahoma is trying is in possession of Nation Choctaw als listed below. may that checks) funds (uncashed payroll unclaimed If be due to these individuals. an employee are you ofor former employee of Nation the Choctaw Okla please contact: name is listed below, homa and your Southeastern Oklahoma Indian Credit Loan Fund Association & Choctaw Revolving - -

- Senior Night

Jack Austin Jr. Jack Assistant Chief Weekly Events Weekly

Mondays Mondays Senior Fitness Program 55 9 a.m. + at Center Chair Vol Wellness 9:30 a.m. at leyball Language 6 p.m. Class at Wednesdays and Guest SpeakerLunch 11 a.m.at Wednes first on the Cake ofday that the month for birthdays. month’s tion pickup in McAlester tion pickup 26 March and Bingo 6 p.m. Potluck to 8 p.m. 7 p.m. - - of the April 3 10 a.m. 10 a.m. 10 a.m. - - March 23 March April 17 6:30 p.m. March 13 March March 22 March 580-740-9519. P.O. Box 1210 Box P.O. The Official The Horns 1901 S. 9th Street and Herb Billy. Durant, Oklahoma 707 Bond Street Durant, OK 74702 Choctaw Nation. Choctaw Choctaw Nation. Choctaw Health Fairs Health EVENTS Crowder, Oklahoma Crowder, Family and many others. & Support Choctaw Artists & Support Choctaw Monthly Publication Monthly District 6 Events www.ChoctawNation.com (580) 924-8280 • (800) 522-6170 photos will not be accepted. Shop now at Bryan County Community Center Council Mem Brad Gernand,Brad Senior Director - Spaghetti Din Distribu - Food Dara McCoy, Executive Director Executive McCoy, Dara Spiro Choctaw Community Center Community Spiro Choctaw Choctaw Nation of Nation Choctaw Oklahoma Special guests The Crosby Family Special guests The Crosby If more than one are receiving you - Monthly Senior - Monthly - House Meeting email: [email protected] Antlers Choctaw Community Center Community Antlers Choctaw Chief to edit submitted material which it finds which to edit submitted material Apryl Mock, Reporter/PhotographerApryl Mock, inaccurate, profane, offensive or morally offensive profane, inaccurate, Crowder Choctaw Community Center Community Choctaw Crowder For more information, contact Bonnie Horn at more For would appreciate hearing from you. appreciate would 42nd Annual Gospel Singing 42nd Annual each month to run the following month. month to run the following each ChoctawStore.com Editor’s note: Views and opinions in reader- Editor’s note: Views BISKINIK or your address needs to be BISKINIK or your Wright City Choctaw Community Center Community City Choctaw Wright Chris Jennings, Reporter/Photographer Chris Jennings, Admission is free and concessions will be available. Admission is free in any readable form, but where possible, it is possible, where form, but readable in any The BISKINIK is a nonprofit publication of publication The BISKINIK is a nonprofit the Items are printed in the order received. Faxed Faxed received. printed in the order Items are and do not necessarily represent those of represent and do not necessarily the spaced. You must include an address or phone an address must include spaced. You The BISKINIK is printed each month as a serviceThe BISKINIK is printed each Circulation is monthly. Deadline for articles and for Deadline is monthly. Circulation photographs to be submitted is the first day ofphotographs to be submitted is the first day to Tribal Members. The BISKINIK reserves the The BISKINIK reserves to Tribal Members. we are unable to include everything we receive. receive. we everything to include unable are we Gary Batton Kendra Germany, Interim Managing Editor Germany, Kendra number where you may be reached. Due to space be reached. may you where number submitted articles are solely those of solely submitted articles are the author grammar be accepted will Copy and punctuation. publication shall be printed and reserves the right shall be printed and reserves publication requested that material be typewritten and double be typewritten material that requested Sound provided by Redefined MC Rufus Gould Rufus MC Redefined by Sound provided right to determine whether material submitted for submitted material right to determine whether unacceptable. Copy may be edited for space, proper space, be edited for may Copy unacceptable. Frazier Memorial Gospel Singing Frazier Memorial Gospel limitations and the quantity oflimitations article submissions, changed, our Direct Member Communications changed, our Direct Member Communications Special performances by The Crosby Family, The Stevens The Stevens Family, The Crosby Special performances by Handcrafted Choctaw Art & Branded Items Choctaw Handcrafted Shop Online for 1 p.m. 21 March in McAlester after lunch. 10 March ner Fundraiser 11 a.m. to Bus leaves at 8:30 a.m. at Bus leaves 6 March Meeting - After Lunch pickup Distribution Food 1 p.m. 1 p.m. 5 March 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Trip. Grant Casino Day a.m., followed by breakfast. by a.m., followed Sale/ Indian Taco/Bake Sale 11 a.m. to Indoor Yard March 1 - March Com Woods ber Jennifer 7 Meeting at munity Prayer DURANT LIVESTOCK SHOW Swine-Overall Doe Goats Heifer-Overall

Grand Champion - Jaycee Cox, Spiro Grand Champion - Jaycee Watkins, Allen Grand Champion - Merideth Behrens, Colbert

