Continuing publication Veterans Day of recorded interviews of Ceremony Choctaw elders from 2007 information This month – Carrie Bohanan, Ruby Choate, Bertram Bobb and Page 20 Viola McCurtain Pages 17-19
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BISKINIKThe Official Publication of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma
October 2011 Issue Serving 209,342 Choctaws Worldwide Choctaws ... growing with pride, hope and success Chief Pyle sworn in for fourth term Delivers State of the Nation to capacity crowd Chief Gregory E. Pyle greeted a huge up to. Our ancestors were brave and strong crowd as he stepped to the podium on and determined, and they survived many Sept. 5 at Tushka Homma. The amphithe- hardships to become the great tribe we are ater was filled to capacity and hundreds today. It is our responsibility to sustain our more stood on the Capitol grounds for the heritage in such a way to honor those who closing ceremony of the annual Labor Day came before us, and to continue this lega- Festival, listening as Pyle gave the State of cy by teaching our children their heritage. the Nation address on the day that marked “Our Going Green program continues – MISS the beginning of his fourth term as Chief ‘sustaining our people, our traditions, our CHOCTAW NATION of the Choctaw Nation. earth.’ The Choctaw Nation has always AMBER TEHAUNO “This year’s Labor Day theme is ‘Build- been a protector of the environment, espe- ing and Sustaining our Heritage Through cially water, and we continue in that role Choctaw Nation: LISA REED the Legacy of Those Who Came Before,’ today,” Chief Pyle emphasized. “By trea- Chief Gregory E. Pyle, with wife Patti by his side, is sworn he said. “We are a proud nation of Choc- ty with the federal government, the tribe’s into office during the Labor Day ceremony by Tribal Judge taws and we have a mighty legacy to live See STATE OF NATION Page 5 Mitch Mullen.
JR. MISS CHOCTAW NATION ADRIANNA CURNUTT
Choctaw Nation: LISA REED Tribal Judge Fred Bobb swears in the Tribal Councilmen during the Labor Day ceremony, from left, District 1 Thomas Williston, District 5 Ronald Perry, District 11 Bob Pate, District 8 Perry Thompson, District 3 Kenny Bryant, and District 2 Tony Messenger.
Tribal Council elects officers, swears in Assistant Chief The Tribal Council elected officers sess climate changes on various tribal A council bill to apply for one-time LITTLE MISS for 2011-12 during its regular session resources so appropriate measures can supplemental monies through the De- CHOCTAW NATION on Sept. 5 at Tushka Homma. Delton be taken to adapt to or mitigate these partment of Health and Human Ser- SUMMER MOFFITT Cox was chosen once again by accla- changes. vices’ Office of Head Start American mation to serve as Council speaker. The Senior Farmers’ Market Nutri- Indian Alaska Native Program Branch Council members voted unanimously tion Program through the U.S. Depart- was approved to purchase playground, Princesses for Thomas Williston to fill the seat ment of Agriculture will assist the tribe hearing and vision equipment. DELTON COX of secretary and Joe Coley to remain in providing fresh fruit and vegetables Approved council bills also included crowned for SPEAKER chaplain. at a lower cost to some of its most vul- those for: Speaker Cox reappointed Bob Rabon nerable members, the senior citizens, • the Head Start policy procedures as parliamentarian, Sylvester Moore as and help tribal and other farmers in the See COUNCIL Page 5 2011-12The Choctaw Nation Princess sergeant-at-arms and Patty Hawkins as area. Pageant was held opening night secretary of the Tribal Council. of the annual Labor Day Festi- In new business, Assistant Chief val in Tushka Homma, crown- Gary Batton was sworn in by Speaker ing the 2011-12 princesses. The Cox for another term. reigning royalty for the next Four language instructors were pre- year are Miss Choctaw Nation sented certificates during the meeting. Amber Tehauno from District With the certification of Catherine 2, Jr. Miss Adrianna Curnutt, THOMAS WILLISTON Wade and Ruby Murphy of Oklaho- District 4, and Little Miss Sum- SECRETARY ma City, Bobby Coley of Talihina and mer Moffitt, District 8, David Bacon of Pocola, the School of In the Miss division, Amber Choctaw Language now has 37 com- Colwell from District 4 is 1st munity teachers. Runner-up and Melissa Gueli Council members approved 10 tribal from District 7 is 2nd Runner- program budgets as well as applica- up. tions for the Tribal Climate Change In the Jr. Miss Division, 1st Grant Program and the Senior Farmers’ Runner-up is Cherish Wilker- Market Nutrition Program. son, District 11, and 2nd Run- With the Tribal Climate Change Choctaw Nation: LISA REED ner-up is Myrah McKinney, Grant, funds from the Bureau of Indian District 2. JOE COLEY Affairs will assist the tribe in develop- Assistant Chief Gary Batton is sworn in for another term by Council The Little Miss 1st Runner- CHAPLAIN ing and implementing projects to as- Speaker Delton Cox during the Tribal Council meeting on Sept. 5. up is Callie Armstrong, District 10, and 2nd Runner-up is Kyra Wilson, District 9. Notice to Biskinik Ardese promoted to U.S. Marine colonel E-News readers u What’s inside Chief Gregory E. Pyle pinned Choctaw Biskinik E-News readers – We member and U.S. Marine Tray Ardese to the Columns...... 2 have changed how we get the news rank of Colonel in a special ceremony at this Notes to the Nation...... 3 to you! Instead of sending several year’s Labor Day Festival. Ardese is a deco- Nursery News...... 4 stories every two weeks we are Food Distribution...... 4 rated serviceman of nearly 22 years, sporting publishing them as they happen. People You Know...... 6 a bronze star with a “V” for valor in combat, Watch for the link on Facebook Education...... 7 15 air medals, Navy commendation with “V” or log on to www.choctawnation/ Obituaries...... 14-15 for valor in combat medals and a purple heart. Iti Fabvssa...... 19 news-room for the latest news Ardese has served extensively throughout from the Choctaw Nation of Okla- the United States and the world and made the The Mission homa. Each month’s Biskinik is Choctaw Nation proud during his seven com- of the Choctaw also available in PDF format. bats tours, which include three to Iraq and one Don’t forget to “like” the offi- Nation of Oklahoma to Afghanistan. cial Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma To enhance the lives of all mem- As a display of his pride for his country and Choctaw Nation: LISA REED Facebook page! bers through opportunities designed heritage, this Choctaw warrior flew an American flag, which he gave to Chief Pyle, and the flag of the Choctaw Na- www.facebook.com/choctawna- to develop healthy, successful and tion of Oklahoma over his stations while on tour. tionofoklahoma. productive lifestyles. Ardese is the son of Raylene Ardese and Joe Amos. BISKINIK | October 2011 | Page 2 Honored to speak to U.S. Congress on self-governance From the Desk of tremendous opportunities for our tribal people in recent Chief Gregory E. Pyle years. Because of self-governance, the Choctaw Nation has seen achievements in economic development which You would think as many times as I have been to Wash- has paved the way for additional employment. We have ington, D.C., I wouldn’t get butterflies when talking to seen advancements in tribal health service both through members of Congress, but even after all these years, when additional facilities and superior care. Through self-gov- asked to speak on behalf of the tribes of the United States, ernance, the Choctaw Nation has made accomplishments especially our tribe, the importance of that task is awe- in education that have helped us progress in many ways, some. In September I had the honor of being requested such as building an academic facility at Jones Academy to testify to Congress on self-governance at a hearing on and initiating programs that help students of all ages. We HR 2444, the Department of the Interior Tribal Self-Gov- are able to “think outside the box” – and do something ernance Act of 2011. Congressman Dan Boren, a member with those ideas! of the subcommittee on Indian and Alaska Native Affairs Self-governance works! And I was humbled to speak Natural Resources Committee and the U.S. Representa- to members of Congress about how it works for our tribe. tive for the 2nd District of Oklahoma, was the sponsor I truly appreciate the trust the Choctaw people put in me of this bill. as the Chief of the tribe and want to always represent you The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma successfully oper- well. Our tribe is 208,000+ people strong and growing ates under self-governance and we are blessed to have every day. We are a blessed nation of people!
Chaplain’s Corner
FromA the100-year Desk of sustainable vision Assistant Chief Gary Batton We all need to be saved One of the duties of Assistant Chief I join Chief Pyle, Assistant have killed himself, sup- is helping tribal executives oversee the Chief Batton and the Tribal posing that the prisoners many budgets of the 120+programs Council members in praising had fled. of the Choctaw Nation. October is the the Lord for another year of But Paul cried with a month that a new year begins for most a great celebration of family loud voice, saying, “Do of our services, and there is always reunion at Tushka Homma. thyself no harm: for we a flurry of activity as we gear up to Falamut ishla chike! (Come are all here.” make sure the needs of tribal members back again!) Then he called for a continue to be answered. As I work I missed visiting with light, and sprang in, and one-on-one with the people who are in any 1932 former students came trembling, and fell charge of these programs, I am hum- of Jones Male Academy. I down before Paul and bled by their giving attitude of time missed seeing Buster Jeffer- Silas, and brought them and resources. son. I did see Alvie Carney, a out, and said, “Sirs what The Chief has explained to all of the classmate and a football and must I do to be saved?” executives and directors that he has a basketball player at Good- And they said, “Be- long-term plan for the tribe, because land School. Alvie served in lieve on the Lord Jesus he wants to ensure a 100-year sustain- the 5th Marine Division on Christ, and thou shalt be able vision for Choctaw Nation can be Iwo Jima in World War II. saved, and thy house.” attained. The men and women who administer pieces of pottery this year! Watching the firing It was good to visit with Paul and Silas “prayed Rev. Bertram Bobb the education, health, heritage, elders, children of the small hand-made clay pot I had crafted our leaders and friends at the and sang praises unto Tribal Chaplain and families, social services, economic devel- in the same manner as many of my ancestors Labor Day Festival, too. God,” and the other pris- opment and other programs are all dedicated to out of clay was overwhelming, not because my If somebody says, “saved,” oners heard them. helping the Chief make this vision a reality. little pot was particularly beautiful, but because what does that mean to you? All of a sudden an earthquake shook the Many times during this past year I have seen it had such tremendous meaning to our culture. A doctor saves a patient’s life by the skill whole prison, the doors opened, and the evidence that the staff are all enthusiastic and I keep it on a shelf in my office to remind me of that he uses in surgery. A lifeguard saves a prisoners’ bonds and chains were broken. supportive of ideas and efforts that will help how important our past is to all of us. child from drowning. But in the religious Under Roman law, if the keeper of the this goal become reality. Events like the Choc- As a part of the cultural awakening in the term, many people do not understand what prison ever lost a prisoner, he had to die, taw Days at the Smithsonian NMAI (another of 6,000 tribal employees, the headquarters, field “saved” means. so the jailer was on the job all the time. a long line of “firsts” for our tribe) received a offices, and many other Choctaw facilities now Paul said to the Philippian jailor in Acts When the keeper of the prison saw the open huge volunteer effort. Education programs such participate in Heritage Monday on the first 16:31: doors, he thought he would be killed. He as STAR, Career Development and Scholarship Monday of each month, where we celebrate by “… Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and pulled out his sword and was ready to kill Advisement have assisted thousands of tribal wearing traditional clothing and accessories, thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” himself, when, in Acts 16:28, we read: members across the United States, giving them greeting guests in Choctaw language, and oth- We all need to be saved. The Bible teach- “But Paul cried with a loud voice, say- encouragement, and providing opportunities to er interesting and unique ways of highlighting es that we have all broken God’s law. We ing, “Do thyself no harm: for we are all accomplish dreams. It is great to know that the our history. I have seen posters on office doors have all sinned against God. We all need here.” Choctaw Nation has people in place who are explaining history, bookmarks with Choctaw/ salvation. The jailer fell trembling, and fell down continuing down the path of ensuring that the English words on them, and even handouts with We have problems in our homes. They before Paul and Silas and said, “… Sirs, tribe will continue to be successful for many children’s legends. This has been a tremendous are breaking up. We have business prob- what must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:30) generations. learning experience for all of us and I look for- lems, health problems, family problems. He had been listening to their singing Notable successes in tribal health have been ward to seeing all the employees in the hallways Sometimes we want to scream. We want and heard their testimony of praises to the much more than the eight clinics, hospital, dia- and at their desks in their traditional shirts and to just quit. We try to escape the reality of Lord Jesus Christ. Paul and Silas answered betes centers and other health facilities that have dresses. everyday living by using alcohol or drugs in Acts 16:31: been constructed – health care professionals I truly do see the Choctaw Nation “Growing or even by trying suicide. Like that jailer “… Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, make sure that patients needs are met with the with Pride, Hope and Success.” And it is thanks in Philippi, mankind is crying out, in Acts and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” best care possible. to the tremendous tribal members and the great 16:30 we read, “… what must I do to be The Bible teaches that God created the Heritage based programs allow people to learn staff! saved?” whole universe, and that He holds us ac- our history – Chief and I actually made our first Yakoke! Paul and Silas had been preaching the countable for what we do with His Son, the Gospel. In Macedonia they went to Philippi Lord Jesus Christ. and went to the place of prayer at the river- “For God so loved the world, that he side. On their way they met a girl who was gave his only begotten Son, that whosoev- demon possessed. Paul said to the demon er believeth in Him should not perish, but Thanksgiving in the girl, “… to come out of her.” (Acts have everlasting life.” (John 3:16) 16:18). And the demon came out. There will be a day of judgment. If we do District dinners will be held for everyone The evil men who controlled the girl be- not know Jesus Christ, we should be trem- to gather together in this season of thanksgiving. came angry because she had been telling fu- bling. The good news is that, in spite of our Antlers ...... Nov. 9...... 12 noon ture events and they were making money on sins, God loves us. He is willing to save us. Atoka...... Nov. 9...... 12 noon her fortune telling. The men took Paul and He wants to take us to heaven. Bethel...... Nov. 21.... 12 noon Silas to the magistrates who had them beat- The thief on the cross said, “… Lord, re- Broken Bow ...... Nov. 16.... 12 noon en and thrown into jail and put in bonds. member me …” and in that moment Jesus Coalgate ...... Nov. 9...... 12 noon Coalgate Community ...... Nov. 6...... 2 p.m. Instead of moaning and groaning, what said, “… Today shalt thou be with me in Crowder ...... Nov. 16.... 11 a.m. did they do? paradise.” (Luke 23:42-42) Crowder Community ...... Nov. 20.... 1 p.m. We read in Acts 16:25-31: That thief had committed evil. He had no Durant Community, Event Center in Durant ...... Nov. 14.... 6 p.m. “And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, time to go and tell anybody he was sorry. Hugo ...... Nov. 15.... 6 p.m. and sang praises unto God: and the prison- He had no time to straighten anything out. Idabel ...... Nov. 10.... 6 p.m. ers heard them. He had no time to do anything. But he was McAlester ...... Nov. 16.... 11:30 a.m. And suddenly there was a great earth- saved that day. That’s how marvelous sal- McAlester Community...... Nov. 20.... 1 p.m. Poteau...... Nov. 9...... 6 p.m. quake, so that the foundations of the prison vation is. Smithville...... Nov. 16.... 12 noon were shaken: and immediately all the doors Is He your Savior? Have you said, “I Spiro ...... Nov. 8...... 11:30 a.m. were opened, and every one’s bands were want Jesus Christ to be my Savior and be Stigler ...... Nov. 9...... 12 noon loosed. my Lord.” I am praying for you. Talihina ...... Nov. 17.... 12 noon And the keeper of the prison awaking out Remember to pray for America. Pray for Tushka Homma, cafeteria on Capitol Grounds ...... Nov. 15.... 6 p.m. of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors our leaders. Pray for our men and women Wilburton ...... Nov. 16.... 11:30 a.m. open, he drew out his sword, and would in our armed service. Wright City ...... Nov. 4...... 12 noon
Softball tournament to benefit Tina Willis Memorial Scholarship A softball tournament benefiting the Tina Willis Memorial Scholarship will be held at the Choctaw fields in Broken Bow located behind the field office. The first game begins at 9:30 a.m. on Oct. 29. Twelve teams are scheduled to play and shirts for first and second place will be given out. Everyone is invited to come out and enjoy the Choctaw Nation to aid with loans fun and support this great cause! All proceeds The Southeastern Oklahoma Indian Credit Association offers small from the concession stand and tournament will business, home, home improvement and agriculture loans. go toward the scholarship fund. To be eligible to apply, a person must reside with-in the 10-1/2 The Tina Willis Memorial Scholarship is a county service area of the Choctaw Nation and must possess a $500 scholarship to be awarded to a Choctaw Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood (CDIB) from a federally student living in the 10-1/2 counties who is recognized tribe. entering or returning to college for a degree in For more information, contact Susan Edwards at 580-924-8280 or criminal justice or social work. toll-free 800-522-6170. zx See Page 13 for more information on this scholarship Choctaw Nation can aid with loans The Southeastern Oklahoma Indian Credit Association offers small business, home, home improvement and agriculture loans.
To be eligible to apply, a person must reside within the 10-1/2 county service area of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and must possess a Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood (CDIB) from a federally recognized tribe.
For more information, please contact Susan Edwards at 580-924-8280 or toll-free 800-522-6170. BISKINIK | October 2011 | Page 3
Thank you for medical assistance Thank you for elder care Events I just wanted to say thank you for the help that was needed Thank you to the Choctaw Nation and its employees for tak- during my mother’s final days at the Chickasaw Nation Medi- ing care of the elders of the tribe. We have a very good chief, Labor family reunion cal Center in Ada. We needed to get one of her medications paid Gregory E. Pyle, and thank you to Jimmy Smith, Paula Lynch, for, and I was informed the Choctaw Nation would take care of Kristen Crenshaw and Carol Harris, they are very kind, helpful The Labor family reunion will be held Oct. 15 at Rebel it. I went into the room and told my mother and she had a smile and considerate. Hill Guest Ranch, 3 1/2 miles east of Antlers on Highway that you wouldn’t believe. I knew she was very appreciative. Donnie James 3. Turn north on Ethel Road and go a half mile. She wanted to thank the Choctaw Nation for helping with the Betty McMahan financial cost of one of her leg prosthesis. A representative told us not to worry, that her prosthesis would be paid. My mother Choctaw Nation Outreach Services Irish/Choctaw never thought of herself as an elder until her final days when we found out that Choctaw Nation helped with the prescrip- art exhibit tion, since being an elder and a Choctaw tribal member. Mother CHR Fall Fest Between the 18 and and I looked at each other and I asked her, “Mom, are you an 28 of October, the elder?” She looked at me and nodded yes. She was a proud full- school community of blood Choctaw who has never forgotten the help she received Tushkahomma Gaelscoil na gCeithre from the nation and Chief Pyle. I’m thanking you for being a Arts and Crafts Building Mastri will host a part of my mother’s life, because without you I wouldn’t know October 19, 2011 unique art exhibition in how she would have gained her dignity to be herself, to be able O Donnell’s castle, Do- to come to you or call to get questions answered. She never 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. negal Town. The exhi- knew the right things to say when you would get things taken bition, entitled “Cel- care of far in regards to her utilities, prescriptions and of course Door Prizes ebrating Generosity,” her prosthesis. She would always tell me, when I can, to tell involves the art work Chief Pyle and the Choctaw Nation, thank you. Entertainment Special Guest Speakers of pupils from the lo- Debbie Battice cal Gaelscoil and the art work from the pupils attending Morning snack and lunch will be provided. the Choctaw primary school in Hartshorne. Both schools, though separated by an ocean and half a continent, are Choctaw Nation Outreach Services and other united by the generous act of the Choctaw community, programs will be available with information. who in 1847 gathered money from their meagre resources Everyone is welcome. and sent it to help the Irish people during the dark days of 1847. Throughout 2011, Sean Mac Giolla Fhiondain, principal at Gaelscoil, and Brad Spears, the administrator at Jones Academy, have, with their teachers, participated Seeking information in the unfolding art project that is now cumulating in this I was very interested to read the recent account of the delega- art exhibition at O Donnell’s Castle. Pictured is a painting tion to Washington, D.C., and especially the tour of Congres- completed by a Gaelscoil student. sional Cemetery. John Pitchlyn was the husband of my great- This artistic event is unique in being the first time that great-grandmother, Sophia Pitchlyn Folsom. John came to the the cultural links between the Choctaw Nation and the east coast in the late 1730’s via St. Thomas island with his fa- Irish nation have been celebrated by the young descen- ther, who was sailing the Caribbean from Scotland for trading dents of both nations in such an artistic manner. The of- purposes. Sophia’s father, Samuel Folsom, ran a trading post ficial launch of the shared art project will be preformed on the coast of Mississippi. John Pitchlyn was elected principal by Hohn Hume, Nobel Peace Prize winner, on Oct. 18 at chief after their marriage and was one of our greatest and most 6 p.m. in O Donnell’s Castle. Thank you influential chiefs. He went to Arkansas and became a lawyer Yakoke, and God bless all tribal administration and staff who and later was the official tribal translator between Choctaws assisted us with our booth, Choctaw Horse Conservation, at and the U.S. government. He did serve a short term in the Will Clinic the Labor Day Festival. Working with our registry, Southwest cabinet of George Washington in that capacity. He and Sophia The Will Clinic Preparation Clinic Oklahoma Indian Spanish Mustang Association (SSMA) and many other conser- raised seven daughters and one son, Joseph, who himself in Legal Services, Inc. (OILS) will be holding a free Wills vators, breeders and owners of the Choctaw horse, we brought later years was elected principal chief, establishing the educa- Clinic, where they will help individuals prepare their a well-rounded educational experience to festival attendees. tion system still in place within the tribe as well as the state of wills. The event will be held Nov. 3 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Our event was a huge success. Oklahoma. When on the Trail of Tears, Joseph was allowed at the Choctaw Nation Community Center, 2408 E. Lin- Our family, Windrider Farm Choctaw Horse Conservation, to stay in Mississippi, but she was forced to go to Oklahoma. coln Road, Idabel, Okla. To register for the clinic, call along with SSMA and many others, such as Rickman, Locke- At 92, she walked the trail. I’m sure with much sorrow in her 1-800-658-1497. Registration is limited, so call as soon Bray, McConnell, Smith, Hicks, Charlesworth, Stephens, Wil- heart, she clutched tightly a container holding her favorite wild as possible. son, Dale, Carlile, Dukes and other families, were very pleased yellow roses. A portion of that bush exists today in the corner OILS is one of two civil legal service programs operat- with the warm welcome given to the horses during the festival. of my mother’s garden. The original plant grows today at her ing in Oklahoma funded principally by the Legal Servic- Many came to see and ride the Choctaw horses in the village daughter’s house in Harris, Okla. The house is Harris House es Corp. For additional information regarding other legal area, discuss their long history with the Choctaw people as well and is maintained by the Oklahoma Historical Society and oc- services, please call OILS at 1-800-658-1497. as get literature and information about them. Many folks com- cupied by descendants unknown to me. mented on how truly unique and precious these versatile horses Diana Latham-Brammer are, and many smiles popped on faces. Haskell Alumni reunion We gave over 350 rides to young old and taught many chil- The Haskell Alumni Association of Oklahoma will hold dren and adults what makes the Choctaw horse one of the most Happy to see recycling center a one-day reunion on Nov. 5 at Sac & Fox Tribal Com- amazing horses in the world today. It was a grand time! We also I am writing to congratulate the Choctaw Nation of Okla- munity Center in Stroud, Okla. All alumni and friends raised apple funds with our raffles and T-shirt sales to purchase homa on the opening of the new recycling facility in Durant. I are invited. If interested in the golf scramble that will be winter feed and hay for the main Choctaw horse conservation was excited to read that the Choctaw Nation was involved in held, contact Dan Little Axe at 405-413-8443. For any herd in Oklahoma. With the severe drought this year, we felt helping to save our environment in such a big way. The new fa- further questions, please contact Carmen Ketcher at 918- they needed our assistance. cility sounds like it is off to a great start and will have a positive 333-7483 or email at [email protected]. RV If you would like to read more about these Choctaw hors- effect. My scout troop and myself are doing our part in a small and camp grounds are available, please contact Carmen es, please visit our website at windriderchoctaws.com. If you way. We have an aluminum can recycling trailer at our meeting for rates. Please pass this information on to all Haskell would like to contribute by purchasing a T-shirt, 100 percent of place and I’m in charge of recycling at home. It’s great to know alumni. proceeds got directly to the horses. We have also posted some we are all working together to improve our environment. pictures there of everyone having a great time. Once again, thank you to our tribe and all those who stopped Josh Curry, Troop 424, St. Catherines, Orange Park, Fla. District 12 annual cake walk by to see and learn about “the best little horses in the world,” The District 12 annual cake walk and chili supper will as our registry chairman, Bryant Rickman, likes to say. See you be held Saturday, Nov. 5, at 6 p.m. at the Coalgate Choc- next year! taw Center. All proceeds will go to the children’s Christ- Monique and Doug Sheaffer mas party.
