Dobbs Continuing publication Rain spreads his of recorded interviews of barrel slam dunk Choctaw elders from 2007 workshop message

This month – Joshua Pickens Page 10 Page 11 Page 14

bisKinik CHANGE service requested Presort STD p.O. Box 1210 AUTO Durant OK 74702 U.S. POSTAGE PAID CHOCTAW NATION

BISKINIKThe Official Publication of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma

April 2012 Issue Choctaws ... growing with pride, hope and success

Choctaw Nation: LISA REED

See WATER Page 9 Hospital celebrates expansion at official ribboncutting Assistant Chief Gary Batton and Health Services Executive Director Mickey Peercy hospital’s newest renovations, including a more patient-friendly emergency and obstetrics were joined by several tribal directors and executive directors, hospital staff and guests on entrances, an expanded obstetrics wing, and an expanded Choctaw Referred Care (CRC) March 6 in Talihina at the official ribboncutting. The ceremony was held to celebrate the and registration areas.

Tribal Council Giving wings to wounded warriors meets in regular March session Choctaw Nation Flight Operations makes 24th volunteer flight by The Choctaw Nation Tribal taking wounded service members to Bataan Memorial Death March Council met in regular session March 10 at Tushka Homma. New business on the agenda in- By LARISSA COPELAND cluded: Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma • Application for the Bus and Bus Facilities Livability Initia- The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma tive: Solicitation of Project Pro- has a philosophy of caring for mili- posals; tary veterans, both Native and non- • Application for the Coordi- nated Tribal Assistance Solicita- Native. This is accomplished in a tion Comprehensive Tribal Vic- variety of ways through numerous tim Assistance Program; tribal departments by providing ser- • Application for the Coordi- vices and assistance, holding several Choctaw Days nated Tribal Assistance Solici- annual events, giving out mementos tation COPS Hiring Grant and to veterans and military members, to celebrate Tribal Resources Grant Equip- and more. The list goes on. tribe’s rich ment/Training; More recently though, over the • Disposal of surplus equip- past two years the tribe’s Flight Op- military history ment; erations department, which consists • The Fiscal Year 2012 Child of three pilots, Al Cherry, John Wes- Care Development Fund budget, Choctaw Nation: LARISSA COPELAND The Choctaw Nation and ley and Quentin McLarry, and two will be celebrating its rich • A Memorandum of Agree- aircraft, has stepped in to do its part Choctaw Nation pilots Al Cherry and John Wesley greet their pas- military heritage during ment with the City of Coalgate. too. sengers and the VAC flight coordinator before take off. Pictured, from the 2012 Choctaw Days at All were approved. The team provides an invaluable left, are Spec. Terry Ligman, Tanya Boulgakova, Cherry, Sgt. 1st Class the Smithsonian National service to wounded service mem- John Faulkenberry, Mark Parker, Wesley, and Maria Miles, the flight Museum of the American bers and veterans by providing free coordinator from VAC. Indian in Washington, D.C., air transportation for medical or June 20-23. Historical dis- Senior Day set other compassionate purposes. This our support for the troops.” 24 of these volunteer flights, with plays will feature informa- is done through the Veterans Air- His fellow pilots agreed and are 116 flight hours and more than tion on the Choctaw Code for May 22 lift Command, or VAC, which is a proud to be a part of the program. 36,000 miles covered in support of Talkers and stickball – the The Choctaw Nation is hon- non-profit organization that arranges “These men and women have sac- the VAC. “little brother of war.” oring its elders with the annual such flights through a network of rificed their lives for our country,” “In addition to our primary pas- This year’s featured art- Senior Citizens Day on May 22 volunteer pilots and aircraft. says Wesley, “and have paid a heavy senger on each flight,” Cherry adds, ists are compiling works at the Expo Center in McAles- “I read an article in an aviation price with their injuries. Flying for “we have flown 36 additional pas- to honor Choctaw warriors ter. The theme is “Never Too magazine about the VAC,” says the VAC is something we can do for sengers, most being family members past and present. Theresa Old to Play.” Activities begin Cherry, who is also director of flight them to let them know that we ap- riding with the veteran.” Morris is currently devel- at 10 a.m. and will include the ops at Choctaw Nation. “I thought it preciate their service.” The latest trip they’ve flown oping a series of paint- always-fun hat contest for men would be a good way for us to show To date, the flight team has made See FLIGHT Page 8 ings spotlighting the Code and women, the district name Talkers, D.G. Smalling is tag contest and the Choctaw preparing special demon- hymn singing contest. strations and lectures, and the subject of many of Jane Kiowa named Choctaw Nation’s Semple Umsted’s artwork u What’s inside depicts Choctaws in the military. Columns...... 2 2012 JOM Exemplary School Southeastern Oklahoma Notes to the Nation...... 3 State University’s Theatre Nursery News...... 4 The Oklahoma Johnson-O’Malley program named Kiowa Public School the Choctaw Nation’s JOM Exemplary School for 2012. June Department is creating vi- Food Distribution...... 4 gnettes with the theme, “To People You Know...... 6 Prator, right, presented the award to Councilman Anthony Dillard at the Education...... 7 JOM Awards Banquet on March 6, 2012, in Norman. Anthony accepted Us It Was Not a Code.” Obituaries...... 12 the award on behalf of the school’s administration, who was unable to The productions will be Iti Fabvssa...... 14 attend. presented in NMAI’s Ras- Members of the Kiowa school administration are Michael Kellogg, muson Theatre throughout The Mission superintendent; Pamela Montgomery, JOM coordinator; Terri McFar- the four-day festival. of the Choctaw land, chairperson; Rhonda Calvert, vice-chairperson; Brandi Willis, Nation of Oklahoma secretary; Kristi Kelly, member; Jonna Zachary, member. To enhance the lives of all mem- The Choctaw Nation JOM Program has 72 participating schools and zx bers through opportunities designed 9,700 students enrolled. Each year JOM honors an Exemplary JOM See related articles to develop healthy, successful and Program from the Choctaw, Cherokee, Chickasaw and Muscogee throughout this issue productive lifestyles. (Creek) Nations as well as the Bureau of Indian Education. Choctaw Nation: BRET MOSS BISKINIK | April 2012 | Page 2 Sharing our culture ensures Choctaw ways are not lost From the Desk of Chief Gregory E. Pyle ily on the West Coast. Members of the Okla Chahta Board of Directors and the volunteers who work so hard during the year Next month’s Okla Chahta Gathering is going to be a spe- to plan the event have been collaborating with us here in Okla- cial weekend. Choctaws from Oklahoma will travel to Ba- homa to help make the gathering the best and most memorable kersfield to once again join in the festivities, only this year we of all. Instead of program information, there will be table after are bringing more of the tribal culture to share. table of things representing our Choctaw tribal heritage. The awakening of interest in our heritage is increasing ev- There will be social dancing, stickball exhibitions, make- erywhere we go. The first Choctaw Days were held last year and-take projects, singing and the opportunity to learn more at the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian of the Choctaw culture through a variety of displays and activ- and because of the overwhelming response of our tribal mem- ities. The make-and-take sessions are enjoyed by all ages and bers and museum visitors, we decided to give others a chance give everyone a chance to take home a hand-crafted Choctaw to experience more of the Choctaw traditions. cornhusk doll, basket or beaded choker. Among the individu- A small group of our staff traveled to Denver last October als scheduled to be in Bakersfield is Presley Byington of Ida- to host a Choctaw Day for Colorado-area residents. Every- bel who will be demonstrating how he makes a rivercane flute. one who attended was thrilled to be able to see things like Presley can also play the flute as well as he makes them. Choctaw pottery actually being made or exhibits of tools, The gathering in Bakersfield is one of three Choctaw Day weaponry and beadwork. Their pride in being Choctaw was events we have on the calendar at this time. We will be in evident as they marveled over Choctaw artifacts or listened McAlester from 5 to 8 p.m. on April 24 at the Expo Center and enthralled as the language of their great-great-grandfathers or are returning to D.C. for another four-day festival June 20-23 great-grandmothers was fluently used by storytellers or sang at the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian. in hymns. If you live in or near one of these areas, we hope you are Because their excitement mirrored the reactions received able to join us as we honor our ancestors in the best method in Washington, D.C., last June, we want to provide a similar we know how – teaching others so that the Choctaw ways are occasion during our reunion with Choctaw friends and fam- never lost.

Chaplain’s Corner Choctaws have long Faith in our commitment The first day of spring brought Jesus was constantly trying to been many memories of Jones Male raise the vision of His disciples. Academy (1932-34). The fro- He knew that difficult days were zen ponds were over with. The coming, and He knew what stewards ponds were really frozen. We the disciples would have to go were permitted to take our shoes through. of the land off and went barefooted. One Without a daily time for person- of our commitments then was a al fellowship with Jesus Christ, it From the Desk of cross-country race. We ran across is likely that we will become a Assistant Chief Gary Batton the hill to Belle Star cave (hide- spiritual casualty. It seems that every time out). We were rearing and ready Start the day with Christ. Let to start running at the beginning those first thoughts when you I pick up the Biskinik, a lo- but along the route some runners wake up be of Christ. cal paper or turn on the TV, begin to drop out before finishing We need a vision, a vision of there is another story about the race. starving people around the world, the Choctaw Nation’s efforts The Bible teaches God’s faith- a vision of terrible events – torna- to sustain the environment. I fulness to us in a race He has does, bombings. A vision of the like to think of it as our way called us to run. judgment in Hell that awaits men of nurturing the land so that our grand- ponent of stewardship and is evident in As we think on these things and women who have rejected Je- children and their grandchildren will many of the endeavors we are undertak- ing to fulfill the tribe’s 100-year vision here is a verse in Philippians 1:6 Rev. Bertram Bobb sus Christ, a vision of Heaven and have as beautiful a place to live as we of achieving healthy, successful, pro- that we should learn to keep in mind Tribal Chaplain the joys and glories there. But most do. as we run this life of faith: of all, we need a vision of the cross I have had the opportunity to travel to ductive and self-sufficient lifestyles for “Being confident of this very and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. many sections of the United States and a proud nation of Choctaws. thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you The fourth characteristic of the Christian is com- have seen some of the most well-known The tribe’s Agriculture Department will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:” mitment. In Mark 10:17 we read of Jesus’ encoun- sites in this country. The mountains, has lived by this code for decades, tend- It is God’s faithfulness to us that empowers our ter with a man who had become known to us as the valleys, lakes and rivers of Southeast- ing tribally owned ranches and partner- faithfulness to Him. But faithfulness to Jesus Christ rich young ruler. Mark tells us that this man ran to ern Oklahoma are comparable to any of ing with forest services to protect and and our service to Him is also important. Jesus and: them. enhance our part of the state. The Choc- The Bible reminds us that it is required that those “... kneeled to him, and asked him, ‘Good Mas- I often drive across Sardis Lake and taw people have long looked to the land who have been given trust must prove faithful. And ter, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life’?” through Potato Hills where a grow- to provide food, water, shelter and ma- we know that true Biblical faithfulness is more than Then Jesus recited in verse 19: ing family of eagles has been a famil- terials to create commonly used objects just showing up for work as Christians and perform- “Thou knowest the commandments, Do not com- iar sight for the last several years. The that are as important today as they were ing our required duties. mit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false wit- Ouachita National Forest in McCurtain hundreds of years ago. Today we are going to look at four things that ness, Defraud not, Honor thy father and mother.” and LeFlore counties contains impres- The Choctaw and Chickasaw Nations’ should characterize our faithfulness to Jesus Christ. And we read of the rich young ruler in verse 20: efforts to ensure responsible decisions The first one is joy. Faithfulness without joy be- “And he answered and said unto him, master, all sive views of mountains and streams, comes difficult and exhausting. these have I observed from my youth.” and acres upon acres of wilderness that about the water in Oklahoma are con- We read in Psalms 51:12-13: And we read in verses 21 and 22: provide a home to hundreds of species of tinuous. Sufficient water is essential to “Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation, and up- “Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said wildlife. The Talimena Drive, stretching conserving our way of life. hold me with thy free Spirit. unto him, one thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell from Talihina to Mena, Ark., is a popular The Choctaw Nation’s Going Green “Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou scenic byway attracting tourists to the program and Recycling Center have im- sinners shall be converted unto thee.” shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the area every fall. plemented several initiatives, exhibiting Jesus said to His disciples in the gospel of John cross, and follow me. These are only a few of the awe-in- a resourcefulness that rivals much-larger 15:11: “And he was sad at that saying, and went away spiring wonders in this area. We’ve been organizations. “These things have I spoken unto you, that my grieved: for he had great possessions.” fortunate to have received enough rain Environmentally friendly materials joy might remain in you, and that your joy might In the keeping of the commandments the rich in the last six months to ease the drought are being used more in construction be full.” young ruler was faithful, but he was not willing to conditions of 2011. We sometimes for- of new facilities and many of the staff God wants us to have joy. commit himself to Jesus Christ unreservedly and get the devastating results of record- have volunteered for projects to clean up We read in the book of Nehemiah 8:10: accept God’s will for his life and to follow Jesus. breaking heat and rainless days when highways and parks, plant trees and sow “... for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” You have to make a choice. For some of you it is faced with the new growth of the spring wildflower seeds. The joy of the Lord produced by the Holy Spirit between life and death, because you are not abso- season. As I look around from my favorite spot is a supernatural joy that He gives us. It helps us to lutely sure that you know Jesus Christ as your per- The Choctaw Nation takes its role as in the world – my home – I am thank- endure. What a joy in serving our Lord Jesus Christ. sonal Savior. You cannot say: “I know for sure that caretakers of the land very seriously, ful knowing there are many who realize The second characteristic of a Christian is com- Jesus Christ is in my heart; that if I die, I will go to with the objective of preserving our in- the importance of conserving our envi- passion. This means to suffer with another, it means Heaven; that my sins are forgiven.” heritance for generations to come. Pre- ronment and have the foresight to take that when another person is in pain or sorrow we What do you have to do? paring for the future is a necessary com- strides toward a better future for us all. feel that pain. First, you need to repent of your sins. What does Throughout the gospels we read that Jesus was repent mean? It means to turn, to change, it means moved with compassion – compassion for the mul- to make an about-face. It means to change your titudes, for two blind men, for a leper, for a widow mind about God and about yourself, about what sin whose only son had died. He wept over the city of has done to you and about Christ who died for you Jerusalem and at the grave of His friend Lazarus, on the cross. It means you need to change your way and he told of a good Samaritan he had compas- of living. You cannot repent by yourself. No person sion for, a man who was stripped of his raiment, and can repent himself. The Holy Spirit has to help you wounded and left half dead. repent. And He will help you. Just say: It wasn’t easy for the disciples to learn this type “Lord, here I am with all these doubts. I am not of compassion. While Jesus had compassion, then sure, not certain, Help me to repent and change my said in Luke 9:54: way of living.” “… Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to He is calling you, even right now, to make a come down from heaven, and consume them, even change. as Elijah did?” After repentance you need to believe and have Jesus said in verse 56 of Luke 9: “For the Son of faith. That word “faith” means putting your all man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save upon Jesus Christ; trusting in nothing else, not your them ...” own righteousness, not your good works, not your The place to learn compassion is here, right now. family, not your church, but totally in the Person of The Apostle Peter wrote in Fist Peter 3:8: the Lord Jesus Christ who hung on that cross and Choctaw Nation: LISA REED “Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compas- shed His blood for you. Seven districts in the Choctaw Nation will be receiving new buses for trans- sion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be Repent, believe, and then third, be willing to fol- porting senior citizens. On hand to receive the delivery March 26 are Shannon courteous.” low Him and to study the Bible, to pray, to be faith- McDaniel, Chief Gregory E. Pyle, Councilman Joe Coley, Assistant Chief Gary The third characteristic is vision. There is much ful to Him/ be willing. Batton, James Wallace, Melissa Kindred and Jim Hogan. that can be said of a picture of God’s work today. What about you? Are you willing to serve Him Our focus as Native Americans among over wholeheartedly so that the gospel may be pro- 550 federally recognized tribes in North American claimed in a way pleasing to Him. The Apostle Paul Buses play a vital role in tribal districts is only 5 percent are affiliated with any Christian said in Acts 20:24: The Choctaw Nation received a spe- Nation seal and the district’s information church. We do pray for all of our Native American “But none of these things move me, neither count cial shipment on March 26. Seven new is painted on each of the buses, they will people everywhere, they are scattered practically all my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my buses rolled onto the parking lot at Fleet be ready to roll. over the world. course with joy, and the ministry, which I have re- headquarters on Enterprise Drive in Du- Districts 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 11 and 12 are But there is something more important than a vi- ceived of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the sion of our ministries and work, and that is main- grace of God.” rant. The Ford E350 Super Duty vehicles receiving the E350s. Some of the older taining a vision of the One, The Lord Jesus Christ Today, if you don’t face seriously God’s call for can hold 15 passengers – 14 travelers vans that are handicap-accessible were we are serving. you, I want to tell you that is a terrible sin and trag- plus a driver. transferred to districts with a larger need The writer of the book of Hebrews writes in He- edy. “The repairs on the seven old buses for the special needs buses. brews 12:2: The Bible tells us that the time is short. I believe were becoming very costly so we decid- The vehicles play a vital role, trans- “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of it is very short. ed to go ahead and replace them,” said porting the senior citizens to their cen- our faith: who for the joy that was set before him Today you can trust Jesus Christ as your own James Wallace, Fleet director. ters when needed and on trips they may endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set personal Savior by faith. Will you do that now? The seats have been upgraded to in- not be able to take without the assis- down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Pray for USA. clude seat belts and once the Choctaw tance. BISKINIK | April 2012 | Page 3