Reserve Grand Champion - Clay Stoner, Rock Creek Reserve Grand Champion - Jaycee Watkins, Allen Reserve Grand Champion - Blayke Bolen, Stonewall Bronze Champion - Clancy Davis, Rock Creek Bronze Champion - Hunter Mann, Sulphur Bronze Champion - Kodi Hokett, Soper Swine Senior Showmanship - Hunter Hawkins, Rattan Swine Junior Showmanship - Caden Goodson, Harmony Div I, Class I: 1. Dually Robison, Checotah 2. Lucas Heifer- English Division Rezner, Silo 3. Madison Dufer, Durant Breed Champion - Margarita Loving, Kingston Berkshire Class II: 1. Berklee Gossen, Meeker 2. Chace McCoy, Reserve Breed Champion - Merideth Beherens, Colbert Edmond 4H 3. James Jones, Roff Champion - Keona Mason, Tishomingo Class III: 1. Hunter Mann, Sulphur 2. Kylie Alford, Class I: 1. Margarita Loving, Kingston 2. Merideth Reserve - Kaitlyn Dufur, Durant Intermediate Stonewall 3. Lillie Fincher, Talihina Behrens, Colbert 3. Emily Morris, Fort Towson Class IV: 1. Josie Fortner, Tupelo 2. Colton Price, Caddo Class II: 1. James Stoneking, Valliant Class I: 1. Khloe Hatcher, Indianola 2. Garrett 3. Kayden Alford, Stonewall Class III: 1. Piper Dudley, Dickson 2. Kylee Patterson, Class V: 1. ColtonPrice, Caddo 2. James Kellam, Silo 3. Latham, Coalgate 3. Destiny Brewer, Savanna Tushka Hazin Stoner, Rock Creek Class II: 1. Riley Garrison, Lone Grove 2. Reece Jordan, Latta 3. Mel Allison, Lindsay Div I Champion - Hunter Mann, Sulphur Heifer-Continental Division Breed Champion - Kye Lennon, Avery Class III: 1. Keona Mason, Tishomingo 2. Kaitlyn Dufur, Div I Reserve Champion - Berklee Gossen, Meeker Durant Intermediate 3. Devin Emert, Bennington Reserve Breed Champion - Kodi Hokett, Soper Div II, Class I: 1. Chace McCoy, Edmond 4H 2. Lucas Class I: 1. Stormy Campbell, Kingston 2. Rose Lamar, Chester Rezner, Silo 3. Kayden Alford, Stonewall Snyder Class II: 1. Jaycee Watkins, Allen 2. Laney Alford, Class II: 1. Tabitha Boyd, Tushka 2. Paizlee Szenasi, Breed Champion - Clancy Davis, Rock Creek Tishomingo 3. Hadleigh Workman, Caney Madill 3. Hailey Morris, Fort Towson Reserve Breed Champion - Caden Goodson, Harmony Class III: 1. Jaycee Watkins, Allen 2. Rainey Davidson, Class III: 1. Kodi Hokett, Soper 2. Kenlea Vernon, Mill Coalgate 3. Berklee Gossen, Meeker Creek 3. Blayke Bolen, Stonewall Class I: 1. Clancy Davis, Rock Creek 2. Caden Goodson, Class IV: 1. Kayden Alford, Stonewall 2. Drake Class IV: 1. Caston Lackey, Vanoss 2. Jaxton Fortner, Harmony 3. Madison Dufur, Northwest Heights McMillan, Meeker 3. Khloe Hatcher, Indianola Tupelo 3. Colton Ince, Lindsay Class II: 1. Elijah Minor, Tushka 2. Riley Garrison, Lone Class V: 1. Jaycee Watkins, Allen 2. Rainey Davidson, Class V: 1. Blayke Bolen, Stonewall 2. Josie Fortner, Grove 3. Hudson Long, Dibble Coalgate 3. Karlee Glover, Checotah Tupelo Duroc Div II Champion - Jaycee Watkins, Allen Div II Reserve Champion - Jaycee Watkins, Allen Heifer-Brahman Division Breed Champion - Zoie Lovett, Tishomingo Breed Champion - Shaelynn Hokett, Rattan Reserve Breed Champion - Jansan Storey, Valliant Reserve Breed Champion - Christian Hammons, Antlers Wether Goats Class I: 1. Jansan Storey, Valliant 2. Colton Ince, Lindsay Class I: 1. Hunter Hawkins, Rattan 2. Brandee Stover, Class II: 1. Kye Lennon, Avery Wapanucka 3. Jasmine Latham, Cottonwood Grand Champion - Lucas Rezner, Silo Class II: 1. Christian Hammons, Antlers 2. Daylen Heifer-Any Other Breed Russell, Wapanucka 3. Jenna Traylor, Byng Breed Champion - Merideth Behrens, Colbert Class III: 1. Madison Sam, Coalgate 2. Taylor Mobbs, Tushka 3. Josie Magby, Stringtown Reserve Breed Champion - Harmony Lee, Durant Class IV: 1. Shaelynn Hokett, Rattan 2. Lathan Ballard, Class I: 1. Colton Richards, Milburn 2. Tabitha Boyd, Latta 3. Jaxton Fortner, Tupelo Tushka 3. Maggie Hunt, Lane Class II: 1. Hadleigh Workman, Caney 2. Griffin Behrens, Hampshire Colbert 3. Kitana Campbell, Kingston Class III: 1. Griffin Behrens, Colbert 2. Stormy Campbell, Breed Champion - Jaycee Cox, Spiro Kingston 3. Jasmine Latham, Coalgate Reserve Breed Champion - Caden Goodson, Harmony Class IV: 1.Tiffany Lamar, Snyder 2. Tiffany Lamar, Snyder 3. Kayden Payne, Hugo Class I: 1. Blaine Ake, Tupelo 2. Cash Clardy, Haworth 3. Class V: 1. Clancey Foran, Tushka 2. Paizlee Szenasi, Easton Bussell, Fort Towson Madill 3. Kara Stanglin, Colbert Class II: 1. Clay Stoner, Rock Creek 2. Holden McGahey, Reserve Grand Champion - Hunter Mann, Sulphur Class VI: 1. Harmony Lee, Durant 2. Jillian Sutton, Madill 3. Katelyn Taylor, Elgin Tushka 3. Jaxton Fortner, Tupelo Class III: 1. Caden Goodson, Harmony 2. Bronze Champion - Hunter Mann, Sulphur Goat Senior Showmanship - Jaycee Watkins, Allen Class VII: 1. Merideth Behrens, Colbert 2. Clancey Blaine Ake, Tupelo 3. Hadley Jo Bell, Madill Goat Junior Showmanship - Rainey Davidson, Coalgate Foran, Tushka 3. Paizlee Szenasi, Madill Class IV: 1. Jaycee Cox, Spiro 2. Noah Wilson, Kiefer 3. Madison Sam, Coalgate Div I, Class I: 1. Hunter Mann, Sulphur 2. Chace McCoy, Class V: 1. Hunter Hawkins, Rattan 2. Josh Winnett, Steers-Overall Edmond 4H 3. Johnathan Jones, Mill Creek Rock Creek 3. Ace Wood, Byng Class II: 1. Rainey Davidson, Coalgate 2. Raili Beal, Grand Champion - Zoie Lovett, Tishomingo Soper 3. Cole Selvy, Madill Poland Class III: 1.Taylor Chambers, Tushka 2. Mya Cryer, Kingston 3. Raeanna Morrison, Harrah Breed Champion - Noah Wilson, Kiefer Reserve Breed Champion - Hudson Long, Dibble Div I Champion - Hunter Mann, Sulphur Div I Reserve Champion - Rainey Davidson, Coalgate Class I: 1. Noah Wilson, Kiefer 2. Hudson Long, Dibble 3. Kimbri Huett, Whitesboro Div II, Class I: 1. Lucas Rezner, Silo 2. Hunter Mann, Sulphur 3. Berklee Gossen, Meeker Spot Class II: 1. Taylor Chambers, Tushka 2. Chace McCoy, Edmond 4H 3. Drake McMillan, Meeker Breed Champion - Gabby Marsh, Antlers Class III: 1. Berklee Gossen, Meeker 2. Laney Alford, Reserve Breed Champion - Josey Moore, Dale Tishomingo 3. Nataley Edwards, Hugo

Class I: 1.Alexia Clardy, Haworth 2. Addilynn Wood, Div II Champion - Lucas Rezner, Silo Yukon 3. Zeke Russell, Wapanucka Div II Reserve Champion - Hunter Mann, Sulphur Reserve Grand Champion - Lane House, Tishomingo Class II: 1. Jaeley Winters, Tupelo 2. Josey Moore, Dale Bronze Champion - Lane House, Tishomingo 3. Rylie Wood, Coalgate Lamb Cattle Senior Showmanship - Tabitha Boyd, Tushka Class III: 1. Gabby Marsh, Antlers 2. Josey Moore, Dale Cattle Junior Showmanship - Josie Fortner, Tupelo 3. Peyton Bridwell, Washington Grand Champion - Kristen Walck, Sulphur Steers-English Division York Breed Champion - Lane House, Tishomingo Reserve Breed Champion - Garrett Latham, Coalgate Breed Champion - Clay Stoner, Rock Creek Reserve Breed Champion - Blaine Ake, Tupelo Class I: 1. Faith Hill, Soper 2. Kimberly Vaughan, Stonewall Class I: 1. Peyton Bridwell, Washington 2. Hunter Class II: 1. Lane House, Tishomingo 2. Garrett Latham, Hawkins, Rattan 3. Devin Emert, Bennington Coalgate 3. Alex Robinson, Rock Creek Class II: 1. Clay Stoner, Rock Creek 2. Austin Harris, Lone Grove 3. Hadley Jo Bell, Madill Steers-Continental Class III: 1. Kinlyn Hembree, Antlers 2. Rylie Coker, Breed Champion - Lane House, Tishomingo Rock Creek 3. Carly Russell, Bennington Reserve Breed Champion - Rachelle Hatcher, Indianola

Cross Class I: 1. Emilie Richards, Milburn 2. Colton Richards, Milburn 3. Jansan Storey, Valliant Breed Champion - Ky Miller, Caddo Reserve Grand Champion - Taylor Chambers, Tushka Reserve Breed Champion - Kaylee Andrews, Colbert Bronze Champion - Kirsten Walck, Sulphur Class II: 1. Zoie Lovett, Tishomingo 2. James Kellum, Silo 3. Chase Wood, Savanna Lamb Senior Showmanship - Ashlynn Arrold, Madill Class I: 1. Konnor Daniels, Van Alstyne 2. Ty Coker, Class III: 1. Lane House, Tishomingo 2. Rachelle Bennington 3. NoahWilson, Kiefer Lamb Junior Showmanship - Gracey Bray, Lindsay Hatcher, Indianola 3. Ashley Kinzi, Sulphur Class II: 1.Katelyn Taylor, Elgin 2. Mel Allison, Lindsay Div I, Class I: 1. Hannah Maxwell, Talihina 2. Charlee Class IV: 1. Nick Northcutt, Tishomingo 2. Piper Dudley, 3. Tegan Davidson, Wapanucka Couch, Tushka 3. Jewel Parker, Tupelo Dickson 3. Kale Horton, Coalgate Class III: 1. Bailey Bradley, Caddo 2. Hank Bradley, Class II: 1. Hannah Maxwell, Talihina 2. Emily Morris, Caddo 3. Jensen Peay, Allen Fort Towson 3. Kendall Cogburn, Rattan Steers-Any Other Breed Class IV: 1. Riley Garrison, Lone Grove 2. Taylor Class III: 1. Jace Alford, Tishomingo 2. Jewel Parker, Breed Champion - Dylan Robinson, Rock Creek Bridwell, Washington 3. Ty Coker, Bennington Tupelo 3. Ashlynn Arrold, Madill Reserve Breed Champion - Zoie Lovett, Tishomingo Class V: 1. Blaine Ake, Tupelo 2. Devin Emert, Class IV: 1. Taylor Chambers, Tushka 2. Taylor Bennington 3. Zeke Russell, Wapanucka Litterell, Tuttle 3. Jaden Vantrees, Hugo Class I: 1.Kara Stanglin, Colbert 2. Kamber Stanglin, Class VI: 1. Ky Miller, Caddo 2. Sawyer Kennedy, Colbert 3. Colton Richards, Milburn Whitesboro 3. Josey Moore, Dale Div I Champion - Taylor Chambers, Tushka Class II: 1. Zoie Lovett, Tishomingo 2. Dylan Robinson, Class VII: 1. Tyler Boyett, Rattan 2. Hudson Long, Dibble Rock Creek 3. Addilynn Wood, Yukon Div I Reserve Champion - Jace Alford, Tishomingo Class VIII: 1. Jaycee Cox, Spiro 2. Kinlyn Hembree, Antlers 3. Caden Goodson, Harmony Div II, Class I: 1. Kirsten Walck, Sulphur 2. Abby Class IX: 1. Holli Hembree, Antlers 2. Lawton Hammer, Rodriguez, Tupelo 3. Jace Alford, Tishomingo Davis 3. Montgomery Harrison, Kiowa Class II: 1. Taylor Chambers, Tushka 2. Cadey Jones, Class X: 1. Kaylee Andrews, Colbert 2. Mel Allison, Marlow 3. Barrett Sitton, Binger-Oney Lindsay 3. Jaycee Cox, Spiro Class III: 1. Kirsten Walck, Sulphur 2. Marie House, Class XI: Rylie Coker, Rock Creek 2. Savannah Herndon, Kiowa 3. Ashlynn Arrold, Madill Soper 3. Rowdy Wood, Coalgate Div II Champion - Kirsten Walck, Sulphur Div II Reserve Champion - Kirsten Walck, Sulphur