Gregory E. Pyle Gary Batton Chief Assistant Chief Choctaw Nation The Official Monthly Publication Harvest Carnival of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Come join us for a frightful night Judy Allen, Executive Director Lisa Reed, Director/Editor full of fun and games! Melissa Stevens, Circulation Director Larissa Copeland, Assistant Editor Karen Jacob, Purchasing Coordinator Thursday, October 20 Bret Moss, Copy/Production Assistant Chrissy Dill, Journalism Intern 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.
P.O. Box 1210 Through a fund raiser held by the Denison Little League, Tushka Homma, Arts and Crafts Building Durant, OK 74702 age 9-12, coached by Jerry Bruce, everything from sport- (580) 924-8280 • (800) 522-6170 ing goods and uniforms to cakes, cookies and necessities Fax (580) 924-4148 were collected for soldiers’ care packages for the Choctaw Halloween booths and games with prizes www.choctawnation.com Nation Veteran’s Advocacy. Local Durant soldiers current- Haunted trail e-mail: [email protected] ly deployed will be receiving these supplies that filled the Veteran’s Advocacy office. Pictured is Veteran’s Advocacy Costume contest The BISKINIK is printed each month as a service to employee Darla Moody whose husband is currently serving Food Tribal Members. The BISKINIK reserves the right to edit submitted material which it finds inaccurate, pro- overseas. fane, offensive or morally unacceptable. Copy may be edited for proper grammar and punctuation. Copy will Appreciative for help be accepted in any readable form, but where possible, Appreciative of visit I would like to take this time to express my great apprecia- it is requested that material be typewritten and double Thank you for your hospitality during my Congressional trip tion for the Choctaw Nation for helping me throughout the hard spaced. You must include an address or phone number to meet with the Choctaw Nation. I was pleased to have the op- times in my life, from the past and present. This tribe has gone where you may be reached. Due to space limitations portunity to meet Chief Pyle and the Council and appreciated far and beyond my expectations. One debt I really want to point and the quantity of article submissions, we are unable learning about your history and gaining insights into the issues to include everything we receive. out is vocational rehab and Mr. Tim Holt of the Hugo office. If you are receiving more than one BISKINIK at your that are important to your community. I hope that the discus- You truly care about getting those in need assistance and going home or if your address needs changed, we would ap- sions we had will translate into substantial action. I would also the extra mile. The help that you and your coworkers have done preciate hearing from you. like to extend my thanks for your gifts, I will treasure them. I has not gone unrecognized. The BISKINIK is a nonprofit publication of the look forward to continuing our relationship in the future. B. Wilson Choctaw Nation. Betty McCollum, Member of Congress Circulation is monthly. Article deadline is the 10th of the month for the following month’s edition. Seeking information Thank you for care package If anyone knows or is a relative of Cassie Wims (Durant), Thank you to Chief Pyle and the Choctaw Nation for the please call Judy Rose at 918-721-2106. Cassie was related PRESS AS A SO M C gifts and support. I am sharing the candy with others in my of- O I H A 2010 T A to Randall Durant and was married to Jasper Wims. She was I L O
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AWARD N O WINNING NEWSPAPER
BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST BISKINIK | October 2011 | Page 4 Nursery News Choctaw travels to NYC Hunter Southerland to show off softball skills Richard and Sara (Prihoda) Stormi Kelley, a senior at Southerland of Schulenburg, Tex- Binger-Oney HS, this year’s as, are proud to announce the arriv- Fast Pitch and Slow Pitch al of their daughter, Hunter Eliza- High School State Champs, beth Southerland, born Sept. 16, played in the Triple Crown 2011. Hunter weighed 6 pounds, Sports Fastpitch 18U All 4.8 ounces, and measured 20 inch- American Games held in es long. She is welcomed into this world by siblings Jacob, New York City’s Central Park Caitlin, Zachary and Annabella Norrell and Kurtis, Shelby and July 10-15. Stormi was one Gracie Southerland. Hunter is also welcomed by her extended of three Oklahoma players, family and friends. Grandparents are James and Carolyn Pri- along with girls from Texas, hoda of Schulenburg and the late Eldon and Vivian Souther- Calif., Ga., Colo., Wash., and land of La Grange, Texas. Minn., invited to play for Submitted photo Team USA’s 12-player ros- can Teams put on the Harlem Chief Gregory E. Pyle traveled to Livingston, Texas, in ter. The team was coached by RBI Softball Clinic for about July to attend the grand opening of the Alabama-Coushat- 10 tips to improve your meals college coaches from Florida 100 inner-city young girls ta Food Distribution. After a short tour of the reservation, and Ohio. Every morning the between the ages of 8-12. Chief Pyle met with Chief Oscola Sylestine (pictured), Sec- with vegetables and fruits team took the subway from Stormi had four young girls ond Chief Colabe Systine and some of their tribal council tercress, orange segments or their hotel to Central Park that she worked with on hit- members. sweet peas for a flavorful, fun and back, that was quite the ting and fielding. After it was WIC salad. WOMEN, INFANTS experience to say the least. all over, all the girls on the AND CHILDREN 5. Salad bars aren’t just They played another Triple team were touched by these FOOD DISTRIBUTION for salads. Crown All-American Team, young kids from Harlem. Discover the many ben- Try eating sliced fruit from along with four other All- Several of the girls on the ANTLERS efits of adding vegetables and the salad bar as your dessert Star teams from N.Y. and two teams gave some of their Market open weekdays Nov. 1-22 , except for: Nov. 11 when dining out. This will help fruits to your meals. They are N.J. Stormi’s team won three equipment away to these you avoid any baked desserts Nov. 2 : Idabel 9-11 a.m.; Broken Bow 12-2 p.m. (market closed) low in fat and calories, while games, including a 2-0 win kids. Stormi gave one girl that are high in calories. Nov. 9: Bethel 9-10:30; Smithville 12-2 (market closed) providing fiber and other key over the other All-American her cleats, another girl her 6. Get in on the stir-frying Closed Nov. 23-30 for inventory nutrients. Most Americans Team, and tied two games in batting gloves, another girl fun. Cooking with Carmen: Nov. 3 & 14, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. should eat more than three the round-robin exhibition a new softball, but the one Try something new! Stir- cups, and for some, up to six games. Stormi was 7 for 12 girl who never wanted to let durant cups of vegetables and fruits fry your veggies, like broc- at the plate for a .583 per- go of Stormi, just wanted the Market open weekdays: Nov. 1-22, except for: Nov. 11 each day. Vegetables and coli, carrots, sugar snap peas, cent average, while playing red ribbon in Stormi’s pony- Closed Nov. 23-30 for inventory fruits don’t just add nutrition mushrooms or green beans for second base and outfield for tail. It was very emotional for Cooking with Carmen: Nov. 9 & 21, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. to meals. They can also add a quick and easy addition to Team USA. Stormi played the players, coaches and par- color, flavor and texture. Ex- any meal. McAlester travel ball this summer for ents. Stormi is the daughter plore these creative ways to 7. Add them to your sand- Market open weekdays Nov. 1-22, except for: Nov. 11 the OK Sensations out of bring healthy foods to your wiches. of Devery and Trenda Kelley Choctaw. Closed Nov. 23-30 for inventory table. Whether it is a sandwich or of Eakly. Grandparents are Cooking with Carmen: Nov. 1 & 18, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. 1. Fire up the grill. wrap, vegetables make great The biggest highlight Gene and Trina Kelley of Al- came after their last game, falfa and Bobby and Carolyn POTEAU Use the grill to cook veg- additions to both. where both 18U All-Ameri- Cope of Eakly. Market open weekdays Nov. 1-22, except for: Nov. 11 etables and fruits. Try grill- Try sliced tomatoes, ro- maine lettuce or avocado on Closed Nov. 23-30 for inventory. ing mushrooms, carrots, pep- your everyday sandwich or Cooking with Carmen: Nov. 7 & 16, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. pers or potatoes on a kabob skewer. Brush with oil to keep wrap for extra flavor. them from drying out. Grilled 8. Be creative with your Applications for holiday Choctaw Nation Food Distribution fruits like peaches, pineapple baked goods. Add apples, bananas, blue- Open 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday thru Friday. Staff or mangos add great flavor to berries or pears to your favor- will take lunch from 11:30 to 12 noon. a cookout. food vouchers accepted 2. Expand the flavor of ite muffin recipe for a treat. WAREHOUSES & MARKETS Choctaw Nation Outreach Services will begin taking your casseroles. 9. Make a tasty fruit Antlers: 306 S.W. “O” St., 580-298-6443 pplications for Thanksgiving and Christmas food vouchers Mix vegetables such as sau- smoothie. Durant: 100 1/2 Waldron Dr., 580-924-7773 beginning Oct. 1, 2011. Completed applications with be ac- téed onions, peas, pinto beans For dessert, blend strawber- McAlester: 1212 S. Main St., 918-420-5716 cepted until Nov. 1, 2011. Only one application will need to or tomatoes into your favorite ries, blueberries or raspberries Poteau: 100 Kerr, 918-649-0431 be filled-out to receive vouchers for both Thanksgiving and dish for that extra flavor. with frozen bananas and 100 Food Distribution Sites 3. Planning something percent fruit juice for a deli- Christmas. Bethel: Choctaw Community Building Italian? cious frozen fruit smoothie. The food vouchers will replace the food baskets. To apply Broken Bow: Choctaw Family Investment Center Add extra vegetables to 10. Liven up an omelet. for a food voucher, you must submit the application, copy of Idabel: Choctaw Community Center your pasta dish. Slip some Boost the color and flavor Tribal Membership, address and income verification. Appli- Smithville: Choctaw Community Center peppers, spinach, red beans, of your morning omelet with cants must reside in the 10.5 counties. Stigler: Choctaw Community Center onions or cherry tomatoes vegetables. Simply chop, saute Applications will be available from any Outreach Services In accordance with federal law and U.S. Department of Agri- into your traditional tomato and add them to the egg as it worker at the Community Centers, however, if you have any culture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on sauce. Vegetables provide tex- cooks. Try combining differ- questions you may contact the Outreach Services Office at the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, political ture and low-calorie bulk that ent vegetables, such as mush- 877-285-6893. beliefs, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write satisfies. rooms, spinach, onions or bell The Outreach Services staff will be distributing the Thanks- USDA, Director, Office of Adjudication and Compliance, 1400 4. Get creative with your peppers. giving vouchers for those who qualify at the Community Cen- Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, or salad. Go to www.ChooseMy- ters on Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2011, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The call 800-795-3272 (voice) or 202-720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an Toss in shredded carrots, Plate.gov for more informa- Christmas food vouchers will be available at the Community equal opportunity provider and employer. strawberries, spinach, wa- tion. Centers on Dec. 7, 2011, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
EatOctober better,is “Eat Better, Eat eat or beveragestogether are most likely this grain October crackers Choctaw Nation WIC Together” month. Accord- to cause a slow and steady • Leftover grilled or baked WOMEN, INFANTS AND CHILDREN ing to research conducted by weight gain over the years. chicken strips with honey Washington State University Topping this list are potato mustard for dipping when families eat together chips, potatoes/French fries, • Whole wheat bread with SITE PHONE HOURS DAYS the positive effects last long sugar-sweetened beverages turkey, cheese and apple or Antlers 580-298-3161 8:30-4:00 Every Tuesday past dinner time and into a and processed meats such as avocado slices Atoka 580-889-5825 8:00-4:30 Every Mon., Wed., Thurs. & healthy lifestyle which can hot dogs and bologna. Not • Fresh fruit or single por- Fri. decrease the risk of type 2 only do these foods/bever- tion-sized cups of no sugar Bethel 580-241-5458 8:30-4:00 1st Tuesday diabetes and heart disease. ages tend to be kids’ favorite added fruit Boswell 580-380-5264 8:30-4:00 Every Friday About 17 percent of children choices, we tend to “also” • Salad greens with a vari- Broken Bow 580-584-2746 8:00-4:30 Daily, except 1st Tues. & 2nd in the U.S. today are obese, a carry these choices with us ety of colorful vegetables Thurs. staggering reality. Research on into adulthood. Yet there • Light yogurt with wal- Coalgate 580-927-3641 8:00-4:30 Every Wednesday has suggested that obese chil- are some ways we can help nuts, pecans or almonds Durant 580-924-8280 x 2257 8:00-4:30 Daily dren are likely to become the children around us as well • Baked whole grain tortilla Hugo 580-326-5404 8:00-4:30 Daily obese adults, putting them as ourselves to add healthier chips with tomato, corn and at risk of developing cancer, foods and beverages to the black bean salsa: Idabel 580-286-2510 8:00-4:30 Mon., Thurs. & Fri. heart disease and diabetes. favorite list. Having some (1 c. diced seeded toma- McAlester 918-423-6335 8:00-4:30 Daily Colleen Doyle, MS, RD of healthier options more read- toes, ½ c. black beans drained Poteau 918-647-4585 8:00-4:30 Daily Smithville 580-244-3289 8:30-4:00 2nd Thursday The American Cancer Soci- ily available makes it easier and rinsed, ½ c. corn, ¼ c. Spiro 918-962-3832 8:00-4:30 Every Wednesday - Friday ety, sites a recent study from to choose healthier foods and chopped red onion, ¼ c. Stigler 918-967-4211 8:30-4:00 Every Monday - Wednesday a group of Harvard research- beverages. Here are healthy minced cilantro, 1 tbsp lemon Talihina 918-567-7000 x 6792 8:00-4:30 Mon., Tues., Wed., & Fri. ers who found the consump- options to keep on hand: juice, 2 tsp olive oil, salt and Wilburton 918-465-5641 8:30-4:00 Every Thursday tion of certain foods and/ • String cheese and whole pepper to taste) “Dont let the Nursing Nursing School YourApplication hard work is about Recipe: Waldorf Salad to pay off! Ingredients: Application Workshop Series • ¼ cup fat free mayo or salad dressing • ¼ cup plain fat free yogurt Employment Services • 1 tbsp lemon juice SPOOK You” Learn the strategies needed to obtain • 1 tbsp fat free (skim) milk wouldadmission like toto nursinghelp by school! giving you • 2 medium not peeled red eating apples, coarsely chopped (2 cups) • 2 medium celery stalks, chopped (1 cup) Workshops begin on the following dates: $50. • 2 tbsp coarsely chopped nuts Preparation: Durant October 27 1. Mix mayo, yogurt, lemon juice and milk in medium Hugo October 25 bowl. Idabel October 27 2. Stir in apples, celery and nuts. Serve on salad greens. McAlester October 25 Cover and refrigerate left overs. Nutrition Information: Serves 4 (3/4 cup) Poteau October 27 Calories: 90, Sodium: 150mg, Cholesterol: 0mg, Pro- Stigler October 25 tein: 2g, Total Fat: 3g, Sat Fat: 0g, Total Carb: 16g, Dietary Talihina October 26 Fiber: 2g
Space is limited! Call Jana today to For further information you may contact: Erin Adams, reserveContact your us today spot atto (866)933-2260.find out how to RD, LD, Choctaw Nation Diabetes Wellness Center 800- 349-7026 ex: 6959. Choctaw Nationrecieve Career your Development $50! BISKINIK | October 2011 | Page 5 Council members – Ron Perry and Tony Messenger. We wel- STATE OF NATION come them to the Council and look forward to working with Reserve your ‘It is our responsibility to sustain our heritage in them. such a way to honor those who came before us’ “We also want to remember one of our Council members 2012 Labor Day RV Site Continued from Page 1 the fall of 1831. who passed away this year. “We saw several other trea- Charlotte Jackson was an in- In order to reserve an RV site with electric and water hookups for the 2012 water has never been given ties, but none compared to credible lady who will long be Labor Day Festival, please mail the reservation request form below no earlier up. This is still our water and viewing the Treaty of Dancing remembered for her devotion than Jan. 1, 2012. RV sites will be reserved on a first come, first serve basis. we will continue to fight for Rabbit Creek. Thousands of to all Choctaws. She loved her Please include a copy of your CDIB card. Also, include the length of your Choctaws died along the Trail people and served them well the protection of this natural RV or camper and the number of slide-outs. PLEASE DO NOT SEND ANY resource in southeastern Okla- of Tears as a result of this trea- for many years. homa. Our interest is in a so- ty and the ensuing removal. “We also want to take a mo- MONEY AT THIS TIME. After the deadline, all reservations will be drawn lution that is beneficial to our “Today the Choctaw Nation ment to honor members of our randomly for RV sites. If your name is drawn, you will be notified by mail. At region and all of Oklahoma. continues to grow and pros- military and their service to that time you will send in your cashier’s check or money order in the amount “Speaking of treaties, it per. Our tribal vision is ‘to our country,” Chief Pyle said, of $75.00 to receive your confirmation and rules for RV camping at the Labor was my honor and privilege achieve healthy, successful, asking all veterans to stand Day Festival. recently to see some of the productive and self-sufficient and be recognized. Several original treaties between the lifestyles for a proud nation of generations of warriors rose to No phone reservations will be accepted. Please only include one reservation Choctaws and the U.S. gov- Choctaws.’ This continues to their feet, representing World per application. We will do our best to respect the requests for preferred RV be our goal – to better serve War II, Korea, Vietnam, Des- ernment. During Choctaw pads, however, we cannot guarantee you will get the pad number requested. Days at the Smithsonian, As- you – the Choctaw people. ert Storm and Operation Iraqi sistant Chief Gary Batton Our continued economic de- Freedom. Please watch the Biskinik newspaper for future articles or changes in park- and I were allowed to access velopment will create more “We have a great relation- a vault in the National Ar- jobs, more revenue and ulti- ship with the military and ing, tent camping and tribal preferences for the 2012 Labor Day Festival. chives in Washington, D.C., mately more services for our the Choctaw Nation provides where these treaties are kept. tribal members. Road projects support to our troops in many They were in a small room will improve access to health ways. We continue to send with extremely tight security. care, schools and jobs. care packages to our troops 2012 RV Space Reservation When we entered the National “For example, here at stationed overseas. We also Archives building, we were Tushka Homma roads on our provide help with Veterans met by a host, one of only Capitol grounds were recently Airlift Command flights that Name ______four people with a key to this paved. We will continue to assist our wounded warriors secure room holding the trea- provide for our Choctaw peo- to visit family or for medical Address ______ties. ple,” Chief Pyle said. “I want treatment. “We were allowed to see all of our families to achieve “In closing,” he said, “I City/State/Zip ______several treaties, but the most our vision of healthy, success- want to emphasize that the impressive was the Treaty of ful and self-sufficient Choc- Choctaw Nation continues to Dancing Rabbit Creek, dated taws. be strong. As we honor our Daytime phone number ______Sept. 27, 1830. This is the “I want to take a moment to culture and the legacy of our first removal treaty and ceded recognize our Tribal Council. ancestors, we remember our Alternate phone number ______about 11 million acres in Mis- These 12 people have made heritage and continue our tra- sissippi in exchange for 15 a commitment to serve the ditions. Our strength and our million acres in Indian Terri- Choctaw people and we ap- continued growth will sustain Email ______tory. Shortly after this treaty preciate their service to the our future generations to fol- was signed, the Choctaws be- Nation. We are especially low. And we will remain a RV camper description and length: ______gan the first Trail of Tears in pleased to introduce two new proud Nation of Choctaws!” ______
Conservation program helps Number of slide-outs ______landowners recover from drought – Only one (1) reservation per application – The Oklahoma Conser- tant we help them recover and Year 13 in the amount of vation Commission has an- the conservation cost-share $1,150,527 is made up of No reservations accepted prior to Jan. 1, 2012. nounced Program Year 13 of program will be of great assis- $739,391 appropriated for the state’s Locally-Led Con- tance,” said Gov. Mary Fallin. that purpose by the state Leg- Please return to: servation Cost-Share Pro- “I appreciate the Commission islature for fiscal year 2012 Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma gram. The agency approved expediting these funds more along with $411,136 in funds Attn: Margaret Jackson guidelines for the latest pro- quickly than normal to help not spent from previous pro- gram at its Sept. 1 meeting. producers prepare for the next gram years. P.O. Box 1210 The program began in 1997 rain event,” she added. Practices in the Conserva- Durant, OK 74702 with the goal reducing soil “This is a great time to ex- tion Cost-Share Program vary erosion and improving water pand our water holding ca- across the state according to quality by providing finan- pacity on farms for when it priorities set by the local con- NO RESERVATIONS WILL BE cial assistance to landowners does rain,” said Jim Reese, servation district board of di- for applying soil and water state Sec. of Agriculture and rectors. Some of those avail- ACCEPTED PRIOR TO JAN. 1, 2012 conservation practices. A few Commissioner of the Okla- able that also provide benefits changes were made with the homa Department of Agricul- during dry weather include goal of going further to help ture, Food and Forestry. constructing ponds, installing landowners recover from the “We want to open up this water troughs or tanks and effects of the exceptional year’s program as soon as drilling new wells. drought this year. possible so that local conser- “Our area producers will Oklahoma Conservation One change is that the vation districts can make it welcome the opportunity to program is being opened up available to help landowners, create more watering facilities earlier than most years. The farmers and ranchers, who or water storage,” said Jeff cost-shareThe Bryan Conservation District sign-up has set have at leastannounced $1,000 of soil dependent prod- Cost-Share Program overlaps have been impacted by the Brown, Chair of the Bryan the application period for the Oklahoma ucts sold annually. years because it is designed severity of the drought,” said Conservation District. “When Conservation Cost-Share Program Year 13 All applicants will be notified if they are to extend through two grow- Mike Thralls, Conservation we get more rain again, these to begin October 10th thru November 11th. or are not approved for funding. In order ing seasons to allow ample Commission executive direc- practices will help prepare for The program offers financial assistance of to quality for payment, the application must opportunity, under normal tor. future dry spells.” construction of new farm ponds at the rate of be approved and a performance agreement conditions, to install the con- Another change that might Practices that help reduce 75 percent of the total cost. must be signed by both the participant and servation practices. In past be of help during dry weather soil erosion during wetter Landowners can make application of the the District before any installation work be- years the program has opened is allowing the installation of periods are also included in cost share at the Bryan Conservation District gins. at different times of the year a pipeline to move water from the Conservation Cost-Share office located in the Durant USDA Service This program, authorized by the Okla- from October to February, a supply source to a point of Program. Those practices are Center, 200 Gerlach, from 8 a.m. to noon homa State Legislature in 1998, is adminis- and the run for 16-24 months use for livestock. Previously, terraces, grassed waterways, and from 1-5 p.m. Monday through Friday. tered at the state level by the Oklahoma Con- for completion of installation installation of pipelines was diversions, critical area plant- Because of limited funds, a ranking sys- servation Commission and at the local level of the practices. Only once only covered in the creation of ing and grade stabilization tem will be used to determine who is ap- by the Conservation District. before has it begun in Sep- a new watering facility. Now structures. Additional prac- proved if more applications are received The District takes applications and helps tember and only once has it as a stand-alone practice, a tices available are brush man- than can be funded. participants complete the necessary paper- begun earlier. The first year pipeline can be installed in agement including removal “This system ensures fairness to landown- work for payment. of the Cost-Share Program, an existing watering system. of eastern red cedar, fencing, ers and ensures that cost-share funds are The USDA Natural Resources Conserva- 1997, it began in August, also This change is intended to pasture and hay planting, used to meet conservation priorities,” said tion Service (NRCS) provides technical as- a year of exceptional drought. help rotational grazing opera- range planting, nutrient man- Jeff Brown, Conservation District Board sistance for the program. “With the losses the state’s tions by providing additional agement and pest manage- Chairman. Landowners with questions about the pro- agricultural producers have locations to water livestock. ment. Some restrictions apply in the program. gram are invited to visit the Bryan Conserva- endured this year, it’s impor- Funding for Program Land tracts must be 20 acres or more and tion District office or call 580-924-5464.