Districts schedule annual Princess Pageants District 1 District 5 District 9 May 19 at 6:30 p.m. at the Choctaw May 9 at 12:30 p.m. at the Choctaw June 1 at 5:30 p.m. at the Event Community Center in Idabel. Deadline Community Center in Stigler. Deadline Center in Durant. The pageant is in for applications is May 14. For more for applications is April 27. For more conjunction with the annual Magnolia information, please call 580-286-6116. information, please call 918-967-2398. Festival. For more information, please District 2 District 6 call 580-924-8280, Ext. 2504. May 4 at 6 p.m. at the Community May 12 at 4 p.m. at the Choctaw District 10 Center in Broken Bow. Applications Community Center in Wilburton. May 1 at 7 p.m. at the Choctaw Wild Onion Dinner a success may be picked up at the McCurtain Deadline for applications is May 4. For Community Center in Atoka. Deadline On Feb. 25, the OK Choctaw Tribal Alliance held its annual County Boys and Girls Club. Deadline more information, please call 918-465- for applications is April 16. For more Wild Onion Dinner in the Oklahoma City area. The turnout for for applications is 5 p.m. on April 27. 2389. information, please call 580-889-6147. the event was tremendous. An estimated 384 dinners were sold. For more information, please call 580- District 7 District 11 The Alliance would like to thank everyone who came out for 584-3636. May 21 at 6 p.m. at the Choctaw May 18 at 6:30 p.m. at the Choc- the event. Many took their orders to go, but those who stayed District 3 Community Center in Wright City. taw Community Center in McAlester. enjoyed camaraderie with old friends and the atmosphere was May 29 at 6 p.m. at the Choctaw Com- Deadline for applications is 3 p.m. on Deadline for applications is April 20. festive. The Alliance holds up to 250, depending on the set munity Center in Talihina. Deadline for May 11. For more information, please For more information, please call 918- up of tables and chairs. There were many compliments about applications is May 21. For more infor- call 580-298-3856 or 580-981-7011. 423-1016. how good the wild onions tasted. So many thanks to the cooks mation, please call 918-567-2106. District 8 District 12 who prepared the meal. Once again, the volunteers are to be District 4 complimented on their efforts and without them, none of this May 18 at 6 p.m. at the Choctaw May 25 at 6:30 p.m. at the Choctaw would’ve been possible. They are too numerous to name one May 12 at 4 p.m. at the Choctaw Community Center in Hugo. Deadline Community Center in Crowder. Dead- by one. It is great to see people working together to make the Community Center in Poteau. Dead- for applications is May 11. For more line for applications is May 4. For more Wild Onion Dinner a rousing success. line for applications is May 1. For more information, please call 580-326-3528. information, please call 918-334-5344. Pictured above are Joyce Robinson, Mary Ann Allen and information, please call 918-647-9324. Donna Fulks anticipating the wonderful meal with smiles on their faces. Importance of your tribal language Events My friend always shares his copy of the Biskinik with me Seeking family members and a thank you each month and I thoroughly enjoy the historical and cultural Hugo Wild Onion Dinner articles. My great-grandfather, Marion Sloan, fought for a Mis- First off, I would like to thank Chris, the camera man, and District 8 is holding its annual Wild Onion Dinner at 6 sissippi regiment during the Civil War and after the war, he the beautiful lady in the gift shop for the blanket for Christmas, p.m. April 12 at the Choctaw Community Center in Hugo. and thank you to the Choctaw Nation. found that his home and crops were all destroyed. He married a Choctaw woman from north of Jackson and moved to the I am looking for tribal members that might know of Impson Community Dinner planned in Idabel and the Hines lineage. Cleveland Clark “C.C.” Hines passed Sherman, Texas, area to start farming there. My father told me that he has a memory of his Choctaw grandmother as one who away in 2006 and was 22 miles from me at my cousins’ house A District 1 Community Dinner is being held at 6 p.m. smoked a clay pipe and raised her family of several children. in Gridley, Calif. He had eight siblings, and his mom and dad April 17 at the Choctaw Community Center in Idabel. were original enrollees. My maternal great-grandmother, Lil- I was a teacher and school administrator with the Bureau of Indian Affairs from 1967 until my retirement in 1994. During lie Impson, and Will Hines married in 1918. Lillie was on the Tulsa E200 Emerging Leaders Class Dawes Roll. that time, I worked mostly on the Navajo reservation in Utah, Arizona and New Mexico, but I was superintendent for edu- If anyone has any information on Impson, Hines, Roberson, The SBA’s Oklahoma District Office is seeking 20 Native cation for the Mississippi Band in Philadelphia, Miss., for a Imogine Hines, or Bobby Wolfe, please contact me at 707-774- American small business owners for its 2012 Tulsa E200 period of time. 2224. A baby Impson should have been born 2 months or so Emerging Leaders Class, which begins April 19 through Several of the articles in your paper lament the loss of your ago, as well. October 2012. The class is free, and businesses need to be native language by many tribal members, and I also think that 3 years old and have $300k in sales. Orrin T. Hartt this will be a regret by more Choctaws as years go by. I would This is an intensive 26-week training initiative designed urge tribal members to learn and use their native language to accelerate high-potential small business growth. The for many reasons, but primarily to retain and strengthen the comprehensive curriculum provides entrepreneurs with the Thank you for thinking of troops culture. Language is a major bearer of the culture, and many tools to help catapult a company to the next level and help Thank you so much for the care package. You have figured native speakers tell me that something is lost in the transla- it emerge as a growing, self-sustaining business in the com- out all of the “good stuff.” The phone card is a blessing! Thank tion, because there are nuances and inflections that do not thor- munity. In addition to the SBA, the training is supported you! I appreciate that you are thinking of the troops. oughly convert from English to the native tongue. It now seems by a coalition of local economic champions and mentored Katie Latendresse that the main emphasis of Indian culture is through pow wows, by business advisors with invaluable insight and expertise. which are important, but only a small segment of a true culture. To sign up, contact Cindi Anderson at 405-609-8018 or When I first began teaching at a small boarding school on the at [email protected], or visit her at the Choctaw Ca- Navajo reservation, I heard very little English spoken outside Appreciative of care package reer Expo in McAlester on April 4. Dear Chief Pyle and the Choctaw Nation, I received your of the classroom because we did not make our students use only English. I returned to that same school 27 years later for generous care package today. Thank you! I again shared it with The Gathering 2012 my guys, they were extremely grateful. I don’t know which their spring festival and while there, I heard no one use the was a bigger hit, the jerky or sunflower seeds. I especially en- Navajo language. I still have contact through Facebook with The Gathering 2012 All Nations Sacred Assembly will joyed the Mentos and Starbursts. Thanks for lifting our spirits several of my former students and community members in that be held May 3 through May 6 next to the Broken Bow In- with goodies from home, and thank you for all you do for us. small southeastern Utah community on the reservation, and I vestment Center at 210 Chahta Rd. in Broken Bow. All are have seen the progress many have made. I often scold them SPC Mary E. Reifsteck invited to attend this iconic event where every First Nation (the old teacher trait in me) for not teaching their children their tribe is asked to come together to this Sacred Assembly for native tongue and culture. Some of them do and I laud them a time of prayer and worship to our Heavenly Father. Seeking information for this. My three children were all fluent in the Navajo lan- Thursday service will begin at 6 p.m., Parade of Nations, guage and were thoroughly accepted by their classmates, and and a meal following service; Friday a meal will be served I am seeking anyone knowing Benjamin Franklin Taylor, they still have lifelong friendships that developed through their at 5 p.m. and service at 7 p.m.; Saturday youth ministry born Sept. 26, 1915, and passed on Feb. 22, 1952. My name interactions with not only other children, but with the elders will begin at 10 a.m. and again at 1:30 p.m., a meal at 12 is Roseanne McCloud. My mother, Barbara, is the daughter of who were impressed by those little “blonde” Navajos. p.m., youth service at 3 p.m., a meal at 5 p.m., and eve- Benjamin (of the Choctaw Nation) and June Teeman (Burns I would urge all to learn the language, crafts, ceremonies and ning service at 7 p.m.; and Sunday service will begin at 10 Piaute), born on Aug. 3, 1946, at St. Vincents Hospital in Port- rites of your tribe. This is an excellent and unique attribute that a.m., a meal at 12 p.m., singing and preaching at 1:30 p.m., land, Ore. can impart pride and reverence for one’s heritage. light meal during singing at 3 p.m., and evening service at I would love the opportunity to see any photos. Any in- Tom Sloan 5 p.m. On Thursday it is encouraged that everyone wear formation is greatly appreciated. Please contact me at roxy- traditional regalia. [email protected], call me at 253-355-1020, or Facebook at All singers and groups are invited to join in for all-day Roxy McCloud. Comfort in time of need singing and worship on Sunday after morning service. Free Thank you for your helpfulness and kindness. This is to let meals will be served daily during events. Gregory E. Pyle Gary Batton the Choctaw Nation know how helpful and compassionate it For information or to donate, call Patricia Blagg at 580- Chief Assistant Chief is in a time of sorrow. Thank you to the Benefits Department, 579-2695 or Dan Huges at 580-873-9227. Clinton Rogers and Angie Stephens, and to the Language De- The Official partment and Eleanor Caldwell. How wonderful for the tribal Samuel and Lucy Ann Frazier-Johnson Monthly Publication members to know that help is available in their time of need. family reunion of the The Language Department, with translations from English to Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Choctaw, showed great compassion by helping with the jour- The Samuel and Lucy Ann Frazier-Johnson family re- ney from this life to the next everlasting life and brought great union will be held May 5 at the Rock Creek Cumberland Judy Allen, Executive Director comfort to our family. My husband, Robert Logan, passed Presbyterian Church in Honobia, Okla., starting at 9 a.m. Lisa Reed, Director/Editor away on Jan. 29. Please bring any information you have concerning the past Melissa Stevens, Circulation Director Mary Logan, Green Valley, Ariz. descendants. Also please bring a covered dish for the 12 Larissa Copeland, Assistant Editor p.m. dinner. For more information contact Stacy Colbert Karen Jacob, Purchasing Coordinator Bret Moss, Copy/Production Assistant at 580-314-5767, Phyllis Roberts at 580-236-1052 or Ray- Chrissy Dill, Journalism Intern Thankful for scholarships mond Johnson at 580-244-7549. I would like to say thank you to the people of the Choctaw P.O. Box 1210 Nation for the scholarships I received for graduate school. I LeFlore High School alumni reunion Durant, OK 74702 graduated with a Master of Arts Degree Professional Counsel- (580) 924-8280 • (800) 522-6170 The 53rd annual LeFlore High School Alumni and for- Fax (580) 924-4148 ing in December 2011 and started a private counseling prac- mer students’ banquet will be held May 12 at the old high www.choctawnation.com tice. Thank you for your generosity. school gym in LeFlore. Registration begins at 5:30 p.m. e-mail: [email protected] Lendol Lawrence and family, and BBQ dinner will be served at 7 p.m. We invite each The BISKINIK is printed each month as a service to Tribal grandson of Theodore and Edith Lawrence graduate and former student to come join us and renew old Members. The BISKINIK reserves the right to edit submitted ma- acquaintances. Classes celebrating milestone anniversaries terial which it finds inaccurate, profane, offensive or morally un- since graduation are especially encouraged to attend. If you acceptable. Copy may be edited for proper grammar and punc- Thankful firefighter have any questions or need further information, contact Su- tuation. Copy will be accepted in any readable form, but where I am writing to thank the Choctaw Nation for all of its help. san (Ward) Cantwell at 918-647-6327 or email at smcant- possible, it is requested that material be typewritten and double I recently went through the Career Development program that [email protected] spaced. You must include an address or phone number where the Nation offers. First of all, this organization was very helpful you may be reached. Due to space limitations and the quantity and professional. Robin Counce, my case worker, was always of article submissions, we are unable to include everything we Noahubi, Columbus, Battiest family reunion receive. checking on me to see how things were going and I greatly ap- If you are receiving more than one BISKINIK at your home preciated that. I used the program to finally follow my dream A family reunion for Noahubi, Columbus and Battiest or if your address needs changed, we would appreciate hearing and get my firefighter certification. With the financial help that family members will be held on May 12 at the Broken Bow from you. the Choctaw Nation was so kind to give me, I was able to at- City Park from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Everyone is asked to bring The BISKINIK is a nonprofit publication of the Choctaw Na- tend an online fire academy and still be able to work full-time a covered dish. For more information, please contact Valera tion. and provide for my family. Without this assistance, I believe I Tonihka at 580-286-3647 or 580-212-7693. Circulation is monthly. Article deadline is the 10th of the would not have been able to obtain my goals. I am now a fully month for the following month’s edition. registered and licensed firefighter with the state of Texas and Editor’s note: Views and opinions in reader-submitted articles Ritter Reunion are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent was able to obtain my national certification as well. Now that those of the Choctaw Nation. I have this certification, I am one step closer in obtaining my The Ritter Reunion will be held May 19 at Quarry Is- goal of becoming a career firefighter. So in closing, thank you land in Wister. Please bring a covered dish and something so much for all of the help that was given to me. I am very to drink. Any donation to help on the reunion is deeply ap- PRESS AS A SO M C O I H A 2010 T thankful to be Choctaw and to have had access to such a won- A I L O preciated. If you need any information, you may contact K

AWARD N O WINNING derful program. Thank you, again. NEWSPAPER Imogene (McCoy) Odell at 507 Chickasaw, Poteau, OK BISKINIK® 2012 BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST Jeff Rush 74953 or call 918-647-3791 or 918-647-7596.

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BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST BISKINIK | April 2012 | Page 4 Nursery News Museum Closing Joplynn Brewer Logan Richards Salem Rae Brewer is proud to Logan William Richards was announce the birth of her baby sis- born Feb. 7, 2012, at 5:33 p.m., The Choctaw Nation ter, Joplynn Camille Brewer. Jo- to Matthew Richards and Ash- Museum in Tushka Homma plynn was born on Nov. 14, 2011, ley Heady of Hugo. He was 8 in Clovis, Calif. She weighed 7 pounds and 5 ounces, and was is temporarily closed for pounds and 4 ounces and was 19 20 inches long. construction. inches long. Proud parents are Vincent and Dawnette Brewer of Fresno, Calif. Paternal grandparents are Don Brewer of Big Se-rv-sen Gentry Please call Timber, Mont., and Dodie Harris of Visalia, Calif. Great- grandparents are Gardiner and Francis Harris of Three Riv- Se-rv-sen Lahmyle Daisy Gen- 918-569-4465 ers, Calif. Maternal grandparents are Willard Sr. and Nancy try was born at 1:13 p.m. on Oct. V. Parksion of Raymond, Calif. Joplynn’s great-grandmother 26, 2012, in Ada. She weighed 8 before you visit. Ethel Viola Willis was an original enrollee and her family is pounds 3.3 ounces, and measured proud of their Choctaw heritage. 19 inches. Parents are Echoille Johnson and Teri Gentry. She We apologize for any Aria Paddock is the granddaughter of Jimmy inconvenience. Johnson Jr. of Holdenville and the Aria Michelle Paddock was descendent of original enrollee Lena Mae Noah Johnson of born at 1:30 p.m. on March 21, Muse. She has many aunts and uncles. 2012. She weighed 7 pounds and 15 ounces and measured 21 inches FOOD DISTRIBUTION long. Her parents are Jeffery Dale Scott Morgan Paddock and Teffany Paddock of ANTLERS Scott James Morgan was born on Market open weekdays May 1-25 Ardmore. Grandparents are Kevin D. and Tina M. Paddock of Ard- Jan. 23, 2012, weighing 7 pounds May 2 : Idabel 9-11 a.m.; Broken Bow 12-2 p.m. (market open) and 15 ounces, and measured 20 May 9: Bethel 9-10:30; Smithville 12-2 (market open) more; great-grandparents are Richard D. and Emily F. George of Caddo. Aria is the seventh great-grandchild born to Richard .75 inches. His parents are Paul Closed May 26-31 for inventory and Emily. and Carrie Morgan of College Sta- Cooking with Carmen: May 1 &14, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. tion, Texas. durant Grandparents are Kim and Da- Market open weekdays: May 1-25, except for: Xzaiver Martinez vid Morgan of Bryan, Texas, and Helen and Jay Garner of Inez, Texas. His siblings are Julie, Closed May 26-31 for inventory We are proud to announce the Luke and Will Morgan. Cooking with Carmen: May 3 & 11, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. arrival of Xzaiver Douglas Marti- McAlester nez, born Feb. 23, 2012, to Rique Market open weekdays May 1-25, except for: Martinez and Brandi Graham. Closed May 26-31 for inventory Proud sister is Skylynn. Xzaiver is Cooking with Carmen: May 7 & 18, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Gra- ham of Idabel, and Misty McKee 10 tips for affordable POTEAU and Enrique Martinez, both of Market open weekdays May 1-25, except for: Ryan. He is the nephew of very proud uncle, Alex, of Ryan. Closed May 26-31 for inventory. vegetables and fruits It is possible to fit veg- Cooking with Carmen: May 9 & 23, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. etables and fruits into any WIC budget. Making nutritious WOMEN, INFANTS Humor and medicine make choices does not have to hurt AND CHILDREN Choctaw Nation Food Distribution your wallet. Getting enough Open 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday thru Friday. a good team of these foods promotes fruits don’t last long. Buy Staff will take lunch from 11:30 to 12 noon. health and can reduce your small amounts more often to WAREHOUSES & MARKETS April holds two very im- portant issues that are close risk of certain diseases. There ensure you can eat the foods Antlers: 306 S.W. “O” St., 580-298-6443 are many low-cost ways to without throwing any away. Durant: 100 1/2 Waldron Dr., 580-924-7773 to my heart; National Can- is that, except for quitting cer Control Month and Na- meet your fruit and vegetable 6. Buy in bulk when items McAlester: 1212 S. Main St., 918-420-5716 smoking, some of the most tional Humor Month. The needs and here are 10. are on sale. Poteau: 100 Kerr, 918-649-0431 important things you can word cancer alone brings 1. Celebrate the season. For fresh vegetables or Food Distribution Sites do to help reduce your can- fear, anxiety and anger. Use fresh vegetables and fruits you use often, a large Bethel: Choctaw Community Building cer risk are: One way to combat these • Get to and stay at a fruits that are in season. They size bag is the better buy. Broken Bow: Choctaw Family Investment Center feelings that come with healthy weight are easy to get, have more fla- Canned or frozen fruits or Idabel: Choctaw Community Center cancer is humor. “Yes, • Be physically active on vor, and are usually less ex- vegetables can be bought in Smithville: Choctaw Community Center laughter is great medi- a regular basis. pensive. Your local farmer’s large quantities when they are Stigler: Choctaw Community Center cine!” “Love, laughter and • Make healthy food market is a great source of on sale, since they last much In accordance with federal law and U.S. Department of Agri- hope are communicated in choices with a focus on seasonal produce. longer. culture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on every aspect of our unique plant-based foods. 2. Why pay full price? 7. Store brands = savings. the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, political programs” states Saranne According to the Ameri- Check the local newspaper, Opt for store brands when beliefs, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write Rothburg, founder of The can Cancer Society more online, and at the store for possible. You will get the USDA, Director, Office of Adjudication and Compliance, 1400 ComedyCures Foundation. than 572,000 Americans sales, coupons, and specials same or similar product for a Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, or Saranne, a cancer survivor die of cancer each year; that will cut food costs. Often, cheaper price. If your grocery call 800-795-3272 (voice) or 202-720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an states, as an outgrowth of about one-third of these you can get more for less by store has a membership card, equal opportunity provider and employer. her personal experience deaths are linked to poor visiting larger grocery stores sign up for even more sav- with the healing power diet, physical inactiv- (discount grocers if avail- ings. of a comic perspective, ity, and carrying too much able). 8. Keep it simple. she and her daughter dis- weight. 3. Stick to your list. Buy vegetables and fruits Recipe of the Month covered that therapeutic When looking at ways to Plan out your meals ahead in their simplest form. Pre- comedy served as a great help prevent and treat ill- of time and make a grocery cut, pre-washed, ready-to-eat, family coping strategy as nesses such as cancer, heart list. You will save money by and processed foods are con- Fat-Free Vegetable Dip they dealt with her early disease and diabetes try to buying only what you need. venient, but often cost much A colorful and healthy snack stage IV cancer diagnosis. follow some of these tips to Don’t shop when you’re hun- more than when purchased in Spending time with family build a healthy diet plan for gry. Shopping after eating their basic forms. Ingredients: with sour cream and friends sharing funny yourself and your family: will make it easier to pass 9. Plant your own. • 1 cup fat-free sour 2. Place dip in center of lifetime events, taking in • Choose foods and on the tempting snack foods. Start a garden—in the yard cream tray surrounded by colorful a comedy or just reading drinks in amounts that help You’ll have more of your or a pot on the deck—for • 1 ½ Tbsp. Mrs. Dash vegetables the funnies are some easy you get to and maintain a food budget for vegetables fresh, inexpensive, flavorful Salt-Free Onion and Herb ways to bring on the heal- healthy weight. and fruits. additions to meals. Herbs, Blend For more information you ing power of laughter. • Limit how much pro- 4. Try canned or frozen. cucumbers, peppers or to- • Assorted vegetables of may contact: Erin Adams, Laughter is not the only cessed / red meat you eat. Compare the price and matoes are good options for different colors, chilled RD, Choctaw Nation Dia- way to help prevent or im- • Eat at least 2 ½ cups of the number of servings from beginners. Browse through Directions: betes Wellness Center, 800- prove illness. Another per- vegetables / fruits each day. fresh, canned, and frozen a local library or online for 1. Combine Mrs. Dash 349-7026, ext. 6959. spective reported from The • Choose whole grains, forms of the same veggie more information on starting American Cancer Society not refined grain products. or fruit. Canned and frozen a garden. items may be less expensive 10. Plan and cook smart. than fresh. For canned items, Prepare and freeze vegeta- choose fruit canned in 100 ble soups, stews or other dish- percent fruit juice and veg- es in advance. This saves time etables with “low sodium” or and money. Add leftover veg- “no salt added” on the label. etables to casseroles or blend 5. Buy small amounts fre- them to make soup. Overripe quently. fruit is great for smoothies or Some fresh vegetables and baking. Choctaw Nation WIC WOMEN, INFANTS AND CHILDREN