Div III, Class I: 1. Kirsten Walck, Sulphur 2. Cadey Durant Livestock Show Photos by Kendra Germany, Karen Jacob, Chris Jennings and Apryl Mock Jones, Marlow 3. Marie House, Kiowa Class II: 1. Cadey Jones, Marlow 2. Jace Alford, More photographs from the Choctaw Nation Tishomingo 3. Emily Arroid, Madill Livestock Show in Durant are available online at Class III: 1. Gracey Bray, Lindsay 2. Bracie Gray, Caddo 3. Taija Parrott, Silo choctawnation.smugmug.com

Div III Champion - Kirsten Walck, Sulphur Div III Reserve Champion - Cadey Jones, Marlow Youth involved in livestock shows, learn responsibility and sportsmanship along with many other life lessons. WILBURTON LIVESTOCK SHOW Swine-Overall Doe Goats Heifer-Overall

Grand Champion - Makayla Campagna, Red Oak Grand Champion - Carson Wheeler, Luther Supreme Heifer - Isaiah Sallee, Porum

Reserved Champion - Jase Sparks, Hartshorne Reserve Supreme - Isaiah Sallee - Porum Reserve Champion - Braylon Spears, Hartshorne Bronze - Hailey Pryor, Moss Bronze - Mylie Campbell - Checotah Bronze Champion - Rachel Palmer, Palmer Academy Junior Showmanship - Leyton Jacobs, Ada Div. I, Class I: 1. Carson Wheeler, Luther 2. Tucker Heifer- English Division Senior Showmanship - Railey Spears, Hartshorne Conrad, Spiro 3. Hunter Cole,Wister Champion - Ethan Shoemake, Porum Reserve Champion - Baylee Smith, Oktaha Berkshire Class II: 1. Makayla Crawford, Moss 2. Tripp McGowan, Fanshawe 3. Colten Phillips, Crowder Bronze - Baylee Smith, Oktaha Champion - Lea Medders, Red Oak Class III: 1. Lane Caudell, Wister 2. Brookelyn Cannon, Reserve - Ally Trotter, Vian Class I: 1. Justin Herlan, Bluejacket Wilburton 3. Garrett Clark, Poteau Bronze - Tory Mason, Hartshorne Class II: 1. Baylee Smith, Oktaha 2. Jace Bibee, Stigler 3. Class IV: 1. Kate Trammell, Washington 2. Hayven Colton Hulsey, Wilburton Hoffman, Panama 3. Zoe Moreno, Howe Class I: 1. Lea Medders, Red Oak 2. Ally Trotter, Vian Class III: 1. Ciara Johnson, Panama 3. Adarra Wilson, Parker Class IV: 1. Baylee Smith, Oktaha 2. Blakelee Pugh, Gore Div. I Champion - Carson Wheeler, Luther Class V: 1. Ethan Shoemake, Porum 3. Jaylee Kelso, Class II: 1. Tory Mason, Hartshorne 2. Ben Thomas, Red Div. I Reserve Champion - Lane Caudell, Wister Konawa Oak 3. Rebecca Brunson, Buffalo Valley Div. I Bronze - Hailey Pryor, Moss Class III: 1. Tory Mason, Hartshorne 2. Broc Rogers, Heifer-Continental Division Spiro 3. Quade McGee, Whitesboro Div II, Class V: 1. Karlee Trammell, Washington 2. Alia Champion - Isiah Salee, Porum Caudell, Howe 3. Hailey Pryor, Moss Reserve Champion - Mylie Campbell, Checotah Chester Class VI: 1. Jade McPeak, Checotah 2. Karlee Trammell, Bronze - Kelsey Wall, Bluejacket Champion - Faith Palmer, Palmer Academy Washington 3. Hailey Pryor, Moss Reserve - Trenton Peel, Wetumka Class VII: 1. Jase Sparks, Hartshorne 2. Hailey Class I: 1. Ketch Coates, Tushka Bronze - Kenidee Woods, Hartshorne Pryor,Washington 3. Skye Gammon, Broken Bow Class II: 1. Isiah Salee, Porum Class IX: 1. Kate Trammell, Washington 2. Paisley Class III: 1. Justin Herlan, Bluejacket 2. Alaysia Barbee, Class I: 1. Trenton Peel, Wetumka 2. Makayla Bershear, Poteau 3. Hayven Hoffman, Panama Porum 3. Dalton Johnson, Checotah Campagna, Red Oak 3. Bronc Ward, Wister Class IV: 1. Brynn Bibee, Stigler 2. Kaytie Cash, Porum Class II: 1. Faith Palmer, Palmer Academy 2. Kenidee Div. II Champion - Jase Sparks, Hartshorne 3. Cody Johnson, Checotah Woods, Hartshorne 3. Reed Allen, Red Oak Div. II Reserve - Hailey Pryor, Moss Class V: 1. Dalton Johnson, Checotah 2. Kody Wall, Div. II Bronze - Karlee Trammell, Washington Bluejacket 3. Cody Johnson, Checotah Duroc Class VI: 1. Payton Foran, Holdenville Champion - Kaulen Turpin, Moss Wether Goats Class VII: 1. Kelsey Wall, Bluejacket 2. Brynn Bibee, Reserve - Kaden Dugger, Checotah Stigler Bronze - Trenton Peel, Wetumka Class VIII: 1. Brynn Bibee, Stigler Grand Champion - Jase Sparks, Hartshorne Class IX: 1. Alaysia Barbee, Porum\ Class I: 1. Luke Spradlin, Porum 2. Joshua Williams, Class X: 1. Mylie Campbell, Checotah Caddo 3. Dalton Carter, Checotah 2. Quincy Pearce, Porum Class II: 1. TruVon Willis , Jones Academy 2. Tanner 3. Blakelee Pugh, Gore McAlester, Wister 3. Kyler Thompson, Hartshorne Class III: 1. Trenton Peek, Wetumka Heifer-Brahman Influence 2. RiLee Miller, Porum 3. Ethan Sparks, Antlers Champion - Jaxon Hill, Moss Class IV: 1. Jalen Spears, Wilburton 2. Destanie Logston, Reserve Champion - Jaxon Hill, Moss Jones Academy 3. Lainey Hightower, Canadian Bronze, Cade Hill, Moss Class V: 1. Kaulen Turpin, Moss 2. Kenidee Woods, Hartshorne 3. Hailey Cox, Checotah Class I: 1. Cade Hill, Moss Class II: 1. Jaxon Hill, Moss Hampshire Class III: 1. Jaxon Hill, Moss Champion- Grace Palmer, Palmer Academy Reserve - Jase Sparks, Hartshorne Heifer-Any Other Breed Champion - Isaiah Sallee, Porum Bronze - Rachel Palmer, Palmer Academy Reserve Champion - Randie North, Broken Arrow Reserve Champion - Skye Gammon , Broken Bow Class I: 1. Rachel Palmer, Palmer Academy 2. Grace Bronze - Skye Gammon - Broken Bow Bronze - Abby Cato, Savanna Montgomery, Red Oak 3. Kaulen Turpin, Moss Junior Showmanship - Paisley Bershear, Poteau Class II: 1. Grace Palmer, Palmer Academy 2. Jase Senior Showmanship - Lane Caudell, Wister Class I: 1. Randie North, Broken Arrow 2. Abby Sparks, Hartshorne 3. Manning Robertson, Moss Cato, Savanna 3. Connor Williams, Coalgate 4. Karen Class III: 1. Madison Walker, Red Oak 2. Stetson Spears, Div. I, Class I: 1. Connor Williams, Coalgate 2. Clayton Woodrall, Howe Hartshorne 3. Emma Lawson, Wilburton Lawson, Wilburton 3. Dalton O’Dell, Whitesboro Class II: 1. Ethan Shoemake, Porum 2. Jaylee Kelso, Class IV: 1. Jase Sparks, Hartshorne 2. Raylee Phillips, Class II: 1. Skye Gammon, Broken Bow 2. Paisley Bershear, Konawa 3. Peyton Bolinger, Fort. Gibson 4. Justin Hartshorne 3. Jalen Spears, Wilburton Poteau 3. Riley Pryor, Moss Kerlan, Bluejacket 5. Waylon Dishman, Porum 6. Alaysia Class V: 1. Natalee Harper, Spiro 2. Jase Sparks, Class III: 1. Jace Milburn, Asher 2. Riley Pryor, Moss 3. Barbee, Porum Hartshorne 3. Zabre Pound, Porum Marissa Lambert, Moss Class III: 1. Mylie Campbell, Checotah 2. Kollin Coates, Class VI: 1. Caden Sumpter, Red Oak 2. Emma Wilkett, Tushka 3. Patricia Walden, Wister 4. Ali Price, Red Oak Wilburton 3. Kasen Krebbs, Heavener Div. I Champion - Skye Gammon, Broken Bow Class IV: 1. Jaylee Kelso, Konawa 2. Adysen Dishman, Class VII: 1. Noah Palmer, Palmer Academy 2. Jaelin Div. I Reserve - Jace Milburn, Asher Porum 3. Emma Jo Holland, Fort Gibson Lyday, Caddo 3. Torben Vocque, LeFlore Div. I Bronze - Paisley Bershear, Poteau Class V: 1. Isiah Salee, Porum 2. Malichi Barnes, Rockdale 3. Trenton Mayhall, Stigler Poland Div. II, Class V: 1. Tucker Conrad, Spiro 2. Charli Curliss, Class VI: 1. Conner Williams, Coalgate 2. Jace Bibee, Champion - Braylon Spears, Hartshorne Hartshorne 3. Tara Goldsborough, Red Oak Stigler Reserve - Tuff Trotter, Vian Class VI: 1. Skye Gammon, Broken Bow 2. Maddison Wynd, Class VII: 1. Kaytie Cash, Porum 2. Dylan McCabe, Bronze - Kasen Krebbs, Heavener Moore 3. Laney Sparks, Buffalo Valley Wilburton Class VII: 1. Jase Sparks, Hartshorne 2. Skye Gammon, Class VIII: 1. Peyton Bolinger, Fort Gibson 2. Konner Class I: 1. Braylon Spears, Hartshorne 2. Tuff Trotter, Broken Bow 3. Twine Palmer, Hartshorne Upton, Wister 3. Alyssa Powell, Wilburton Vian 3. Kasen Krebbs, Heavener Div. II Champion - Jase Sparks, Hartshorne Steers - Overall Spot Div. II Reserve - Skye Gammon, Broken Bow Champion - Kaleb Robison, Moss Div. II Bronze - Paisley Bershear, Poteau Grand Champion - Emma Jo Holland, Ft. Gibson Reserve - Addison Spicer, Fairview Bronze - Kaleb Robison, Moss Lamb