COUNCIL Continued from Page 1 and staff handbooks; • a right-of-way easement for Valliant Tele- phone Company in McCurtain County; • an oil and gas lease for KEPCO Operating Inc. in Pittsburg County; • adaptation of certain codes for use in the Court of General Jurisdiction of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma; • donation of playground equipment to Cedar Baptist Church in Red Oak, and • sale of unclaimed lost and found items from the casinos, hospital, clinics, travel plazas and other Choctaw Nation entities. The ensuing funds will be deposited into the Choctaw Nation Security budget to offset the expense of materi- Choctaw Nation: LISA REED als and labor to maintain the lost and found. The Choctaw Nation Tribal Council meets in Four language certifications were presented during the Choctaw Tribal Council’s meeting on Sept. 10. Receiving their certificates regular session at 10 a.m. on the second Satur- are Bobby Coley of Talihina, David Bacon of Pocola, and Catherine Wade and Ruby Murphy, both of Oklahoma City. Making the pre- day of each month in the Council Chambers at sentations are Councilman Kenny Bryant, Councilman Anthony Dillard, Assistant Chief Gary Batton, Councilman Bob Pate, Council Tushka Homma. Speaker Delton Cox and Community Language Assistant Director Roger Scott. BISKINIK | October 2011 | Page 6
PEOPLE YOU KNOW
Happy birthday, Ryan Happy birthday, Bethany Ryan J. Thorne turned 10 Happy fifth birthday to Bethany years old Aug. 28. He celebrated Anderson on Aug. 30. Wishing her a his birthday with family at the happy birthday are her parents, Sha San Diego Sea World. Ward of Hugo; her grandparents, Ruth A Salute Ryan is the grandson of Gene Ward and Donnie and Jacque Knight and LaHoma Murphy Crau- of Shawnee; great-grandparents, Lloyd thers of Oklahoma City. He also and Mary Ward of Paris, Texas, and shares his birthday with the late Linda and Lee Knight of Hugo; and her little sister, Haley Ella Murphy of Idabel, who is his great-grandmother. Clinton.
Gage turns 12 Happy birthday, Claudine PFC Mayo graduates On Aug. 27, approximately 40 family Happy 12th birthday on July 29 members surprised Claudine Wheeler basic training to Gage. Wishing him a very happy with a blast of party horns and birthday birthday are his parents, Donnie and Private First Class Joshua T. wishes as she walked into the Choc- Jacque Knight of Shawnee; his sister, Mayo, a 2004 graduate of Avon taw Community Center in Durant. The Sha of Hugo; and his grandparents, High School, has completed U.S. event was planned by her two daugh- Linda and Lee Knight of Hugo and Army basic training at Fort Jack- ters, Catherine Mueller and Diana Pat and Ray Booze of Shawnee. son near Columbia, S.C. This Woodard. Claudine turned a young 70 training included training in mili- years on Aug. 31. tary disciplines and studies, Army values, physical fitness and basic warfare principles and Happy birthday, skills. Mayo graduated with awards for Expert Marksman Gibson, Pope reunion a success (rifle and grenade) and Company Pugil Stick Champion. A Hannah and Jaden The families and friends of the late Adam and Winnie Pope pugil stick is a heavily padded pole-like training weapon Hannah Elu Storie turned Gibson held their annual family reunion at the Choctaw Com- used by military personnel for training in rifle and bayonet 4 years old on June 16 and munity Center in June. combat. He also received special recognition as an honor her brother, Jaden Elan A total of 81 people attended, including Anna Gibson Smith, graduate and was recognized as a “Soldier of the Cycle.” Storie, turned 2 on Feb. 18. Ada Gibson Lusk, Clara Gibson Belvins, Jim and Marie Gib- Mayo is a member of the Indiana National Guard and will be Their parents are Jeff and son, Kathy Blevins Falkenstein, Diana Joan Blevins, Dick and serving at Camp Atterbury, Ind. Darlene Work Storie of El- Jeanne Steele, Joey Lynn and Colter Steel, Roger and Deana Mayo is currently receiving Air Traffic Control Training, lijay, Ga. Their grandmoth- Blevins Wilson, Jay and Blake Wilson, Randall Wilson, Janie MOS 15Q, at Fort Rucker, Ala. Fort Rucker, named Army er is Betey Work of Farris, Gibson Lampkin, Debbie Gibson Workman, Dana and Des- Aviation Center of Excellence in 2008, serves as the head- Okla. They are 1/8 Choctaw and they have Native American tiny Workman, Harley Sage, Laticia Workman, Althea Gibson quarters for Army Aviation. While the garrison command middle names. Johnson, Phillip, Dixie, Augusta and Anthony Reagan, Melissa manages the daily operations of the Fort Rucker community, Johnson and John Coffman, Walter Amos, Kathy Amos Mow- the Aviation Branch Headquarters develops, coordinates ery, Larry Amos, Bob Karr, Earl, Steve and Hildrie Gibson, and deploys aviation operations, training and doctrine. PFC Curtis/Nelms John Henry and Erlene Cook, Pat Johnson, Atonya and Bryer Mayo has also received the U.S. Army Achievement Certifi- engagement Stites, Brian Hauck and Bob Pate. cate of Excellence in Tower Operations Academics and the Guests from out of town included Wade and Debbie Du- Physical Training Achievement award. He also serves as the Evan Curtis and Kelly Nelms nagan and Lee and Jason Woodward of Blackwell; Kendall, class leader and “Bay Boss.” are happy to announce their Peggy and Gage Steele of Okemah; Delana and Eli Bohn from The MOS 15Q curriculum encompasses job skills train- engagement. The couple has Dodridge, Ark.; Daniel, Lori, Adam, Alex and Avery Johnson ing, physical training, common task training and military planned a June wedding in Dal- from Muskogee; Lamon Pope from Mayer, Ariz.; Rhonda, customs and courtesies. Training for the ATC students is fur- las. Evan is the son of Sheila Alyx-Marie and Kole Kleinsteiber from Surprise, Ariz.; Jeff, ther enhanced through virtual simulation. The battalion also and John Curtis and the grand- Linda and Jelynn Pope from Prescott, Ariz.; Larry and Becky provides operational and administrative support for graduate son of Lu and Lewis Hamp- Hill from Crosby, Texas; Chris, Christen and Paighton Hill level aviation students returning for advanced aircraft transi- ton Jr. of Dallas. Kelly is the from Anahuac, Texas; John, Susan and Dylan Scharpf from tions and all international students for flight training. daughter of Carolyn and Felder San Diego; Leslie and Cindy Gibson from Shawnee; Less, Ad- The Fort Rucker Headquarters and Headquarters Com- Nelms, also of Dallas. die and Gage Gibson from Anna, Texas; and Lisa Gibson and pany manages the Enhanced Tower Simulator (ETOS), the Chance and Chelcey Edwards from Shawnee. newest and most advanced air traffic control simulator in the U.S. Army. Happy birthday, Mary The ETOS gives ATC students a realistic experience of Justin advocates what it is like inside an ATC tower. As the primary trainer for On Aug. 12, Mary Beams Siems the tower 1-13th Aviation Regiment trains the Army’s ATC celebrated her 85th birthday with bullying prevention personnel phase of ATC training in the Army, ETOS is used family and friends at Don Jose’s Congratulations to Justin Tyler to train soldiers in initial entry training on how to safely and Mexican Restaurant in Houston, Abraham of North Little Rock, Ark. expeditiously move aircraft to, from and through designated Texas. Mary is the daughter of Thirteen-year-old Justin has persuaded airspace in a simulated, virtual environment. Levi Lee Beams, an original en- Secretary of Education Arne Duncan to Most of the training uses virtual landscape with high fidel- rollee, and Dollye Tignor Beams. pass three key tools to assist in bullying ity images of aircraft and the airfield, including the runway, She has two daughters; Shelly prevention. Justin is the president and hangars, nearby trees and ground vehicles. The weather sys- Narciso, who lives in San Jose, founder of his organization called, “Young Americans Advo- tem, vehicles, stars, lights, sun and rain are just like the real Calif., with her husband, John, and cating Civil Rights,” pertaining to school violence. President thing, and voice recognition software helps students learn. children, Nicole, John and Sarah, and Syd Motal of Houston Obama has referred to Justin as “our brighter future of tomor- ETOS can simulate almost every aircraft in the U.S. mili- who has two daughters, Kassidy Motal and Kendall Collette, row.” tary inventory and civilian commercial aircraft. The training who has blessed Mary with the addition of her husband, Andy, Justin is the son of proud mother Shanna McCoy-Rollins and at Fort Rucker can apply to ATC operations at military air- and two great-grandchildren, Mason and Mckenna. Happy the grandson of the late W.C. Rollins. President Obama has fields or civilian airports worldwide. birthday, Mary! personally addressed Justin as being a brave young man, who PFC Mayo completed his Business Management Associ- continued to make good grades while dealing with bullying ate Degree in 2008. He is also employed by Liberty Mutual during the years of 2007-2009 and while dealing with school Insurance as a health, life and casualty insurance salesman. Happy violence. He is related to Sophie Anderson, an original enrollee, and Justin has a passion for law and has the desire to study in he is proud of his ancestry and continuing the noble tradition anniversary the field of civil and tribal affairs, and he wishes to attend Har- of service in the Armed Forces of the United States Army. Travis and Katherine vard School of Law. He also received an outstanding academic would like to wish Kenneth achievement award in May from his Catholic Academy in Ar- and Wilma Gardner a hap- kansas. py anniversary. They were MSG Griffin retires married Oct. 21, 1961, and Master Sergeant Rusty Griffin, have been together for 50 Terry turns 50 grandson of Lee Cusher and Ennie years. Terry Busha of Garland, Texas, will Cusher, son of Charles and Georgie turn 50 on Oct. 24. His family plans to Griffin, retired after honorably serv- surprise him with a big celebration at ing 24 years from the 189th Medical his church home late in October. Doz- Group of Little Rock Air Force Base. Capshaws ens of friends and family members MSG Griffin began his military ca- complete will be attending to show how much reer in 1988. He completed basic they care for Terry, their respect and training at Lackland Air Force Base and technical school in ascent support of this one of a kind man, a truly incredible husband, Chanute Air Force Base in Illinois. Griffin’s military decora- On Aug. 21, father dad, father-in-law, son, grandpa, coworker, brother and friend. tions include the Meritorious Service medal, Air Force Com- and son, Phillip Cap- Happy 50th birthday, Terry! mendation medal and Air Force Achievement medal. He is shaw, 56, and Michael currently employed with Cameron in Little Rock as the bio- Capshaw, 25, com- environmental and public health officer. His family is very pleted the 13.2 mile race called the Pike’s Peak Ascent. It was Happy birthday, Wyatt proud of him and thank him for serving their country. the 56th year of America’s Ultimate Challenge, and it started Wyatt Lane Williams of Idabel celebrat- in downtown Manitou Springs, Colo., finishing at the top of ed his 16th birthday on Sept. 9. His parents Pike’s Peak. This race has almost 8,000 vertical feet of eleva- are Barry and Linda Williams of Idabel. tion gain. Phillip is from Ardmore and Michael, formerly of His grandparents are Donald and Bobbie Ardmore, now resides in Colorado Springs. Scott of Idabel and the late Arvel and the Lyman and Elizabeth Pusley reunion late Pauline Williams of Summerfield. A reunion of the family of Lyman and Elizabeth Pusley was held on Sept. 4 at the home of Doyle and Helen Cruffs of Happy birthday, Jeanette McAlester. Those attending from out of state were David, Josh and Jor- Happy 90th birthday to Jeanette Cole Jones of Gerty, who Happy birthday, Jeffrey dan Harris of Fairhope, Ala.; Marland and Sandra Hayes of was born Sept. 21, 1921, and resides in Oklahoma City. She is Jeffrey Keith Davis of Texarkana cel- Amarillo, Texas; Frankie, Pattie, Michael and Judy Sheffield of the daughter of Sampson Cole and Snolen Cole. Jeanette is a ebrated his 16th birthday on Sept. 14. His Atlanta, Ga.; Bobby, Jill and Bryan Robinson of Gilbert, Ariz.; retired nurse who is very proud of her nursing career. She has parents are Keith and Sharon Davis of Rodney and Nelda Harrell of Lewisville, Texas; Doris Puckett, four children, 11 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and Texarkana. His grandparents are Earl and Clay and Libby Miller, Lane and Mary Clark and Darlene Sug- four known great-great-grandchildren. Ann Davis and Donald and Bobbie Scott ar of Pampa, Texas. Also, Bertha Harris of Dangerfield, Texas of Idabel. His great-grandmother is Ev- and Ken and Patricia Weaver of Plano, Texas. elyn Mills of Atlanta, Texas. Congratulations, Natane Others attending were Sheri Harris of Tulsa; Mike, Kayla and Brody Nazworth of Yukon; Earl Ingram of Ada; Ruby McCoy Congratulations to Natane Tom and Donna Stafford of Holdenville; Greg and Helen Wichert for winning in the Tiny Tots buck- Happy birthday, Trinity of Fairview; Michelle, Briley and Britt Sims of Fairview; Earl skin division at the Granite Falls Trinity Skye Thorne turned 6 years and Tommie Harris of Canadian; Gary Weatherly and Tommye Pow Wow. Natane is the daugh- old on Sept. 12. She celebrated her Harris of Canadian; Gary Rigsby and Johnnie Rigsby of Drum- ter of James Tom Jr. of Stillwa- birthday at Celebration Station with her right; and Sherry and Mark Andrews of Arpola. ter, Minn. She has an older sister, parents and sisters. Trinity is the grand- Those attending from McAlester were Tommy and Shirley Crystal Tom, and a brother, Chas- daughter of Gene and LaHoma Mur- Braswell, Joe and June Stone, Buster and Tina Harris, Bengie ta E. Tom. Natane can be seen at phy Crauthers of Oklahoma City. She Harris, Kase Martin, Terri Murdaugh, Melissa Harris, Susie the Granite Hills Pow Wow on attends kindergarten at Northern El- Stanley, Jim and Sharon Blasengame, Joe and Karen Molande- Youtube. ementary School in Moore. Her great- ie, Annette Morse, Randy and Wanda Powell, Margaret Autrey, grandparents are the late William and Ella Murphy of Idabel. Willa Mae Hayes and Helen and Doyle Crafts. BISKINIK | October 2011 | Page 7
EDUCATION Choctaw Nation GED Classes McCurtain County Haskell County Beginning: October 31, 2011 Beginning: October 31, 2011 Mondays and Wednesdays Mondays and Wednesdays 1 - 4 p.m. 1 - 4 p.m. Choctaw Nation Family Investment Center Choctaw Nation Community Center 210 Chahta Rd., Broken Bow 2208 E. Main, Stigler Pittsburg County Bryan County Beginning: November 1, 2011 Beginning: November 1, 2011 Tuesdays and Thursdays Tuesdays and Thursdays 6 - 9 p.m. 6 - 9 p.m. Choctaw Nation Community Center Choctaw Nation Tribal Complex, Durant Submitted photo 1632 South George Nigh Expressway, McAlester South building, downstairs The class will meet for approximately three months. Books, supplies and testing fees are provided. In addition, a $10-per-day transportation stipend is paid to those who attend classes on a regular basis and STAR students get awarded attempt the GED test. If you have turned in an application with our Adult Education Program for GED classes and wish to attend the upcoming class, please contact our office. If you have not applied and wish Lauren Bookout of the Choctaw Nation recently presented STAR awards to Choctaw students to attend these or future classes, please contact Neal Hawkins or Kathy Springfield at the Durant office, from Heavener Schools. The program rewards those students who have made all A’s, A’s and 800-522-6170 or 580-924-8280, ex. 2319 or 2122. Also, you may register at the first class. A Certificate B’s, and/or perfect attendance with Walmart gift cards. Congratulations, students. of Degree of Indian Blood (CDIB) is required.