SITE PHONE HOURS DAYS Antlers 580-298-3161 8:30-4:00 Every Tuesday Atoka 580-889-5825 8:00-4:30 Every Mon., Wed., Thurs. & Fri. Bethel 580-241-5458 8:30-4:00 1st Tuesday Boswell 580-380-5264 8:30-4:00 Every Friday Broken Bow 580-584-2746 8:00-4:30 Daily, except 1st Tues. & 2nd Thurs. Coalgate 580-927-3641 8:00-4:30 Every Wednesday Durant 580-924-8280 x 2257 8:00-4:30 Daily Hugo 580-326-5404 8:00-4:30 Daily

Idabel 580-286-2510 8:00-4:30 Mon., Thurs. & Fri. McAlester 918-423-6335 8:00-4:30 Daily Poteau 918-647-4585 8:00-4:30 Daily Smithville 580-244-3289 8:30-4:00 2nd Thursday Spiro 918-962-3832 8:00-4:30 Every Wednesday - Friday Stigler 918-967-4211 8:30-4:00 Every Monday - Wednesday Talihina 918-567-7000 x 6792 8:00-4:30 Mon., Tues., Wed., & Fri. Wilburton 918-465-5641 8:30-4:00 Every Thursday BISKINIK | April 2012 | Page 5 Setting the stage for a hit Prus as he discussed his mo- York working Southeastern Oklahoma State tivation for his work on the with profession- project. “I’ve never done al actors. University, Choctaw Nation team up anything quite like this be- They have for theatrical debut at Smithsonian fore and welcomed the op- taken the Ham- portunity to learn new things, let Tour across By BRET MOSS wide spectrum of Choctaw meet new people, and work Oklahoma and Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma culture together. on a collaborative effort. I Arkansas to The performance will be in hope people recognize some cities such as dual narrative featuring the of the uniqueness of Okla- Tulsa and Eu- The curtain is set to open truest form of the Choctaw homa Choctaw, mostly I hope reka Springs. this summer on the very first language, and will be present- people enjoy it and it makes That perfor- theatrical production featur- ed in an ambitious new style their lives a little bit sweeter,” mance has even ing the dual efforts of the termed “theatrical collage.” he continued. been conducted Choctaw Nation of Okla- In this style of presentation, CNO is very excited to at the Globe of homa (CNO) and Theatre at actors on the stage will be ac- have its heritage displayed yet the Great South- Southeastern Oklahoma State companied by sound tracks, again at the Smithsonian, es- west, the only University (SE). This tag- videos, picture montages and pecially through the medium standing rep- team effort will take place will be acting opposite filmed of performing arts. With al- lica of Shake- at the annual Choctaw Days actors who will be filmed on most 30 percent of the student speare’s globe event hosted by the Smithso- sets in Oklahoma. body being Native American, in the United nian National Museum of the “Obviously we can’t play SE has not only the capability States, located American Indian, June 20-23. stickball on the stage, but we to bring that heritage to life, in Odessa, Tex- After the success of last want to show a lot of visuals but the background and close as. year’s Choctaw Days, CNO of iconic [scenes] of the na- ties with the culture. Along with has been reaching out even tion,” said Hardgrove as she There are over 500 Choc- their Hamlet further to bring exciting explained how the video and taw students at SE, lending Tour, SE has Photo provided and immersive talents to picture aspects will work to the university to a heavy dose preformed in Kathleen Hardgrove, bottom right, directs her cast as they prepare for this showcase of Choctaw immerse the audience fur- of Choctaw ways and his- and hosted the production of Antigone: At War. Rebecca Sparks is atop the stairs heritage and culture. “Giv- ther into the Choctaw expe- tory. SE has offered classes several festi- while Tanner Risner, left, and Dustin Curry listen at the bottom. Both en their close ties with the rience. Hardgrove and her on the Choctaw language for vals. They have Tanner and Dustin will be a part of the Smithsonian“ production. Choctaw people, knowledge theatre crew have been per- years, and in the fall of 2011, also performed of the culture and excep- fecting this new style with an 18-hour minor in Choctaw across the coun- tional talent, SE was an easy other productions, most re- became available. try in locations the most world-renown choice to bring Choctaw cently with the Greek play, With a venue as renown as as far as the It’s definitely something tours such as the Humana ways to life on the stage of Antigone. the Rasmusen on their summer Kennedy Center Festival to gather ideas, the Rasmusen,” said Chief While the style of the pro- roster, no one has to explain in Washington, that is going on next year’s trends and techniques to Gregory E. Pyle. duction may be a new tech- the opportunity this production D.C., and have recruiting brochures. deliver to the students Though not yet finalized, nique, the content about the presents for the students of SE. plans on gracing of SE. These travels are the working title of the pro- Choctaw people is well-rooted “My students are extremely the Stella Adler prime examples of how duction is “It Wasn’t Code in American history. Profes- excited to be a part of this,” Theater in Los “ – Kathleen Hardgrove SE is meeting its charge to Us,” and will cover a sor Randy Prus of SE’s Eng- stated Hardgrove as she told Angeles. to “bring the world to great variety of Choctaw as- lish Department has taken the how her students anticipated In addition to the many ally in the industry. SE.” pects, with an emphasis on charge to write the content of the occasion and collabora- productions and festivals Hardgrove, who is lead- The cooperative effort be- the World War 1 Code Talk- the play. tion with CNO. “It’s definitely SE hosts and attends on a ing this production, gradu- tween CNO and SE is sure ers who pioneered using a Prus has been well-versed something that is going on next regular basis, they also host ated from SE and went on to to be a hit at Choctaw Days native language as military in the Choctaw culture and year’s recruitment brochures,” after-school plays for chil- work as a teacher, costume coming in June. SE has high code. It is “an interest- was an easy pick to write she continued. dren, produce student films designer, actor and director hopes to bring to life the rich ing look into the expanse the content. “He is the ex- The upcoming trip to the and demonstrate student in various places such as Los culture of the Choctaw people of the Choctaw language,” pert on campus,” mentioned Smithsonian is a summer written and directed plays Angeles, Las Vegas and New in a fun and immersive way. It said Director Kathleen Hardgrove as she reiterated plan that has the Theatre at annually. York. Her time touring across is a chance for both organiza- Hardgrove of SE’s staff. his qualification. He has been SE crowd buzzing, but it is The high level of both qual- the country has led her to the- tions to shine in the national The production will also in contact with various cultur- far from their first round with ity and quantity of work that atre work in every state in the spotlight. give glimpses into Choctaw al experts within the Choctaw prestigious venues. SE has pours out from Theatre at SE continental U.S. If you would like to know issues such as stickball, bas- Nation to bring the most ac- been conducting the Ham- not only stems from a highly She decided to bring her more about Theatre at SE, ket making and many others curate and intriguing script to let Tour recently, which is a motivated and talented stu- experiences and knowledge contact 580-745-2735 or visit as it follows a young Choctaw the stage. small version of Shakespear’s dent body, but an exception- back to SE because she liked homepages.se.edu/theatre/. woman who learns about her “I saw this as an opportu- Hamlet, written by the Chair ally well-qualified staff. Ac- the way they trained and is For more information on heritage from an elder of the nity to learn more about the of Art, Communication and cording to McClain, every now the theatre historian. Choctaw Days, contact 800- tribe. Her education will be Choctaw people and culture, Theatre at SE, Dell McLain, theatre faculty member at SE She still travels nationally 522-6170, or visit choctawna- the underlying plot tying the especially their history,” said while on sabbatical in New currently works profession- and internationally to attend tion.com.

Depicting history with a pen and canvas giving 100 percent. She puts Morris is the mother of lasting impression.” She con- such effort because she knows three sons and a daughter. tinued by saying, “If I can Choctaw artist Theresa Morris her craft has purpose. She also has a website for her make a living doing art and She has hopes that the work artwork, www.theresamorris- at the same time bring aware- to present at Smithsonian she is doing for the Choctaw design.com where her art can ness about the history of the Nation will bring awareness be viewed. She hopes to start Choctaw and the contribu- By BRET MOSS heritage. The first was her about her culture to those who a business in the future, but tions they have made then I Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma grandmother who had at- have limited knowledge on the is currently aspiring to finish will have succeeded.” tended Wheelock Academy subject. She recalls a graphite her Code Talker series. Choctaw Days will be held Putting pen to paper and in Millerton. portrait of former Choctaw She is greatly anticipating June 20-23 at the Smithson- paint to canvas to create im- Her mother became inter- Chief Allen Wright, which her role at Choctaw Days, ian National Museum of the ages that please the eye and ested in the Choctaw culture brought about questions on saying “I hope that kind of American Indian in Wash- excite the psyche is a talent when she began to write her Photo provided Choctaw history while on dis- exposure opens up many op- ington, D.C. For more infor- desired by many. For Choc- book, “How Thunder and THERESA MORRIS play in Tahlequah. portunities for me. What I mation about the event visit taw artist Theresa Morris of Lightning Came to be,” which She was able to educate cu- really want is to be success- choctawnation.com or call Tahlequah, this is a gift she was based on Choctaw leg- she gained a bachelor’s degree rious onlookers on the fact that ful at what I do and leave a 800-522-6170. realized early and has put to end. After completion of this in graphic design with a minor Chief Wright was the man who work for herself and her tribe. book, she began her second in Native American Studies. suggested the name “Okla- Morris will be one of the work, “Longwalkers Jour- She put her education to homa” as the name of the state many talented artists featured ney,” which focused on her work after college designing and the Choctaw meanings at the Choctaw Days event own family’s history during various items such as busi- to the word. Choctaw words Attention at the Smithsonian National the Trail of Tears. “It was then ness cards and logos for com- “Okla,” meaning people, and Museum of the American that I became fascinated and panies. She has done many “humma” meaning red were Choctaw Artists Indian in June. Her work, started learning more about my types of artwork ranging from combined to make “Oklaho- If you are interested in participating Windstar, is one of her many own people,” stated Morris. portraits and landscapes to ma” which translates to “land in a Juried and Judged Choctaw Indian Art Show, let works that will be featured at Along with a love for her abstracts and animals. of red people.” the venue. This image was heritage, her passion for art She was one of the featured She is currently working on us hear from you! featured as the branding im- began at a young age. “Art artists at NDN Custom Frame a series of portraits featuring Please complete the following interest form in order to receive age of the Denver Choctaw runs through my veins,” de- and Art Gallery in Tahle- the Choctaw Code Talkers more information regarding the show which will be in Tvshka Hom- Day event in 2011. clared Morris. Ever since she quah, and her art was used of World War 1. She hopes ma, Oklahoma during the annual Labor Day Festivities. Included Morris spent her early entered and won her first art on the cover of the brochure to find information on each will be the following categories: Painting, Graphics, Cultural, childhood years at Oaks In- contest at Tulsa Indian Youth for the Tahlequah Art Guide, Code Talker from that genera- Sculpture, Jewelry, Pottery, and Basketry. Please complete the dian Mission in Oaks, Okla. Camp, she was hooked. “Af- 2011. Some of her work was tion to generate a well-round- form and return it to the address below. Art information packets will be mailed beginning in April. She had two strong influenc- ter that art became my pas- also displayed at the Five ed work of art. es in her youth who led her sion,” she mentioned. Civilized Tribes Museum in She has varied interests oth- to know about her Choctaw She took her inaugural first Muskogee. Visitors to the er than art. “I love older, clas- Name:______place prize the Choctaw Nation gift shop in sic, muscle cars and I know Address:______age of 10, and Tushka Homma will see her how to work on them. I’ve ______continued at work on mugs, tiles and jew- rebuilt a few engines and I’ve Phone:______winning ribbons, elry boxes. even done some bodywork,” E-Mail:______trophies and While Morris enjoys all declared Morris. She went Artistic Category:______certificates ever types of art, she has a slight on to tell that she has worked since. She con- preference for graphite and at Rocky Mountain National You must be at least 17 years old and tinued this activ- ink due to her love for the ef- Park as a park ranger, a job have a membership card issued ity into her col- fects of black and white. She she greatly enjoyed. by the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma to participate. lege years where has also dabbled in carving, She recently had a small Please return to: she earned an making miniature woodcarv- acting part in the movie “The Shelley Garner associate’s de- ings of peace pipes for Lyon’s Cherokee Word For Water.” Cultural Events gree in art from Indian store in Tulsa. It is a story about Wilma Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Tulsa Communi- “I’m such a perfectionist so Mankiller’s role in getting PO Box 1210 ty College. She I truly get involved with what- water to the Indian communi- Durant, OK 74702-1210 then enrolled at ever I’m doing,” said Morris ty of Bell, Okla. It was filmed Morris’ “WindStar” design which in- Montana State as she explained that no matter in Tahlequah in October 2011 For more information, call Shelley Garner corporates many Choctaw designs from University – what type of artwork she has and is set to be released Octo- at 1-800-522-6170, ext. 2377. the Oklahoma and Mississippi Bands. Northern where on her agenda, she is always ber of this year. BISKINIK | April 2012 | Page 6