Class I: 1. Addison Spicer, Fairview 2. Kaleb Robison, Grand Champion - Payne Reavis, Broken Bow Moss 3. Cody McFarland, Holdenville Class II: 1. Kaleb Robison, Moss 2. Peiper Rogers, Spiro 3. Luke Spradlin, Porum Class III: 1. Bayley Neal, Adair 2. Dalton Lee, Sapulpa 3. Trenton Peel, Wetumka York Champion - Joshua Williams, Caddo Reserve - Grace Palmer, Palmer Academy Bronze - Braylon Spears, Hartshorne Reserve Champion - Jaycee Kitchell - Hartshorne Class I: 1. Joshua Williams, Caddo 2. Braylon Spears, Bronze Champion - Randie North, Broken Arrow Hartshorne 3. Lainey Hightower, Canadian Cattle Senior Showmanship - Ethan Shoemake, Porum Class II: 1. Grace Palmer, Palmer Academy 2. Chasity Cattle Junior Showmanship - Baylee Smith, Oktaha Smith, Vian 3. Noah Palmer, Palmer Academy Reserve Champion - Bailey Simpson, Locust Grove Class III: 1. Railey Spears, Hartshorne 2. Jenaro Lujano, Bronze - Taylor McGill, Tuttle Steers-English Division Jones Academy 3. Raylee Phillips, Hartshorne Junior Showmanship - Brookleyn Ramsey, Moore Champion - Jaycee Kitchell, Hartshorne Class IV: 1. Ashlyn Moody, Heavener 2. Taymen Vocque, Senior Showmanship - Dylan Simpson, Locust Grove Reserve Champion - Charli Curliss, Hartshorne Leflore 3. Jaycee Robison, Moss Bronze - Malichi Barnes, Rockdale Div I, Class I: 1. Rynda Wilson, Quinton 2. Rynda Cross Wilson, Quinton 3. Sarah England, Spiro Class I: 1. McKenzie Hodge, Eagletown Champion - Makayla Campagna, Red Oak Class II: 1. Bailey Simpson, Locust Grove 2. Taylor Class II: 1. Malichi Barnes, Rockdale 2. Alexis Reserve - Braylon Spears, Hartshorne Stufflebean, Hartshorne McGill, Tuttle 3. Paisley Bershear, Poteau Class II: 1. Jaycee Kitchell, Hartshorne 2. Colten Hulsey, Bronze - Rachel Palmer, Palmer Academy Class III: 1. Dylan Simpson, Locust Grove 2. Taylor Wilburton 3. Justin Herlen, Bluejacket McGill, Tuttle 3. Paisley Bershear, Poteau Class IV: 1. Charli Curliss, Hartshorne 2. Kollin Coates, Tushka Class I: 1. Turner West, Hartshorne 2. Grace Palmer, Div. I Champion - Bailey Simpson, Locust Grove Class V: 1. Brent Lambert, Moss Palmer Academy 3. Mattie Robertson, Moss Div. I Reserve - Taylor McGill, Tuttle Class II: 1. Makayla Campagna, Red Oak 2. Rachel Div. I Bronze - Dylan Simpson, Locust Grove Steers-Continental Palmer, Palmer Academy 3. Tory Mason, Hartshorne Champion - Randie North, Broken Arrow Class III: 1. Braylon Spears, Hartshorne Div II, Class IV: 1. Dylan Simpson, Locust Grove Reserve - Roni Jo Martin, Wister 2. Makayla Campagna, Red Oak 3. Quincy Pearce, Porum 2. Maddison Wynd, Moore 3. Brookelyn Ramsey, Moore Bronze - Taylor Stufflebean, Hartshorne Class IV: 1. Railey Spears, Hartshorne 2. Kensley Class V: 1. Payne Reavis, Broken Bow 2. Bailey Yandell, Heavener 3. Dallas Carter, Checotah Simpson, Locust Grove 3. Taylor McGill, Tuttle Class I: 1. Justin Herlan, Bluejacket 2. Malichi Barnes, Class V: 1. Daxton Weiher, Hartshone 2. Madison Class VI: 1. Felicity Ruthart, Broken Bow 2. Paisley Rockdale Walker, Red Oak 3. Jaclin Lyday, Caddo Bershear, Poteau 3. Ashton Winningham, Vian Class II: 1. Taylor Stufflebean, Hartshorne 2. Alyssa Class VI: 1. Kylee Free, Heavener 2. Truvon Willis, Jones Powell, Wilburton Academy 3. Kenidee Woods, Hartshorne Div. II Champion - Payne Reavis, Broken Bow Class III: 1. Ketch Coates, Tushka Class VII: 1. Titus Montgomery, Red Oak 2. Sheldon Div. II Reserve - Dylan Simpson, Locust Grove Class IV: 1. Randie North, Wilburton 2. John O’Kelley, Buchanan, Yukon 3. Sara Coates, Holdenville Div. II Bronze - Bailey Simpson, Locust Grove Hartshorne Class VIII: 1. Faith Palmer, Palmer Academy 2. Grace Class V: 1. Roni Jo Martin, Wister Montgomery, Red Oak 3. Latasha Beall, Jones Academy Class IX: 1. Zabre Pound, Porum 2. Nate Doshier, Poteau Steers- Brahman Influence 3. Natalee Harper, Spiro Champion - Jaxon Hill, Moss Class X: 1. Railey Spears, Hartshorne 2. Hazen Sparks, Buffalo Valley 3. Kyrah Rogers, Spiro Steers-Any Other Breed Class XI: 1. Shaylan Duncan, Heavener 2. Kasen Krebbs, Wilburton Livestock Show Photos Champion - Emma Jo Holand, Fort. Gibson Heavener 3. Tanner Hambright, Spiro by Susie Holly-Bull Reserve - Ray Mathis, Canadian Class XII: 1. Bayley Neal, Adair 2. Braylin Harper, Spiro Bronze - Christian Mathis, Canadian 3. Bryeigh Clark , Spiro Class XII: 1. Torben Vocque, LeFlore 2. Shyla Hatcher, Class I: 1. Malichi Barnes, Rockdale Tuskahoma 3. Taymen Vocque, LeFlore Class II: 1. Ray Mathis, Canadian 2. Christian Mathis, Canadian Class III: 1. Emma Jo Holland, Fort. Gibson Stephanie Denise Noahubi Thelma Jean Prewett