Native November Little Miss Mahala says Miss Choctaw Nation Kristie says goodbye farewell and thank you Halito, my name is Kristie McGuire. I have held the Miss Celebrating Native American history, Choctaw title for a year, now I have placed the crown on the Halito, I am Mahala Danielle Battiest, culture and students at Southeastern next girl who will be an ambassador for the great Choctaw Na- I’m 10 years old and attend Wright City El- tion of Oklahoma. Oklahoma State University ementary School’s fourth grade class. I am I’d like to thank Chief Pyle, Assistant Chief Batton and all the outgoing Little Miss Choctaw Nation, the tribal council for their wonderful hard work they do for 2010-11, and the daughter of Rachel and 2011 Native November Events the great people of the Choctaw Nation. They do so much for Scott Battiest of Wright City. My grandpar- their people, such as allowing us the opportunity to conduct a The Native American Center for Student Suc- ents are Darla and Ryman Battiest Jr. and Virginia and Milven pageant and putting together the Labor Day Festival each year. McCleskey. My great-grandparents are Mary Jane and the late I’d like to personally thank Faye and Elaine, both of you cess at SE is hosting events on the Durant campus Ryman Battiest Sr. and the late Elias and Josephine Roberts, all during November to celebrate Native American have helped me in ways I couldn’t imagine and I’ll never forget of District 7. I would like to take this opportunity to say thank what you have done for me. Month. Events will include: you and farewell. It has been a wonderful year and an experience This year has been a wonderful, fun-filled learning experi- I will never forget. I have so many people to thank for helping ence, especially with Elaine and Faye being the pageant coor- Nov. 1 Guest speakers me have the time of my life. dinators. There is never a dull moment being around those two! Nov. 2 Round table: History and culture I would like to start with our wonderful coordinators, Faye They are a hoot to be around and they have taught me how to Self and Elaine Thompson. They have made the year go so have fun and enjoy life. I am truly going to miss them both. I discussion smoothly and always kept my mom informed of events I needed Nov. 2-4 Native American Symposium have learned so much from them and it has been a pleasure be- to be at. Thank you both for being so nice and always available ing able to travel with them and get to know them a little more. Nov. 5 Native scholars recognition at SE for questions, I hope in the future to have the pleasure to share Mahala, you are like a little sister to me and I love you and football game vs. Ouachita Baptist another wonderful year under your guidance. your family so much. You all have truly touched my heart and at 2 p.m. Thank you, Chief Greg Pyle and Assistant Chief Gary Bat- although we are saying farewell, this is not goodbye. Rachel, I ton, for all the words of encouragement and for giving young hope that I have been a role model for your beautiful children Nov. 7 & 14 Native movies (hosted by SE Na- girls like myself the opportunity to represent our nation in such a tive students) and can continue to be there although our princess year has wonderful and positive way. Thank you to my councilman, Jack come to an end. Nov. 9 High school visitation day (cam- Austin of District 7, for being supportive and wishing me well. Nikki, this year has been so much fun and I was so fortunate pus tours, services, tribal funding, I want to thank my mom and dad for always supporting me that I was able to share some of the best memories of my life lunch) and for working so hard to get me to all the events throughout the with you and Dayla. Many memories have been made through- year, I know how much you love me. I love you both very much. out this previous year. I’ll never forget the time Rachel, Mahala Stickball (social game) I want to thank my grandparents for helping mom and dad all Nov. 12 Native storytelling competition and I were in California driving through the mountains to see year with my brother, Ayden, and my sister, Ayionna. Thank you the giant sequoia and red wood trees and we almost ran out of Nov. 15 Traditional dress fashion show for babysitting and providing the time to be there. Thank you to gas! We had no cell phone service and nothing to eat but one Meet Miss Indian SE the rest of my wonderful family for all the support and words of orange, but due to God we made it to the gas station in the nick Choctaw social dancing encouragement you all have given me, you all mean the world to of time. I’ll also never forget the time that I got into a vehicle me and I love you all. Nov. 19 Tour Chickasaw Cultural Center accident with Faye, Elaine and Connie, or when Elaine lost the Thank you to my school and my teachers for all the help and truck keys and we had to call someone and wait forever on the keeping me updated on my homework so that I could maintain For more information concerning Native American corner for the extra set to arrive. my straight-A average, which is super important to me. Thank I have met so many wonderful people with this title and vis- programs at SE, call the Native American Center you to my ball coaches for knowing how important these events ited so many beautiful places while traveling, I just hope the for Student Success at 580-745-2376 or 580-745- were that I attended, and thank you for the encouragement and next girl can enjoy this whole year as I have. I have learned 2812 or visit se.edu/native-american-center. support as well. many valuable assets that I will carry with me throughout my I’ve learned so much this year from the various trips we took life. Since I was a child, this has been a goal of mine that I had to North Carolina, New Mexico, Washington, D.C. and Cali- always wished to achieve. I took many, many times before I fi- SE has 29 percent Native American student fornia, as well as numerous events here in Oklahoma. I have nally won. I didn’t give up on what I wanted and neither should population and ranks sixth nationally in pro- enjoyed meeting and having fun with the other reigning tribal anyone. If you see something you want, work for it. Don’t get ducing Native American graduates. princesses. I’ve had a blast traveling with Miss Choctaw Nation discouraged if at first you don’t succeed. There are other op- Kristie McGuire and Junior Miss Choctaw Nation Nikki Amos. portunities, just keep your mind set that you will achieve all Chris Wesberry, Coordinator You both are so much fun to be with and I’ll remember you both that you have worked for. I would like to thank everyone for Chantelle Standefer, NAEIE Academic Advisor always. Thank you for watching out for me and for being great their encouragement and support. Farewell, and best of luck to Blaine Parnell, Choctaw Nation Peer Advisor big sisters to me, I love you both. the next Miss Choctaw! Amy Gantt, Chickasaw Retention Coordinator I want to say what a wonderful pleasure it has been to be your Little Miss Choctaw Nation for 2010-11. I’ve enjoyed all the wonderful people I’ve met and all the great lessons I’ve been taught. I take pride in being Choctaw and want to encourage all Congratulations, Autumn To the Youth of the Nation young Choctaw girls to continue to work hard and never give up Autumn Hughes, descendent of Chief By: Tori Karr on your dreams, always keep your faith. Last but certainly not George Washington Harkins, graduated Youth Advisory Board, McCurtain County least, thank you to our Lord in Heaven for guidance and all the cum laude in June from Western Oregon “Catch the wave of laughter” blessings in my life. It’s been such a good year and I’m sad to University with a Bachelor of Science in say farewell, but I hope to one day be here again to represent the pre-professional medical biology and a mi- Who would have ever thought that one tiny laugh could Choctaw Nation. I hope I’ve done well by everyone. Yakoke, chi nor in chemistry. She graduated in the top be so contagious and so powerful. Have you ever thought pisa la chike! of her class with this particular specialty how a laugh could not only bring a smile, but heal your soul? major and received the University’s Recog- Laughter is not just about an old memory or an embarrass- nition in Academic Achievements of the Natural Sciences and ing moment in your life but it is good for you and everyone Kara named Gates Mathematics Department of the university. She completed the around you. medical college entrance test (MCAT) last year and scored at a There are many physical, mental and social benefits to Millennium Scholar matriculate’s level for medical school. Due to her mother, April laughter. Humor is infectious. The sound of roaring laughter Kara Young, a 2011 Wright City High Robbins-Hughes, being diagnosed with stage four colon cancer is far more contagious than any cold, sniffle or sneeze could School graduate, was one of 1,000 young in late May, Autumn decided to move back to Idaho to support be. Just think, the sound of children laughing is the best sound people across the United States to receive her mother and is now working with the pathology group lab in the world. Have you ever thought why more people love to the Gates Millennium Scholarship. Her at St. Luke’s Regional Medical Center. She plans to continue watch comedy rather than horror shows? Humor and laughter strong leadership, community service medical school within the next five years. strengthens your immune system, boosts your energy level, and academic achievements contributed Autumn is extremely thankful for the Choctaw Nation pro- takes away pain and protects you from damaging effects of to her selection as a 2011 Gates Millen- viding support over the years to pursue her dream of being a everyday stress. nium Scholar. Kara is attending Oklahoma State University physician in the near future. Laughter relaxes the whole body. It relieves physical ten- and is the daughter of Joe and Leah Young of Wright City. sions and stress, leaving your muscles to relax up to 45 min- utes after a belly-shaking laugh. Laughter also boosts the im- Zack excels athletically, mune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, which improves your resistance to disease. Laughing can also protect your academically heart by helping fight against heart attacks. Laughter im- Zack Rice, a seventh grader at Cross proves the function of blood vessels and increases blood flow Timbers Middle School in Colleyville, and oxygen levels in the body. Texas, plays on the A squad at Cross Another fun fact about laughing is it burns calories. It turns Timbers Middle School as a starting out that 10 to 15 minutes of laughing can burn up to 50 calo- receiver, slot and wide out and corner ries. Laughing actually exercises your abdominal muscles. back on defense. Not only is Zack a So, what are we waiting for? Catch the wave of laughter great athlete, he is also a great student, and laugh your body into shape. being a member of the Gifted and Tal- ented Program, he maintains A’s and B’s in a tough program that includes Melissa earns master’s Father, son enjoy festival advanced mathematics, science, English, literature and social Melissa G. Hart has graduated with Father Willie and son Matthew Wilson, descendents of studies. Last year, Zack’s GT group conceptualized and ex- her master’s in business administration Woodrow Wilson of Smithville, were together at the Labor ecuted “Smart Time” in their school and won an international from the Graziadio School of Business Day Festival where Matthew played stickball on Sunday after- competition for their efforts. Several middle schools through- and Management at Pepperdine Univer- noon. Matthew came from Eugene, Ore., to spend the weekend out Texas have adopted the Smart Time program as well as sity in Malibu, Calif. Her maternal great- with his family and friends. He is in the Master Program for Zack’s middle school. This year, he was invited to participate great-grandfather, Tandy K. Walker, was Education at the University of Oregon, graduating in Decem- in the Duke seventh grade talent search by scoring above the the son of Gov. Tandy C. Walker, a past ber of 2011. Matthew graduated from Haskell in Elementary 95th percentile in math on the Texas Assessment on Knowl- chief of the Choctaw Nation. Melissa will use her MBA in her Education 2009. He has been playing stickball and dancing as edge and Skills. He is also a proud Choctaw, a great big brother current position to grow the advertising clients she manages. a gourd dancer at most Pow-Wows across the lower plains. and a wonderful son. BISKINIK | October 2011 | Page 8 Choctaw Labor Day Festival 2011
Chief Pyle, Assistant Chief Batton, members of the Tribal Council and the Choctaw princesses are joined by the family of artist John Gooden for the unveiling of the Pushmataha bust statue located in the museum courtyard.
The 2011-12 reigning royalty Miss Choctaw Nation Am- ber Tehauno, Jr. Miss Adrianna Curnutt and Little Miss Summer Moffitt.
Chief Pyle, Assistant Chief Batton and the Tribal Council are led by the Choctaw Nation Color Guard in Friday’s Pow Wow Grand Entry.
Miss Okla Chahta Princess Sarah DeHerrera opens Monday’s ceremony by singing the national anthem in Choctaw. Photos by JUDY ALLEN, LISA REED, LARISSA COPELAND, KAREN JACOB, LANA SLEEPER, BRET MOSS & CHRISSY DILL Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma
Chief Pyle greets the oldest per- son attending Monday’s festivities, 97-year-old Cecil Spring of Mena, Ark. BISKINIK | October 2011 | Page 9
Trayvian Billy
Assistant Chief Gary Batton had the winning bid on a unique Code Talker quilt. Presenting him with the quilt are Choctaw Code Talker Association mem- bers Tewanna Edwards and Nuchi Nashoba.
Gracelan peeks through the fence. Okla Chahta Princesses attend- ing the festival are Taylor Archul- eta, Nizhoni Felihkatubbee, Sarah DeHerrera and Lindsay Reeder.
Kyleigh Willis of Temple, Texas, has a healthy snack during the festival. Quilt Show
Machine Stitch: 1st Rhonda School- Jim Briscoe teaches Jef- craft, 2nd Becky fery Montgomery of Heav- Mizell, 3rd Thelma ener how to make an arrow- Wright
head. The Snake Dance is enjoyed in the village. Hand Stitch: 1st Thelma Wright, Art Show Winners 2nd Gwen Parish, 3rd Wanna (Tims) Moore
Paintings Pottery Jewelry Heritage Award: Chester Cowan Machine & Hand 1st: Kevin Hardin 1: Verna Todd 1: Theresa Renegar Stitch: 2nd: Yvonne Huser 2: Edmon Perkins 2: Marsha Hedrick Best of Show: Kevin 1st Lois Thomas, 3rd: Dylan Cavin 3: Wyona Meshaya 3: Theresa Renegar Hardin 2nd Lois Thomas, Honorable Mention: Nancy Honorable Mention: Evangilene Honorable Mention: Keith 3rd Tiajuana Coch- Rhoades Robinson Pearson Layla Loman nauer Heritage Award: Gwen Heritage Award: Marsha Hed- Coleman Lester rick Basketry Graphics 1: Susan Locke-Charlesworth 1: Dennis Cokeley 2: Lizabeth Mitchell 2: Greg Ducla 3: Susan Locke-Charlesworth 3: Stephanie Rose Honorable Mention: Susan Honorable Mention: Dylan Locke-Charlesworth Cavin Heritage Award: Stephanie Cultural Rose 1: Jarvis Johnson 2: Bernier Sculpture 3: Jarvis Johnson 1: Lyman Choate Honorable Mention: Roger 2: Lyman Choate Amerman 3: Lyman Choate Heritage Award: Laura Pickens Chester Cowan, Jewelry Heritage Award.
Gwen Coleman Lester, Painting Heritage Award. Stephanie Rose, Graphic Heritage Award. Virginia Espinoza officiates the Choctaw wedding of Mike Watkins and Lawanna Arnold.
Robert Thompson of Wright City and son An- thony Thompson of Arlington, Texas.
Above, Gatlin Dale rides Spotted Wolf on a hill in the village. There were several Choctaw horses at the festival. The Choctaw Horse Conser- vation supplied information about the horses and provided over 350 rides.
At right, Jan Francis of Oklahoma watches the wedding in the Choctaw village.
Matthew and Smokey hang out at the fes- Mackenzie Wright and Masheli Watson. tival. BISKINIK | October 2011 | Page 10 Labor Day Festival Winners of 2011 Volleyball
1st: Mississippi Heat 2nd: The Crew Sydney Tubby, Gabrialle Crosby, Paul Crosby, Tyrus Lena Scott, Sarah Trusty, Taloa Camp, Melissa Culley, Mike Scott, Tim Hickman, Kristen Willis, David Crosby, Tiara Morris, and Neva Harjochee, Thomas Hardy and Dallas Burch Marlana Crosby, Eric Battiest, Anthony Crosby (coach) 3rd: The Diggers and Smoke Signals and Chad Johnson Basketball
Men 35 and up Men 35 and up Men 18-35 Men 18 - 35 1st: SE Ballers - Darrel Burris, 2nd: The Buckets - Dwayne Hornbuckle, 1st: Main Event - Anthony Ned, Trevan 2nd: Running Skins - Kirk Taylor, Caleb Bobby Gordon, Mike Converse and Roger Coley, Stephon Battiest and Rock Jimboy, Jeff Burris and Tyler Ennis Taylor, “Slim” and Michael Clay Don Tsosie. Lebeau 3rd: Oleta (no pic) - David Lindly, Randall Clay, Allen Clay and Fred Walton
Co-ed 15-17 Co-ed 15-17 Co-ed 15-17 Women 18 and up 1st: Durant Lions: Derek Penz, Kannon Dry, Daylan 2nd: Mix A Lot - Brandon, Jake, 3rd: NDN X-Press - Dustin John- 1st: Native Thunder - Catie Newport, Green, Dylan Delozier and Steven Wallace Lauren and Jordan son, Winona Johnson (coach), Tay- Jalena Walker and Laura Hamilton leur Pickup, Kirsten Chase and Clarissa “Bub” Smith
Women 18 and up Co-ed 12-14 Co-ed 12-14 Co-ed 12-14 3rd: Kelli Shaw, Misty Madbull, 1st: Chiefs - K.J. Wells, Ethan Columbus, Pipkin Rich- 2nd: Bulls - Brandon Gray, An- 3rd: OK Ballers - Braden, Mor- Audry Jacobs and Tiffany T. ards, Meshiya Bird, Dajun Pondexter, Quinton Lewis, Bow thony Wilson, Michael Nafarrate gan, Jamie, Reed and Trey Wow Wells and Coach Richards and Haley Farrah
Co-ed 9-11 Co-ed 9-11 Co-ed 9-11 Age 14-17 Free throws 1st: Chahta Sharp Shooters - Talon, 2nd: Next of Kin - Amberly Battiest, 3rd: Nick McKnight, Luke 1st: Dustin Johnson, 2nd: Kai Stroud, 3rd: Keyana, Nakiah, Jaylyn, Josh, Kaylyn Braden Schaw, Kantynn Kaseca, Dustin McKnight and Cassie Grey Jeremy Furr and Watta Lehmann and Braccus Williams
The first man The first t o fi n i s h t h e woman to fin- Labor Day 5K ish the Labor run with a time Labor Day Day 5K run of 18:21 was Tom with a time of Brennan. 20:54 was Anna 5K winners Holland. BISKINIK | October 2011 | Page 11 Labor Day Festival Winners of 2011 Basketball
Free Throw ages 12-13 Free Throw ages 10-11 Free Throw ages 8-9 Free Throw ages 6-7 1st: Trey Hawkins, 2nd: Keaton 1st: Karson Dry, 2nd: Lucas McKnight, 3rd: 1st: Kaitlyn Gorda, 2nd: Kantynn Kas- 1st: Cale Clay, 2nd: Kadence Win- Jackson, 3rd: Rayburn Taylor Nicholas McKnight eca, 3rd: Wyatt Hotella ship
Horseshoes
Youth single Men single Women single Women doubles 1st: Cody Crase, 2nd: Chipper Jones, 3rd: 1st: Gary Bearclaw, 2nd: John Cum- 1st: Emma Morris (women ringer), 2nd: Brenda 1st: Brenda Daniels and Blake Crase mins, 3rd: Danny Adams Daniels, 3rd: Brandy Proctor Brandy Proctor
Women doubles Men doubles Men doubles Men doubles Youth Ringer: Blake Crase 2nd: Candace Tiger and Ruby Long 1st: Craig Cummings and 2nd: Elton Summerfield and 3rd: Donald Qualls and Mickey 3rd: (no pic) Lillian Pratt and Mat Cummings Gary Bearpaw Qualls Emma Morris Tough-Tough and Truck giveaway
Men Ringer: Clint Proctor
Chief Gregory E. Pyle congratulates the winners of the two 2011 1st: Chris Hawk (center), 2nd: Seth Fairchild (right), Fighting GMC Sierra pickup trucks given away at the Choctaw Nation fes- Heart Award: Matt Arnold (left) tival – Connie Hancock, left, from Poteau won the red truck, and Lynda Boaen of Calera is the winner of the black truck. Softball
The first place for the men’s softball tournament was the team, Next Of Kin. Front: 2nd Place finish for women’s fast pitch are Lady Warriors- Bradley Clay, Kyle Baker, Silas Baker, Randall Clay, Robbie, Kerry Clay, Mike Clay, Front row: Symphoni Shomo, Brittany Barnett, Savanna, Shenele Back row: Shannon Back: Kevin Kaseca, Mike Baker, Jason Baker, Hank Williams, Chris Leaf, Rodney Gann Barnett, Amber Harjo, Amanda Harjo, Elizabeth Agpalo, Kayla and Danielle Fox. Not and Mike Sands. pictured are coaches Dan Barnett, Howard Harjo and Chris Shomo. Second place was Kansas Indians and third was Charlie B’s. First place winners were Chahta, with Shockley’s coming in third.
For more pictures and updates, like “Choctaw Nation” on Facebook WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/CHOCTAWNATIONOFOKLAHOMA BISKINIK | October 2011 | Page 12 Labor Day Festival Winners of 2011 Stickball Tournament
1st: Unified
2nd: Mvskoke
3rd: Tvshka Homma Chief Pyle’s Physical Fitness Challenge
The participants of Chief Pyle’s 2011 fitness challenge Checker/Domino winners and Terrapin Races
Youth Dominoes Winners Adult Dominoes Winners 1st: Kallie Battiest, 2nd: Koda M. Hudson 1st: Myron Johnson, 2nd: Wayne Baker
Age 3-7 Age 8-12 1st: Jaylen Keeling of Garvin (right), 2nd: 1st: Kyleigh Brown of Talihina (left), McKenzie Petty of Durant (left), 3rd: Bailee 2nd: Landon Milner of Rufe (not pic- Coleman of Wright City (center) tured), 3rd: Catherine Stagner of Kansas, Okla. (right) Youth Checkers Winners Adult Checkers Winners 1st: Casey Davidson, 2nd: Samuel Jacob 1st: Jason Baker, 2nd: Wilburn Jones BISKINIK | October 2011 | Page 13
Choctaw SAP, Oklahoma Christian announce MBA Scholarship Plan The Choctaw Nation of line is certainly an attractive used on campus, provides the Oklahoma Scholarship Ad- feature for students who are student with wireless com- visement Program (SAP) and pressured for time with job munication, access to the Oklahoma Christian Uni- and family commitments,” Internet, and connection to versity are launching a new he said. “Our curriculum’s campus printers and database MBA scholarship program for emphasis on ethics, practical resources tribal members. According to knowledge and real-world ap- There are three main fac- Dr. Ken Johnson, chair of the plication, is very attractive to tors considered for admission Graduate School of Business employers who highly value to the MBA program, includ- at OC, the scholarship pro- those attributes. Communi- ing undergraduate cumulative gram will encourage and as- cation, economics, finance, grade point average (GPA), sist tribal members in seeking global perspectives, leader- Graduate Management Ad- an advanced degree, which ship, management, market- missions Test (GMAT) score can be extremely beneficial in ing, organizational issues, or Graduate Record Exam not only finding employment, and technology are taught by (GRE) score, and profes- but enhancing careers. faculty members who bring a sional experience. The MBA “The Choctaw Nation’s wealth of business experience program grants admission for SAP is honored to add Okla- and academic preparation to the fall, spring, and summer homa Christian University as the classroom.” semesters. a partner in our growing list OC’s MBA faculty is es- Choctaw Nation SAP and of outstanding universities. pecially responsive to on- OC will be co-hosting an in- This partnership provides line students, Johnson said, formation session in Durant great opportunities for Choc- returning emails and phone at the Choctaw Community taw students seeking a gradu- calls quickly. Center on Oct. 25 at 6 p.m. ate business degree,” adds All students entering the The information session is Jo McDaniel, director of the program are issued laptop targeted at Choctaw tribal Choctaw Nation SAP. computers. OC provides tech- members and Choctaw Na- Submitted photo Johnson anticipates that nical support, training, and tion employees who are inter- most if not all of the Choc- general computing assistance ested in pursuing the MBA. Princesses take part in state fair opening ceremony taw students will complete to students (undergrad and More information on the Miss Indian Oklahoma City Princess 2011 Stephanie Tehauno blesses and raises the United the MBA program online. graduate) on campus or while Choctaw Nation SAP can be States flag toward the four directions at the opening of the 2011 Oklahoma State Fair. Steph- “Being able to complete our remote. Each laptop contains found at www.choctawna- anie was the 2009-10 Miss Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. Looking on are Jr. Miss Indian fast-track MBA program on- an ethernet card which, when tion-sap.com. Oklahoma City Kaylon Wood and Little Miss Indian Oklahoma City Rachel Scott.