PEOPLE YOU KNOW

Happy anniversary Happy birthday, Matthew Roberts inducted into Congratulations to Bill and Happy 23rd birthday on March 23 Florida Sports Hall of Fame Louise Amos on their 63rd wed- to Sr. Airman Matthew J. Burnett. His Olympic bronze medalist and two-time ding anniversary. They married family asks him to be safe in Afghani- world record holder Dave Roberts, M.D., in DeQueen, Ark., on March 26, stan and wishes him a very happy birth- a local physician practicing at The Ortho- 1949. They have two children, day. pedic Institute, will join the 13-member Nancy Williams of Edmond and 2012 Florida Sports Hall of Fame class Mike Amos of Broken Bow; six for his exceptional pole vaulting career. grandchildren, Justin, Derrick Roberts’ first world record was set in Gainesville on March and Zachary Williams of Ed- Happy sweet 16 28, 1975, soaring over 18 feet, 6.5 inches, and he added an- mond, and Dayla, Nikki and Andrew Amos of Broken Bow; Kimberlee and Bob Cast Jr. of Panama, other world record on June 22, 1976, in Eugene, Ore., when and one great-granddaughter, Milena. Okla., would like to wish their daughter, he cleared 18 feet, 8.25 inches. He won U.S. National Cham- Shelbie Lee Cast, a happy 16th birthday pionships in 1972 and 1974 and was the Pan American Games on April 10. Shelbie is a sophomore at silver medalist in 1971 at Cali, Colombia. Panama High School. She is a member of He also won bronze at the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal the high school band, FCCLA, the Honor and was the first man to win three straight NCAA titles outright Roll Society, JOM, SAP, and last year’s in the pole vault. In 2006, Roberts was inducted into the USA Miss Panama. The future holds wonderful things for her, and Pole Vault Hall of Fame. her family couldn’t be more proud of her. The Florida Sports Hall of Fame 2012 inductees were hon- ored in Tampa before the Tampa Bay Lightning game on March 19 and enshrined the next day at Mainsail Conference Center. The Hall of Fame has 205 members; their memorabilia Happy birthday, Ruby is displayed at the Lake Myrtle Sports Complex in Auburndale. Ruby L. Ferguson-Kirk celebrated After Roberts’ athletic career he went on to become an emer- her 100th birthday on March 11. She is gency physician. He graduated from the University of Florida the daughter of Mary L. Nail-Ferguson, College of Medicine and completed his nephrology fellowship an original enrollee, and Jeff D. Fergu- there. Additionally he received general surgery training at Me- son. Jeff and Mary married in 1908 in morial Medical Center in Savannah, Ga. Hugo. They both lived at nearby Soper, For almost 30 years, Roberts practiced as an emergency phy- and had four children, Joe Edgar, born sician in north and central Florida hospitals. Today he prac- Choctaw Nation Idabel pharmacy 1909, Ruby in 1912, Cecil in 1914 and Richard in 1928. tices primary care orthopedics, the non-surgical evaluation and Ruby’s maternal grandparents were Joe Nail, an original treatment of musculoskeletal conditions, at The Orthopedic named pharmacy of the year enrollee, and Paralee Mullins-Nail. Her paternal grandparents Institute. The Choctaw Nation Health Clinic Idabel Pharmacy were Albert Henry Ferguson and Maryann Thompson-Fergu- “Practicing primary care orthopedics allows me to utilize my was awarded the Pharmacy of the Year Award at the annual son. education and medical experience as well as my background Oklahoma City Area Indian Health Service Pharmacy CE Ruby was married to the late Forrest Kirk. They have three as an athlete,” said Roberts. “I have trained intensely, and I meeting in February. Shanna Rowan, pharmacy technician, children, eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. understand firsthand the pain and heartbreak of a debilitating was awarded the very first Kris Hunley Customer Service Ruby was from Soper but lived at Frederick when she married. injury as well as the long road to recovery.” award. Pictured (front, left to right) are pharmacists Joey Birthday cards can be sent to: Ruby Kirk at Tamarack A.L. Smith, Song Lavalais and Cass Davis; (back, left to right) tech- Apt. 2 1224 E. Tamarack Rd. Altus, OK 73521. nicians Stacey Humphrey, Shanna Rowan, Kendra Jackson and Rochieda Tonihka. Native Quest Cultural Center offers many activities Happy birthday, Gabriel Native Quest is a Native American Cultural Cen- Hudson family purchases first home Gabriel Louis will celebrate his 16th ter serving local and urban Native Americans, as well birthday on April 22. He is in the 10th as non-Native Americans, by providing a friendly envi- with help of CAB program grade and enjoys football, basketball, ronment to investigate and experience Native American Congratulations to track, school and video games. He loves Cultures. The center provides the world’s largest Native Amer- Choctaw Asset Building going to church and being with his fam- ican bookstore with over 6,000 titles and over 80,000 books, (CAB) client and new ily, friends and his dogs. Sending him including many out of print and rare titles. There is also a cafe home owner Ashley birthday wishes are his mom and family. featuring Native American meals; weekly talking and healing Hudson and her family. circles; a Native American art gallery featuring local traditional With the help of CAB, and contemporary artists; weekly education and entertainment the Hudson family re- featuring storytellers, musicians, craftspeople and authors as cently purchased their well as a local talent night every Saturday night that is open first home. CAB helps to the public; weekly craft classes; and First Saturday Indian clients with their money Market where Native craftspeople sell their creations. management and saving Native Quest is open to the general public and located near habits. Clients receive the Tacoma Dome in Tacoma, Wash., at 2354 Jefferson Ave. personal financial education and training that is specific to their (at S. 25th St.). asset choice. Ashley was so inspired by the Personal Financial Education workshop that she began by helping others by host- ing budgeting and couponing workshops. “The Personal Finan- Artist’s painting earns prestigious award cial Education class was extremely helpful. I walked away with L.S. Eldridge’s painting, “Werner at Crystal Bridges,” has the skills needed to run my home in a more practical way. My been awarded the Walser S. Greathouse Medal at the 145th An- husband and I researched different budgeting scenarios until nual Exhibition of the American Watercolor Society. The AWS we found one just right for us and have stayed on track with the annual is one of the premiere watercolor exhibits in the world. budgeting system. I also dug a bit deeper into the couponing The painting will be on exhibit from April 3 through the 22nd, world and cut my grocery bill by $474 a month for our family 2012, at the Salmagundi Club at 47 Fifth Avenue in New York. of five. The savings from this went into an emergency fund and In addition, the Jury of Awards has chosen Eldridge’s piece for into the CAB savings account as well. Both the budgeting idea inclusion in the 145th American Watercolor Society Traveling and the couponing idea came from the workshop,” said Ashley. Exhibition 2012-13. The work will go on a circuit of museums CAB clients make monthly deposits to their CAB savings and galleries around the country in the year ahead. A list of account for 6 to 36 months and can use their savings to pur- Congratulations, Heather paintings in the traveling exhibit and the itinerary will be in- chase their first home, fund education, or start or expand a Congratulations to Red Oak student Heather Edington, a cluded in the exhibition catalog. small business. CAB will match up to $2,000 of their savings freshman, for earning Senior Showman at the Choctaw Nation To find out more about the American Watercol- ($3 to $1 for home purchases or $2 to $1 to pay for education Livestock Show in Wilburton. She also earned Senior Show- or Society, established in 1866, visit their website at or entrepreneurship.) “I was so thrilled to be a part of the CAB man at the Red Oak local show and Intermediate Showman americanwatercolorsociety.com. To find out more about the program. If not for the CAB program, we would still be scrap- at the Latimer County Junior Livestock Show. Pictured with artist, visit the website, lseldridge.com. ing to save money to purchase our home. The program gave me Heather is her brother, William Edington, who also goes to Red the skills needed in finance and the financial assistance to jump Oak. Heather is the vice president of FFA, she plays basketball start our dream of owning a home. I was always encouraged for the Red Oak Lady Eagles and she has showed animals since by my CAB coach, Janie, with her monthly reminders on sav- she was 5 years old. She has received many awards since she ings, and the statements we received in the mail showing our has been a member of FFA and 4H. matched funds gave me the drive to save more,” said Ashley. Home ownership was an important goal for the Hudson fam- ily. “We consider our family ‘home,’ but needed a place for our Hannah earns the crown family to grow some roots. We were ready to make the invest- Congratulations to Hannah King of ment on a home of our own and were growing weary of throw- Broken Bow who was recently crowned ing money at rent houses. Now we feel secure in our home Miss Oil Capital’s Outstanding Teen. She investment and look forward to living and growing together as will now compete for Miss Oklahoma’s a family in a place we can call ours,” said Ashley. Outstanding Teen in Tulsa June 4-8. Her For information on how CAB can help you with your finan- parents are Bruce and Leslie King. cial goals, go to choctawcab.com or contact CAB at 866-933- 2260. Deloures says thanks Pictured from left to right are Miss Choctaw Nation Amber Happy birthday wishes Tehauno, Deloures Smith, Junior Miss Choctaw Nation Adri- Happy 85th birthday on April 27 to Wanda Lou (Burris) Witt anna Curnutt and Little Miss Choctaw Nation Summer Moffitt. from her daughter, Pam. May you live to be 100! Deloures is a member of the Johnson-O’Malley parent com- Happy birthday, Ronnie mittee of Krebs Public Schools. The group was photographed Happy 14th birthday to Ronnie Smith at the 28th Annual Oklahoma Johnson-O’Malley Conference Colt turns 5 Jr. on April 8. Wishing R.J. a happy birth- in Norman. Deloures would like to give a big thank you to the Happy birthday to Colt! Colt day are his parents, Deloures and Ronnie Choctaw Nation. Crader turned 5 years old on March Smith; sister, Danielle Smith; aunt, Annt- 11. He celebrated with a Transform- tee Johnson; grandmother, Evelyn John- ers party at home with family and son of Ardmore; and grandmom, Effice Happy birthday, Lealon friends, who all wish him the best Smith of Sherman, Texas. Happy birthday to Lealon Everidge, year. who turned 23 on March 1. He is cur- rently a student at the Santa Rosa Ju- Madeleine crowned princess nior College in California, and he is interested in animal care and law en- Happy birthday, Huck Congratulations to Madeleine Free- forcement. In his spare time he enjoys Happy birthday to Harold Bur- man, who was recently crowned the new spending time with his family. ris, who recently celebrated his OK Choctaw Tribal Alliance Princess 21st Leap Year birthday at his for 2012. The selection committee was home in Eufala. He was born on headed by Perrin Deal. All the contestants Feb. 29, 1928, and graduated performed the Lord’s Prayer in Choctaw Madonna celebrates her birthday Chilico High School in 1948. He sign language, spoke on the significance On April 10, Madonna Campbell (Hay) of Enid celebrated served five years on the Army Na- of their regalia, along with many other as- her 80th birthday. On April 7, her daughter-in-law had an open tional Guard and retired from Se- pects of our native culture and history. The choice was tough, house for all friends and relatives. Madonna had a great birth- quoyah Boarding School. but Madeleine stood above the crowd. day. BISKINIK | April 2012 | Page 7 EDUCATION

Benton utilizes CAB Battiest is salutatorian program to reach Congratulations to Hallie Battiest of Wright City Junior High School for earning educational goal the title of salutatorian of her eighth grade Allison Benton used the Choctaw class. Hallie is the 14-year-old daughter Asset Building program to achieve her of Crystal Battiest and Garrett James of educational goals despite family and fi- Wright City and Ricky and Myrna Taylor nancial challenges. Allison’s goal was of Jay. She is the granddaughter of Presley to complete her MBA so that she could Battiest Sr. and Serena Battiest of Wright City and Charles and teach on the collegiate level. In No- Rita Holt of Wright City. vember of 2010, she and her husband, Hallie is a member of Wisdom Club, FCCLA, and was Shawn, who is on active duty with the Air Force, found out elected class favorite. She has recently participated in FCCLA that they were moving from Oklahoma City overseas to Eng- competitive events, placing third for New Member Facts. She land. Allison found an MBA program at Southwestern College is athletic, participating in softball and basketball throughout Pictured are the children of the Chahta Vlla Interlocal that she could complete online. She was worried, though, be- the year. She also participates in church activities at Tohwali Preschool in Bethel, who were visited by CHR Darlene cause the program was very expensive and would put a finan- Methodist Church. She enjoys spending time with family, mak- Noahubi as they were learning about community helpers. cial strain on her household. “There was a time when I thought ing bracelets, reading, playing cards, playing basketball, and about putting my MBA on hold because it is a very expensive playing fastpitch softball. program. But after I learned about the CAB program, I con- tinued to go to school and am now graduating this May,” said Allison. She found out about the program at the OKC Choctaw information fair in 2010. Gann receives CAB offers a matched savings account in which up to $2,000 of participants’ savings are matched $2 to $1 for education or a broadcasting small business or $3 to $1 for a first time home purchase. “CAB scholarship is a great program that should be utilized by all Choctaws who Southeastern Oklaho- qualify. The program is very useful and helps Choctaws build ma State University se- financial sustainability. It teaches good financial skills and will nior Jessica Ann Gann is help you save for a business, house or education,” explained the recipient of a scholar- Allison. ship from the Oklahoma Planning was an important part of Allison completing her Spelling bee winners Association of Broad- goal. She knew she was on a tight time line due to the upcom- The KEDDO Seven County Spelling Bee was held at the casters (OAB). ing move to England, so she went ahead and completed the KEDDO board room on March 15. Pictured from left to right Gann, a communication major (broadcasting emphasis) from required Personal Financial Education Workshop that was held are Mary Harmon of Rattan, first place winner; Barbara Carter Hugo, was one of six students to receive the award statewide. in Oklahoma City in January 2011. Participants in CAB are of Rattan, second place winner; and Leila Deal of Broken Bow, The OAB Education Foundation offers annual scholarships to required to take this class within six months of opening their third place winner. In the back row is Bob Winters of Broken students majoring in broadcasting at Oklahoma colleges and CAB account. “The education class helped strengthen my fi- Bow, fourth place winner, and the spelling bee mascot, Saman- universities. nancial skills and the most important thing I learned was how tha Humphreys, KEDDO Aging/Information and Assistance Gann received the $2,000 Mark Rawlings Scholarship at the to improve my credit score,” said Allison. She also knew that Specialist. OAB and Oklahoma Broadcasting Education Association Stu- she would need her funds in August 2011 and that she would The first and second place winners will represent the KED- dent Competition Awards ceremony at the Oklahoma History have to save for at least six months before she could withdraw DO Area Agency on Aging at the Oklahoma State Spelling Bee Center in Oklahoma City on March 8. her funds. She opened her CAB account in February 2011. Championship on May 15 in Norman at the Embassy Suites “I have been in radio for seven years,” said Gann. “My plans Knowing that the move overseas was coming up, she set up Hotel, in which lodging, meals and transportation (if needed) are to still be involved with college radio stations across the her monthly CAB deposit on an automatic transfer from her will be provided. state, radio seminars, become general manager of a radio sta- checking account into her CAB account. This way she knew KEDDO would like to give a special thank you to lead judge tion and still be a strong radio personality and voice talent pro- she wouldn’t have to worry about mailing her deposit from Melody Culberson, KANP Outreach Coordinator of Panola; ducer. overseas. judge Afton Pope, KEDDO secretary of Wilburton; judge “Even further than that, I would still want to be a radio pro- Allison and her husband moved to England in April 2011. JoAnn Grippando, KANP executive board member of McAl- ducer in Nashville, Tenn.” “We were excited of the challenge but knew we would miss our ester; and pronouncer Ellen Young, KANP registered dietician March 8 was a huge day for Gann. Along with the awards family terribly. So far we are learning about new cultures and of Wright City. program, it was also Student Career Day which provided a have had fun traveling,” said Allison. By August 2011, she had great opportunity for those interested in broadcasting. saved $2,000, which along with the matching funds from CAB As an added bonus that made the event more exciting, March gave her $6,000 to help with her educational expenses. 8 was also Gann’s birthday. Allison encourages all Choctaws to not let obstacles prevent Gann is pictured being interviewed by a local TV station. them from reaching their goals. “The CAB program has had a tremendous effect on our household and financial burdens. Sometimes education seems too expensive or out of reach. There can be many things going on in your life during school; mine included difficult transition of moving overseas, but you can’t let this stop you from achieving your goals. Be thankful and take advantage of the programs the Choctaw Nation has to offer, we really are a part of a supportive tribe that works hard to better our lives,” she said.

Nelson signs letter of intent John Choctaw High School senior (Choctaw, Okla.) Jerryd Nel- inducted son signed his letter of intent to play football at Haskell Indian Nations University at Lawrence, Kan. He will be playing de- into NHS fensive tackle for the “Fightin’ Indians.” Congratulations to Jerryd has a 3.9 GPA, was a three-year starter for both of- John Troussel, who Hugo JOM committee donates iPads fense and defense for the Choctaw High School Yellow Jack- was inducted into Hugo Public Schools received new technology recently when ets, and he was Oklahoma 6A-1 All District Player for 2011. the National Honor 10 iPads were donated to them from the Johnson O’Malley Jerryd will be an environmental science major. He is a mem- Society at McAlester Committee. Pictured are JOM Committee members Bekah ber of the Choctaw Nation and the great-great-grandson of High School on Feb. 21. John is a senior and is taking con- Langley, Vice Chairman; Colton Langley, HES student; Cason original enrollee Louis Mackey. current classes at Eastern Oklahoma State College. He works Langley, future student; Natasha Hudson, Secretary; Karen Pictured are, sitting, Shelby Nelson (Jerryd’s sister), Karrissa about 35 hours a week as a cook at a local Italian restaurant. Lyles, Superintendent of Hugo Schools; and Ronnie Thomp- Nelson (Jerryd’s mother), Jerryd, Paul Nelson (his father), and He also does service learning through the school and plans to son, Chairman. Committee member Nikki VanTrees was un- standing is Coach Tuberville of CHS. go through the C.O.P.S. program at Eastern after graduation. available for the photo.

Olive excels in the classroom To the Youth of the Nation Kenneth Olive of Bennington earned the title of "student of the month” By: Lecie Murray in January at Bennington High School. He is a member of the high school Youth Advisory Board academic team, which won the area contest in Kiowa. The team went to the “Get some rest, kid” state meet in El Reno in February. Mrs. Tonya Ferguson, the high school English teacher at Bennington, serves as the team’s coach. They earned the In my opinion, one of the biggest problems affecting the youth of the nation is tiresome- runner-up at state. ness. Have you noticed? Kids wake up, go to school, and sleep during class. They aren’t paying attention to what’s being taught and they’re causing themselves to fall behind in class. It’s because they’re staying up so late at night, doing whatever it is they feel is more Choctaw Nation important than a good night’s rest: Jersey Shore, Modern Warfare, and dragging town. Now, don’t get me wrong, some kids stay up late finishing homework or because they have a job Vocational Rehabilitation Calendar after school. Those are some of the better reasons to lose sleep. If parents would step up and teach their children to be responsible for what they do, then I think that education would bet- ter impact the students in today’s society. Logically, if the youth is sleeping in class, then it’s Broken Bow Durant impossible to learn. Sleep is essential to the development of youth. It improves your memory, 8 a.m.-4:30 8 a.m.-4:30 spurs creativity, and sharpens your attention. So if you want to help the youth of the nation, p.m. Idabel p.m. by appt. what’s some of the best advice you can give them? “Get some rest, kid.”

Durant Antlers Tuskahoma Wright City 8 a.m.-4:30 by appt. 8 a.m.-4:30 by appt. p.m. p.m. Talihina by appt.

Durant McAlester 10 Broken Bow 8 a.m.-4:30 a.m.-2 p.m. 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Stigler by appt. p.m. Idabel by appt.

Durant Poteau Crowder 8 a.m.-4:30 10 a.m.-2 p.m. by appt. p.m.