Stephanie Denise Noahubi, Thelma Jean Prewett, 58, 46, passed away Oct. 14, 2018. passed away Dec. 22, 2018. Stephanie was born Oct. 10, Thelma was born on Aug. 29, 1960, in Oklahoma City, Okla- 1972. homa to James and Betty (Brat- She was preceded in death ton) Mason. by her father Stephen Carnell She was preceded in death by Noahubi; uncles Cornelius her parents. Noahubi and David Williams; Thelma is survived by her Sonya Conn aunts Nina Ramirez and Olivia Longoria; and special husband David Radford; step-son Devin Radford; sister- friend Gail Begay. in-law Debbie Radford; Close friends: Rachelle Holder, Sonya Conn, 52, passed Stephanie is survived by her mother Jean Noahubi; Dana Church, Kari Smith, Ella Young and James Wal- away Dec. 12, 2018. sister Roberta “Bird” Noahubi; brother-in-law Ray lace. She also considered her team she worked with over Sonya was born April 22, Gomez; nephew Ignacio Gomez; great-nephew Elijah the years as friends: Heather Prince, Tonja Smalling, 1966, in Atoka, Oklahoma Cindy Pickett, Casey Smith, Ashlie Miller, Gina Nas- to Earl and Sandra (Fra- Gomez; nieces Veronica Gomez, Amber Gomez and Chi- sar; She also greatly appreciated the new comers of her zier) Conn. anna Gomez; great-nieces Angelina, Lynsia, Davelynn team Tonya Samuel, Tracy Turner, and Kristy Gilpat- She was preceded in “pollie” and Nevayah; Dennis “Robin” and Mrs. Ann No- rick, and all the maintenance men from the Choctaw death by her parents. ahubi, Edison Williams, Nathan Greyhawk and Donna Nation. Sonya is survived by her Williams, James and Melissa Williams; aunts Bertha For the full obituary, please visit Holmes-Coffey-Mur- brothers Kevin Conn and and Johnny Bason Jr. and Jackie Davis; cousins Tricia, spouse Gwendolynn and Jimmy, Stephen, Anthony, Jacob, Amelia, Tonya, Sonia, ray Funeral Home. Henry Conn and spouse Jobina, Nicholas, Johnny, Tenayah, Angel, Buddy, Jo- Deanna; sister Leslie Page; seph and Junior. Don “Donnie” Houston mother Dana Page and For the full obituary, please visit Hughes Funeral spouse Ronald; 12 nieces Homes. Robertson and nephews, numerous great-nieces and nephews Jeremy Michael Poston Don “Donnie” Houston Rob- OBITS and many other friends ertson, 79, passed away Jan. 18. and family. Jeremy Michael Poston, 41, Donnie was born Oct. 5, 1939. 8 For the full obituary, passed away Jan. 11. He was preceded in death by please visit Brown’s Fu- Jeremy was born Oct. 14, 1977, his parents; sisters Dorothy neral Home. to David Ray Poston and Cindy Barnes and Linda Christian; Delosier. brothers Billy Joe Robertson Evelyn Christene (Dorton) He was preceded in death by and Alvin Lynn Buchanan. Mach his grandparents Virginia and Donnie is survived by his wife Carolyn; daughters A.V. Dollar and Lee Roy and Melissa Wilson and spouse Raymond, and Rebecca Robertson; granddaughters Lauren Wilson, Laurissa Evelyn Christene (Dorton) Dorothy Poston; great-grand- Kovacs and Caren Wilson-Bowler and Stasha Ganaway; Mach, 79, passed away Sep. 25, parents Wilard ad Mary Delozier; sister Angel Marie; grandsons Jeffrey and Kevin Dillard; great-granddaugh- 2018. uncles Jerry Dollar and Roy Edwin Poston; and aunt ters Journee Bowler and Scarlette Craig; Sister Louise Evelyn was born Sep. 16, 1939, Tammie Dollar. Buchanan; brother Rickey Buchanan; step-father Alvin in Fewell, Oklahoma to Elmer Jeremy is survived by his wife Mylissa Poston; chil- Buchanan; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. and Jewel Dorton. dren Joe Crow, Chevy Lane Poston and Hailey Poston; For the full obituary, please visit Brown’s Funeral She was preceded in death by mother Cindy Poston and spouse Jerry Farrell; father Service. her parents; and brother Jerry. David Poston and spouse Darla; sister, Tamara Williams Evelyn is survived by her husband Paul; daughters and spouse Hoss; brothers Brandon Delozier, Ryan Poston and spouse Ashleigh Nagy, and Joseph Poston; Debra, Paula, Diane and son Gary and spouse Waisse; Howard Dennis Folsom sister Joyce Cherry; grandchildren Misti Stephens and nieces and nephews Brendon Farrell, Cactus Williams, spouse Dan, Brandi Mach, Dillon Mach and spouse Bailey Williams, Jarron Delozier and Carson Ray Kristen of Clinton, Casey Mach, and McKenna Mach; Poston; great-niece and nephew Robin Womack “Sissy” Howard Dennis Folsom, 93, and five great grandchildren. and Lane Farrell. passed away July 6, 2018. For the full obituary, please visit Smith Turner Mortu- For the full obituary, please visit Brown’s Funeral He was born July 22, 1924, in ary. Service. Non, Oklahoma. Howard is survived by his Charles Pebworth Karen Kay (Davis) Holliman wife Mary Ellen; sons Dennis Folsom and Richard Folsom; daughter Eileen Harrington; Charles Pebworth, 92, passed Karen Kay (Davis) Holiman, grandchildren Spencer, Patty, away Jan. 10. 72, passed away Dec. 29, 2018. Ashley and Tara; and great-grandchildren Juliet and Charles was born Nov. 3, 1926, Karen was born July 14, 1946, Jade. in Kinta, Oklahoma to Louis in Talihina, Oklahoma. For the full obituary, please visit Brentwood Funeral Aaron and Ann Lorena (Hodg- She was preceded in death by Home. es) Pebworth. her mother Florene Susan Lo- He is survived by his wife gan; her partner Olegario Guy Jessica Maritte (Juric, Nona; children Lisa and spouse Gutierrez; brothers Johnny Taylor, Maple) Dobson Abhijeet and grandsons Ian Mack Knapp, Erick Frank and Larkin, Jeff Pebworth and spouse Julie, Alison and Knapp, Cecil Fletcher Hinkie and Paul (Pete) Hinkie; Jessica Maritte (Juric, Taylor, partner Chris Sollars, and Cindy King and spouse Jared grandson Jonathan Michael Irish; and her devoted dog Maple) Dobson, 38, passed away and grandchildren Lily and Liam. Buster. Sep. 14, 2018. For the full obituary, please visit Moores Funeral Karen is survived by her brother Mark Hinkie and Jessica was born on May 21, Chapel. partner Sharon Hetmaniak; daughters Laura (Holiman) 1980 at Fort Sam Houston, San Corley and son-in-law Jack Corley, and Karen Nicole Aline (Lance) Monk Antonio, Texas to Patti and Sonnier and son-in-law Woody Sonnier; grandchildren Joseph Juric. Keely N. Brack, Brandon G. Irish and Dragan A. Son- She was preceded in death by Aline (Lance) Monk, 93, nier; granddaughter-in-law Patricia Sonnier; nephews her father; grandparents Olga and Melvin Juric; ma- passed away Jan. 4. John (Andy) Knapp, Paul Hinkie, William Hinkie, and ternal grandfather Thomas Novotny; and grandfather Aline was born in Harts- spouse Thy, and Cal Hinkie; Nieces Susan Holt and Hugh Taylor. Jessica is survived by her husband David horne, Oklahoma Aug. 12, 1925, spouse Justin, and Candice Hinkey; and many lifelong Dobson; daughter Kayla Juric and son Kody Dobson; to Juanita Pearl Richardson friends. parents Patti and Neal Taylor; sister Jennifer Juric- and Benjamin “Sim” Lance. For the full obituary please visit Blackwell and Roberts; brother Travis Taylor; grandmother Margue- She was preceded in death by Vazquez – Woodforest Funeral Home. ritte Novotny; and many extended family and friends. her parents; husband George For the full obituary please visit the Biskinik website. W. Monks Jr.; stepfather Jay Allen; brother Kenneth Lance; and brother-in-law K Ricky Ray Bohanon Logan Little Eagle Moore Hudson Jr. Aline is survived by her sister Geneva L. Hudson; nieces Lorela Hudson and Sewa Kaur Khalsa; and many Ricky Ray Bohanon, 53, passed Logan Little Eagle Moore, 14, other cousins, nieces and nephews. away Jan. 6. passed away Sep. 2, 2018. For the full obituary please visit Yanda & Sons Fu- Ricky was born Feb. 20, 1965, to Logan was born Feb. 2, 2004, neral Home. Issac and Lula Bohanon in Tali- in Durant, Oklahoma to Davey hina, Oklahoma. LaRon and Jessica Ann (San- Lajuana Ludlow He was preceded in death by ford) Moore. brothers Willard, Henry and Bra- He was preceded in death by dly Bohanon; wife Rolena (Wal- brother Cyle Laymon; maternal Lajuana Ludlow, 40, passed lace) Bohanon; and his parents. grandparents Dave and Bar- away Jan. 8. Riicky is survived by his sons Randall and Jordan bara Sanford; paternal grandparents Carl and Gladys Lajuana was born March 3, Bohanon; sister Elaine Wallace; aunt Melissa Bohanon; Moore; and cousin Trace Sanford.Logan is survived 1978, to Floyd Ludlow and Doris and many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and neph- by his parents Davey and Jessica Moore; sisters Karen Burris. ews. Center, Kylie Laymon, Katelyn Laymon, and Kaycee She was preceded in death For the full obituary please visit Criswell Funeral Moore; brothers, Cody Laymon, and Chase Laymon; by her son Andre’as Ludlow; Home. nieces Phoebe Laymon, and Olivia Mizell; nephews father Floyd Ludlow; grandpar- Cody Laymon, Sean Laymon, and Waylon Laymon; ents Lewis and Minnie Ludlow, aunts Besse Baker, Mariea Noahubi, and Donna Christ- and lee and Mildred Burris; and cousin Jamie Lynn Wesley Gaines mann; uncles Tiger Moore, Jamie Sanford, and Scott Burris. Bradshaw; cousins Kevin, Chance, Amanda, Chelci, Lajuana is survived by her son Brenden Jackson; Brandon, Derek, Joey, Kendall, Cassie, and Piper; spe- daughters Shyla Jackson and Serenity Jackson; mother Wesley Gaines, 74, passed cial friend Melvin Owen, Jr.; and many other relatives Doris Burris; brothers Dennis Ludlow and Jeremy Bur- away Dec. 6, 2018. and friends. ris and spouse Joy; nephews Jett and Jase Burris; and Wesley was born May 13, 1944, For the full obituary, please visit Johnson Sperry many aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends. in Lawton, Oklahoma to Wil- Funeral Home. For the full obituary, please visit Criswell Funeral liam and Abbie Gaines. Home. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Woodrow Dorothy Wesley and Lewis Gaines and Watson Obituary Policy Nedd; sisters Willie Joyce Ross, Dorothy Wesley, 81, passed Betty Owens and Hattie Williamson; and grandson Obituary submissions are for Choctaw Nation tribal away Dec. 31, 2018. Vincent Gaines. members only and are free of charge. Dorothy was born July 19, Wesley is survived by his children Wesley Gaines Jr. The Biskinik will only accept obituary notices from 1937, to Lestie and Lizzie (Jes- and Pattie Williams; sisters Willie Ahdunko, Joy White funeral homes. sie) Battiest. Buffalo, Lula Sailor; brothers Henry Nedd and William Family members/individuals may submit funeral notices as long as the notice is from the funeral home She was preceded in death Gaines; grandchildren Brandie, Natoshia, Wesley III, or printed in their local newspaper through a funeral by her parents; daughter Susie Lavona, Evan, Vincent, Meloney, Danicia, Deabrean, home service. Wesley; brothers Abbie Bat- Isacca, and Derrick; and many nieces and nephews. Full-length handwritten notices will not be accepted. tiest, Abraham Battiest and For the full obituary, please visit DeArman Funeral The Biskinik strives to serve all Choctaws, therefore, Virgil Jessie; close friends Mary Caterby and Newton Home. any handwritten notices received will be searched Wesley; nephews Adam Carterby and Ross Sanders; online for official funeral home notices. If none are niece Rebecca Battiest. Sue Anne Dean found, efforts will be made to contact the family and Dorothy is survived by her children Elsie Jumper, make arrangements for an official notice. Melissa Wesley, Lucinda Wesley, Sharon Wesley, Lizzie Due to space limitations, there is a 150 word limit for Adams, Dorinda Wesley, Dora Tom and spouse Glenn; Sue Anne Dean, 73, passed obituaries. The online issue of the Biskinik will contain sons Roger Wesley Sr., Newton Wesley Jr., Nathan Wes- away Jan. 17. links to the full obituaries. ley, Nolan Wesley; special nephew John Ray Carterby; She was born June 17, 1945. Send official obituary notices to: sisters Violet Sanders, Eva Baker, Vera Battiest, and Sue is survived by her hus- band H.A. Dean Jr.; and daugh- Biskinik Emily Basnight; 42 grandchildren; 52 great-grandchil- PO Box 1210 dren; several nieces and nephews; and a host of other ter Danielle (Dean) McFarlane Durant OK 74702 relatives and many friends. and spouse Steven. or email: [email protected] For the full obituary, please visit Brumley Funeral For the full obituary, please Home. visit Swicegood Funeral home. Hoag Named 2019 Engineer of the Year