Farm Bill programs with Natural Resources Conservation service Several Farm Bill Programs are available through the Natu- nonindustrial private forest land, and agricultural land under WHIP, the USDA-NRCS provides technical and financial as- ral Resources Conservation Service. Some of those programs the jurisdiction of an Indian tribe. sistance to landowners and others to develop upland, wetland, are the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP); The WRP is a voluntary program that provides technical and aquatic, and other types of wildlife habitat on their property. Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP); Wetlands Reserve financial assistance to private landowners and Tribes to restore, For more information and updates about Farm Bill Programs Program (WRP); and the Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program protect , and enhance wetlands in exchange for retiring eligible please refer to the US Department of Agriculture Website http:// (WHIP). land from agriculture. www.usda.gov/farmbill or the Natural Resources Conservation The EQIP is a voluntary program that provides financial and The program offers three enrollment options: (1) Permanent Service Website at: http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs technical assistance to farmers and ranchers who face threats Easement is a conservation easement in perpetuity. USDA pays If you are leasing property from the Choctaw Nation and are to soil, water, air, and related natural resources on their land. 100 percent of the easement value and up to 100 percent of interested in a Farm Bill Program you may contact Ann Colyer, Through EQIP, the Natural Resources Conservation Service the restoration costs. (2) 30-Year Easement is an easement that Tribal Resource Conservationist at (580)924-8280, Ext. 5134. (NRCS) provides financial incentives to producers to promote expires after 30 years. USDA pays up to 75 percent of the ease- If you have privately owned land you may contact the Natural agricultural production and environmental quality as compat- ment value and up to 75 percent of the restoration costs. For Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) office located in the ible goals, optimize environmental benefits, and help farmers both permanent and 30-year easements, USDA pays all costs county you reside in. and ranchers meet Federal, State, Tribal and local environmen- associated with recording the easement in the local land re- The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits dis- tal regulations. cords office, including recording fees, charges for abstracts, crimination in all of its programs and activities on the basis of The CSP is a voluntary program that encourages agricultural survey and appraisal fees, and title insurance. (3) Restoration race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where appli- and forestry producers to address resource concerns by (1) un- Cost-Share Agreement is an agreement to restore or enhance cable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, reli- dertaking additional conservation activities and (2) improving the wetland functions and values without placing an easement gion, sexual orientation, political beliefs, genetic information, and maintaining existing conservation systems. CSP provides on the enrolled acres. USDA pays up to 75 percent of the res- reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income is financial and technical assistance to help land stewards con- toration costs. derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibit- serve and enhance soil, water, air, and related natural resources The Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) is a volun- ed bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who on their land. CSP is available to all producers, regarless of tary program for private and Tribal land to develop or improve require alternative means for communication of program in- operation size or crops produced. Eligible lands include crop- high quality habitat that supports fish and wildlife populations formation (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact land, grassland, prairie land, improved pastureland, rangeland, of National, State, Tribal, and local significance. Through USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD).
Healthy Male Research Subjects Needed Choctaw SAP announces Tina We are looking for the following:
WillisThe Choctaw Nation Memorial Scholarship Advise- Scholarship . Ages 18-50 ment Program is excited to announce the Tina . American Indian volunteers w/ CDIB Card Willis Memorial Scholarship offered by the Tina Willis Memorial Scholarship Committee. . High school graduate or GED Tina was a wife and mother of four children; she lived life to the fullest through her family, . Read and speak English fluently her church, her culture and her job. She was employed with the Choctaw Nation . No history of brain injury, substance abuse, or Outreach Services Youth Outreach Program as a social worker. mental illness Before her death she had returned to school at Eastern State College and was pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice. Tina’s pastime was filled with softball, stick- ball, beading and family activities. She was a former Choctaw Princess for District 2. Tina was Choctaw, she loved her culture and its people, in particular Choctaw youth. She Time Commitment: One 90 minute session took great pride in being able to help the youth If you are interested in participating in a research study of she worked with be successful in all their en- computerized tests examining attention, memory, and reasoning that deavors. This competitive award is a $500 scholar- justice? What does it mean to you to be Choc- will aid men and women in the Armed Forces please call ship available to Choctaw students majoring taw and how will you apply the social work 918.448.6796 in Criminal Justice or Social Work. In addition or criminal justice degree to your Choctaw to being Choctaw and majoring in one of the community?” Choctaw Nation Memory Clinic two fields, candidates must be a resident of More information about this scholarship, Sponsor Institution: University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center the 10-½ counties tribal service area, have at including the application, can be found at Study PIs: C. Munro Cullum, Ph.D. and Myron F. Weiner, M.D. least a GPA of 2.5, submit an application and www.choctawnation-sap.com/cnoscholar- Contact PIs@ 214.648.4427 write an essay describing, “Why do you want ship.shtml or by calling 580-924-8280 ext. Participants will be compensated for their to obtain a degree in social work or criminal 2383. The deadline to apply is Nov. 1, 2011. time upon completion of the study visit with a $25 gift card to Wal-Mart.
Don’t throw money out the window – weatherize your home You may not know it, but consumers, reducing our use tween foundation and walls • Bricks, siding, stucco and up as rays of light. However, 4. Inspect exterior walls us- your home is probably leak- of this costly resource can re- and between the chimney and foundation this is not an accurate way to ing an outside electrical out- ing a lot of that climate-con- sult in big savings. siding. Some of • Recessed can detect small cracks. let. Make sure to turn off the trolled air that you’re pay- So what should you do to the main places lights 2. Shut a door or window power to the outlet before re- ing so much to create every prevent wasting your hard in your home that • Vents and on a piece of paper. If you moving the cover. Then, shine month. earned cash on leaks? you should check fans can pull the paper out with- a flashlight into the area, Before your thoughts of Simple Tests and Adjust- include: • Fireplace out tearing it, you’re losing where you should be able to “not my house!” get too loud, ments • Door and chimney flues energy. see if there’s insulation in the chew on this: The average, If you don’t think leaks are window frames You can also 3. Check the attic, walls and surrounding walls and, poten- un-weatherized U.S. home a big problem, think twice: • Mail chutes try these steps to floors adjacent to an unheated tially, how thick it is. leaks air at a rate equivalent the average duct system loses • Electrical help detect leaks space, like a garage or base- If you find air leaks, check to a 4-square-foot hole in the 30 percent of its heating or and gas service in your home: ment. The structural elements out DoItYourself.com’s guide wall, according to the ” Solar cooling to leaks. To detect entrances 1. Shine a are usually exposed in these to types of caulking and Living Sourcebook” by John leaks in your home, look to • Cable TV, phone lines flashlight at night over all po- areas, which makes it easy weather-stripping and where Schaeffer. And with the resi- areas where different mate- and electric outlets tential gaps while a partner to see what type of insulation and how they should be ap- dential sector consuming 35 rials meet, such as between • Where dryer vents pass observes the house from out- you have and to measure its plied to the various areas in percent of available energy to brick and wood siding, be- through walls side. Large cracks will show depth or thickness. your home. BISKINIK | October 2011 | Page 14 OBITUARIES Vivian Nesheim Harold Williams Cinda Osborn Vivian Nesheim, 78, of North Little Harold Daniel Williams Jr., 49, Cinda Osborn, 51, passed away Rock, passed away on July 14, 2011, of Atoka, formerly of Okmulgee, on July 29, 2011, in Orange Park, in Little Rock. She was born on July passed away on Aug. 20, 2011, in Fla. She was born on Feb. 14, 1960, 24, 1932, in De Queen, Ark. She was Tulsa. He was born on Oct. 10, to Barbara LeDancer of Willows the daughter of Mose Dyer and Be- 1961, in Atoka to Harold and Wye- and Stanley Osborn Sr. of Oregon. linda Bates. lene (Wadley) Williams. He attend- She attended school in Willows and Vivian was a retired LPN and a ed grade school and high school Orland. She worked with Walmart member of the Order of the Eastern in Okmulgee and graduated high in Florida for about 13 years. Star. She loved photography and re- school in Wichita in 1980 and went She is survived by a son, Steven of cording video footage on her camera on to become an auto body painter Florida; daughter Lisa Palmer with as well as dancing. and a carpenter. He was a member husband Rob of Florida; grandson Vivian is preceded in death by her parents and a brother, of the Second Baptist in Okmulgee. He enjoyed beadwork, Kyle; granddaughters, Sabrina and Dale Nicole; brother Stan Mike White. watching sports and reading. Osborn Jr. of Oregon; sister Tina Leach of Willows; grand- Survivors include her husband, Ross Nesheim; children, He was preceded in death by his father, Harold Williams; mother Lina Osborn of Orland; uncle Ron of Orland; a nephew Peggy Wilder and Larry Young; stepchildren, Linda Maxwell, brothers, Emmanuel, Phillip and Anthony Williams; grand- and niece; two great-nieces; and many cousins. Janet Yanni, Rosalyn Carr and Norma Jean Callahan; 15 grand- mothers, Winey Brewer and Georgia Williams; and grandfa- children; 11 great-grandchildren; brothers, Doug Colbert and ther Isom Williams. Junior Adams; and sisters, Mary Ballard and Julia Adams. He is survived by his mother, Wyelene Wadley of Atoka; Jack Mills siblings, Ramona Davis and Bruce Wadley of Okmulgee; William Mills Jr. nieces, Marquita Meneley, Makayla Meneley, Audasia Wil- Jack Walton Mills, son of Thom- liams, Natasha Williams, Jahiya Harjo, Sugs Wadley, Naking as A. Mills and Delora May (Beck) William Roy Stanley Mills Jr. Williams, Nataya Meashintubby, Nevaeh Williams, Harmony Mills, passed away on April 18, (Billy Mills) passed away on Aug. Moore, Nariah Williams and April Williams; nephews, Damon 2011, in Joplin, Mo. He was born 6, 2011. He was born to Mary and William, Phillip Wadley, Darius Moore Jr., Emmanuel Meash- Dec. 1, 1922, in Quinton. He was W.R.S. Mills Sr. at Crystal, Atoka intubby and Michael Meneley Jr.; nephew-in-law Michael the sixth of nine children. On May County, on Feb. 17, 1945. He mar- Meneley; aunt Theda Carnes; uncle Rayson Nicholas; along 16, 1948, Jack married Jan Bufe and ried Nita Goodson in Lane on Nov. with numerous relatives and friends. to this union three children were 29, 1964. They made their home in born. Euless, Texas. Jack was very proud of his Choc- Billy and Nita had two daugh- Farron Belone taw heritage. His mother, Delora, ters, Regina and Teresa. Nita passed was an enrolled Choctaw, the daughter of Elijah Oliver Beck away on Jan. 4, 1978, after fighting Farron “Raimi” R. Belone passed and Joanna Woods. Joanna (Woods) Beck was the daughter of a lengthy illness, leaving behind her young family. Nita is rest- away on June 19, 2011. He was born Stephen Woods and Eliza Dukes, both born in Mississippi. ing in the Mills plot in the Crystal Cemetery. on May 11, 1975, in Fort Defiance, After his family and his Choctaw heritage, Jack was most Billy later met and married Barbara Watson, who is a loving Ariz., to Rose Primeaux Wauneka proud of his service in World War II. He was a private in the wife and a caring mother to all the children and grandchildren. of the Bitter Water Clan and Lee R. U.S. Army, and fought for his country on the beaches of Nor- Her love of children led her to opening and operating a day Belone of the Coyote Pass. Raimi mandy (Omaha/Fox/Red) on D-Day. One of the recent high- care at their home for several years. Billy and Barbara contin- was born on Mother’s Day 36 years lights of his life was in November 2010, when he took the ued to keep in touch with many of the children who were in ago and passed away on Father’s Ozarks Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., to view the World her care. Day of 2011. War II Memorial. Billy attended Crystal Elementary School from first grade Raimi was a sweet, kind and in- In his retirement, Jack developed an interest in painting and through the eighth grade and Atoka High School from ninth telligent person. He enjoyed learn- writing. In addition to painting pictures, he loved to paint sce- through the twelfth. He then attended the University of Okla- ing about Choctaw ways, languages and songs. He valued his nic images on antique objects, such as saws, saw blades of all homa for one year and was in the National Guard during this Navajo heritage as well. He will be dearly missed by his family sizes, trowels and even old-fashioned kerosene heaters. His time. His deep desire to work with machinery and parts led and friends. writings included two self-published books he wrote for his him to enroll at Okmulgee Tech. He was very excited about the He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Jea- family, one about his life in general, and another about his ex- skills he learned there. He thoroughly utilized that training and nette Curley and Benny Wauneka; paternal grandfather, Roger periences in World War II. his skills. Much of his work was performed while standing in Belone; and two uncles, Harold Wauneka and Ralph Curley. He was most well-known among friends and family for his the early years. Later many of machines were computerized, Raimi is survived by his mother, Rose Primeaux of Heaven- sense of humor and sharp wit. He will be sorely missed by all allowing him to sit and do much of his work. However, he er; four brothers, Vladamiur R. Belone of Pocomoke City, Md., who knew him. sometimes would work on the original machines, especially in Allen R. Bacon of Heavener, David A. Bacon of Pocola and Jack is now reunited with Jan, his wife of 55 years, who training newer employees to operate them. Orentol R. Belone of Fort Defiance; two sisters, Leigh R. Char- preceded him in death in 2003. He was also preceded in death Billy had continued this line of work until recently when ley and Michelle Belone, both of Fort Defiance; three nieces, by three brothers, Haskell, Raymond and Sylvester; and three forced to go on disability due to his health problems. Not being Shaelena and Kaydance Bacon, both of Monroe, and Talina sisters, Flora, Goldie and Alma. able to go to work deeply grieved him. He stated, “Even if I’m Bacon of Pocola; two nephews, Dakota Bacon of Whitesboro Jack is survived by two sons, Gary Mills with his wife Jerre sick, I would rather be at work than anywhere else.” He always and Joseph Bacon of Monroe; and numerous aunts, uncles and of Rolla, Mo., Larry Mills with wife Laura of Joplin, Mo.; worked the second shift. Early on he worked for Menasco, cousins. daughter Jackie Mohring with husband Allan of St. Paul, which was later B.F. Goodrich before the company moved Minn.; one granddaughter, Carrie (Mills) Rodell with husband north, then he worked for Bell Helicopter, Oil State Rubber Parker Glen Jim of Willard, Mo.; three grandsons, Scott Mills of Rolla, and and Haliburton, where he was working when he became to- Blake and Hunter Mills of Joplin; one great-grandson, Ryan tally unable to go to work. He had also been self-employed Parker Glen, 57, of Hugo, passed Rodell of Willard; one brother, Denver Mills with his wife in his own shop for several years prior to returning to work at away on July 21, 2011. He was Jackie, of Salado, Texas; and one sister, Melba Goffrier with Bell Helicopter. When a company where he was employed had born on Dec. 23, 1953 to Henry and her husband Fred of Tucson, Ariz.; and many friends. layoffs, he would manage to find work at another company in Wanetta (Siddle) Glenn in Hugo. lieu of receiving unemployment benefits. He tried long haul He lived his life in the Hugo area William Wesley truck driving for a little while, but quickly saw the hours and and married Rubye (Winters) Pierce on Jan. 9, 1998 in Hugo. He liked the money were not up to his experience and livelihood in the William Howard Wesley passed to fish, hunt and enjoyed spend- machinist business. He said he did enjoy seeing the country away on Aug. 11, 2011. He was ing time with his friends, though that he had not previously had the opportunity to see. born June 4, 1965, in Riverside, he especially loved spending time Billy was of the Baptist faith and a 32nd degree Mason and Calif., to proud parents Laura and with Rubye, his grandkids and his was proud of his 1/8 degree Choctaw heritage, which came Lewain, and to big sister Theresa. brother, Larry. Parker had many friends and his Delta Chi Delta from his maternal grandmother, Estella Hutcherson Shoemake. William led a full life and had brothers he held close to his heart. He had an incredible heart. He is buried in the Crystal Cemetery next to his mother, Mary many wonderful adventures. His He saw no color of skin and showed no judgment. Parker left Mills. Barbara plans to be beside him when she reaches the end affection of family, friends, travel, lasting footprints and memories on hearts of all people he met. of her journey. A sister, Gayla Mills, preceded him in death as surfing, and music were fierce and His great sense of humor and kind understanding will forever did two infant sisters, Scarlet and Rosalie. undeniable. be remembered in the hearts of all that knew him. Survivors include Barbara Watson; daughter, Regina with His lifelong love of fishing and He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Billy; husband, Rodney St. John and their sons, Rowan, Reed and camping started with family at a young age. He has traveled and nephew, Victor. Ross; daughter Teresa Atwell and children, Haley and Kristen; Europe, Canada, Mexico and many states in the U.S., includ- He is survived by his wife, Rubye Glenn of the home; four Barbara’s son, Curtis Watson with wife Brandy and daughter ing Hawaii. Whether it was driving, flying, or riding his Harley daughters, Amber Leushner of Victorea, Texas, Connie Moore Ashley; and sons, Tatum and Mason; three sisters, Marlene to visit friends and relatives, Will was always on the move. of Hugo, Sammye Loftin of Boswell and Kim Crawford of Campo of Boswell, Shirley Toombs of Calera and Velma He enjoyed historical sites, Indian ruins, volcanoes, waterfalls, Valliant; 15 grandchildren, Kristen and Brody Leushner of Althoff. beaches, and fishing holes. Victorea, J.L. Blankenship of Hugo, Falyn and Seth Moore In 1979, Will and Theresa camped Europe for three months of Boswell, Sarrah Crawford of Valliant, Chelsey Morriss of Kathryn Griffith with their dad in a VW bus, sharing a once in a lifetime ex- Stillwell, Austin Laura and Rowdy Loftin, of Messer, Hunt- perience. In 2004, he flew to Washington, D.C. with his Dad, Kathryn Y. Griffith, 74, of Sher- er Heady of Hugo and Devontey, Jayla and Kinion Pierce of Theresa, and her children for the grand opening of the National wood passed away on Aug. 27, Moyers; two great-grandchildren, Draven Moore and Trenton Museum of the American Indian. He is listed on the Honor 2011. She was born Dec. 7, 1936, Robinson of Boswell; brother Larry Glenn of Hugo; four sis- Wall and is also a Charter Member. This year, Will and his sis- in Allen, to the late William and ters, Kay McIntire of Gallop, N.M., Mary Littledeer of Palm- ter went to the Choctaw Nation in Oklahoma and participated Fannie Davis. She was a devout er Lake, Colo., Fayetta West of Hugo and Dorothy Glenn of in the annual Trail of Tears Walk. In a spiritual and healing Christian lady who enjoyed singing, Hugo. moment, they sat on the sacred mound together and left their working in her yard, sewing, quilt- father’s ashes. Will’s mom instilled in him a love of music that ing, and spending time with family. carried throughout his life. She took him to his first concert, She was preceded in death by her Minerva Edmondson Neil Diamond. In return, he took her to Pink Floyd. This led two husbands, Harry Logan and Minerva Lloyd Edmondson him to countless other concerts, backstage areas, music festi- Ken Griffith; two sisters, Wynema passed away on Sept. 3, 2011. Mi- vals, and teaching himself to play the guitar. Will spent a lot of Moon and Arlena Davis. nerva was born on June 15, 1935, time with his niece, Christina, and nephews, Brian and Alex. She is survived by her son, Vince Logan with his wife Tam- to Parker and Vivian Lloyd in Ben- He took them to Santa Cruz, the beaches, their first concert, mi of Austin, Ark.; three grandchildren, Britney, Hayden and nington. skateboarded with them, gave life advice, and pried them out of Katelyn Logan; brother Wallace Davis with his wife Ruth of In 1956 she wed Jim Allen Ed- their comfort zone. He left each of them with very memorable Dallas; and a host of family and friends. mondson and they had one child, experiences. Will was also a great-uncle to Rachel and Wesley. Sharron. The couple enjoyed 55 William attended Cuesta College and Orfalea at Cal Poly and Pearly Hope years of marriage. Minerva was a earned a degree in International Business and Finance. While homemaker, a good wife, a caring living in Nevada, Will and Stephanie owned Silver State Safety Pearly Mae Hope, 71, passed mother and grandmother. She was and Training. In 2004, Will was honored by the Reno Chamber away on July 6, 2011, in Tulsa. She known by the family as “Meme.” She was a gourmet cook, a of Commerce as “Businessperson of the Year.” was born on May 18, 1940, in Lud- seamstress, an artist, a grand gardener whose gardens sparkled, In 2005, Will and Stephanie moved to Hawaii, married and low, the daughter of Preston and loved to read and an avid Thursday Bridge player. To know started a family. They enjoyed spelunking lava tubes, hiking, Carrie Ward Ludlow. Pearly lived in “Meme” was to cherish her for her kindness and wit. She was kayaking, and eating “ono-kine grinds” and driving up Maui’s Ludlow, often working as a beauti- one of a kind. “Meme” taught Sunday school for many years at Haleakala to pray and watch the sunrise. Dawn patrolling cian and having retired from Tyson the Maysville Bible Church and led many children to the Lord. the surf at Pohoiki brought him great joy. As a teenager, Will Foods. She enjoyed reading, trying She was preceded in death by her father, Parker Lloyd; and learned to surf in California. He continued to frequent both out new recipes and spending time brother, Phillip Lloyd. coasts, hanging with his fellow lovers of the ultimate wave. A with her family. Minerva is survived by her husband, Jim Edmondson of the check of the daily surf report was a must. William loved being She was preceded in death by her home in Jay; her mother, Vivian Vaughn of Ozark, Mo.; one a stay-at-home dad to their son Zeus. He built him an airplane parents; and sisters, Sussie Jacobs and Emmie Sealey. daughter, Sharron Edmondson of Jay; two grandchildren, Dusti zip-line, played at the park, and encouraged him musically and Pearly is survived by her husband of 31 years, Bill Hope of Crace with husband Bryan of Jay, and Rance Glenn with fi- educationally. Zeus was truly the apple of his eye. the home; brothers, Preston Jr. and Joanne Ludlow of Tulsa, ancée Desiree Burleson-Schlessman of Jay; eight great-grand- William was a lot of things to a lot of people, and like his Clarence and Vivian Ludlow of Lancaster, James and Debbie children, Hayden and Landon Ferguson of Arkansas, Coy and dad, a man among men. He was a listener, talker, theorist, Ludlow of California, Elvis and Christine Ludlow of Catoo- Cale Crace of Jay, Kodie Glenn of Jay, Hemi Glenn of Grove, knower, thinker, friend, musician, amateur pilot, and surfer. sa; sisters, Lodean Starr of Talihina, Virre Jean and Raymond Jaxon and Ty Schlessman of Jay; and two brothers; Grady Most important was his role as a son, brother, husband, father, Johnson of Mesquite, Texas, Anna and Mack Carlile of Tali- Lloyd of Ozark and Wesley Lloyd of Potosi, Mo.; and a host of grandson, uncle, cousin and nephew. May he have peace in hina; and many nieces and nephews. nieces, nephews and other relatives and lots of friends. knowing what an amazing part he played in all of our lives. BISKINIK | October 2011 | Page 15 OBITUARIES George McKenzie Jr. Betsy Lueke W.C. Beal George Henry McKenzie Jr. of Betsy Lueke, 91, passed away on W.C. “Bill” Beal of Springdale McAlester, passed away on Aug. 29, July 31, 2011, in Burbank with family passed away on Sept. 11, 2011. He 2011, in Muskogee at the age of 58. at her side. was born May 18, 1923, in Mead to George was born Dec. 24, 1952, in Born in Globe, Ariz., on Aug. 17, John and Mabel Taylor Beal. He mar- McAlester to George Henry McKen- 1919, to Victor and Fern Kelley, ried Maxine Thomas on Sept. 6, 1941, zie Sr. and Suzie (Taylor) McKenzie. Betsy was raised in Hollywood, Ca- in Oklahoma. Bill was employed as George graduated from McAlester lif., and attended Hollywood High a heavy-equipment operator in the High School in 1971. He attended East School, UCLA, and Chouinard Art commercial construction industry. Central College in Ada. He worked School in Los Angeles. She married He enjoyed fishing, working on small at the McAlester High School Indian Lloyd Lueke in 1942, and they moved machinery and took great pride in his Education Department. In 1980, he married Nelda McClure. to their home in Burbank in 1947, where she happily resided yard. He especially enjoyed time spent with his grandchildren. He began working at the McAlester Boy’s Club as Assistant until her passing. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, wife and one son, Director and Program Director from 1978-1989. He attended Betsy loved living in Burbank, working initially at Lockheed Jimmie A. Beal. Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant and gradu- Aircraft and then becoming active in the community and in her He is survived by two daughters, Carolyn with husband ated in 1991 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology. children’s activities such as Girl Scouts, McKinley Elementary Angel Guzman, and Sandy Jablonsky, all of Springdale; four He worked for the Eastern Oklahoma Youth Services and the School PTA, and Park and Recreation Department programs. grandchildren, Robert Lopez, Margie Lopez, John Lopez and Regional Juvenile Detention Center in Pittsburg County and It was through her involvement in local recreation programs Steven Guzman; eight great-grandchildren and one great- Muskogee County. He was an instructor trainer for the Ameri- that she was hired as an employee in 1956 and began a long great-grandchild. can Red Cross, American Red Cross Board Member, CASA and illustrious career with the Burbank Park, Recreation and Board Member and Volunteer and OSSAA Sports Official. In Community Services Department. Beverly Noah 2001, George was inducted into the Oklahoma Amateur Soft- Betsy worked at many parks leading various preschool, arts Beverly Kay Noah, 50, of Broken ball Association Hall of Fame as an Umpire. He was a member and crafts, fine and performing arts, and teen programs, but she Bow passed away on Aug. 31, 2011, of the First Church of the Nazarene. was most proud of her work in establishing a quality visual and at her residence. The daughter of George is survived by his wife, Nelda of the home; daugh- performing arts program for the City of Burbank. She had a vi- Jerry Noah Sr. and Amanda James, ters, Tiana Koitek McKenzie of the home and Lori Kulih Kitini sion of establishing quality art experiences for the community Beverly was born on Sept. 11, 1960, McKenzie of the home; three granddaughters, Aliaha, Talia and was able to see her vision to fruition with the building of in Talihina. She was a member of the and Audrey; sister Faye Reagan with husband Dan of Indi- the Creative Arts Center facility and the establishment of pro- Tohwali United Methodist Church in anola; aunt Elizabeth McKenzie of McAlester; cousins, Betty grams provided out of that facility. Broken Bow and loved spending time Thomas of McAlester, Lillie Mae Leija of McAlester, Harriet Betsy retired from the City of Burbank in 1992 but still re- with her children and grandchildren. Sloan of Mountain View, Isabel Slabaugh of Valliant and Flor- mained active traveling, gardening, researching her Native She was preceded in death by her ence Emholah of Mountain View; and many more cousins, American heritage, volunteering at City Hall and the library parents; son Clifford Lewis; two brothers, Gregory and Mi- other family and a host of friends. and teaching yoga classes at the Joslyn Adult Center. chael Noah; sister Freda Tisho; and stepbrother Bradley James. Betsy is survived by her children, Linda (Gary) Oseransky Beverly leaves to cherish her memory a very special friend, and Kelley (Kendra) Lueke; grandchildren, Brady (Jenny) Juan Badillo of the home; stepfather Jacob James of Broken Paula Roberts Griffin, Seth Oseransky, Jamie Lueke, and Scott Lueke; and Bow; five children and their spouses, Anthony C. with Betsy great grandchildren Lauren and Colin Griffin. Paula Annette (Bagley) Roberts, Noah, Kelly Denise Rodriguez, Christopher Rodriguez, Chris- 44, passed away on Sept. 12, 2011, in tian with Anna Rodriguez, Domingo Arcenibia Jr., all of Bro- Midwest City. She was born on April Patricia White ken Bow; three brothers and sisters-in-law Jerry Jr. with Debra 6, 1967, in Durant to Gary Michael Noah of Fla., Gary with Tamara Noah, Richard with Janetta and Lillie Faye (Airington) Roberts. Patricia Ann White, 68, passed Jackson, all of Broken Bow; stepbrothers, Abbie James with She had been a lifelong resident of away on Sept. 9, 2011, in Paris, Texas. wife Donna of Idabel, Darrell James and Gerald James with Durant and she enjoyed reading, com- Patricia Ann White, fondly known wife Patty, all of Watonga; three sisters and two brothers-in- puters and she cherished her children, as “Aunt Pat,” was born Aug. 31, law, Reda with Eastman Jessie, Roberta with Madison Jeffer- family and friends. Paula was of the 1943, in Swink, the daughter of Bert son, and Lucretia Noah, all of Broken Bow; two stepsisters, Pentecostal faith. and Jimmie (Earthman) White. She Nancy Jefferson with husband Harold of Battiest, Margie Her- She was preceded in death by her grandparents, William and was raised in the area and lived there nandez with husband Heriberto of Nashville, Ark.; nine grand- Vera Airington. all her life. She started her career at children; along with several nieces, nephews and a host friends. Paula is survived by her children, Amber Annette Brinlee, the Wells Lamont Glove Factory in Jonathan Mark Brinlee and Anthony James Brinlee, all of Du- Hugo and spent the next 30 years with Walter Holland rant; parents of Durant; sister Regina Matlock with husband Weyerhauser, serving as a paper tester and Team Leader before Phillip of Little Rock; brothers, Christopher Roberts with wife her retirement. Pat will be remembered for her kind heart, will- Walter Holland passed away on Susan, Kevin Roberts, Bo Roberts with wife Lacy and Justin ingness to help others, and special love for kids. For years Pat Sep. 10, 2011, in Durant, at the age of Roberts, all of Durant; two grandchildren; and many nieces, devoted herself to creating a Magical Christmas Wonderland at 96. Walter was born on May 2, 1915, nephews and other family. her home, which was enjoyed by everyone for miles around. in Sawyer, the son of J. C. and Selma She loved to make people laugh and put smiles on faces. Aunt (Howard) Holland. He was raised in Edna Blackwell Pat had a huge heart for kids, surrounding herself with the fam- Sawyer and served his country in the ily’s kids and volunteering at the local schools. She also en- Army. He worked as a construction Edna Mae Blackwell, 71, passed from this life Aug. 20, joyed fishing, gardening, wood crafting, and garage sales, but worker in Texas and at a saw mill in 2011, in Owasso. She was born on Oct. 28, 1939, in Miller to more than anything she enjoyed sharing a good time with her Oregan before moving back to Okla- Lloyd and Dora Mae (Cochran) Orm. Edna married Bill Mc- family and friends. homa area in 1961. When he moved Guire on July 31, 1955. They were married until his passing Pat was preceded in death by her parents; her companion, back he worked at Raymond Gary State Park. Walter enjoyed on Nov. 20, 1982. Edna married again, to Druce Blackwell on Bev McLemore; one brother, Doug White; and one niece, An- fishing, hunting, and gambling. May 5, 1984, in Antlers. They remained married until he too drea Cordova. He was preceded in death by parents; one grandchild; four passed away in Waldron, Ark., in 1995. Edna graduated from Patricia is survived by her daughter by heart, Sandi Ross brothers; three sisters. Professional Seamstress School and she was a member of the with husband Jim and their two sons of Texas; brothers, Bill Walter is survived by five daughters, Faye Maxwell of Fort Towson, Gospel Light Baptist Church of Charleston, S.C. She loved to White and Claude White of Swink, and Johnny White of Pales- Mary June McNabb of Arkadelphia, Ark., Geneva Baze of Sawyer, sew, travel, read books and dance. She was the president of the tine, Texas; sister, Gwen Beene of Swink; numerous nieces and Sandra Ward of Wayne, and Sarah Davis of Clayton; nine grandchil- Donny McGuire Fan Club, but most of all, her enjoyment came nephews and other relatives and friends. dren; 13 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. from spending time with her family and friends. Edna was preceded in death by her first husband, Bill Mc- Guire; second husband, Druce Blackwell; parents, Lloyd and Dora Orm; brother Thomas Orm; sisters, Lillie Pearl Hobbs and Doris Ann Tugman; a granddaughter Samantha Rhodes; and her little dog, Penny. She is survived by her children, Mary DeZuani with husband Homebuyer Webinar Ivo of Newalla, Bill McGuire with wife Virginia of Antlers, Bonnie Malone of Poteau, and Donny McGuire with wife Tam- my of Uniontown, Ark.; 14 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchil- dren; as well as many other relatives and friends. Series Patricia Henderson Patricia Stumpff Henderson, 86, passed away in Tampa, Fla., on July 17, 2011. She was born in Spiro, on Presented by Choctaw Asset Building Dec. 17, 1924. Patti was a wonder- ful mother to her two sons, Gregory P. Henderson of Tampa and Joe-Neil Get the latest news on purchasing a home, such as: Henderson of Oklahoma City, and • Money Management a mentor to all. She was a RN with special certification in Gerontological • Mortgage Lending Nursing and worked in both acute and • Shopping for a Home long term care settings. Patti was a teacher for the State of www.choctawcab.com Florida. She didn’t retire until she was 82 years old and the • Understanding Credit oldest active nursing teacher in the state. She taught students • and much, much more! how to become nurses’ aides who embody both expertise and compassion for elders. Patti’s own compassion for others was reflected in her nursing style including being prone to sit on Presented by: Webinars will be offered during the months of the edge of patients’ beds to comfort them and make the fact of Lana Stidham,Coal County October and November. sickness more bearable. Family and Consumer Her love of fun and laughter was shown by her co-teachers’ Sciences and 4-H Exten- list of “Patti-isms!” These were terms and phrases that she sion Educator for the grew-up with in Oklahoma. “Running around like a chicken Oklahoma Cooperative October’s Webinars Include: with its head cut off” was a favorite phrase she “shared” with Extension Service with Decision Making her colleagues when things got hectic. Her folksy comments Oklahoma State University added a feeling of warmth to the office in an otherwise cold, October 18th clinical world. She was always for the underdog and fiercely protective of 11:00 am to 12:00 pm Indian issues. Patti participated in Choctaw Nation activities and Indian life. She walked the Trail of Tears walk, traveled to Tuskahoma, loved tanchi labona, banaha, and other foods, was regularly smudged, attended pow wows in Florida and Okla- Money Management homa including Red Earth, was given an honor blanket and dance shawl, and participated in her last sweat lodge only a October 24th few months ago. 11:00 am to 12:00 pm Patti’s mother, Pauline Smith Stumpff of Canadian was an original enrollee of the Choctaw Nation. Her father, Wilmont For more information, con- Raymond Stumpff, was of Cherokee and Catawba descent. Her siblings are Jo Alice Pouder, Phillip W. Stumpff, and Dixie Ste- tact Choctaw Asset Building Understanding Credit phens. She has five grandchildren, Matthew G. Henderson, (866)933-2260 or Kara J. Henderson, Gabriela C. Henderson, Noelle B. Hender- October 26th son and Stella J. Henderson; and two grandchildren, Russell G. register at choctawcab.com. Henderson and Lauren M. Henderson. 11:00 am to 12:00 pm So many people will miss her for so many good reasons. BISKINIK | October 2011 | Page 16 Cemetery Restoration team diligent in preserving Choctaw burial sites By BRET MOSS the Choctaw Nation to talk a cleanup and fencing agree- cording to Robinson. It will Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma with those who might know ment. “If the private land take the crew about a week of burials or remember where owner wont allow us, then to 11 days to give the area its In an effort to preserve their ancestors might have I’m not allowed to do a whole face-lift. Choctaw history and tradi- been buried. He also receives lot, other than try to work A relatively new and very tion, as well as respect those calls from tribal members re- with them and see if we can effective tool that the Choc- who have passed, the Cem- questing a family burial plot still get it done,” said Robin- taw Nation has acquired is etery Restoration Program, be cleaned, which is done at son. the Ground Penetrating Ra- a part of the Historic Preser- no cost to the individual. Once the work is allowed dar (GPR), which sends radar vation Department has been If the land where the plot to begin, Alan Powell and waves as far as eight feet into working for many years to lo- is located is privately owned, James Carver, Robison’s the ground and bounces them cate, clean and help maintain Robinson must have the own- crew are charged with the back up to a 400 megahertz old and abandoned Choctaw er sign an inspection agree- task of cleaning all the brush antenna connected with a burial sites. ment before he can take the from the land and erecting a computer that records all the Skyler Robinson, GPR first steps to restoring the four-strand barbed wire fence changes in density picked up Technician and Cemetery area. Once the agreement is with a gate. They use a wood by the waves. With this tech- Restoration Coordinator, has signed, he can take pictures chipper to take care of the nology, Robinson is able to Before been organizing the restora- to record the original state of brush instead of burning it, set up a grid over a specified tion of the burial sites inside the land. He then judges the and place the chopped mate- area and find anomalies in the and out of the Choctaw Na- size of the plot, the amount rial back on the plot to help soil that may identify the lo- tion of Oklahoma at an in- of work it will take to restore the soil. cations of unmarked burials. creasing rate for years now. it, and the materials it will They will take down most The GPR is a wheeled ma- To begin the process of re- require and then does a cost trees, unless they are asked to chine that is pushed around a storing burial sites, Robinson estimate. leave them by the owner, and grid over a surface by a single must find leads on the location Before proceeding with leave cedar trees. In Choc- person. It visually records the of sites. He will travel to the any physical restoration, the taw history, a cedar might signatures of returning radar community centers around owner of the land must sign be planted to mark the burial waves, in intervals set by the spot, and Robinson and his user, and compiles them with crew do not want to remove GPS coordinates to create a what may be a grave marker. map of the whole grid after it In cases where trees remain, has been walked over the en- they do trim them to allow for tire area. Every time it takes mowing around the base. a picture of the soil, it attaches “Once that is done, it’s the GPS coordinates to the file. really a one-time deal, [we Once the information has are] hoping that family mem- been collected in the field, After bers or friends will continue Robinson takes it back to his with the upkeep,” said Rob- office and reviews the data, time job, but it’s an enjoyable along with their coordinates, inson. In special cases in- looking though the shots of job… you can find a lot of how many human remains volving older individuals, he soil in different locations and history,” mentions Robinson are included and the names will have the crew go back depths. as he explains how he enjoys associated with each via leg- for periodic upkeep on cer- This method for finding his busy job. ible headstones. tain locations. A light spray burial sites enables the depart- Occasionally Robinson or He is making this database Before is also applied to the area to ment to act on hunches that a the crew will come across in hopes that those searching help prevent the brush from landowner may have about places that may need more for the burial sites of their an- growing back and aiding in a possible burial site while than restoration, such as ar- cestors might have an easier the upkeep. not physically disturbing the cheological attention. In cas- time finding what they need, These jobs are not always land. As the word about GPR es such as these, they must as well as to keep track of the within the 10.5 counties of has spread, a growing number pause their work and call Olin work done. He plans to print the Choctaw Nation, but of requests for the use of the Williams, the Senior Heritage large maps of each county sometimes stretch within the technology have been made. Resource Technician, or Ian with each cemetery marked to borders of the Chickasaw Robinson has 25 to 30 GPR Thompson, Tribal Archeolo- act as a visual of his database. Nation, which has a similar requests at this time, and ex- gist and Historic Preservation If you have questions about policy, because a Choctaw pects more to come. Officer to assist according to cemetery restoration services will sometimes be buried in As he finds and is notified the situation. provided by the Choctaw Na- Chickasaw land and vise- about more and more burial As more locations are tion, email srobinson@choc- versa. sites, the number of clean- mapped using GPR and tawnation.com or call 580- The clean-up jobs range in up jobs is growing as well. cleaned, Robinson hopes to 924-8280 ex. 2236. size from just two plots to five There are currently around compile a database of all the All pictures are of Roebuck acres, with the average being 160 jobs in line for which the cemeteries and burial plots Cemetery located in Choctaw After about an acre and a half, ac- crew must tend. “It’s a full within the Choctaw Nation, County. Emergency Management on guard to aid the state of Oklahoma By CHRISSY DILL aday. “If something happens, occurred and many more be- ued, saying this excessive gener- on standby, food, water and we’re only out 12.5 percent of Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma everybody wants to help out came involved in the days fol- osity helps take some of the pres- supplies on standby waiting the cost on a project.” and everybody is going to be lowing. sure off his shoulders as director if the power goes out and the A typical project for Emer- The Choctaw Nation of there.” Holaday continued, The Choctaw Nation Com- of emergency management. community center is needed.” gency Management could be Oklahoma’s Safety and explaining the department’s munity Center in Atoka was While the tornado in Tush- Preparations in the spring three to six months long, ac- Emergency Management job is to contain the man- opened as a shelter through ka was more severe, the ice season include tornado and cording to Holaday, and the Department provides effec- power and provide resources. the first weekend for -imme storm in 2007 also required thunderstorm awareness and department can complete two tive precautions in case of di- “Our job is to control the diate needs. After the initial much attention from the making sure supplies are on or three per year. “There are sasters for all 10 ½ counties effort so it is effective and shelter, the center was used Emergency Management De- standby. “It is kind of the a lot of projects we’ve got in and 11,000 square miles of we’re not in the way,” he said. for Choctaw Nation Services partment. “For approximately same thing as with winter our plan going forward that the Choctaw Nation, making The Emergency Manage- to offer assistance to tribal three weeks, McAlester and weather but we know we’re help our response and the time readily available manpower ment department and the members. The first day it was the surrounding area was out going to need a lot more it takes for somebody to get and supplies when the need safety branch has experienced open, 103 members were seen of power,” said Holaday. The manpower on the ground in back to 100 percent livabil- arises. a call to action in the recent and offered assistance. department opened up three the case of a tornado than we ity,” said Holaday, “and some Daryl Holaday has been past, both with the tornado in According to Holaday, community centers for shel- would if the power went out things that will help the citi- director of emergency man- Tushka this year and when a Choctaw Nation Emergency ter and provided food, water because of an ice storm,” said zens, like storm shelters and agement for one year and severe ice storm hit the area Management maintained a and supplies for the commu- Holaday. “We would coordi- advanced warning systems.” has worked with the safety in 2007. constant delivery of supplies to nity. Employees cooked food nate with construction and According to Holaday, a con- department for five years. “We’ve been through two the community center, incident and provided necessities for housing, historical preserva- cern the department will always “Something happens, we re- disasters now,” said Hola- command center on site and citizens who used the center tion, because they have the have is upholding the respon- spond like a resource to ei- day. “Tushka did catch us off the Voca Baptist Church. De- as a place to reside until able equipment to go out and cut sibility of a large landmass. ther Oklahoma Department guard, it was the first major liveries included water, food, to return home. “We filled the trees and repair houses.” “We don’t have the luxury of of Emergency Management disaster like that, where we clothing and basic necessi- same roles as we did in Tush- During the summer Emer- only being over one county,” or the local county emergen- had mass damages and two ties. The department was also ka but a lot longer stint,” said gency Management makes said Holaday. “Just because it’s cy management,” described casualties.” Holaday said as called upon to supply other Holaday. sure everyone is aware of the not storming in Durant doesn’t Holaday. “We show up, get an a result of experiencing this items, such as generators for The Choctaw Nation also heat and informs tribal mem- mean it’s not in Pocola. We’ve analysis of what is going on in unfortunate event, the depart- victims with medical needs, opened up the McAlester bers of necessary precautions. got to know what’s happening the community and see what ment is better prepared. “We tarps for covering damaged Travel Plaza to the communi- “Really, winter and spring are anywhere in the Choctaw Na- the damages are. From there, know what we need to do roofs, equipment for cutting ty during the storm, providing our big times that we know tion, all the time.” we’ll determine who we need now, we’ve had that experi- and removing tree limbs and fuel for emergency vehicles. we’re going to get hit with Holaday is proud of the to dispatch to take care of it.” ence, so if it happens again debris and table and chairs “I have no doubt that if we something,” said Holaday. support that is behind his de- Holaday lists some respon- we’ll react appropriately.” were taken to the Vo-Tech for run into an ice storm this year, “We’re in Oklahoma, it’s go- partment. “I know that if we sibilities Emergency Man- According to Holaday, each the high school students to use. we know what to do and we can ing to happen.” have to respond to something, agement is entitled to, such as county has its own emergency “It’s amazing to see the peo- respond to it,” stated Holaday. When the department isn’t we’re not going to be alone,” gathering resources like food, manager or an emergency ple pull together,” said Holaday. As the seasons change the physically dealing with a cur- he said. “We’ve got probably water, supplies, or sending manager is established at a “People you wouldn’t expect Emergency Management’s rent emergency, employees 60-70 people standing behind out crews of workers to repair city level. to see standing behind the grill responsibilities and duties are busy preparing mitigation us ready to go.” houses that have been dam- “When we showed up on cooking breakfast for strangers.” do as well. “This is where a plans. “We’ve written our mit- Recently, the department had aged by severe weather, patch site at Tushka, they were com- Many employees from all lot of our safety crosses into igation plans, which opens us a meeting with tribal council roofs, fix windows, anything pletely lost,” he described. “We divisions in the Choctaw Na- emergency management,” ex- up to FEMA (Federal Emer- members regarding its activi- to get citizens’ homes back to stepped in and filled that role tion converged on the scene plained Holaday. With winter gency Management Agency) ties and future plans. “They a point of livability, he said. until emergency management to assist with clearing debris, approaching, the department money,” stated Holaday. The were 100 percent supportive,” The safety department has got there and we let them take patching roofs, providing is taking such precautions as Emergency Management De- he said. “That support is enjoy- three employees while emer- control of the situation and pro- medical attention, performing sending out information on partment of the Choctaw Na- able. It helps make you feel like gency management has one vided the resources.” door-to-door wellness checks, slips and falls because of ice tion seeks funding for its proj- what you’re doing is going to and is currently looking to In small towns like Tushka, setting up clothing drop-off and making sure community ects from FEMA. “We work lead to something.” hire an emergency manager, the emergency manager may locations, sorting clothes at members have proper equip- closely with the Oklahoma Emergency Management pro- “someone with a lot of expe- also be the police chief, fire chief Voca Baptist Church, cooking ment to deal with ice on their Department of Emergency vides support for tribal members rience who can take us to the or mayor, according to Holaday. and serving food for workers property. The department is Management and FEMA,” and the surrounding community next level,” said Holaday. He “They may not have the resourc- and victims and delivering also distributing public ser- added Holaday. in times of crisis and is success- describes these employees as es they need. We’ll step in as food to victims on foot be- vice announcements that ad- Holaday explained the pro- ful in supplying necessary re- resources, saying if the de- much as we can to do that until cause of blocked roads. dress problems individuals cess of gaining funds for the sources and eager volunteers and partment has to respond to an state officials or FEMA officials “The willingness for every- may encounter because of department’s plans, saying manpower. It is a responsible de- emergency, their responsibili- get there,” he said. body involved to just jump in winter weather conditions. they can apply for FEMA partment of the Choctaw Nation ties range from making vari- The department has much and help out makes it a lot easier “We’re going to start work- grant money and receive up and maintains preparations for ous phone calls to delivering to be proud of because of its when something happens,” said ing towards making sure ev- to 75 percent of cost. “Since when it is needed. “My favorite supplies where needed. actions during this devastat- Holaday. “At Choctaw Nation, erybody in each of the com- we’re a tribe, we can send part about it is the challenge,” “Emergency Management ing event in Tushka. Several our response is phenomenal munity centers is prepared,” that request through the state said Holaday. “You never know is not one department or one employees were on the scene when you look at what some of said Holaday. “We’re already and we get 12.5 percent from what is going to happen; every group of people,” stated Hol- the very evening the event the locals have done,” he contin- prepared and have generators the state,” he continued. “So day is something different.” BISKINIK | October 2011 | Page 17