Wilburton 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

Durant - Mon., Wed. and Fri.; Broken Bow - Mon., Wed. and Fri.; Idabel by appointment Pictured is the graduating Choctaw language class from Jenks, taught by Barry Gibson Phone: 580-326-8304; Fax: 580-326-2410 (far left). Graduation was held Feb. 20. Email: [email protected] BISKINIK | April 2012 | Page 8 Expressing cultural, historical ideals through art By LARISSA COPELAND matter wasn’t tend the University of Oklahoma where he earned his degree in Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma what was im- political science. Today, while creating art feeds one passion, portant. It was his full-time job in Oklahoma Supreme Court Justice Yvonne To represent the tribe as a presenter at Choctaw Days at the skill of my Kauger’s Sovereignty Symposium office, fuels another passion the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian technique that for him – educating tribal members. (NMAI) is a huge, humbling honor, says artist D.G. Smalling attracted them “I owe a debt to my tribe,” he explains. “My great-grand- of Oklahoma City, an honor that helps to affirm the skills and to my work.” mother, it would have been so easy for her to forget, to not ideals he has dedicated his life to representing. Today, his carry on the language, the culture. We could have disappeared “Number one, to be there with the tribe is a very important pieces are dis- so easily. But she refused. My faith and my debt is so much that thing; it validates me as an artist. It validates, too, that the na- played in mu- I have to continue it. It’s a beautiful obligation. tion sees value in it. That is exciting to me, that I’ll be there seums, galler- “It is important for us to remember that someone far back in presenting with my peers,” he says. ies, government our families felt strongly enough that we need to be Choctaw, “Second, the Smithsonian is a big thing, huge. To just be buildings and that in the face of everything that tried to submit it, to beat it there, to just be present for this, it means a lot. I grew up as a homes in loca- out of them, they refused,” he continued. “That’s why I refuse. kid going to the Smithsonian and I always get excited about tions around the I celebrate it that we survived. That’s why I say there is a debt. it,” he adds. world. Small- This is who I am and I’m proud of that.” Creating art has been a lifelong venture for Smalling, though ing creates in Choctaw Nation: LARISSA COPELAND Along with the responsibility of educating and empowering he’s only been at it professionally for nine years. Though his many formats, of tribal members, he believes strongly for tribes to encourage Choctaw artist D.G. Smalling poses Choctaw roots are prevalent in his work, his methods are varied from painting the output of quality art and Native-created items. “We fought with a sculpture he created using glass and his influences vast. Smalling is quick to point out that his and drawing, long and hard to control our art,” he says, referring to the In- and steel. The four-sided piece, which he style is such that he can’t be boxed into any particular category. to sculptures of dian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990. “It’s important that we under- says represents tribal, state, and federal “I’m an artist,” he asserts, “not just a ‘Native artist.’ I’m Na- steel and glass. stand and respect that.” judicial systems working together in uni- tive, yes, but I am adamant about not being pigeonholed with “My art is pro- He says tribes can ensure that idea by developing an artist son and with necessary transparency, is who I am as an artist. I need the flexibility.” portionate, flu- registry with quality artists who accurately reflect its history prominently displayed in the Oklahoma It was this diversity that has made different cultures seek out id.” and views. “Outside people go to the registry when seeking out Judicial Center’s Supreme Court Recep- and appreciate his work. His Working with art from a particular tribe and registries are often their starting tion Room in Oklahoma City. first piece exhibited to the Choctaw hi- point. The registry reflects back on the tribe and is why the art- public was in a Cuban gal- eroglyphs, one ists need to be vetted – to ensure the tribe is represented in the lery in Miami, Fla., some- technique he often uses is a contemporary “one line” format, right way. The quality is just as important as who is making it.” thing that helped affirm to the drawing of a single, constant line without interruption to Smalling plans to take that to heart when he presents at himself that he was being create intricately detailed sketches. “I use the old ways but Choctaw Days at the NMAI in Washington, D.C. There, he will taken seriously in the field. keep it modern,” he says. “That’s exciting to me.” display his work and do demonstrations, along with lectures “The fact that it was a non- His methods are also simple and done with commonly used and presentations on the Choctaw Code Talkers. Smalling is Native gallery that exhibited tools, such as Sharpie® markers and pens. “I want kids to be a great-grandson of World War I Code Talker Calvin Wilson. my art authenticated to me able to see what I do and what I use so they’ll realize, ‘hey, I Choctaw Days will take place at the NMAI from June 20- that I am an artist,” he says. can do that,’ when they see that my tools are readily available,” 23. The public is encouraged to visit the event and experience “It showed me that subject he says, crediting the diversity of exposure to other artists and Smalling’s artwork and knowledge, along with additional art- situations throughout his life. ists, dancers and others representing the tribe, and take part in Smalling grew up in Idabel and Haworth, but then at age 8, a memorable, rich Choctaw cultural experience. Choctaw Nation: LARISSA COPELAND he and his family packed up and left southeastern Oklahoma to Additionally, Smalling can be heard every Saturday morning do missionary work overseas. Together, they lived in Switzer- hosting a radio program on Oklahoma City station, The Spy Above, Smalling adds color land, Cameroon, and South Africa, where he was continually FM. His hour-long show is dedicated to discussing pertinent detail to one of his “one line” influenced both politically and artistically by his travels and topics and trends with leaders and friends in Indian country, sketches. The entire drawing exposure to other cultures. and also showcasing the music of Native artists, giving them a is made with a single continu- After graduating high school in South Africa, while his par- platform to show their diversity and talent. Podcasts and apps ous line without interruption, ents continued their missionary work in numerous countries to remotely listen to his show are available for download on pictured right in closer detail. Choctaw Nation: LARISSA COPELAND around the world, Smalling returned to the United States to at- www.TheSpyFM.com/shows/ndn-country/.

FLIGHT Tribe makes flights for wounded warriors

Continued from Page 1 was made on March 23 to transport a group of wounded war- riors from Fort Sam Houston, Texas, to Las Cruces, N.M., for the annual Bataan Memorial Death March. A total of 17 wounded soldiers, physical therapists, case workers and support staff were flown by volunteer pilots, in- cluding Cherry and Wesley in this case, on four aircraft to take part in the 26.2-mile march honoring the military heroes who suffered through the 80-mile march on the Philippine Islands Choctaw Nation: LARISSA COPELAND during World War II. “This is our first time being part of something this big, with Volunteer pilots, including those from Choctaw Nation, flew 17 wounded soldiers, physical therapists, case workers this many people and the other planes involved,” said Cherry. and support staff, from Fort Sam Houston, Texas, on four aircraft to Las Cruces, N.M., take part in the Bataan Memo- “This one was significant, both in numbers and because of the rial Death March. The flight was organized by Veterans Airlift Command and was the 24th volunteer flight made by the event (the Bataan Memorial Death March).” Choctaw Nation Flight Operations. Passengers on the Choctaw flight were two of the wounded soldiers, Sgt. 1st Class John Faulkenberry and Spc. Terry Lig- man, along with physical therapist Mark Parker and Tanya “Four years,” Ligman responded, referring to his long strug- and get on the plane and not have to go through all the normal Boulgakova, a case manager at the Center for the Intrepid, or gle to save his leg. security procedures is so very helpful. This is a luxury.” CFI. After an IED blast in Iraq, Ligman, a 28-year-old tanker Security procedures at airports, though necessary and mostly All the soldiers originally from Fort Gibson, Okla., was left enduring a painful just time-consuming to most travelers, prove to be an even making this partic- These men and women fight to save his seriously injured foot and leg. more uncomfortable aspect of travel for those wearing pros- ular voyage are re- have sacrificed their “It was my first deployment in 2007,” he says, “and we’d thetics. ceiving treatment only been there for about a month when it happened. My tank “This is much more convenient [than commercial travel] for for their injuries lives for our country and hit a roadside bomb and my left foot got crushed in the explo- us,” adds Ligman, who was on his second VAC flight. “Going at CFI, a branch of have paid a heavy price“ sion,” he says. through security and having to take off your leg to go through the Brooks Army “with their injuries. [This] He, like Faulkenberry, initially tried “limb salvage” by un- the metal detectors. Or other times we have to go to a sepa- Medical Center at is something we can do dergoing numerous surgeries, painful recovery and therapy rate room to be wanded…” he said, trailing off. “I enjoyed this Fort Sam Hous- for them to let them over a span of years, but eventually he had his leg amputated flight today. It was comfortable and just really nice.” ton. CFI provides below the knee in late 2011. Parker explains it further, having worked with many wound- rehabilitation to know that we appreciate “I had a lot of pain,” said Ligman, “not anymore though, ed warriors through the years, “These guys are dealing with those who have their service. since the amputation.” a lot of emotional stuff during their recovery. Having to go sustained ampu- Both Faulkenberry and Ligman have chosen to medically through airport security, having to remove their prosthesis to tations, burns, or – John Wesley retire from the military because of their injuries. “Mine was go through the metal detectors and X-rays…it’s not that they functional limb Pilot, Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma official on March 20th,” says Faulkenberry. Ligman’s medical forget, but it throws it back into their faces that, ‘hey, I’ve lost loss in combat retirement is still in the works. my leg,’ or their arm or whatever the case may be. That (securi- during Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom. Both Faulken- Their injuries have not slowed them down though. This ty procedures at the airports) is just the way of the world today berry and Ligman have undergone below-the-knee amputa- year’s Bataan march was a first for both men, who prepared by and we understand that. But by having these flights available, tions and have been fitted with prosthetic limbs. doing weekly marches and walks with their physical therapists. it’s just so helpful and we’re very grateful. It’s all about taking In 2007, Faulkenberry, a 29-year-old former Army Ranger The march is a challenge that Parker says is an important care of our wounded veterans.” from Midland, Texas, was on his third combat tour, having de- step in the injured soldiers’ rehabilitation. “It (the flight) is such a wonderful thing,” adds Boulgakova, ployed twice to Iraq before going to Afghanistan. It was there, “We want to help make things easier for them but not too “so special and so appreciated. None of these warriors take it in Northern Afghanistan while his platoon was assisting fellow easy because this is life,” says Parker, a six-time “Bataan” par- for granted.” soldiers who were greatly outnumbered by enemy forces, that ticipant. “Even with their injuries, these guys just keep pushing “The support we get is amazing,” says Faulkenberry. “I can’t he was shot by machine gun fire several times in his right thigh and pushing, and it’s a huge morale boost for them to make it say enough about it.” during the fierce firefight. the entire 26.2 miles in the sand. They don’t give up and there’s And those being flown aren’t the only ones who take some- Faulkenberry lost two friends in that battle. no greater satisfaction seeing that.” thing away from this flight program…the pilots are just as af- “We’d been in country about three months when it hap- According to Ligman, he knew it wouldn’t be an easy task fected by the experience and feel it’s just a small way to show pened,” he says. “We got a call (on the radio) that another pla- but he wasn’t deterred. “I signed up for the challenge,” he says, gratitude for their special passengers’ service. toon had been ambushed and mine responded. I was shot in my “to make it to the end.” “Seeing these soldiers and hearing their stories about the upper leg and twice below the knee. I lost a lot of muscle in Boulgakova, who was making the march for the first time, hassle and sometimes embarrassment they go through with my thigh because of it, so, even though I have the same below- says that a special kinship is formed between the casework- airline travel makes me proud to be able to help them,” says the-knee amputation as some guys, I don’t have the same leg ers and physical therapists and the wounded warriors by par- Wesley. strength because I have less muscle mass here,” he says, point- ticipating in the march with them. “A bond is created by going Cherry agrees with that point of view. “It is a very awe-in- ing to his right thigh. through this together,” she says. “We want them all to finish spiring time for me,” he adds. “These young men and women After an unsuccessful three-year effort to salvage the limb, and we’re here to assist them as needed. We don’t do this for have given so much of their time and effort, and it has cost he ultimately chose to have the lower part of his leg amputated our time on the march, we do it to support them.” them physically, mentally and emotionally; yet they still main- in 2010. Parker states that the flights like the one provided by the tain a very positive attitude and many are still involved in help- “I’ve gone on a VAC flight once before this to do research Choctaw Nation through the VAC make this undertaking – ing others. I don’t think we can do enough to show them how before I decided to have my amputation,” says Faulkenberry, successfully completing the march – more attainable for these grateful and appreciative we are.” who had already undergone dozens of surgeries and would soldiers. Cherry says Chief Pyle and Assistant Chief Batton are both most likely have had ongoing pain and a limp for life had he “The flights are such a huge convenience for us,” says Park- very supportive of the flights, allowing the flight team freedom not had the operation. “We tried for a long time on my ‘limb er. “It makes it easier for us all to get here and for these guys to to schedule the trips when and where their schedule allows. salvage,’ not quite as long as him though,” he says, gesturing accomplish their mission. They can focus on the march and not Another wounded warrior flight is already on the books for this towards Ligman. worry about the travel to get here. Being able to just walk out month, and according to Cherry, there’s “more to come.” BISKINIK | April 2012 | Page 9 Umsted exhibits great pride in tribe through art, utilizes family experiences as inspiration By CHRISSY DILL firsthand, she said. “This is a Batik process involves materials such as melted wax, brushes, Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma family history of which I am dyes and fabric. extremely proud.” Umsted plans to feature pieces she has used Batik to create at Eager eyes and ears will be taking in Choctaw Days at the Umsted said to have the her exhibit during Choctaw Days, as well as some works done Smithsonian again this summer. opportunity to return to the using acrylic paint. Artist Janie Umsted is very proud to have the opportunity to Museum of the American In- Overall, she plans to have artwork that reflects her theme be one of the chosen few to show her Native American artwork dian and share her art is un- of “A Military History of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma,” at the National Museum of the American Indian. believable, and she plans to which was inspired by men in her family who have served in “It is such a great honor for me to be chosen by the Choctaw have a number of her paint- the military. Nation to be one of the Choctaw artists to travel to Washington, ings and perhaps some small “My father was a bomber pilot in World War II and received D.C., this summer,” said Umsted; however, this will not be the sculptures on display during numerous medals, including the Distinguished Air Cross,” she first time Umsted will be visiting this particular museum. “I the event. said proudly, adding that her brothers are both graduates of the was so fortunate to be able to be with the Choctaw delegation She gained her initial expe- Naval Academy. “They are proud of their Choctaw heritage at the grand opening of the museum several years ago,” she rience as an artist at the Uni- and proud of their military service.” said. “I thought my heart would burst with pride to be a part versity of Oklahoma, gradu- JANIE UMSTED Along with Umsted’s theme of the Choctaw Nation’s in- of such a beautiful display of pride in our heritage of the first ating in 1969 with a Bachelor volvement with our nation’s military, she also plans to create Americans.” of Fine Arts degree, and has been working professionally in art for her display a piece that highlights the Choctaw game of Umsted possesses a rich Choctaw family history, which she ever since. stickball, a piece entitled “Little Brother of War,” and pieces cherishes. “My great-great-great-grandfather was Peter Pitch- Even before she was able to gain a formal education to fur- paying respect to the Choctaw Color Guard, the Code Talk- lynn, chief during the Civil War,” she said. “My great-uncle ther her artistic career, Umsted’s family played a part in her ers and the Veteran’s Day Celebrations of the Choctaw Nation. was William F. Semple, chief right after Oklahoma statehood growing talent. “I am from a very artistic Choctaw family and “I will be incorporating both the Choctaw flag and the United in the early 1920s. all of my art training started early in life,” she stated. States flag in much of my work,” she added. “My great-aunt, Dr. Anne Semple, was one of the earliest She said her training was considered very traditional and ac- Umsted’s exhibit is sure to demonstrate the great pride she Choctaw women in Oklahoma to receive a PhD and was the ademic in style and was very predictable as far as results. “By has for her Choctaw tribe, and therefore show many museum only Choctaw woman to be named as Oklahoma Poet Laureate that, I mean that I was taught to draw and paint from a realistic visitors how tradition-oriented the great Choctaw Nation is and of Oklahoma,” continued Umsted. “She also wrote the History point of view,” she explained. the respect its tribal members hold for its culture. “To have of the Oklahoma Presbyterian College,” which site now serves Today, Umsted practices a form of art entitled “Batik,” which the opportunity to display my artwork at the Museum of the as the tribal headquarters of the Choctaw Nation. she calls a very unusual and unpredictable technique that she American Indian is one of the highlights of my career and my Another family member of hers experienced the Trail of Tears has been doing for over 40 years and is mostly self-taught. The life,” she said.

How to: the art of Batik Choctaw artist Janie Umsted’s main form of art is “Batik,” which she has been creating for over 40 years. The materials Umsted uses for Batik are: melted wax, brush- es, dyes and fabric. First, she works out on paper the design or image she plans to create. She then draws the composition onto the fabric, which is usually cotton and white in color. The color scheme used in this process should be thought of ahead of time in preparation, said Umsted. Batik is a technique in which the artist needs to have in mind what their desired effect will be. Once the drawing is complete, she carefully studies the col- ors she plans to use. She then focuses on the sections of the design that she wants to be the lightest in color, such as white. At this point, Umsted melts the wax, which is a combination of paraffin wax and beeswax. She paints the hot wax onto the cloth in the areas of the design that she wants to remain the Pictured are Wister KI BOIS Head Start staff, students who received Raising a Reader materials along with YAB color of the cloth. The wax will then dry wherever it is applied students who assisted with the trivia night fund raiser, aimed at earning funds for the early literacy program, RAR. and hold that area so it will not be dyed any other color. Next, Umsted dyes the whole piece of fabric the next darkest color in her chosen color scheme, probably a light gray or blue, or perhaps a pale yellow, she said. YAB members assist with trivia night Often, she will pick up the fabric and take it outside to dry quickly. Once it is dry, she is ready to paint more hot wax on top of the light-colored areas that she wants to stay that color. to benefit Raising a Reader program Next, she will dye the next darkest color. For example, if the Do you know what overwhelming, barriers to YAB provided a special dren in Wister received color is light blue, she might dye the fabric a darker blue to get year LeFlore County was providing the kind of lan- Too Much To Lose (2M2L) two RAR kits on Feb. 16. a tone-on-tone effect for shading, she said. Or she might dye a founded? This question guage and print-rich home presentation during round 5, RAR will serve approxi- light green over the blue; or if the color is pale yellow, she may was asked at a Trivia Night, experiences to develop these dedicated to underage drink- mately 42 children in two dye a light orange or a light green. hosted by Smart Start critical skills. As a result, sig- ing in Oklahoma. Sample classrooms. Research indi- Step by step, Umsted’s design becomes more complex in Kiamichi Country (SSKC) nificant numbers of children question: (Fact or Myth?) It cates that a love of reading its overall appearance. All the while, she is working out in and Choctaw Nation Youth enter school lacking the skills is a misdemeanor for a person is linked to life success. If her mind the dark and light areas as well as the desired color Advisory Board (YAB). needed for success. SSKC be- under the age of 21 to mis- you are like most parents, scheme. Sandie Rutherford, lieves this issue is being ad- represent their age in order to you want your child to be When she is about finished, she literally takes the whole Community Coordinator dressed through RAR. obtain alcohol and may have well prepared for success piece and crumples it in her hands in order to make the wax for SSKC, and Shonnie On Nov. 17, 2011, at the their driver’s license sus- in school. crack. Hall, Community Outreach Choctaw Nation Community pended for one year or until SSKC would like to One of the last steps in her Batik process, Umsted dyes the Specialist with Choctaw Center, three teams played a age 21, whichever is longer. thank the following busi- whole piece black, and the cracks in the wax are revealed in a Nation Youth Empower- game of trivia in an effort to Response: Fact. According nesses and agencies for totally unique all-over pattern that permeates the whole design, ment, partnered together raise funds to purchase RAR to the Pacific Institute for Re- their contributions: KI she explained. to provide an evening of materials for a classroom in search and Evaluation, tragic BOIS Community Action, When the piece is completely dry, she carefully places it fun while raising funds for LeFlore County. YAB mem- health, social and economic McBee Law Firm PLLC, between newsprint paper and irons the wax out, leaving the Raising A Reader (RAR). bers facilitated the trivia problems result from the use Representative Lockhart, completed Batik. RAR is an early literacy game, served refreshments of alcohol by youth. Under- 2M2L, Green Country program that promotes and were instrumental in the age drinking is a casual factor Trophy and Screen Print- daily “book cuddling” be- success of the event. in a host of serious problems, ing, Walmart Poteau, Po- tween children and their KI BOIS Community Ac- including homicide, suicide, teau Daily News, “Bargin Choctaw Nation to aid with loans parents. tion Foundation, Inc. Rep- traumatic injury, alcohol poi- Shack,” Choctaw Nation The Southeastern Oklahoma Indian Credit Associa- SSKC believes all chil- resentative Lockhart and soning and need for treatment Project Safe, Choctaw Na- tion offers small business, home, home improvement dren need to enter Kinder- Friends and McBee Law for alcohol abuse and depen- tion Community Center, and agriculture loans. garten with the skills neces- Firm were the businesses that dence. Choctaw Nation Youth Ad- To be eligible to apply, a person must reside within sary for school/life success. sponsored teams of 10 play- YAB also spoke about So- visory Board and Shonnie the 10-1/2 county service area of the Choctaw Na- These skills are developed ers to play 10 rounds of trivia cial Host Laws and Ordinanc- Hall with Choctaw Nation tion of Oklahoma and must possess a Certificate of through the interactions for $150. Awards were given es along with their involve- Youth Empowerment. Degree of Indian Blood (CDIB) from a federally recog- a child has before enter- to the team with the highest ment in Compliance Checks For you trivia enthusiast, nized tribe. ing school. Many families score and to the team who in their community. 1907 was the year LeFlore For more information, please contact Susan Ed- wards at 580-924-8280 or toll-free 800-522-6170. face significant, sometimes best decorated their table. KI BOIS Head Start chil- County was founded.