by CHARLES CLARK as a Professional Engineer in Okla- homa. Anna Hoag was recognized as “The Choctaw Nation has played Engineer of the Year for the U.S. De- such a pivotal role in my life,” said partment of the Interior’s Bureau Hoag. “The Choctaw Nation has of Reclamation. done so much to elevate those from The Quinton native lives in Okla- southeastern Oklahoma and I am so homa City where she is employed as proud to be a member of our tribe.” a civil engineer with the Bureau of The award was presented, along Reclamation. with 31 other federal agency win- She credits scholarships from ners from around the world, at a the Choctaw Nation for assistance ceremony hosted by the National in obtaining her civil engineer- Society of Professional Engineers ing degree from Oklahoma State Feb. 22. University and her master’s degree The National Press Club in Wash- in environmental engineering ington, D.C. keynote speaker was from California State University- Edward M. Dieser, Chief Engineer Fullerton. Officer of the U.S. Public Health She has also obtained her license Service. 9 Kennedy Family Hosts Yearly Dinner BIRTHDAY WISHES

Joel Harkins will celebrate his 80th birthday March 3. Joel is a U. S. Navy Veteran. He is the grandson of William Joel Harkins and the great-grandson of George Washington Harkins. One of Harkins’ favorite quotes is, “Never regret growing older. It’s a privilege denied to many.”

Geneva Jane (Duncan) Smith celebrated her 90th birthday Dec. 24, 2018. Geneva’s sons, daughter, grandchildren, great- grandchildren and one great-great-grandson were all present to spend time with her on her special day. Geneva is the proud daughter of Martin and Ethel Duncan.