Reminiscences of Carrie Belle Bohanan Carrie Belle Tonihka Bohanan began her life on Feb. 22, Once back, he told them they were to go back in the way the They would 1914, in Eagletown to parents, Betsy Hotubbi Tonihka and came out. They had to climb back in the window, which proved talk about issues John Silas Tonihka Jr., both of which were full blood Choctaw. to be a difficult task for some. There were spankings via the that affected Her father owned a grocery store by their house. During superintendent’s belt to motivate them towards a quicker entry. Native Ameri- her time spent at this store, Carrie would always have to be At the age of 13, Carrie left Seger to live with her brother. cans all over the watched closely by her parents because she had a tendency to After a dispute with him, she lived with her grandmother over country. Jeanette issue out the candy for free. Her parents would always have to the summer and began her time at Oklahoma Presbyterian Col- would talk in keep an eye on her until she learned better. lege (OPC) in Durant. English and Car- Carrie remembers that store having considerable business While attending OPC, Carrie would take the bus to her home rie in Choctaw. with railroad workers because the railroad ran close to the lo- and back for Christmas. On her ride back there was a boy from Later, in 1974, cation. They worked and camped close by and would come to Eagletown who was traveling to Bacone school in Muskogee. Carrie wanted the store to do some trading. He smiled at her on the bus. Carrie had seen him around to buy a church Carrie remembers her mother, who only spoke Choctaw, be- town before, but did not know much about him. She got off van with S and ing in charge of the store one day and a man trying to take the bus at OPC and about two weeks later, a letter came in the H Green Stamps. advantage of her. Since she did not speak mail from John J. Bohanan, the boy John was skepti- English he tried to convince her that he had on the bus. cal at first, but already paid for his groceries, but Carrie’s Carrie did not answer his first let- Carrie encour- mother was a smart woman and was not easily ter, but gave it too her friend to write aged him by tricked. Carrie also recalled that Betsy used to him. The friend wrote him, but he saying, “Where carry a pistol as well. ignored the letter and wrote Carrie is your patience Silas was a notable man about the town. again. and where is In one instance, he was working on the roof When she came home for the your faith?” of the store and a man came by who need to summer, John would come and Once con- collect a bill. Not wanting to leave the roof visit her often. They would walk vinced, John and pause his work, Silas wrote a check on a to church together for a good por- won the approv- shingle, and because he was an honest man, tion of the summer and they came to al of the church and they helped with the process. Carrie knew the collector accepted it. know each other well. women leaders of Presbyterian churches across the country and It went to a bank in DeQueen, “it was the When John finished at Bacone, they sent her green stamps as well. only shingle that went through as a check,” the couple got married on October Over the course of two years, and through the work of mul- remembered Carrie. 31, 1932. They went to a McCurtain titudes of people into the early morning hours at times, 2,000 Silas was also one of the first people in County Courthouse in Idabel and books of stamps were collected for the van. Even Dick Clark the area to own a car. He did not know how were wed by a Presbyterian minis- from American Bandstand sent in 1,000 stamps. to drive, so the dealer taught him for a few ter. Carrie was 18 and John was 25. Carrie had bigger plans for her church than just a van. She hours in his new Ford. Soon after the dealer John was a full blood Choctaw wanted to better it in many ways. Over the years, church mem- left however, he ran over a stump and damaged the bottom of who could speak the native language. They later had a daugh- bers and she would sell food at the Tushkahoma cafeteria dur- the car. Fortunately he was able to buy another car quickly and ter in 1934 named Toka Lee Bohanan, a son in 1937 named ing the Labor Day Festival as well as the Beaver Bend Festival. Carrie’s brothers were privileged with driving. Theodore Preston and another son named Lyndon Earl in 1945, In 1983, as a result of all the work over many years, the Betsy died in 1921 from a gall bladder complication. She who served in Vietnam. church congregation dedicated a new facility, which was the was the one that took care of the business portion of the store When Toka was six, the family moved to Austin to attend third Mountain Fork Church. Carrie remembers the work that and eventually it closed down. Silas continued to farm on his seminary. They lived in houses near the seminary and be- she did to build the church. She remembers it was long and land and Carrie spent much time with him as he worked. He cause they did not have a vehicle yet, they attended the closest hard, but worth it. passed away at the age of 115, simply from old age. church, which was Hyde Park Church. In her later years, Carrie has enjoyed her grandchildren and When she was seven, Carrie began her education at Wheelock The family spent about three years in Austin. They experi- great-grandchildren. She was selected as an Outstanding Choc- Academy. She only knew two bits of English. “Yes ma’am,” ence hard times because of low income. It was hard to keep taw Female Elder. and “no ma’am,” were the only things her father taught her to food in the home, but with help from the church and commu- say, so when she got to the school and they asked for her name, nity, they made it through. she told them “no ma’am.” They were not the only ones who needed help; many Fortunately her cousin who knew a slight amount more of others in the area were in the same situation. The Pres- the language was attending and helped her with the problem. byterian Church began doing a good deal of outreach to While she continued to answer the various questions, her fa- aid the community. ther had to leave. As she realized that his car was driving away, After Austin, they came back to Eagletown because she ran after him, but he kept going knowing that she needed John took a job as the administrator of the local minis- to learn. Out of sympathy, the woman who was superintendent ters. He preached in both Choctaw and English. of the school consoled her. From that a friendship formed and John had difficulty winning the favor of the locals be- Carrie became one of the superintendent’s favorites. cause of his education, but the fact that he could speak After six years at Wheelock she transferred to Seger Indian Choctaw remedied their dislike of him. School in Colony, Okla. During her time at this school, Carrie There were 12 churches in the area and John would made memories her grandchildren have greatly enjoyed hear- assign the minister to the various churches. He would ing. travel around to different ones to preach at different She tagged along with some other girls who decided to run times. away from the school. They hitched a ride with a few men who The children and Carrie would always go to the had a cotton truck. Once those men wised up to why the girls church at which John was preaching, so the children were traveling, they pulled over to a store and called the school. grew up in many different church locations. The superintendent came in his car to get the girls. When he In the 1960s Carrie spent about six months going to raised up the cover on the pickup that covered the cotton, there Idabel and the KBEL radio station. Jeanette Hudson and was Carrie and her friends. He commanded them to get in the she had a show called “Smoke Talk” that aired in the Carrie talking on the radio show “Smoke Talk” in the 1960s. car to head back. afternoon on weekdays.
RubyRuby Annette Jones ChoateChoate was born on May 17, 1940, followed to R.N. School, but she did not care her to go because ofdream the time she get dizzy just from Helen McCurtain Jones Taylor and Crosby Wilson Jones in the would have been required to stay after her training was done. the smell of alcohol.” town of Unger, Okla., which is between Soper and Boswell. She was dating her future husband at the time and did not want Regardless of her in- She never knew her biological father due to divorce, but was to make a long-term commitment to the Navy. tolerance of alcohol raised by Joseoh Taylor. She is the oldest of six children in her After spending two years with the hospital in Oklahoma smell, Ruby had been family. City, she came back to Southern Oklahoma. She married Ly- determined to be a Her great-uncle John Edward, an Indian doctor delivered her man Choate on June 9, 1962, at the Yashau Indian Methodist nurse her whole life. unto her mother. This man was one of the last Indian doctors Church. She greatly appreci- to treat illness with herbs and The wedding ated her training she roots. People would come all was held in the got in the Navy. the way from New York and parsonage of It took Ruby a year California to see this particular the church. Not to get her L.P.N. Her doctor. many people sister was the one Her stepfather was able to were able to at- who encouraged her speak the Choctaw language, tend due to tran- to apply for the pro- but he was in the service, so he spiration issues. gram saying, “Ruby, did not get the chance to pass it After their with all the experi- on to his children. wedding, the ence you have, why don’t you apply.” She got in very easily Her mother, whose father couple lived in upon applying. was three quarters Choctaw, several places There were 18 students in her class and she graduated at the went to Goodland Boarding in the Broken top. She had been an average student in high school, but when School and was not allowed Bow area. They doing something she loved, she excelled. to speak Choctaw, therefore moved around She earned straight As in her classes, and her instructors told never learning it. until the bought her, “We didn’t give it to you, you earned it.” She got Nurse of Ruby attended school in a home in Ho- the Year for that class. Hodgen, a small community chatown, which From there, she went to work in a job that was similar to near Poteau, for her first grade is 12 miles north that of home health work. She did this through the OSU Ex- year of school. She then went of Broken Bow. tension Center in Idabel. She would travel around McCurtain to Antlers from second to Hochatown is County to the home of people over 55 years old, monitoring twelfth grade. She graduated from Antlers on May 23, 1958, now at the bottom of Broken Bow Lake and all of its landmarks their health and making sure they had everything they needed. and joined the Navy. She was sworn into service on the first of and building were moved north. Ruby described what she did as sort of a pilot program for June that year. They moved into that house around the same time their what home health agencies do today. She worked there for a She went to Bainbridge, Md., for boot camp and then on to fourth child. There children in order of birth are; Lymona Hel- year and kept in contact with the Broken Bow Clinic. Hospital Corps School in Great Lakes, Ill., for 12 weeks of en, Lydia Gayle, Lynda Beth, Randall Allen and Russell Ly- She got a job with the clinic in 1980 and stayed at the job training there. She was trained in many duties of a nurse and man, who was born later. until she retired in 2002. A few years into her time there, the was then sent to work in a hospital in Newport, R.I. During her many years of training to be a nurse, Ruby had Choctaw Nation took over the clinic and everyone had to reap- She worked in intensive care and maternity for the hospital. cared for a multitude of children. She delivered children, baby ply for their jobs with Choctaw Nation. After about three years with the service, she finished her ser- sat them and raised them. She had always wanted big family When many were afraid they would not get hired back to vice to the Navy and decided to move back to Antlers. because she loved children. their jobs, Ruby did not have that fear. She knew she was well Her mother and family had moved to Oklahoma City after Once Russell was in kindergarten, Ruby went back to nurs- trained and could have a job at other places. She had no prob- she graduated, so it was lonely in her hometown. She worked ing school in Idabel. Classes were held at the hospital. By that lem keeping her job under the new management. there for about a month before moving to Oklahoma City with time they had a car and she drove herself to her classes. Ruby remembers her time with the clinic with much fond- her family. Ruby had always wanted to be a nurse. She remembers going ness. She had a job and five children, but never missed a ball- When she got to Oklahoma City she began work at the Wes- into the Navy for just that reason; to get the training she need- game or school play. She did not have to work weekend and got ley Foundation Hospital. There, she worked as an aide until she ed to become what she had always wanted to be. She did not off at a good time daily to get back home to her family. was asked to work in surgery as an aide. For this job, she would know the difference in a R.N. and a L.P.N., but always knew Since her retirement, Ruby has spent much time with her sterilized medical instruments and cleaned the operating rooms she should be a nurse. grandchildren and at the Senior Center with her fellow Choc- thoroughly between operations. Her mother used to tease her saying, “I don’t know how you taw Seniors. Lyman does wood sculptures and the couple enjoy When she was in the Navy, she was encouraged to attend can want to be a nurse. You walk into a doctor’s office and you going to sculpting shows and museums. BISKINIK | October 2011 | Page 18 Viola Durant McCurtain shares her experience as a Choctaw Viola Mae Durant McCur- her from using the language, learned beading as well. married to Oscar Otis tain was born on Jan 29, 1920, Viola would not let her native She sang in the choir and McCuratin on May to Jonas Durant and Wesley- tongue be taken. “I imagine even led the Choctaw hymns. 4, 1940 at a county ann Washington Durant, both the school teachers had a time Viola and the choir would church called Siloam full blood Choctaws. with me,” said Viola. travel to different churches Spring United Meth- Born in the McCurtain area, She attended Wheelock for and sing for them. odist Church just out- she is the youngest of all her nine years. She missed one Viola made her dressed for side of Stigler. siblings. She attended a small year in the middle because her her senior formal as well as There were only school in the McCurtain area parents did not get her back to her graduation. She learned a handful of people when she was a young girl. the school after a break. She those skills in her home eco- to witness the then When she was 10-years-old, did not get many breaks in nomics class. 20-year-old Viola she began school at Whee- her time at the Academy other Her friend, Aline Swink be wed. Oscar had a lock, where she was not al- than that. From September to Ward from McAlester, played child with a previous lowed to speak in her native May she would attend with no basketball together. Aline marriage that Viola Choctaw language. breaks, not even Christmas. would play guard while Viola wished to raise, but Though the school admin- While at Wheelock, Viola played forward. The played Oscar’s former wife istration strongly discouraged spends her time doing her du- Gavin, Hayworth and Valiant. was doing that duty. Viola and Oscar share a laugh with each other. ties. All of the stu- While she was in junior Oscar was thirty dents had different high, the school took in two when they married and he chores to do around twins who had been orphaned. was working in McCurtain. The couple used to go area. the grounds. All The administration taught the The couple had two children dancing at country-dances They later moved to Tali- over the campus, older girls how to care for the together during their mar- in people’s homes. They en- hina in 1956 to work for the children of all ages children and by the time Viola riage. joyed square dancing, round hospital and worked there in would be sweep- was in high school, she was Oscar joined the military in dancing and the waltz. Viola housekeeping until his retire- ing and cleaning to taking care of them as well. 1942 and went to Germany. had been taught to dance in ment in the early 1070s. keep the facilities Upon leaving Whee- He sustained an ankle injury her younger days and dancing Viola stayed in the home looking nice. lock Academy, Viola was and was a prisoner of war for had been in her life from an while Oscar worked. She did Other than learn- 19-years-old. She wished to around six months. While he early age. small jobs such as a school ing discipline and attend McCurtain School, was gone, his son Oscar Jr. She used to know the Choc- aid and nutrition for low-in- how to clean, Viola but due to some family and was born. taw dances as well as other come families. and her fellow stu- money issues she ended up at When Oscar returned from native ways of dancing. Oscar passed away in 2000 dents learned to National Youth Association in the service the couple got a Oscar went to school on a from a heart attack. Since weave baskets from Stigler. She would go for two truck. Viola learned how to G.I. Bill in Okmulgee. The then Viola has attended the a woman who came weeks and go how for two drive on a country road out- couple rented a place and events at the Choctaw Com- from Broken Bow weeks while she was paid to side of McCurtain. Oscar did stayed for about a year before munity Center. She has taken and spoke Choc- go to school there. various jobs like farming and moving back to McAlester part in many crafts such as taw to Viola. She She attended that school for haying when he returned as for Oscar to work in the am- crochet, basketry and beading a few months before getting well. munition depot located in the while with the center. September Bow Shoot
9 and under bow shoot winners 9-13 girl bow shoot winners 9-13 boys bow shoot winners 1st: Shyla Hatcher, 2nd: Lorna Breshears, 3rd: T.J. Collins 1st: Madi McDonald, 2nd: Memree Hatcher, 3rd Jaycie 1st: Jager Sokolosky, 2nd: Jeffrey Montgomery, 3rd: Dakota Collins Montgomery
13-15 boys bow shoot winners 20 and over women’s bow shoot winners 20 and over men’s bow shoot winners 1st: Dalton Helms, 2nd: William Breshears, 3rd: Robert 1st: Pam Waugh, 2nd: Cyndi Houser 2nd and Christina 1st: Justin Jackson, 2nd: Tim Taylor, 3rd: Joey Waugh with Breshears. Breshears 3rd. son Riggin.
Choctaw Nation Beginning Distance Learning Technology October 17, 2011 Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. GED Classes at the Choctaw Nation Community Centers in Bethel, Ruth Frazier McMillan Smithville and Wright City recognized by Navajo youth Ruth Frazier McMillan of Des Moines, Wash., is dedicated Mondays, Tuesdays to sharing information about her heritage wherever she goes. The daughter of World War I Code Talker Tobias Frazier, Ruth and Thursdays participates in veterans ceremonies around the country. She 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. was invited to accept a “thank you” this year in honor of the at the Choctaw Code Talkers by a first-grade class on the Navajo Reservation. Choctaw Nation “I am very honored to have been the recipient of the award Community Centers on behalf of the Code Talkers,” Ruth said. Martha Childs gets ready to conduct Adult Education Classes over One-Net in Atoka, They were guests of the Hill Top Christian School between Distance Learning. Monitors have been set up in Choctaw Nation Community Window Rock, Az., and Yahtahey, N.M. Ruth spoke to first- Centers in Atoka, Bethel, Coalgate, Smithville, Talihina and Wright City so Coalgate through fifth-graders, telling them about the Choctaw Code students in these rural areas will have an opportunity to take the classes and and Talihina Talkers. earn a GED. “They are the smartest, most loving children you’d ever meet,” Ruth shared with a smile. “The girls really fussed over me, telling me ‘You’re mine’ and ‘You are Navajo,’ the highest Distance Learning GED classes are now available at the above locations to students in the compliment they can give their teacher said.” It was a great experience, she says, and one that led to being Choctaw Nation. An experienced GED teacher will instruct you, using the One-Net Distance invited to dance with the Black Creek Gourd Dancers at the Learning Technology. Distance Learning allows students and teacher to see and hear each Ride to the Wall Dance in Gallup, N.M. The group of gourd other on large monitors. You will be able to interact with the teacher as she helps you prepare dancers travels to Washington, D.C, every year to dance at the to take the GED test. Books, supplies and testing fees are provided. The class will meet 3 Vietnam Wall on Memorial Day. Ruth and husband Jim also attended a Gourd Dancer meet- days each week for approximately 9 weeks. A CDIB (Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood) is ing during which the Medicine Man included them in his cer- required. For more information please contact Neal Hawkins or Kathy Springfield, Choctaw emony. One of the mothers baked a ceremonial “cake” which Nation Adult Education, 800-522-6170 or 580-924-8280, ext. 2319 or 2122. is buried in the ground, covered with corn husks and cooked overnight. “I met four Navajo Code Talkers and a Medal of Honor win- ner,” she said. “It was a trip I will never forget.” BISKINIK | October 2011 | Page 19 Choctaw Tribal Chaplain Bertram Bobb Bertram Edward Bobb, Tribal Chaplain for the Choctaw Na- 1950, and lived in Antlers until 1951 when they moved to Tahle- tion of Oklahoma, was born on March 30, 1924, in a small house quah for Bertram to attend school. near Smithville to Johnson Wilson Bobb and Mae Estell Ed- He graduated in 1952 and the couple moved to Tulsa where wards Bobb, who were full-blood Choctaws. he became an accountant for American Smelting and Refining Bertram’s parents were well-versed in the Choctaw and Eng- Company in Sand Springs. While living in the area, Bertram had lish language. Mae translated the Choctaw Nation Constitution three sons; Johnson, Wesley and Frederick. into the Choctaw language and Johnson would translate speech- The Lord called Bertram to attend seminary and so he went es of government officials on the Choctaw Capitol grounds on to Dallas while his family went back to Antlers. After a year of occasion. learning and traveling back and forth, he became a Methodist Bertram’s father had a Model A car, which had the gas tank on pastor for the Oklahoma Indian Methodist Church of the Indian top of the engine. On the hills between Smithville and Broken Missionary Conference. Bow, the gas would not be able to reach the engine, so he would He worked for the Methodist Church for three years and then have to back the car up the hill. left to found the Interdenominational Christian Indian Minis- Bertram began school at the age of 9 at Shultz Public School, tries (CIM). He conducted Bible studies with Native Americans which was east of Idabel. After a year there, he attended Jones around Dallas. Academy. Following Jones, he went on to Goodland School in While Bertram was doing his work in the Dallas area, his two Hugo. older sons graduated from high school in Dallas and Frederick When Bertram was 18 years old, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy lived with Bertram’s mother in Antlers. and attended boot camp in San Diego. During boot camp, he CIM began an Indian Youth Camp in 1966 at Cedar took aptitude tests and it was discovered that he was strong in Hill Bible Camp in Dallas. They conducted Christian visual communication. camping for a year. After this year, Bertram went to He went to Illinois for communications training at the Uni- Bertram Bobb is pictured the Jan Kay Ranch in Detroit, Texas, which is located versity of Illinois in Urbana. From there he went to Bremerton, above with an old phone that was near Paris. He longed to be back in Oklahoma. Wash., where he was supposed to board an oil tanker, but it was used by code talkers. He is the Bertram leased land in Oklahoma and built a camp sunk before he came aboard. nephew of World War I Choc- there. Eventually it expanded and began charging for He then went to Miami for submarine training and then on to taw Code Code Talkers Mitchell camping on the property. Students now come to the Pearl Harbor. There, he was assigned to an aircraft rescue boat. Bobb and James Edwards. camp for training in ministry. Youth camps are also He was near battle areas in that boat, but not in direct combat held annually at Bertram Bobb Bible Camp near Rin- because the boat was not armed. gold. In 1943, Bertram’s father passed away. The body was held pay him to go. Bertram was an original District Council member for three weeks while the Navy located Bertram, who was on an He began his higher education at Mur- for the Choctaw Nation. While fulfilling that duty, he 11-day trip from Washington State to Miami. Once notified in ray College in Tishomingo. While he was was also Chaplain for the Choctaw Tribal Council. Miami, he had to take a train back to Oklahoma. there, he boxed and played football. His He left the council, but remained chaplain until 1997, Bertram’s mother later remarried in 1948 and moved to Ant- team played against other colleges such as Eastern, East Central, when Chief Gregory E. Pyle appointed him as Chaplain for the lers with her new husband. They bought 10 acres near Antlers Southeastern and Bacone. Choctaw Nation, a position he currently fills. and built Bobb-Myers Memorial Methodist Church. He then attended Chillicothe Business College in Missouri In more recent years, Bertram has been conducting visitations, Bertram left the Navy on Nov. 18, 1945. He was given $300 and later received a B.S. degree from Northeastern State in visiting Indian churches, filling pulpits at various churches, help- and he rode a bus to Antlers. Tahlequah with a major in business administration and a minor ing with camps in the summer and doing his Tribal Chaplain He was glad to be out of the Navy to pursue other things. For in business education. duties. his time of service, he was to receive 48 months of education. At the age of 21, Bertram met the woman that would become He tries to attend the Wednesday lunches at the community He could go to school and the Veterans’ Administration would his wife, Mary Ann Greenwood. They were married on Sept. 8, center when his schedule permits.