Cameron Schools raise funds in support of breast cancer awareness All through the month of January into the beginning of Feb- ruary, Cameron Public Schools participated in “Pink Zone,” in efforts to raise money for breast cancer awareness. In order to raise funds, high school students were allowed to wear a hat every Tuesday coupled with a $1 donation, while teachers and faculty were allowed to wear jeans with a $5 donation. The elementary students had a piggy banks for each class, and at Submitted photo Submitted photo the end of the month, whichever class had the largest donation, was rewarded with a party. YAB members at Cameron High School hosted a pep rally at the end of the month. Members took up donations throughout January. Coach Dustin Hall got the most donations and got “all dolled-up” in pink and “played dress up” in front of the entire Cameron school population. In addition, three of Cameron’s high school students, Austin Standridge, Justin Cox and Ryan Carter, participated in “Scor- ing One Against Breast Cancer,” a program in which the stu- dents get pledges for every three-point shot they make during the basketball season. Cameron Schools also sold $15 T-shirts supporting breast Submitted photo cancer awareness. All together, the school raised a total of over YAB members at a tea party event held to honor breast cancer survivors. $700 to be donated to the Kay Yow fund. BISKINIK | April 2012 | Page 10 Slam dunk success with a message, Choctaw Kenny Dobbs inspiring youth on and off the court By BRET MOSS his desperation. Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma When Kenny had his day in court, his prayers had been an- swered. Both the witness of the crime and police officer who In the history of the Choctaw people, many have risen to was set to testify failed to show up in court that day, and the success in their field of expertise, but one Choctaw in particular others involved owned up to their portion of the crime, grant- has leaped above the rest to success – a 48-inch vertical leap ing Kenny only fines and no jail time. to be exact. “My attorney looked to me and he said, ‘It’s a miracle that Phoenix native and slam dunk champion Kenny Dobbs spent you aren’t going to prison.’ And when he said that, it was a some time in the Durant area recently to attend the Madness remembrance of the month before when I was sitting in the in March All-Indian Basketball tournament, bringing with him jail cell and crying out to God, making a promise,” exclaimed gravity-defying dunks and an encouraging testimony of his rise Kenny. From this point he knew he would have to make those to success. changes he had promised to make. Searching “Kenny Dobbs” on Youtube or Google will quick- His first goal was to finish high school. He had dropped out ly flood the screen with jaw-dropping slam-dunks. Kenny is around the time he was kicked out of his home with only three a heavily decorated slam-dunk contest champion and dunk credit hours. He had the option for a GED, but as one of the el- inventor with the title of 2010 Phoenix Sprite Slam Dunk dest in the generation of his family, he wanted to be an example Champion, 2011 Sprite LA Slam Dunk Champion and 2011 and get his diploma. He now had the goal, but those influences “Ball Up/ Streetball” Slam Dunk Champion as just a few bullet which brought him down before were still holding him back. points on his résumé. One night while Kenny was out, his sister was sleeping in his As a member of the Choctaw Nation, Kenny was delighted bed and bullets began to fly through the window all around her. to spend time in the Choctaw Nation. He was able to meet with No one was injured, but as the next day dawned, he came home Chief Gregory E. Pyle and even get his basketball signed. Ken- to over 30 shell casings and bullet holes covering the section of ny was brought to Durant by Ivy Bridge College as a celebrity the house where he usually spent his time. guest for the Madness in March event to serve as a motivation He looked over his room, seeing bullet holes in posters de- for the youth to create positive goals in their lives and pursue picting violence and drug abuse and realized these influences those goals with diligence. and the associations with certain people were not only endan- Choctaw Nation: BRET MOSS Kenny was chosen to speak to the participants of Madness in gering his future and life, but his family as well. He then came “ Kenny kicks off his performance with a power two-hand- March because his story was not always one of success. Kenny to the conclusion that the first step in meeting his goal was ed slam dunk. had to overcome tremendous odds to cleanse his life of those influences to get where he is today, and at one I have a plan and a pur- which brought him down. point he could describe his life in one Though he endured criticism for it, arenas and won the armature slam-dunk contest at the NBA word: “hopeless.” His ability to find pose for my life, and I am he made known his decision saying, All Star Weekend. He had offers to play for big bucks interna- the drive to overcome a hopeless situ- not going to waste it. ”I have a plan and a purpose for my tionally, sign contracts with sponsors, and offers to try out for ation and his ability to dunk a basket- life and I am not going to waste it.” professional basketball. ball while jumping over four people “ He cut out those people from his life He has turned down these offers to be able to keep perform- – Kenny Dobbs was a combination that sparked inter- and began to focus and work like he ing for youth so he can motivate them to stay in school and est in all ages. never had before. He needed 22 cred- away from negative lifestyles. During the year of 2011 he de- Kenny grew up in a gang atmosphere, becoming involved its to graduate high school and did not want to spend three and voted more time to Native American lands, attempting to help in drugs and alcohol at a young age. He spent his time with a a half years earning them, so he hit the books hard. out those with a similar cultural background to his own. group of friends who kept his aspirations at bay and damaged He enrolled in a program allowing him to attend school from Now that he has been at this mission for some time, he is his hopes of playing professional sports, a dream he had as a 7:30 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. “When I got out of school, I would beginning to see his work pay off. The youth he has spoke to little boy. take home these great big books and have to read about five now contact him and let him know his influence helped their He spent his time concerned with partying, which led him chapters, and then take a test online,” said Kenny as he remem- situation considerably. to be expelled from his home at the age of 15. His education bered his studies. He would write the words “diploma” and “That is what keeps me passionate… no amount of money suffered and he was not able to play high school sports, which “graduation” above his door, so when he woke up he would be that I can get paid is going to be able to equal the sense of severely lowered his chances to play anything past the street reminded of his goal and keep himself motivated. saving these young peoples’ lives and encouraging them,” said court. Each of his tests was worth a quarter of a credit, and after a Dobbs “Hearing these stories is letting me know that I truly All of his reckless activity came to a climax at the age of 17, year and a half of solid schooling without breaks or vacation, am having a huge impact in these young people’s lives and I when he and several friends were involved in a robbery. Those he had finished his high school education. He had completed wouldn’t trade that for anything,“ he continued. with him were caught while Kenny escaped. His accomplices his first major goal and tasted success. He then knew he could To pursue his goal of being the best basketball dunker, he reported him as the main culprit and divulged his location to do anything and used this experience as the blueprint for all his postponed his college career for a time, but has recently en- law enforcement. Kenny was arrested and was told he would future accomplishments. rolled with Ivy Bridge College and can take classes online any- be tried as an adult. His next goal was college. He attempted to get sport scholar- where he travels. He shares this fact to parents in the crowd at As he sat in jail await- ships with several schools, but without a high school résumé his shows, telling them it is never too late for education. ing trial he began to seri- and coaching, none would look at him. Eventually he got his Kenny is a parent himself. He and his wife, Danae, are the ously consider the choic- shot while talking with Glendale Community College. It hap- proud parents of two daughters, Uriah, 6, and Audrina, 3. He es in his life. He began to pened by chance they were doing a scrimmage while Kenny takes delight in the fact that his daughters are showing promise realize he needed to make was visiting and they let him hit the court. He did not fail to in basketball much like he did during his youth. changes. “I cried out to impress and was signed soon after. Kenny hopes to finish his degree and become well versed God,” said Kenny as he This was his first experience with a real team and actual in political sciences, noting that he is currently able to affect told how he began asking coaching. It improved his knowledge of his body and abilities. the youth by relating to them, steering them towards a posi- God to help him out of He began to jump higher and gain a greater ability to dunk. He tive path, but he desires to take on more responsibility in the this situation and prom- took these improvements to a local “Hoop It Up” dunk compe- policy aspect. He hopes with a better knowledge of the politics, ised Him that he would tition. He won this competition with ease. he will be able to make situations like those of his youth less make those changes he Shaquille O’Neil’s cousin happened to be at that event and prominent among the youth of tomorrow. knew he needed. “I went invited Kenny to compete in a dunk event in Los Angeles pro- from being this hardcore moting Shaq’s new shoe, Dunkman. This was Kenny’s first thug little man, to being time against major opposition. a scared little boy that As he stretched and readied himself for action he watched just wanted his momma many opponents complete impressive dunks during the warm- to hold him,” continued up. He began to feel nervous and unconfident, dreading his turn Choctaw Nation: BRET MOSS Kenny as he described on the court. Inspiration came when the match began. He noticed the oth- ers were doing the exact same dunks in the main event they were doing in practice. He realized he had seen them at their best already and there was nothing else to expect from them while he still had many tricks up his sleeve. After slamming down an off-the-backboard windmill dunk, “the crowd went crazy and these guys’ jaws dropped,” ex- plained Kenny as he told how he won the event. “After that point, I realized, never doubt in myself again, never let some- body intimidate me to take me out of my game plan,” he con- tinued. As he emerged victorious, Kenny witnessed the excitement in the crowd, especially with the youth. He began to think about how he could impress and captivate audiences with his talents, and the potential he had with that attention. He thought of how dunking was the most attention-getting action in the game of basketball and explored the potential to intertwine his testimony with his talent. While he was completing his high school education, he was also growing his faith in God by becoming involved in dis- cipleship classes. This strengthened his faith, boosted his confi- dence and allowed him to begin spreading his words of encour- agement to those who were currently in the negative situations he knew too well. At the age of 19 he became a youth pastor for Glory to the Lord Church. He had continued working with troubled youth up to this point, steering them away from the kinds of ways he once knew and on to a path of success. He had done considerable work in the Phoenix area to forward his message, and as he won this particular completion, he realized the most effective medium he had to deliver it. He resolved to become “the best slam dunk artist in the world.” With that title he would be able to travel many places, impress many people and most of all, spread his inspiration more than ever. With his next goal in mind, the climb to the top began. Since that time Kenny has soared above the opposition, dedi- cated his body to training and his time to spreading his mes- sage of encouragement. He has sustained a considerable wrist injury that took months to heal, a leg injury from which some thought he would never completely recover, and a head injury he sustained from the rim during a competition which he went Choctaw Nation: BRET MOSS on to win; all experiences which he uses to illustrate how per- Choctaw Nation: BRET MOSS Bottom: Kenny was excited to meet Chief Pyle and spend severance and hard work will overcome obstacles hindering Kenny makes the dunk after jumping over a fan and time swapping stories. Top: After signing a photo of his progress. passing the ball between his legs. award winning dunk, Kenny gets an autograph for himself. He has played with teams overseas, performed in sold-out BISKINIK | April 2012 | Page 11 Young Pickens’ life splintered with heartache building heated the dorm. A ing operations. to Blanco, Okla., to attend Choctaw large pipe ran from the boiler On this farm, Joshua plant- party games. He recalls that to the building that transferred ed corn, cotton and high gear. many people would gather at overcame the heat into the boys’ rooms. He would use a team of two a store or someone’s house to Joshua recalls only getting “a mules that his father owned play games. At these games loss; enjoyed little chilly.” to plow the fields. Sometimes would be a singer and all Joshua was on the basket- the neighbors would hire kinds of songs to which the sports, rodeo ball team and played center Joshua and the team of mules people would dance. because he was the tallest to take care of their plowing These dances and party and raising one. He did a lot of the shoot- needs as well. games would happen ev- ing and rebounding for the His sisters, Mildred and ery Saturday night or after a family team and was still called “Al- Murl, were living at home someone was married. There ligator” by his teammates. during this time. They would would be square dancing, jit- Joshua Clyde Pickens, an He recalls that the basket- attend school during the day terbugging and sometimes elder of the Choctaw Nation, ball team was fairly good. while Joshua stayed home tap dancing, in which Joshua was born on Oct. 15, 1932, They played teams from and attended the land. When mentions that he had no part. in the small town of Blanco, schools like McAlester, Wil- the girls returned from their Joshua’s future wife, Ber- Okla., to Isaiah and Nora burton College, Dow and Sa- classes, they would help with tha Wilcox, attended these Carney Pickens. He was the vannah. the chores. dances from time to time be- eighth child in a family of Joshua said that they really Along with the crops, there fore the couple began their nine. had to hustle because there were hogs, milk cows and courtship. He had known her His young life was splin- were boys on the bench better chickens from which the fam- all his life since he met her at tered with the heartache of than the ones who started the ily got their eggs. He would Shady Valley Church. family loss. Though he had games and they would have to work long days tending to They were married in many siblings, Joshua only work to stay on the court. He these tasks and would often McAlester at the courthouse knew three of his sisters, two played a good amount of time finish his work after the sun by a Justice of the Peace of which passed away fairly in each game because he was went down. named Bailey. They did not young. tallest. He would plow the field tell anyone, but just went to His mother left this life Not only did he play bas- first, making the rows of town and got married. when he was 9 years old in ketball, he also boxed while corn go in the opposite di- After they became husband the year of 1941. Joshua re- attending Jones Academy. rection of the high gear. He and wife, they went straight calls that particular event There were about 15 or 20 described high gear by say- to work. They stayed at his with detail. He remembers boys on the boxing teams and ing that it comes in a pod father’s house, who had be- hauling watermelons and his night to help out in any way. At Jones Academy the stu- Joshua was one of only two in like maize. “You can take the came a preacher who worked uncle, Edmond Fry, coming When Joshua first began dents would go home on the the 135-pound class. pods and hit them against a at the Ammunitions Depot in to get the ones of lower qual- school, he attended Plainview more notable holidays and the The team boxed at Hai- rock or each other and grain Savannah during the week ity to feed his hogs. in a one-room schoolhouse. summers. Joshua lived a little leyville, McAlester School will scatter forth from them,” and preached on the week- Joshua and his younger sis- He transferred to Jones Acad- over 20 miles away and trav- and the McAlester Boys he said. ends. ter, Murl, went to spend the emy Boys School in Harts- eled by wagon back and forth Club at the American Legion. Once the corn began to After about four years, night with him. Nora got sick horne after his time at Plain- from school for his summer Sometimes, while boxing at grow, he had to hoe between they moved to the outskirts that night, just a couple of view. travels. the Boys Club, they would the rows and thin the corn. of Hartshorne and Joshua hours before she passed away. At Jones Academy Joshua During the holidays, the have bouts with guys from He could only plow a little worked for Gene Sweet’s Joshua remembers his father gained the nickname “Alliga- academy would take students the Oklahoma State Prison. between the rows, but the Slaughter House in McAles- telling him his mother’s last tor” because he would wash on a truck to the Hartshorne “Some of those guys were area near the plants needed ter. His job was to skin the actions. his hands often and neglect bus station and those students men, not boys,” but you box to be hoed. Joshua remem- cattle. He was exceptional at Isaiah told Joshua that she to dry them well, resulting whose parents lived close by weight, not age, said Josh- bers cockleburs being high this because his father had had washed clothes all day, in chapped hands that looked would be picked up by their ua. and the work being very hot taught him these skills when and after they had both been like alligator hide. mother and father. Joshua said he would get at times. he was younger. asleep, she went for a drink Joshua and his friends en- Since Joshua was the only “pretty banged up” in some As for the cotton, it was just He later went to work for of water in the night. When joyed marble games while boy in his family, he was the of his matches, but he never Joshua in the field to pick it. Little Dixie Slaughter House, she got back to bed, Isaiah they were at school. They only child to attend Jones got knocked out. “I did that “I picked the cotton out of the doing the same job but for asked, “Are you sick?” He lit played the game “Cat’s Eye” Academy. He mentions that until I learned better, then I boles and more boles would better pay. a coal oil lamp and she looked most of the time. Joshua de- he might have been home- quit boxing,” said Joshua as grow back. Then I would pull Joshua also enjoyed the straight at him and said, “Tell scribes this game by saying sick if it were not for his good he recalled finishing his box- the boles when they were just rodeo throughout most of his the kids goodbye,” and then that the players would put buddy, L.J. Brown, who was ing days. barely open,” said Joshua. younger life. When he was she was gone. marbles in a circle and what- just a little older than he. He spoke both the Choc- He mentions that it was 15, he began riding broncos It was about one or two in ever a player could knock out While at Jones Academy, taw language and English easier to pull the boles than and bulls. He also roped an the morning when Joshua’s of a circle, he won. Joshua stayed in the blue while at Jones Academy. His to pick the cotton out of them. abundance of calves in those neighbor, Melvin Isabel, He remembers that there dorm. He remembers how it parents spoke both languages He could not wear gloves to days. He did this until he was came to his uncle Edmond’s might have been eight or 10 was three stories tall and that well and taught him to do the pick the cotton and his fingers about 39 years old. home and took them back to boys playing at one time, every floor sported a large same. got stuck quite a bit, so his Joshua’s rodeo skill rubbed his parent’s home. Melvin meaning that a skilled player room full of single beds. A Joshua left Jones Academy fingers grew tough from the off on his children and they was the only one in the area could win a large amount. Af- lot of us could sleep in one of at the age of 13 and went back work with cotton. are also well-trained to ride with a car at this time. When ter some time, Joshua had a those rooms, said Joshua. home to work on his family’s He farmed until he was 19 and rope. “We are a rodeo they got home, people had five-gallon bucket filled with In the colder months, a farm in Plainview while also years old. family,” said Joshua describ- come from all around in the marbles he had won. boiler that set away from the working various other farm- He would occasionally go ing his family.