The Kennedy family is a cornerstone of the El Reno community. The Kennedys organize a yearly dinner which is funded by surrounding businesses and the commu- nity. “There are people who have been coming here every year for decades,” said Diana Kennedy. Diana started the event with her husband around 30 years ago. She added “We’ve really been blessed by so many people.”

Homebuyers Education EVERY MOMENT IS AN EVENT Are you interested in becoming a home owner?

Choctaw Casino & Resort offers a range of accommodation experiences with well-appointed conference space, special event coordination and multiple amenity options for your personal and professional needs. Book your event with Choctaw Casino & Resort and choose from a variety of offerings such as hotel room blocks, catering, décor and technical support.

The Choctaw Nation Housing Authority offers FREE For more information please contact our Conference Center Sales at 580-931-2715 workshops for potential and new homeowners. All materials are furnished. For more information on dates and course locations, or to

preregister, contact our education coordinators at 4216 S. Hwy 69/75 | Durant, OK 74701 580.579.6007 or 580.579.7319 or 888.652.4628 | ChoctawCasinos.com [email protected] Iti Fabussa Windy Month This article is part of a series entitled “A Year in the Life”. Focusing on the time period around AD 1700, this series follows the traditional Choctaw calendar through a year, with each article providing a glimpse of the activities that our ancestors were up to during each month. This information is excerpted from a book, soon to be published by the Choctaw Nation, which is entitled “Choctaw Food: Remembering the Land, Rekindling Ancient Knowledge”. Mahli Hvshi, Windy Month, roughly corresponds with March. During March, the lengthening days of late win- A mixed forest in the Choctaw homeland, managed by burning (Noxubee National Wildlife ter begin to bring warmer temperatures and wind. By the Refuge). end of the month, the woods begin budding out, and new 10 green growth peeks out from under the protective mat of dormant native grass. March is a time of transition in ground. When a fire eventually does get started, this extra plant material acts as a the landscapes of the Choctaw homeland, and it was also fuel that makes the fire hot enough to kill plant life as well as the microscopic organ- the time when our ancestors played their biggest role in isms in the soil that help plants to regenerate. Today, many land managers, includ- shaping these landscapes — They set them on fire. ing Choctaw Nation Forestry, are working to bring fire back to the landscape. In Today, wildfire has a bad reputation. We think of it burning down houses and honor of Windy Month, it is interesting to look at what managing the land with fire destroying beautiful landscapes. Fire is nothing to play with, but it is also a natural meant for our ancestors. part of the landscape and has a very important role to fulfill. Long before people The season of a burn influences its effects on the landscape. A fire in late winter were around, lightning strikes set fire to North America’s landscapes. Fires helped encourages a growth of forbs (non-woody vascular plants). A fire later in the spring to recycle nutrients and reset ecological succession. Many native plant species encourages a luxurious, green growth of fresh grass. A fire that occurs during the adapted to fire in ways that helped the plants to seed, regenerate, and even helped to hottest part of the year can bring more significant changes to the landscape because spread future range fires. By at least 10,000 years ago, our Native American ances- it is more likely to get hot enough to cause long-term damage. tors had begun to use intentionally set range fires as a tool to manage the land- As mentioned above, Choctaw land managers preferred March for conducting scapes around them. Over time, these regularly set range fires opened up the woods, their burns (Cushman 1899:197). In the Choctaw homeland, a March range fire col- making travel easier. They made plant and animal habitat more diverse, increased ors the ground black with carbon right at the time the new grass is ready to sprout. the land’s carry capacity for deer, and improved the habitat for a number of cultur- In the past, March fires supported a fresh growth of wiregrass in the southern part ally important plants. of Choctaw country and of bluestem grass species in the northern part (Romans Range fires have really only became a problem in more recent years, as people 1999[1775]:97). The new grass, in turn, provided food for grazing and browsing ani- have built permanent homes in areas that are prone to fire. As land managers have mals, like bison and deer. worked to prevent wildfires, the landscape has become more dense in woody plant Studying the ancient sediments trapped in the bottom of bogs, it appears that our growth and less diverse. By working to prevent fire, land managers have often made ancestors set fire to any given upland area about once every three years on average. the situation more dangerous, by allowing dead plant material to build up on the Because the fires were regularly set across the landscape, they limited the available fuel load, preventing the occasional wildfire from getting hot enough to kill ma- ture trees or significantly damage the microbes in the soil. These cooler fires had a patchy impact on the landscape; greater in the uplands and lesser in the stream val- leys. As a whole, the fires cleared out brush and vines and increased plant spacing. This led early Euro-American visitors in the Choctaw homeland to describe it as an open, park-like environment (e.g. Hilgard 1873), something very different from what most of that region looks like today. On a more local level, the dense canebrakes of the Southeast were expanded by the practice of leaving low-lying agriculture fields fallow and periodically setting fire to the cane that moved in to stimulate new growth (Delecourt and Delecourt 2008:87; Platt and Brantley 1997:13). Range fires also temporarily decreased the abundance of some parasitic insects, such as ticks (cf. Scifres et al. 1988). Today, we sometimes hear about the “pristine” “natural” landscapes that blan- keted this continent before European arrival. In reality, they were neither fully natural nor pristine. These landscapes were shaped by our ancestors’ intentional management for thousands of years. Looking back, nowhere is this management better demonstrated than in seeing what our ancestors were up to during the month of March. A list of works cited in this article is available by contacting the Choctaw Nation Historic Preservation Department at 1-800-522-6170. Editor’s Note: For Iti Fabvssa stories you might have missed please visit The effect of a March range fire. Left: natural meadow. Right: fresh grass springing to life ChoctawNation.com and click on History & Culture. on recently blackened ground.

Share Your Story! If you or someone you know has a Choctaw Success Story, please let us know. The Bis- kinik would love to help you share the good news with the rest of The Choctaw Nation.

Please email us at [email protected] or call 800-522-6170

Chahta Anumpa Aiikhvna March Language Lesson Food Names – Illimpa Hohchifo

beans – tobi corn bread – tanchi palvska chicken – akaknipi blackberries - bissa dumpling – walakshi fish – nvni milk - pishukchi salt - hvpi sugar – hvpi champuli bread – palvska cheese – pishukchi nia kvllo corn – tanchi strawberry – bioko eggs – akakushi meat – nipi black pepper – tishi homi potato - ahe venison – issi nipi 1. Tobi vpa sv bvnna. I want to eat beans. 2. Palvska mvt lapushki. That bread is soft. 3. Tanchi palvska pvt lashpa. This cornbread is hot. 4. Pishukchi nia kvllo chompa la chi. I will buy cheese. 5. Akaknipi ma awvshli la chi. I am going to fry that chicken. 6. Tanchi il aiyoa chi. We will gather corn. 7. Bissa il amo chi. We will pick blackberries. 8. Bioko yvt homma. Strawberries are red. 9. Bissa walakshi ish ikba hinla ho? Can you make blackberry dumplings? 10. Akakushi holbi vpa la hinla. I can eat boiled eggs. 11. Nvni hoklit kil ia. Let’s go fishing. 12. Nipi nanta chi bvnna? What (kind of) meat do you want? 13. Pishukchi ishko li tuk. I drank milk. 14. Tishi homi et vma. Hand me the black pepper. 15. Hvpi et vma. Hand me the salt. 16. Ahe honni la chi. I will boil potatoes. 17. Ti ma hvpi champuli ish ibanikma. (You) add sugar to the tea. 18. Issi nipi epa chi. We will eat venison.