Choctaw Nation and the American Civil War In 1861 the Civil War broke out in the United capitol of the Choctaw Nation near current day States between the Federal Government and 11 Tvshka Homma, was burned to the ground and southern states of the Confederacy. Caught in the inhabitants were forced to flee to Fort Tow- the middle of this war was the Choctaw Nation son for protection (Kidwell 70-71). as well as several other tribes who had just been The Civil War ended for the Choctaw Nation removed to Indian Territory not 30 years earlier. on June 19, 1865, with surrender to U.S. troops. With the outbreak of the war, the Choctaw Na- u In fact, on June 23, 1865, the last Confederate tion was forced to make a decision for its own Iti Fab ssa general to surrender, Stand Watie (a Cherokee), survival. This decision would alter the history of did so at Fort Towson, within the Choctaw Na- the Choctaw people forever. tion. In 1866, the five tribes of Indian Territory Early in the war, Confederate forces coordi- signed a new treaty with the Federal Government nated attacks on Fort Cobb, Fort Arbuckle and in the knowledge that repercussions for joining Fort Washita, all forts created by the federal their neighbors in the Confederacy would be government to protect Indian Territory through severe. The Treaty of 1866, signed on April 28, treaties made with the tribes. Once the forts stipulated that the Choctaw Nation would give were occupied, the Federal troops retreated to one-third of its western land to the United States. Kansas, allowing the Confederacy to advance This land would be used by the Federal Govern- and take Fort Smith. With Fort Smith taken by ment to remove more tribes into Indian Territory. the Confederacy, Federal protection had been The Treaty also allowed for a north-south and removed from Indian Territory. With Arkansas Choctaw warriors carried flags similar an east-west railroad to be constructed through to the east, Texas to the south, and tribes loyal to to this into battle. The Choctaw Nation was A drawing by Ruby Bolding of how a Choctaw country. This allowed for more white the Confederacy to the north the Choctaw Na- the first tribe to adopt a national flag (Mil- Confederate Choctaw soldier may have settles to enter into Indian Territory and Choc- tion, the Choctaw Nation was all but surrounded ligan 105). looked. taw lands. At these meeting, Allen Wright, a by the Confederacy. prominent Choctaw man asked that the tribes be Several influential Anglo neighbors urged the allowed to form their own United States terri- Choctaw Nation to join with the Confederacy, on their head, hunting jackets and vests, trousers Choctaw Nation. Cooper commented in his tory and call it Okla Humma, “okla” meaning including Douglas H. Cooper, the U.S. Indian and spurred boots. Others wore traditional dress after-action report that the retreating Confed- people and “humma” meaning red. The proposal agent assigned to the Choctaw before the war, consisting of turbans, feathers or skinned animal erate units were saved from capture by the ag- was declined; however this is where the name of and Albert B. Pike, an attorney that represented heads, leggings with breech clout, moccasins, a gressive rearguard action of the Choctaw and today’s state of Oklahoma originated. the tribes in civil cases in Arkansas. Both men beaded sash, and a bandoleer bag. They did well Chickasaw regiment. He said at the end of his In many ways, the American Civil War was a had a good history with the Choctaw Nation and with training, taking well to drills and kept their report “... [The] Choctaws behaved bravely, as trying and difficult time for the Choctaw Nation, the people trusted their advice. weapons in fine order. Despite being poorly they always do” (Cooper). Union forces now in which leaders made hard decisions that they The Choctaw Nation also had extensive armed and mismatched in uniform, the Choctaw occupied all of Indian Territory north of the Ca- felt were best for the survival of the Tribe. The trade with New Orleans. Most tribes in Indian warriors were recognized as fierce fighters and nadian River and soon captured Fort Smith. At Choctaw Nation had “… allied themselves with Territory were associated with the cattle busi- were commended for their efforts by their of- the Battle of Perryville in August, Cooper was a foreign government to preserve what they saw ness; however the Choctaw Nation was chiefly ficers. (Milligan 106)(Osprey 42-58). again defeated and with the loss of his supply as their interests in a war between competing involved in the cotton trade with Arkansas and The Choctaws saw their first action in the depot at Perryville was forced to retreat down nations.” It should be noted that the Oklahoma Texas. (Cottrell 19) (Kidwell 57-58) (Milligan 1861 campaign against the Union loyalist forces to the Red River. Little Rock in Arkansas was tribes did not surrender to the United States as 102-103). With the cotton trade came one very under Creek Chief Opothleyahola. With Con- occupied in September. The northern part of the part of the Confederacy, but as independent na- influential Choctaw man, Robert M. Jones. federate Texas troops from Fort Smith, Albert Choctaw Nation had now become a no-man’s tions who were fighting for their home and their Jones was a very successful cotton plantation Pike’s Indian Brigade, in the Battles of Round land open to raids by lawless raiders as well as identity as a native people (Debo 80) (Kidwell owner and had a lot of political power within Mountain and Chusto-Talasah (Bird Creek), organized troops from both sides (Cottrell 77- 80-85) (Milligan122). the Choctaw Nation. Jones often argued for the helped to defeat and push up into Kansas the 84) (Milligan 113-114). southern cause. loyalist forces in November and December of By 1864, all the Choctaw units were band- References On May 7, 1861, the Choctaw Nation signed 1861 (Cottrell 23-31)(Milligan 107-109). ed together with the Chickasaw units into the a treaty with the Confederacy officially joining By 1862 several more regiments and battal- Second Indian Brigade commanded by Tandy Brig. Gen. Douglas H. Cooper the war against the United States. This was a ions were formed by the Choctaws. These units Walker. This brigade would serve to the end difficult decision for the Choctaw Nation and would engage in skirmishes and battles around of the war. One skirmish occurred in February 1888 Reports July 17, 1863 - Engagement at Elk relinquishing ties with the Federal government eastern Indian Territory as well as Missouri and when 350 Union cavalry surprised and defeated Creek, near Honey Springs, Indian Territory Report meant that all the past treaties would be null and Arkansas. They were included within Albert a 90 man detachment of Choctaw and Texas of Brig. Gen. Douglas H. Cooper, C. S. Army, com- void. As severe as the consequences would be, Pike’s Indian Brigade in 1861, which was later troops at Middle Boggy Depot near Atoka (War- manding Confederate forces. In War of The Rebel- siding with the south was required for the pres- commanded by Cooper in 1862. ren). In April, Tandy Walker’s Second Indian lion: Official Records of the Union and Confederate ervation of the Choctaw Nation. With the retreat 1862 saw the Choctaws just miss the Pea Brigade was asked help to save southern Ar- Armies Series I, Volume 22, Part I Washington: Gov- of the Federal Military from Indian Territory Ridge Campaign in northwest Arkansas in kansas from being over-run by Federal troops. ernment Printing Office. 457-462 and the vast economic and political ties to the March. Pike resigned his command of the In- Walker’s Choctaw troops help to defeat Federal south the Choctaw Nation could not stay allied dian Brigade and by mid-summer Douglas Coo- troops in the Battle of Poison Spring near Cam- Cottrell, Steve to the United States if it was to survive the war. per was in charge. In September and October den, Arkansas. Then in July, they were again in 1998 Civil War in the Indian Territory. Gretna: With the Choctaw Nation involved in the they were in the thick of things. Southern forces Arkansas raiding the area around Fort Smith. Pelican Publishing Company. 13-107. war it was time to defend Indian Territory. had invaded Missouri in September. Cooper’s Small raids continued through the rest of 1864 Pike recruited men from the Choctaw, Chicka- brigade was asked to join them and helped win and into the spring of 1865 (Cottrell 90-93) Debo, Angie saw, Cherokee, Creek and Seminole Nations the Battle of Newtonia in Missouri. The Con- (Milligan 115-116). 1961 The Rise and Fall to the Choctaw Republic. to defend Indian Territory. The First Choctaw federate forces were later forced out of the state The families back on the home front in the Norman: University of Oklahoma Press. 58-79. and Chickasaw Mounted Rifles organized and by Union General James Blunt and Cooper led Choctaw Nation suffered during the war. By elected Douglas Cooper and Tandy Walker as his brigade back into Indian Territory. Cooper war’s end, almost one in three families was con- Kidwell, Clara Sue their Colonel and Lieutenant Colonel and began was organizing a force to invade Kansas when sidered destitute due to lack of food. Most of 2007 The Choctaws in Oklahoma: From Tribe to training in the summer and fall of 1861. Troop he was surprised and routed in the Battle of Old the men were out fighting while the fields lay Nation, 1855-1970. Norman: University of Oklahoma estimates in the middle part of the war showed Fort Wayne in October and retreated back to dormant. Theft compounded the food shortage. Press. 57-71. as many as at 1,024 Choctaw warriors plus an Skullyville where he remained through the rest During the war, up to 300,000 head of cattle additional 200 militia. of 1862 (Cottrell 37-62)(Milligan 109-113). were stolen, taken to Texas, and resold at in- Milligan, James C. These warriors were well trained in combat, In 1863, minor skirmishing with Union forces flated prices to the Confederacy. Next to Texas, 2003 The Choctaw of Oklahoma. Abilene, Texas: however there were concerns over their weap- out of Kansas preceded the most important en- Indian Territory was a big producer of beef for H.V. Chapman & Sons. 101-119. onry. They were poorly armed with old rifles gagement of the war in Indian Territory. Union the Confederacy. and muskets, hunting shotguns, pistols or re- forces under Blunt occupied Fort Gibson and As the northern part of Indian Territory be- Spencer, John D. volvers, and rarely bows and arrows. Some then advanced on Cooper’s Texas and Native came a site of increasing conflict, many Creeks 2006 The American Civil War in the Indian Ter- men had new rifles, but most brought what they American troops. They met in July at the Battle and Cherokees lost their homes and took refuge ritory. Osprey Publishing Company. 42-58. could. There were reports that Choctaw and of Honey Springs (also called Elk Creek), the in the Choctaw Nation. Law enforcement broke Warren, Steven L. Chickasaw men carried up to three weapons largest battle in Indian Territory. With superior down. Raiders from both the north and the south on their person, mostly suited to close-range Union artillery and poor Confederate powder took advantage and preyed upon the Choctaw 1966 Battle of Middle Boggy. Oklahoma Histori- fighting. For dress, some of the warriors wore imported from Mexico, the Federal troops de- Nation and its refugees. Many homesteads were cal Society. http://digital.library.okstate.edu/encyclo- Euro-American garb such as hats or bandanas feated Cooper and forced him back into the raided and towns burned. Nvnih Waiya, the first pedia/entries/M/MI006.html. BISKINIK | October 2011 | Page 20 Choctaw Nation to A life of honor and commitment honor its veterans By LARISSA COPELAND signed to numerous bases and ships around the world. The Choctaw Nation will honor its veterans Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma He served on nine different ships during his tenure with a ceremony on Nov. 11 at Tushka Hom- with the Navy and spent time in Texas, Oklahoma, ma. The ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. Honor. Cour- California, Washington, and many other states, along Retired Lt. Gen. Leroy Sisco and retired age. Commit- with a stint at the Iwakuni, Japan, Marine Air Base. Maj. Gen. Rita Aragon are the keynote speak- ment. These “The Navy was good to me,” he says. And Watson ers. are the values did his best to serve the Navy as well, giving back Sisco is currently retired after a 42-year ca- on which the by volunteering in each of the communities he and reer with the military. His military experience U.S. Navy was his family, which included three sons, were assigned. spans command positions from company to founded and They were very involved with community activities at Deputy Commander 49th Armored Division built. Frank each base, stressing his pride in his Choctaw heritage and Commander of the Texas State Guard. His Watson, a Choc- in particular. This earned him numerous awards, rec- commands included the 231st Engineer Com- taw born in 1924 ognition and commendations for his actions. pany, the 386th Engineer Battalion, and 111th on his family’s After 20 years of service to his country, Watson Area Support Group which required a lot of his 160-acre gov- decided it was time to come home. He and his family time in Germany working the 21st TAACOM. ernment allotted He has served in a variety of joint and com- relocated to Dallas, Texas. bined assignments that included major staff farm land near His transition from military to civilian included positions with the 71st troop command. In his Lone Grove, many changes but one thing that remained consistent civilian career he is the CEO and president of has lived these Photo provided was his desire to stay involved in his community. He Military Warriors Support Foundation. values from day FRANK WATSON began volunteering with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, CODE TALKER The State of Texas has honored him twice one, so it seems helping to welcome Native Americans being brought by J. Dylan Cavin with a joint resolution on the House floor from fitting, almost destined, that he would someday be- into the city during the BIA’s Native American urban 2010 the Senate and House for his duty and dedica- come a sailor. Through his actions, Watson has built relocation initiative. tion to the State of Texas and his country. an honorable life – a life spent in service to his family, He felt the program was a good idea in theory, but Aragon, who retired from the Air Force in his community, his country and his tribe. in practice, saw many flaws. One flaw was the lack of 2006, currently serves as Oklahoma’s Secre- He came from a large family, the fifth of six chil- preparation for those being relocated. tary of Veterans Affairs, the first female to hold dren, and was raised on very modest means, the entire “I saw a need so I recruited some people to help the position. family working the farm to get by. This meant hard me,” he says. “We’d take those new to the area About During her 28-year military career, Aragon work but everyone pitched in. around to get acquainted with things...shopping, doc- has served as the commander of the Oklahoma “It was a lot of fun,” says Watson, “but it was also Air National Guard and as the Air National tors, schools, bus stops, places to go in an emergency. the Guard assistant to the deputy chief of staff of a lot of hard work. But we did what we had to to sur- Things like that.” Staff Manpower and Personnel at the Penta- vive.” This group of volunteers became known as the gon, where she was the senior Air National Unlike his siblings, Watson chose not to attend an American Indian Center (A.I.C.) of Dallas and Wat- Guard officer responsible for military and ci- Indian school when given the option by his father. In- son was elected chairman. The group lacked funds to artist...Jeremy Dylan Cavin vilian personnel management, education, train- stead he attended a local public school, walking two operate effectively so Watson journeyed to Washing- was born in July of ing and resource allocation. She was the first miles daily to the two-room school. A “good choice” ton, D.C., to request funds from the BIA, thus setting 1978 in Chickasha. He female in the United States to command a he was told by his father. in motion the major growth of the A.I.C. in Dallas. has been drawing ever state’s Air National Guard. Additionally, she It was during his school days that he developed a Eventually, the group would start up a Head Start pro- since he can remember; was the first female of Native American Ances- love for baseball, which he played often. It was this gram, JOM social services, programs for adult educa- try to become a general officer. however, it wasn’t until love of playing the sport that indirectly led to his join- tion, and numerous other services for the Indians in Also scheduled is the presentation of the ing of the Navy in 1943. the area. middle school, when he Tvshka Chunkash (Heart of a Warrior) scholar- “I was a good baseball player,” The group also traveled to Livings- developed his interest of ship to this year’s recipient. It will be presented he says proudly. ton, Texas, by request, to establish an comic books, that he re- by the daughters of Capt. Teri Scroggins on her In the early 1940s, a minor ally ever considered art behalf. intertribal pow wow, one that is still as a career. Scroggins is a highly decorated military of- baseball league was established put on today and has grown to one of Dylan attended the ficer who has served in the Oklahoma National in Oklahoma and Texas, one team the largest pow wows in the country. University of Science Guard and Arkansas National Guard, with two forming in Ardmore. Watson, with Pow wow dancing was another confidence and high hopes, tried and Arts of Oklahoma on combat tours in Iraq as a Legal NCO with the passion for Watson, one he also out for the team, along with many an Art Talent scholarship Judge Advocate General Corp, as well as on a passed on to his sons, Glen, David peacekeeping tour in Bosnia and Herzegovina; other men his age. He made it past and John. and aid from the Choc- multiple U.S. assignments, including assis- the first day of try-outs and was In 1977, Watson and his family taw Nation. It was here tance in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina; one of only three players asked to moved from Dallas to Durant, where that he found his passion and in IKD-M (Intelligence Knowledge Devel- return for a second go-round. At he still resides today, and he went for painting and figure opment and Directorate-Moleworth, United the end of the day though, he was to work for the Choctaw Nation of drawing. In his last year Kingdom) as part of the United States Africa told he didn’t make it, which he Oklahoma in the industrial develop- of college, he decided to Command, first as an analyst, then Officer-in- took hard. ment department. Charge and Dynamic Targeting Officer. emphasize in graphic de- “They said I was good but not Along with repeating the role She has a Masters of Education degree with sign as a more stable way good enough,” he says. “That a concentration in Early Childhood Develop- he had with the A.I.C. by going to to support himself. Dylan made me angry because I knew Washington, D.C., to request funds graduated with a BFA in ment and an Endorsement for American Indian Leadership, from Oklahoma City University, I was a good player. After that, I for programs for the tribe, which he 2000 and has been in the Photo provided and a Bachelors of Science degree in Biology joined the Navy to prove to myself did many times successfully, Watson graphic design field for from East Central University, as well as multi- I was just as good as someone else.” was also appointed to be a part of the Choctaw Na- 10 years. ple courses and trainings in military education Watson enlisted and was sent to San Diego for boot tion Constitution of 1983 Commission. The task of Dylan enlisted in the and criminal and operation legal issues. camp. During his training and for six years of his time the commission was to revise and establish a constitu- army in July of 2006 in The Tvshka Chunkash Scholarship is a in service, he played on the Navy’s baseball team. tion that meets the current needs of the entire tribe. A which he served nine $1,000 scholarship offered through the Choc- “We had some great professional baseball players group of six spent close to three weeks drafting the months. He was honor- taw Nation SAP. Tribal members who are en- on our team and I played right beside them. I knew document. ably discharged after rolled in SAP and are attending an accredited then I was a good enough player.” “It’s a good feeling to have been asked to be on the breaking his leg. It was college or university were eligible to apply. Baseball aside, over the next 20 years the Navy pro- commission,” he says. “It’s a piece of history and I’m The award is given on behalf of the veterans of during this time, after vided Watson, and later his family, with many world- deeply grateful and proud to have been a part of it. the Afghan and Iraq wars. Scroggins is respon- dabbling in other aspects wide adventures, beginning with his first assignment Watson, also a grandfather of five, has impacted sible for starting this scholarship and a major during World War II along the coastal waters around of art such as photogra- contributor for the award. and affected changed for the better in so many ways phy, tattooing (a majority Justin Yearby, an engineering senior at Okla- Australia, New Zealand and New Guinea. There, he during his life. Whether through his family by instill- of his tattoos are done by homa State University from Overbrook, Okla., worked on an auxiliary repair ship, the USS Dobbin. ing values and a deep appreciation of their heritage, or himself), and comic art, was selected as this year’s scholarship recipi- “My job,” he explains, “was to work on ships that his community through his volunteering, or his coun- that he started doing por- ent. could be repaired and send them back to war, or if not, try through his two decades of honorable service, or traits of friends and pets Staff will be on hand at 10 a.m. on the Capi- send them back home. During the war years, I was on his tribe through programs he helped to get funded or, and he finally felt that he tol Grounds near the War Memorial to present various ships all over the Pacific waters.” most of all, helping to establish a constitution. His ac- established an outlet for all Choctaw veterans with a token of gratitude When the war ended, Watson returned to the United tions – his commitment – has created a lasting impact. his artistic expression. from the Choctaw Nation. A free lunch will be States and was assigned to the Naval Training Center This impact, made through his long life of honorable “After years of be- provided to all in attendance following the cer- in San Diego for the next three years. deeds and selfless service, will continue to shape and ing in the design field, emony. Following the Korean conflict, Watson was as- guide the tribe for years to come. it really felt good mak- ing something with my hands that others could relate to,” he says. In the summer of 2008, he did two different shows, including one for the Standing Buffalo In- dian Art Gallery. At this show, he was offered a 12-piece commission for the University of Okla- homa Law department, which is currently still in progress. Dylan, a proud mem- ber of the Choctaw tribe, recently won “Best in Show” and the “Heri- tage Award” in the sev- enth annual Choctaw Art Show. His work is pri- marily in Native Ameri- can portraits, pets, and a variety of commissions. “Design is a major in- fluence in my painting,” he says. “I want to make sure there is movement in all my work. The most important thing in my art is that the viewer estab- lishes a connection with my subject. I want to evoke a feeling from the viewer that says, ‘I can feel what you’re feeling.’ To me, art is a connection that the viewer gets from looking at a piece of art.”