Annual walk to honor our ancestors Choctaw Day Chief Gregory E. Pyle, Assistant Chief Gary Capitol Grounds. to be held Batton and the Tribal Council would like to Please arrive early to park on the grounds. Code Talker invite everyone to attend the 2012 Trail of Buses will transport participants to the site of in McAlester “Choctaw Day” will be Tears Walk to honor our ancestors who made the beginning of the walk where there will be held 5-8 p.m. April 24 at the long journey from Mississippi over 180 a short program before the Color Guard begins information, the McAlester Expo Cen- years ago. Hundreds gather to pay tribute to the walk. ter. Everyone is invited to the hardships suffered, the strength and endur- The artwork on this year’s T-shirt is adapted photos needed join the cultural celebra- ance of the Choctaw who were removed from from the award-winning “Trail of Tears Night tion. Guest speakers will their homeland. Journey” by Janie Semple Umsted. The Choctaw Nation is requesting information on the be Chief Gregory E. Pyle, This year’s commemorative walk will be A free lunch will be served to all who join us Choctaw Code Talkers of World War I and World War II. Assistant Chief Gary Bat- at 10 a.m. on May 19 at the Tushka Homma on this special day. If anyone has any information or photographs they would ton and Councilman Bob like to share, please email to Lisa Reed in the Public Rela- Pate. Activities include tions department at [email protected] or mail Choctaw hymns sung by to the Biskinik, Attn: Lisa Reed, P.O. Box 1210, Durant, the McAlester Seniors OK 74702. and Youth, traditional Photographs can be service-related or can be of the men dancers, storytelling and at any stage of their life. They can also include their fam- flute-playing. Booth ex- ily. Information can include date and place of birth, date of hibits and demonstrations death, schools attended, occupation, hobbies, descendants, will be set up on pottery, any stories from their time served in the war, etc. Copies of language, beadwork, obituaries would supply much of the needed information. weaponry, the bookstore, If mailing, please send copies of the original photo- museum, artwork, flute- graphs or include address for photos to be returned. Digital making and stickball. Din- photos need to be at least 300 dpi if possible. They can be ner will be served to all in jpg or tif format. T-shirt Order Form attendance and the Kevin Information is also being updated on the family mem- Priddle Band will close 2012 T-shirts are white. Sizes available are: bers. If you are a descendant of a Code Talker, we would the evening’s festivities. Children – (2-4), (6-8), (10-12) and (14-16) appreciate having your contact information for our records. Adults – Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, 2X, and 3X Wheelock Story Item Size Quantity Total Price “The Wheelock Story,” a 106-page book by Louis Coleman and Barbara As- T-shirt – $10 ea. ______bill Grant, is available for Wanted: ______$10 through the Wheelock Choctaw heirloom seeds ______Academy Gift Shop, 580- 746-2139. The Choctaw Nation ______What we know today as will be hosting a traditional Cap – $10 ea. ______Wheelock Academy was garden this year at Choctaws Days established as a mission station in 1832 by the Rev. at the Smithsonian National Name______Alfred and Harriet Wright. Museum of the American Indian in Address______The book begins with Washington, D.C., June 20-23. City/State/Zip______the Wrights’ story and We are trying to find heirloom seeds contains scores of photo- Phone Number______graphs of students who for Choctaw varieties of corn and E-Mail______once attended the girl’s beans to plant. If you have these boarding school in Mc- Price includes postage and handling. Limited supply of Children and 3X sizes. seeds or know where we can find Curtain County. It also some, please contact the Choctaw To order, send payment (NO PERSONAL CHECKS) with completed form to: includes a roster of the Nation Historic Preservation Depart- Trail of Tears Walk T-shirt graduates from 1941-1953 as well as rosters of em- ment at 1-800-522-6170, ext. 2216. P.O. Box 1210, Durant, OK 74702-1210 ployees. BISKINIK | April 2012 | Page 12 OBITUARIES Delia Taylor Evelyn Shook Lee Bench Jr. Delia Janet Taylor, 77, passed away Evelyn Sophie Shook, 93, passed Lee O. Bench Jr., 81, of Temple, on Feb. 29, 2012, in Durant. She was away on Sept. 3, 2011, in Sapulpa. Texas, passed away on Feb. 20, 2012, born Feb. 10, 1935, in Little Cedar She was born on March 24, 1918, in his home, surrounded by family. to Houston and Martha (Cole) Billy. to Davis Homer and Dora Folsom He was born on Dec. 17, 1930, in Delia married Williston L. Taylor on Homer in Keota. At the age of six she Okmulgee. He was married Nov. 1, March 24, 1957, in Antlers, and they was sent to attend an Indian board- 1948, and remained married to his remained married until his passing in ing school, which later caught fire high-school sweetheart, Helen Ruth 2005. Delia was of the Baptist faith and then she went to Sequoyah In- Casey, for over 63 years. and she loved spending time with her dian Boarding School in Tahlequah, Lee attended Cherokee Junior High family and friends. She also enjoyed where she finished our her schooling. School in Turley and was a graduate playing bingo, going to the casino, fishing, gardening and play- She moved to Tulsa and worked in childcare and house care for of Tulsa Central High School. Lee retired for the first time in ing dominoes. prominent Tulsa families. During World War II she worked at June of 1975, after serving 27 years in the U.S. Navy and Ma- Delia was preceded in death by her husband, Williston L. the McDonnell Douglas Aircraft Plant in Tulsa as a riveter. She rine Corps. He joined the Navy in December of 1947, serv- Taylor; parents; brothers, Clarence Billy and James Ben; and also worked at Union Public Schools for some time where she ing as a Pharmacist Mate; however, twice during times of sister Benita John. was known for her humor among her co-workers. Evelyn mar- war, Korea and Vietnam, Lee wore a Marine uniform, bravely She is survived by her children, Jay Taylor with wife Rob- ried Truman School in 1948 and started a family of three sons serving on the front lines as a corpsman (medic). He earned in, and Regina Tedder with companion Randy Archey, all of and a daughter in Tulsa. numerous honors, medals, and ribbons over the course of his Antlers; grandchildren, Robert Taylor, Timothy Taylor, Taylor She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Jack highly decorated military career, including three Letters of Tedder, Jayden Tedder and Jacob Tedder; brothers, Harrison Homer; and her husband. Commendation and six Letters of Appreciation. Navy unit Billy of St. Louis, Mo., and Jimmy Jones with wife Paula of She is survived by her sister, Irene Allen of Ada; sons, commendations with Star 2nd Award, Combat 1st Marine Di- Tulsa; sisters, Sue Barnett with husband Clifford of Seminole, Wayne Shook with wife Judy of Pryor, Archie Shook with wife vision – Korea; Combat Action Ribbon with Marine FMF in- and Jean Middleton with husband David of Seagoville, Texas; Denise of Tulsa, and Dan Shook with wife Joan of Cleveland, signia, action 1953 with Marine Rifle Company – Korea; Navy as well as many other relatives and friends. Okla.; daughter Kathy Blackler with husband Curtis of Tulsa; Good Conduct Medal with one Silver Star and two Bronze 13 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Stars for 7th award; National Defense Service Medal with Star Betty Crain 2nd Award; Korean Service Medal with three stars and Marine Brenda Skaggs FMF insignia; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal Cuba 1962 Betty Fay Griffin Crain, 78, of Surgical Team #17, 2nd Marine Division, on LST 1174; Viet- Brenda “Kay” Skaggs, 55, passed Hugo, passed away on March 4, nam Service Medal with two stars and Marine FMF insignia; away on Feb. 29, 2012, in Ardmore. 2012, in Dallas. She was born June Korea Presidential Unit Citation (PUC); Vietnam Presidential Kay was born May 8, 1956, to Billy 6, 1933, in Hugo, to Leon Griffin and Unit Citation (PUC); Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation; Gentry and Rena (Lindsey) Gentry Emma Ervin Griffin. She attended Vietnam Civic Action Honor Medal Unit Citation First Class; in Ardmore. Kay attended Ardmore Hugo schools and started working at United Nations Service Medal (Korea); Vietnam Campaign schools and then went on to attend the new Hugo Hospital in the lab as Medal with Device; and the Korean War Service Medal. Af- Ardmore Higher Ed. She worked at a junior in high school. Betty was a ter his years in the military, Lee worked another 20 years at American National Bank drive-thru member of the National Honor Soci- Scott and White Memorial Hospital in Temple, Texas, retiring for nine years. She then moved to ety and graduated from Hugo High in in February of 1996 as Supervisor of the Phlebotomy Section Texas and worked at the Day Re- 1951. After graduation she attended of the Clinical Pathology Department. source Center for the homeless in Fort Gradwohl School of Laboratory Technique in St. Louis, Mo. As a member of the Choctaw Nation, Lee was proud of his Worth for eight years. In 2006, she moved back to Ardmore to Following graduation and certification, her first lab job was Indian lineage and honorably shared that heritage with his chil- be close to her family. She loved to sew, was an avid reader with Danforth Memorial Hospital in Texas City, Texas. dren and grandchildren. and sports fan. On Sept. 27, 1952, she married Arnold Crain in Freeport, Far and above any of these honors and accolades, Lee trea- Kay was preceded in death by her father and one sister, Judy Texas. She followed her husband to Roswell, N.M., where they sured most his relationship with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Diane Rowe. began their family while Arnold served in the U.S. Air Force Christ. He was a man of faith, a man who credited God alone She is survived by her mother, Rena Marsh, of Ardmore; and Betty worked in a lab clinic. In 1956 they moved back to for his safe return from dangerous times in foreign wars, and a daughter, Misty Lee of Ada; son Kelly Skaggs of Ardmore; the Brazosport area where she worked as a registered lab tech man who desired above all else that his children and his chil- grandchildren, Kayli Johnson and Hevan Skaggs, both of Ard- at various labs and hospitals for many years. Betty enjoyed dren’s children would know and walk with the Lord. He had a more; sister Theresa Gentry of Ardmore; brother Rick Gentry her time volunteering as den mother, classroom mom, Sunday heart of generosity and a devotion to God’s church. Lee served of Irving Texas; companion, Tim McLaughlin of the home; and school teacher, girl’s softball coach and was awarded a lifetime in a multitude of leadership positions, first at Western Hills her dog, BoBo. membership in the Texas Parent-Teacher Association. After re- Baptist Church in Temple, and later, after moving to Moody, tirement in 1982 they returned to Choctaw County. Vivian Hart Texas, at Liberty Hills Baptist Church, where he remained Betty began attending Wesley Methodist Church as an infant a member until he went home. Lee was an ordained Deacon on the cradle roll. She later became a member of the William Vivian Hart, 79, passed away on Feb. 5, 2012, at the Kabul (Oct. 18, 1987) and served in such roles as church treasurer, Anderson UMC-OIMC. She was active in the Choctaw County Nursing Home in Cabool, Mo. She was born on Feb. 6, 1932, youth director, trustee, teacher, CEO, and chairman of many District and State Democratic Party, serving in many different in Mount Ida, Ark., to Willie and Myrtle (Parnell) Stickle. She committees, including Deacons and Trustees. He often con- positions. Betty was a proud member of the Choctaw Nation grew up and attended school in Arkansas and Broken Bow. She ducted church services in the pastor’s absence. and volunteered for the Choctaw Seniors. In October 2011, she later graduated from Cosmetology School. She was united in He was preceded in death by his parents, Lee O. Bench Sr. was nominated as outstanding Choctaw Elder for District 8. marriage to Wayne Hart on Aug. 31, 1979, in Flagstaff, Ariz. and Nora Ollie (Collins) Bench; brother Marvin; and sisters, She had a love for researching her family’s genealogy and au- They moved to Mountain Grove, Mo., in 1982. Vivian enjoyed Neva and Mildred. thored a book titled, “The Roebuck and Spring Clans of Okla- being outdoors, especially when gardening, helping out on He is survived by his loving wife, Helen Ruth (Casey) homa.” their dairy farm and milking jersey cows. She was known as a Bench; sister Martha; brothers, Mervin and Kenneth; daughter, She was preceded in death by her parents; her twin brother, good cook and made the best pecan pralines. She was a good Brenda Ruth (Honeycutt) Bench with husband Bill; sons, Ste- Bill Griffin; her eldest brother, Edsell Griffin; and an infant seamstress. At the time of her passing, Vivian was a member of phen Lee with wife Linda, Christopher Dean with wife Bon- granddaughter. the Liberty Faith Church in Norwood, Mo. She enjoyed attend- nie, and Paul Anthony with wife Jessica; nine grandchildren; Betty is survived by her husband, Arnold Crain; three sons, ing services as long as her health permitted. 18 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. Richard with wife Cheryl of Angleton, Texas, Wayne with wife She is survived by her loving husband, Wayne Hart of their Kelly of Cibolo, Texas, and Bill with wife Vickye of Rich- home in Mountain. Grove; brother Tommy Stickle with wife wood, Texas; grandchildren, Coy Crain of Houston, Callie Brenda of Broken Bow; sisters, LaNora Wood of Broken Bow, Lewis Moore Crain Hatcherson of San Marcos, Texas, Travis Crain of Mar- and Sanartha Viars of Morton, Wash.; nieces, nephews, rela- Lewis Daniel Moore, O.D., 59, of ble Falls, Texas, Averi Fister-Crain, Colton Crain, and Haden tives, friends and church family who will truly miss her. Lubbock, Texas, passed away peace- Crain, all three of Cibolo; one great-grandson, Matthew Crain fully at home on Dec. 25, 2011, sur- of Houston; sister Marie Klemme of Hugo; sister-in-law Sue rounded by family and friends. He Barnett of Hugo; numerous nieces, nephews and a host of other Teresa Byington had been under hospice care for sev- family and friends. Teresa Mae Byington, 61, passed eral weeks. He was born in Lubbock away on Feb. 1, 2012, in Antlers. She on Jan. 5, 1952, to Eunice Frances JoAnna Taylor was born to Lydia and James Bying- (Gardner) Moore and Webb Moore. ton on July 24, 1950, in Talihina. She He graduated from Monterey High JoAnna Taylor, 80, of Wright City, was a licensed practical nurse receiv- School and Texas Tech University passed away on Feb. 28, 2012, at Se- ing certificates from Kansas State with a B.A. in chemistry. He was a lect Specialty Hospital in Carrollton, Board of Nursing, Lawrence Memo- drummer in the Bitter End band during his college years. He Texas. rial Hospital and Haskell Institute graduated from Southern California School of Optometry in The daughter of Alexander and Ag- School of Practical Nursing. 1978. He was licensed to practice optometry in California, Ari- nes (Tims) Aaron, JoAnna was born She is survived by brother Jerome zona and Texas. June 10, 1931, in Fort Towson. Jo- and Kwang Byington of Oklahoma He began his practice in Lubbock in 1978, and later opened a Anna married Roberson Taylor Jan. City; nieces Annie Printers and Sue Lofie; nephews Jimmy By- satellite office in Post. He conducted weekly clinics at the Lub- 5, 1950, in Rufe. She was affiliated ington; cousins, Jerry, Wilma and Regina Walker of Albion, bock State School for more than 30 years. In 1999, he joined with the Chihowa I Chuka Assembly Pearline McClure and son Steven with his daughter Marcy, other optometrists in successfully lobbying the Texas Legis- of God in Wright City. She loved to Clara McClure and family, Kathleen McClure and family, lature to amend the Optometry Act to create certifications in watch her kids play ball, read her Bible, go to gospel singings, Preston McClure and family, Christopher Martinzer and fam- therapeutic optometry and glaucoma optometry. He became work in her flower garden and spend special times with her ily, Patricia McClure of Lawrence, Kan., and Theresa Lewis one of the first Texas optometrists to qualify as a therapeutic family and friends. (McClure); along with other relatives and friends. optometrist and as an optometric glaucoma specialist. He was She was preceded in death by her parents; son Herman Tay- the first optometric glaucoma specialist in the region to obtain a lor; great-grandson, Kaden Cole Stafford; two sisters, Esther Johnny Frazier GDx scanning laser nerve fiber analyzer for the early detection and Josaphine; two brothers, Joel and Stephen. of glaucoma. He was a member of the Texas Optometric As- JoAnna leaves to cherish her memory her husband, Rob- Johnny L. Frazier, 70, passed away sociation. His patients voted him Best Optometrist in the Best erson Taylor of Wright City; five children, Leon Taylor with on Feb. 21, 2012, in Talihina. He was of Lubbock survey. wife Nora of Broken Bow, Ellis Taylor with wife Juanita, Bes- born May 6, 1941, in Finley to Isaac He was preceded in death by his parents. sie Nakishi with husband Alfred Jr., Rita Holt with husband Frazier and Catherine (Walker) Aus- He is survived by sons, Daniel Webb Moore of Istanbul, Re- Charles, all of Wright City, and Louella Crosby with husband tin. Johnny was a lifelong resident public of Turkey, and Nicholas Allen Moore of Austin; step- Anthony of Philadelphia, Miss.; 23 grandchildren; 20 great- of the Antlers area. He had served daughter Mary Elston Pressler with husband Nate, of Hurst; grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. his country in the U.S. Army in the sister Carolyn Frances Moore with husband Ralph H. Brock of 1960s. He also served his community Lubbock; his business partner, Meredith M. Schneider, O.D., Allen Battiest as an officer for the Antlers Police of Lubbock; and his good friends, Jim and Sue Childress of Department, where he worked until Ransom Canyon. Allen Byron Battiest, 37, of Watson his retirement. Johnny was a member passed away on Oct. 26, 2011, at Her- of Old Cedar Methodist Church. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, Sina Stephens itage Gardens Healthcare in Carroll- gardening and spending time with his family and friends. ton, Texas. He was the son of Jimmy Johnny was preceded in death by his first wife, Margaret Sina (Cole) Stephens, 85, passed and Linda Lowman of Watson. He Johnson Frazier; second wife Vera Meshaya Frazier; parents, away on Feb. 16, 2012. She was born loved to listen to music, play basket- Isaac Frazier and Catherine Austin; stepfather Benjamin Aus- on Nov. 24, 1926, in Antlers to For- ball and spend time with his nephew tin; stepmother Anna Mae Frazier; stepdaughter Faye Jordan; bis and Sophina (German) Cole. She L.J. and niece Layla when they came granddaughter Miranda Johnson; brother Leon “Charlie” Ed- attended the Goodland Indian Board- to visit. He also liked to hang out with win Austin; and a nephew, Dawson Primeaux. ing School until her senior year. She his cousin Dewayne Lowman; two He is survived by his brothers and sisters, Mary Dale Frazier, moved to Oklahoma City and graduat- very special people he thought the Ollie and Chuck Madbull, Tony Frazier, Donell and Elizabeth ed from Classen High School in June world of were his aunt Shirley and uncle Jerry Lowman. Frazier and Isaac Frazier Jr., all of Antlers, Eugenia and Custer 1947. Sina married Robert Garland Allen’s family are grateful to the people of the Choctaw Na- Martinez, Dwight Austin, Rebecca Sapulpa, and Shelly and Lang of Oklahoma City in January of tion for all their help during Allen’s time of need. Cubby Greenwood, all of Finley, Oklahoma; his stepchildren, 1947. He passed away in January of He is survived by his father, Haskell Battiest; brothers, Aaron Howard and Lisa Johnson of LaVaca, Ark., Herman Johnson 1957. She later married Elmer Ernest Stephens of Porum, and Battiest of Oklahoma City, Jimboy Lowman of Midwest City, of Snow, Billy Joe and Ruth Ann Johnson of Hugo, Jerry Don they moved to Arpelar from Oklahoma City in 1987. She was and Lyndon Lowman of Smithville; nieces, Chasity Aaron, and Shirley Johnson of Finley, Glenn Johnson and Marlene proud of her Choctaw heritage. Layla Denise Lowman and Jessamyn Aria Lowman; nephews, of Dallas, Robin Meshaya of the home, Stephanie Samuels of Sina is survived by four daughters; Laraine Dean with hus- Channing Allen Battiest and Lyndon Andre Lowman; aunts, Muskogee, Kimberly Hoog of Muskogee, Tiffany Wilson of band Robert of Arpelar, Anita Carson with husband Roger of Jackie Lowman, Darlene Noahubi Barbara Battiest and Mar- Antlers, Daniel Wilson of Soper, and Gayle and Scott Burr of Choctaw, Tammy Von Leue with husband Dean of Florida, garet Hernandez; uncles Leroy Lowman Jr. and Lewis Battiest; Talihina; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and Candace Stephens of Texas; eight grandchildren; 10 great- and several other family members and friends. and nephews; and many other relatives and friends. grandchildren. BISKINIK | April 2012 | Page 13