www.choctawschool.com Retired Teacher Recognized for Servant Leadership

By CHRIS JENNINGS 92-year-old retired Choctaw teacher, Virginia Mann is helping feed seniors who otherwise may have missed a meal. The Community Center in Marlow, Oklahoma hosts the Senior Nutrition Program. The pro- gram, run in cooperation with Delta Nutrition, provides seniors 60 and over with a hot lunch on weekdays. On holidays, when the community center is closed, no meals are provided. That’s where Mann stepped in, and the meals moved to the Marlow Senior Center on those days. It was during a game of cards with friends that Mann said, “Why don’t we have a picnic?” That first “picnic” has grown from around 25 people to over 40. When asked about cooking for so many people Mann said, “I really enjoy it…I came from a big family, six brothers and a sister. Every Sunday they would come home and it would be like this.” Mann confesses though, “When I got married I couldn’t boil water…six sisters-in-law’s in the kitchen, there wasn’t any room.” She has progressed over the years. Mann went from not being able to boil water, to winning an award for preparing meals for large groups of people. In October 2018, Mann received the Pioneer of the Year award from the Oklahoma Retired Educators Association. The award goes to an OREA member who is over 85-years-old. It all started when Mann’s daughter submitted an application nominating her mother for a 11 different award, the OREA Community Service Project award. Sharon Cox with the Oklahoma Education Association said, “When the Awards Committee read her application it became clear that she was most deserving of the Pioneer of the Year Award.” Mann says she was honored by the award, especially that it was given by retired teachers. Cox goes on to say, “Her selfless giving of time, efforts and own money made her an obvious choice. This world could Virginia Mann keeps a watchful eye on food prepared for use more Virginia Manns!” lunch at the Marlow Senior Center. The cost of feeding 40-plus people doesn’t deter Mann, who uses mostly her own money. Donations are accepted, but they are not required to be able to eat. Mann explains that she made some smart investments with money earned from sewing after her retirement. Now she’s able to use that money to help the commu- nity. “I feel like the Lord blessed me, and if I don’t use it to his glory I don’t deserve it,” said Mann. The spread is never a simple affair. There’s plenty of options with things like Salisbury steak, meatloaf, green beans, black-eyed peas, sweet potatoes, deviled eggs, salad, even sauerkraut and wieners. “I could cut back, but everybody doesn’t like the same thing, and there’s so many. This way everybody can get a little of all of it,” said Mann. Even with all Mann’s work, the meals are a community effort. Several people arrive before Mann to set up tables and chairs. Some bring des- serts and other food items to help. Nellie Carr, a friend of Mann’s who helps with the volunteer efforts, says Mann is “one of the most gracious, awesome persons there is.” Carr and Mann both agree that the work is hard but gratifying. It’s Mann’s willingness to help and her rallying of the community that exemplifies the Servant Leadership in her. Mann is proud of her Choctaw heritage and credits her parents with instilling this core value in her. “It just makes me feel good to do it. It’s not anything special, it’s just hard work,” said Mann. Photos By Chris Jennings Mann is a living out the Chahta spirit by being a servant leader. As an elder, she is Virginia Mann reaches to give Frank Hall a hug during lunch at the Marlow Senior Center. Hall setting a great example for younger generations who will continue to demonstrate says the people that come to the lunch are just like family. Choctaw values wherever they go.

Hosted by: Choctaw Asset Building (CAB) & the Chahta Foundation Hurry Up and Slow Down

Presented by: Derek Hines

Cost (including books): $100. Free for Choctaw Tribal Members!

CHOCTAWCOUNTRY.COM Join us for this 9 week workshop series! Beginning March 25, 6-7:30 p.m. on Mondays Location: Gaddis and Gaddis Wealth Management, 202 W. Main Durant, OK - Durant, OK REGISTER TODAY! (580) 745-8133

COLLEGE CLOTHING Student School ALLOWANCE and Activity Fund NEED COLLEGE CLOTHING?

-The Choctaw Clothing grant is a Need money to buy school or activity clothing? one time only allowance.

-A grant of $300 is provided for - $100 VISA gift card available nationwide for Choctaw Tribal a semester GPA of 3.00-4.00 Members who are attending 3 year old daycare to 12th grade.

- Each student with a tribal membership can receive funding one time per school year. -A grant of $250 is provided for a semester GPA of 2.00-2.99 - Apply online at ssafapplication.choctawnation.com

Applications for 2018-2019 School Year Fall awarding is January 1 – April 1 Available July 1, 2018 - May 1, 2019 For more information, please contact (800) 522-6170 ext. 2175 or ext. 2463 For more information contact (800) 522-6170 ext. 2175 or 2463 APPLY ONLINE ccaapplication.choctawnation.com Paper applications NO longer accepted Teach to Reach Program Increases Number of Native Teachers

Potential Teach to Reach participants must Native American teachers for Oklahoma classrooms.” have completed their first two years of col- After graduation, participants can receive job place- lege and have been accepted into the teacher ment assistance and one-time funding for classroom education department at one of five partner supplies. universities. Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Those five universities are; East Central education is highly encouraged in Teach to Reach University, Northeastern State University, Funding could be used to purchase hands-on supplies Oklahoma State University, the University to build a STEM “tool kit” generating more interest in of Central Oklahoma and the University of these fields with students. Oklahoma. According to a report from the Oklahoma State These universities were selected from a Department of Education, 30,000 teachers have left the study done by the Oklahoma Regents for profession in the last six years. The Teach to Reach Higher Education. The study showed that program addresses this by giving participants crucial these schools were responsible for graduat- assistance at the beginning of their careers, resulting in ing 73 percent of the state’s educators since a higher retention rate. 2010. By having a Native American teacher in the class- Traeton Dansby, a Choctaw student cur- room, they can serve as a minority role model for rently attending NSU in Tahlequah is the Native students and incorporate cultural awareness program’s first participant. Dansby, who into the classroom. Using that cultural awareness as a Photo Submitted wasn’t thinking about being a teacher after teaching aid is one way to preserve the memories and Traeton Dansby signs his Teach to Reach paperwork as Career Development high school, started working at the Cherokee history of Native tribes. Lead Counselor, Jamie Hamil watches. Immersion School after moving to Tahle- Dansby, who is focusing on elementary education, quah. can’t wait to incorporate some Native culture into CHRIS JENNINGS by It was then he says it clicked, “I just really fell in love his classroom. “You can tie into doing a lot of things Choctaw Nation Career Development received a with the profession and really fell in love with teaching outside, a lot of experiential learning, like using science $995,959 grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s people.” properties to talk about traditional roots or traditional Office of Indian Education. The funding will be used to Participants in the program will be eligible for as- medicine,” Said Dansby. assist Choctaw tribal members and other Native Ameri- sistance with tuition and books, as well as a monthly Or with little ones, using math and Native languages cans seeking education degrees. living stipend. Brame said, “This can be used to help to count. “I’m really excited about integrating Native Kelly Brame, project director for the Choctaw Na- students concentrate more on studies instead of having Culture in with the core subjects,”he said. tion Teach to Reach program said, “The focus of the to work.” Career Development hopes to recruit 51 new teach- program is to assist Native American teachers with the After graduation, teachers are required to work a ers for the program. Enrollment has begun and will necessary funding to complete their degree, earn their minimum of two years in schools with predominantly continue over the next three years. teacher certification and become employed in a timely Native students. Brame said, “Our goal is to keep teach- For application information, contact Teach to Reach manner.” ers in Oklahoma. We’ll do that by focusing on recruiting at 866-933-2260 or choctawcareers.com/t2r.

See the 2019 Choctaw Nation Livestock Show results on pages 6 and 7.

Photo By Apryl Mock Casey Robinson holds his grandson, Maverick House, as a cow stretches for more attention Photo by Chris Jennings Sunday afternoon. Hayze Morris, from Hugo bows his head during the opening prayer Sunday morning. CHOCTAW LANGUAGE COLLEGE COURSES March Mahli Hvshi 2019 ENROLL TODAY windy month 1513 Choctaw Language and Culture (in-person & online) In This Issue Page 1: 1613 Choctaw Language and Culture II 2 Faith Family Culture The Choctaw Nation Going Green Team 1713 Choctaw Language and Culture III has recently reached 20 million pounds of 1813 Choctaw Language and Culture IV 3 Health recycled material. With your help, we can 3003 Intermediate Conversational Choctaw 4 Sports & Education 4003 Advanced Conversational Choctaw save the planet. 5 Notes to the Nation 6-7 Livestock Shows APPLY TODAY AT 8 Obituaries Front Page Artwork by Apryl Mock 9 People You Know Biskinik Mission Statement: To serve as the source of information for Choctaw Nation tribal members by delivering community news 10 Iti Fabvassa through a variety of communication channels.

Stay Connected. ChoctawNation.com features access to information about tribal history, culture, news, services, government, businesses, applications and contacts. The Choctaw Nation’s official publication, the BISKINIK, is available to tribal 918-647-1300 580-745-2000 members by mail and archived editions are on ChoctawNation.com. www.carlalbert.edu www.se.edu www.facebook.com/ChoctawNationofOklahoma www.twitter.com/ChoctawNationOK SCHEDULES NOTE www.instagram.com/ChoctawNationOK www.youtube.com/ChoctawNationOK Enrollment for Spring Semester • Students MUST pay all fees (books, mid-October through January tuition, etc.) associated with enrollment. • All classes are taught at Southeastern and will be available at CASC by Enrollment for Summer Semester screen-to-screen. March through June

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