MadnessMadnessThe Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma hosted the 9thinin MarchMarch Annual Madness in March All-Indian High School Basketball Tournament in Durant for the second year in a row. More than 600 Native American student- athletes participated in the tournament held at South- eastern Oklahoma State University’s campus from March 21-25.

Photos by LISA REED and BRET MOSS Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma

NRCS announces poster contest for 2012 American Indian Heritage Month The Natural Resources Con- [email protected] servation Service (NRCS) • Artwork must be received recognizes and celebrates the by June 1, 2012. Submit to the many different cultures to attention of Tom Lucas: which we have the opportunity USDA, NRCS State Office to offer our services and pro- Office of Public Affairs grams to, including American 100 USDA, Suite 213 Indians. Stillwater, OK 74074 The month of November is Phone: 405-742-1244 Choctaw Nation: LARISSA COPELAND designated by NRCS as Amer- • A selection committee will ican Indian Heritage Month. judge the artwork and select a This provides an opportunity winner no later than June 15 Choctaw Nation helps town of Calera ‘go green’ to make people aware of the • NRCS will purchase the Choctaw Nation Recycling has joined forces with the town of Calera to facilitate recycling among its history of American Indians artwork from the winning art- residents. On March 22, 2012, a new recycling receptacle, or “roll off,” was placed at the corner of 3rd and their contributions to the ist for $2,000, and have the Street and Ryan Avenue and is open to residents for dropping off recyclables. Pictured from left, Joey Scott, world. right to reproduce and distrib- Calera police reserve; Justin Tillery and Cyndi Houser, Choctaw Nation Recycling; James Eaton, mayor of One way NRCS celebrates ute copies of the artwork at its Calera; James Burnett, Calera board trustee; and Donnie Hyde, Calera police chief. on a national level is to spon- discretion sor a contest for American In- • NRCS and the selected dian artists, with the winning artist will sign a contractual artwork being produced into agreement to set forth the a poster and distributed na- terms of procurement and tionwide. This year, the South rights of the two parties Choctaw Nation teams up with Coca-Cola Central Region was selected to This is a great public aware- compete in the contest which ness opportunity for the artist for rain barrel making workshop includes Arkansas, Louisiana, and the Tribe. Copies of the Oklahoma, and Texas. The poster will be distributed and winning entry will have his/ displayed to all NRCS offices her artwork and heritage rec- in the 50 states plus the Carib- ognized nationally. bean and Pacific Basin areas. Below is information for For additional information, those who may be interested contact Dr. Carol Crouch at in submitting an entry. One 405-527-3241, ext. 3 or carol. piece of artwork will be se- [email protected]. lected and used for the 2012 NRCS is an equal opportu- NRCS American Indian Heri- nity provider and employer. tage Month poster. All programs and services Details are as follows: of NRCS are provided in a • All Tribal residents within nondiscriminatory manner. the South Central Region are The U.S. Department of Ag- invited to submit their artwork riculture (USDA) prohibits • There is no age limit discrimination in all of its • Submit one original art- programs and activities on the work, size 18x24 inch, acrylic basis of race, color, national All the rain barrel workshop participants pause for a photo. Photos by BRET MOSS | Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma or oil on canvas, ready for re- origin, age, disability, and production where applicable, sex, marital • The title for the artwork status, familial status, parental will be “Conservation: Our status, religion, sexual orienta- Pasts, Present, and Futures” tion, political beliefs, genetic • The theme for the artwork information, reprisal, or be- will be “Tell me and I’ll for- cause all or part of an individ- get. Show me and I may not ual’s income is derived from remember. Involve me and I’ll any public assistance program. understand” (Not all prohibited bases apply • A story describing the to all programs.) Persons with artwork must accompany the disabilities who require alter- poster native means for communica- • Notification to enter con- tion of program information test must be received by May (Braille, large print, audiotape, 25, 2012. Contact Dr. Carol etc.) should contact USDA’s Crouch: phone 405-527- TARGET Center at 202-720- 3241 ext. 108 or email carol. 2600 (voice and TDD). A group from Bryan County Master Gardeners work together. Melissa Robinson and Cyndi Johnson team up to complete a barrel.

ChoCtaw Casino ResoRt is seeking appliCants foR ouR table games tRaining sChool Training is at no cost to you. Applicants must complete a 5 week training and pass a live audition to be eligible for employment with Choctaw Casinos. Training will commence April 23rd and will be Monday - Thursday in 4 hour sessions to accomodate current employer schedules. Apply in person at Choctaw Casino Resort Human Resources Department. **1st, 2nd & 3rd shifts available** All shifts include weekends

Choctaw Casino Resort Human Resources Department 4216 HWY 69/75 • Durant, OK Phone: 1.580.920.0160 X 1108 Fax: 1.580.931.2740

Choctaw Casinos are owned and operated by the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. Positions will be given preference to Native Americans in accordance with Section 7(b) of the Indian Self-Determination Act. Please include a copy of your CDIB (Certificate Degree of Indian Blood) card with your application if applicable.

Management reserves all rights. Durant Mayor Jerry Tomlinson and Tracy Horst put the finish- GaMbLinG ProbLeM? CaLL 1.800.522.4700 ing touches on a barrel at the rain barrel making workshop. Tracy Horst shows off her rain barrel. BISKINIK | April 2012 | Page 14 Making a Choctaw war arrow Last month’s edition of Iti Fabvssa de- scribed different types of Choctaw traditional arrows and their uses. Some of these arrows are beautiful in their own right, but to really appreciate them, one needs to know what was Iti Fabussa put into making them. This month’s edition will describe how to make a Choctaw war ar- made from what was the top end of the sapling row using stone tools. Arrow-making is both as it was growing. This is because the top of an art and a science, and the process highlights the plant is more likely to grow with bends in A some important elements of traditional Choc- it than is the base. Over time, straightened sec- match- taw knowledge. While this knowledge is too tions of arrow-shafts can warp back towards ing set complex and interrelated to be fully represent- the sapling’s original form. If warp has to oc- of tra- ed in this article, we hope to provide readers cur, it is better for it to occur near the tip where ditional with a glimpse. it can easily be straightened out again, rather Choctaw For Choctaws, arrow-making was tradition- than at the base, where it will be covered by hunting ally done by males. As mentioned last month, the feathers and difficult to restraighten. and war the shafts of Choctaw war arrows were made Often, designs were painted on the shaft, arrows. from either river cane or wood. Although both Fig. 1 so as to be under the feathers on the finished processes are similar, making a wooden arrow Top to bottom: the process of straight- arrow. These painted designs helped identify Fig. 5 will be the focus here. Wood species common- ening a sapling into an arrow shaft. which arrows belonged to which individuals ly used by our ancestors for arrows include during war, communal hunting, or archery Putting feathers on the end of an arrow, a yaupon holly, swamp dogwood, sourwood, coals. The grease from the fat keeps the wood contests. The paints were often made from process known as “fletching” in English or and sparkle berry. These woods make excel- from burning, and helps distribute the heat to crushed up colorful rocks, mixed with glue. “hotti” in Choctaw (Byington 1915:169), adds lent arrow shafts because of their hardness, the center of the wood. The heat makes the Black and red seem to have been the most drag to the back end of the arrow. This keeps stiffness, and tendency to produce shoots that wood temporarily limber, so that it can be bent common colors. it from tumbling in flight. The curvature of the are relatively straight and free of branches. straight. After it cools, it will remain straight. The arrow point is “hafted” or attached to feathers also causes the arrow to spin, produc- Generally, the straightest shoots are found in One crooked spot is straightened at a time, un- the arrow shaft through a process known as ing a gyroscopic motion that allows the arrow areas of thick plant growth, where young trees til the arrow is straight like a dowel rod. “achoshuli” in the Choctaw language (Bying- to travel in straight path over long distances. must grow straight up to the light. Wildfires The straightened arrow shafts next need to ton 1915:10). Cutting a deep notch directly in Surviving early Choctaw arrows have sever- will also encourage straight growth. have their bark removed, and to be thinned to a wooden arrow to receive al different fletching styles. One, is the typical Shoots are selected based on their size and the point that they have just the right stiffness either a stone arrowhead or the “radial” fletching, where the halves of three lack of large branches, which would produce to match the draw weight and draw length of bowstring can be extremely feathers are spaced evenly around the arrow knots inside the wood. Although small and a particular bow. This was traditionally done time-consuming using stone shaft, in such a way that one of them is perpen- gradual bends in the shoots are okay, shoots using a spokeshave, made from the sharp edge tools. The end grains of the dicular to the notch made in the arrow for the with sharp, hard bends should be avoided. It of a mussel shell, or from a flake of stone with wood quickly break and dull bow string. Turkey wing feathers seem to have is best to cut material for arrow shafts in the a half circle chipped out of the edge. Some the brittle edge of the stone. been the most common choice. The feathers winter, while the sap is down, so that the wood old Choctaw arrow shafts are barreled. This However, ancestral people chosen must all be either from the left or right will cure faster and with less cracking. If the means that extra wood is removed developed an ingenious way wing of the bird, so that they have the same shoots are harvested in the summer, they are from both ends of the shaft, while the to make a notch in an arrow curvature. Turkey wing feathers can either by cut extra long to allow for cracking on the middle is left thick. Having extra shaft using only four shallow split down the length of the quill, or stripped ends. material at the center of cuts and a special breaking by a simple motion with the hands that detach- Our ancestors harvested shoots for arrow the shaft conveys an technique (Fig. 3). es the vanes on one side of the feather with a shafts using a small, sharp stone flake to cut important ballistic Stone arrow points were thin strip of the quill. In either case, the ends a groove all the way around the base of the advantage, allowing usually cemented into the of the feather pieces are trimmed so that they shoot. This created a weak place, which could an arrow to be both notch in the arrow shaft using have a short tab of bare quill, which can be be used to break the shoot off, rather than saw- lightweight and stiff, wrapped and glued down to the arrow shaft. pitch glue made from tree Fig. 3 ing all the way through. Usually, arrows were helping it to fly farther For added durability, the quill can be glued to sap mixed with charcoal Process for made in matching batches. and faster. the shaft down the full length of the fletching. Fig. 2 and other materials, or scoring and The shafts, while green, should be carefully In the past, arrow Making a set of matching, well-balanced ar- using hide glue made by breaking out straightened by hand. The arrow-maker sights shafts were rubbed rows is a difficult task, but well worth it. Today, Arrow shaft carefully rendering animal an arrow down the shaft to find a crooked spot. He then between two blocks there is nothing quite like putting a well-made with two hide scrapings and tendons. nock with uses his hands to apply firm, even pressure of sandstone (Fig. 2). traditional arrow on a bowstring and watching sandstone blocks Once cemented in the stone tools. to bend the crooked spot straight. The arrow- The even pressure used to smooth it. shaft, the point was it smoothly blast into the sky, traveling so fast maker continues straightening out crooked from the two stones firmly bound to the and arcing so high that you nearly lose sight of areas one at a time, until the whole shaft is will make the shaft using plant it. To our ancestors, the consistency and accu- straight. Although this green wood can be circumference of the shaft extremely circular fibers or shredded racy of these arrows was a major deciding fac- made directly into arrow shafts, dry, seasoned and even. Once sanded and evened out, the animal tendon tor in whether or not a man would be able to wood is better. The straightened green shoots shafts were sometimes also rubbed hard with dipped in glue. consistently put meat on the table, and protect can be tied into a tight bundle and set aside for a smooth stone or deer antler to compress the Several inches his family from attack. Old surviving Choctaw several months to dry. Pressure from the other wood cells. This “burnishing” can create a of the shaft arrows show that they did indeed put a lot of Fig. 4 shafts in the bundle helps them to keep their smooth, almost mirror-like finish in the wood, are also wrapped themselves into the art. straightness. improving arrow flight, and helping the arrow to reduce the risk Hafting a copper ar- After the shoots have dried, they should be to comfortably glide over the archer’s bow of the arrow rowpoint (made with Note: This article is excerpted from Chahta given a second straightening (Fig. 1). They can hand when he shoots. breaking on impact stone tools) to an ar- Intikba Im Aiikhvna (Learning from the Choc- be coated in animal fat and then held over hot Usually, the tip end of traditional arrows is (Fig. 4). row using deer tendon. taw Ancestors) by Ian Thompson (2008)

Chahta Anumpa Aiikhvna uuu uuu Lesson of the Month We have question and answer sets this month. The upsilon character, represented Katimma ish vtta? with a “v” in these lessons, makes the “ah” Where do you live? sound as in “sofa.” The Choctaw “a” sound, as in “katimma” sounds “a” as in father. Word meanings: Katimma – where Katimma ish amiti? ish – you Where are you from? vtta – live, stay, reside The pronoun “ish” always comes before Word meanings: a verb. The Choctaw language does not Katimma – where have a word to match the English word ish – you “do,” however it is understood and insert- amiti – from ed when translating to English. Choctaw Nation: LISA REED The Choctaw language does not have The age 9-13 boys and girls groups take aim during the Choctaw Nation’s first bow a word to match the English word “are,” li – I shoot of the 2012 season at Tushka Homma. however, we insert it for correct English The pronoun “li” always comes after a translation. “Ish” is a pronoun for “you” verb. and always precedes a verb. Ex. Tvmaha vtta li. I live in town. li – I Hugo vtta li. I live in Hugo. “li” is a pronoun that always comes after Choctaw Nation Bow a verb. vtta li – I live at/in Complete the sentence by naming the Shoot season opens amiti li – I am from town or city where you live. The Choctaw Nation held its first Bow Shoot of the sea- Complete the Choctaw sentence by You can insert color/size of house, coun- son March 10 with 26 participants. Results of the competi- tion are: naming the town or city where you are ty, or street name. st nd rd from. Example: Chukka homma vtta li. I live Age 5 & under: 1 , Calvin Palmer; 2 , Shyla Hatcher; 3 , Elden Palmer. Exanple: Detroit amiti li. I am from De- in a red house. Age 6-8: 1st, Memree Hatcher; 2nd, Lorna Breshear. troit. Bryan County vtta li. I live in Bryan Age 9-13 Boys: 1st, Jager Sokolosky; 2nd, Robert Bres- Tvmaha chito amiti li. I am from the County. hear; 3rd, William Breshear. city. Elm Street vtta li. I live on Elm Street. Age 9-13 Girls: 1st, Madi MacDonald. Choctaw Nation amiti li. I am from 20 and Over Women: 1st, Feticity Hull; 2nd, Christine Choctaw Nation. Waugh; 3rd, Holly Croghan. 20 and Over Men: 1st, Brad Hooker; 2nd, Tim Taylor; 3rd, www.choctawschool.com David Bacon. Choctaw Nation: LISA REED The Bow Shoot will be held on the second Saturday of each month on the capitol grounds at Tushka Homma. Reg- While at the bow shoot Are you Choctaw? istration begins at 10:30 a.m. with competition beginning at March 10 at Tushka 11 a.m. A free lunch is provided. Homma, Cathey Hook- Long bows, recurve bows, self bows, commercial or er helps her 1-year-old Do you need a CDIB card? handmade, can be used. No compound bows are allowed. grandson, Wyatt Kin- How about a Tribal Membership/Voter Registration card? Or even both? Prizes for each age group will be awarded at the end of slow, get the feel of his Have you lost any of your cards and need a replacement? each shoot. A final prize will be awarded at the end of the bow and arrow made by year for the most points overall. The season ends with the grandpa Larry Hooker. If so, you can now access our applications online at last shoot on Nov. 10. Larry also made many of choctawnation.com. For more information, call Pam Waugh at 918-569- the adult ones used in the 4552. bow shoot.