This issue of the Biskinik continues publication of recorded interviews of Choctaw elders from 2007. This month – Rebecca Cole and Lorena Cooper Page 8

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

March 2011 Issue Serving 204,871 Choctaws Worldwide Choctaws ... growing with pride, hope and success

Tribal Council Choctaw Nation to repatriate ancestors’ remains holds regular By BRET MOSS Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma February session The Choctaw Nation Tribal The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Council met Feb. 12 in regular (CNO) will be repatriating 124 of session at Tushka Homma. its ancestors’ remains this coming New business addressed in- spring. This is a great success on cluded approval of: more ways than one, and for more • granting a limited waiver of tribes than just the Choctaw Nation. sovereign immunity to certain The remains of ancestors are sa- equipment leases; cred to many Native American • a resolution recognizing tribal tribes, and the Choctaw tribe is no officials to conduct business with exception. These 124 remains are the Office of rustT Funds Man- believed to be around 500 years old, agement; based on cultural material and re- • three grazing leases; cords from the past, and hold great • application to the U.S. Depart- significance to members of several ment of Justice Office of Violence tribes from the Southeastern United Against Women for the Grants States. to Indian Tribal Government According to Choctaw tribal ar- Program: Project EMPOWER, chaeologist Dr. Ian Thompson, the a step in keeping Native Ameri- people of the Choctaw Nation have can women safe and improving long believed that the deceased will services. become one with the earth. “It is a • application to the U.S. Depart- traditional Choctaw belief that when ment of Justice for the Coordi- people die, their spirits take a jour- nated Tribal Assistance Solicita- ney to the Land of Souls, and part of tion to assist the tribe in its goal that is their body going back into the Choctaw Nation: LARISSA COPELAND to reduce and prevent crime and ground,” explains Thompson. Chief Gregory E. Pyle and Natchez Trace Parkway Superintendent Cameron H. Sholly each sign a Repatri- victimization in communities. These remains were taken from ation agreement on Feb. 23. The documents officially transfer custody of 124 remains to the Choctaw Nation. • accept all NAGPRA (Native their place of burial decades ago American Graves Protection during two separate excavations, remains for their collections. These Now that the Choctaw Nation has the family that originally laid them and Repatriation Act) Grants for one in the 1950s and the other in remains were taken without the con- reacquired its ancestors’ remains, to rest in the earth centuries ago, 2011; the 1960s. This was a time when ar- sultation of the tribes to which they they plan to rebury them. This is said Thompson. • disposal of surplus equipment; chaeologists were looking to amass belong. Most consider this desecra- done out of respect to the individu- • approved election filing dates large quantities of Native American tion a tragedy of the severest kind. als who have passed away, as well as See REPATRIATE on Page 5 and tribal election dates for 2011 during its February regular ses- sion. Elections will be held for Chief and for District 1, 2, 3, 5, 8 New recycling center helping to reduce environmental impact and 11 council seats. Filing dates By LARISSA COPELAND munity Block Grant from the De- nearly 135,000 pounds of plastic aging to know that we have employ- have been set for May 9, 10 and Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma partment of Energy. bottles, various paper and cardboard ees who care about our environment. 11 at the Election Board office, The 30,350-sq.-ft. facility has four to be recycled. At an E-Waste event They have devoted many hours to 529 N. 16th Ave., Durant. All The Choctaw Nation of Oklaho- full-time employees and receives held in January, the Choctaw Nation finding solutions, from handing out candidates must file in person. ma proudly celebrates its recently newspaper, office paper, shredded collected almost 37,000 pounds of ‘green’ cups to reduce the use of The office will be open 8 a.m. opened recycling center in Durant, paper, magazines, catalogs, plastics electronic material waste. styrofoam to opening this fantastic to 4:30 p.m. Monday through taking another step towards green numbered one and two, aluminum Chief Gregory E. Pyle is proud of facility,” said Chief Pyle. “It fulfills Friday. living and being good stewards of cans, steel cans, cell phones, printer the facility given that, prior to its a need in the Durant area, giving ev- The election will be July 8. If the land and environment. cartridges and cardboard for recy- opening, there was no public facility eryone an opportunity to recycle.” a runoff is needed, it will be held The recycling center, designed cling. within the 10-1/2 county area that The facility, located at 3108 Enter- July 30. to save energy and help offset the Since opening for business on Dec. allowed for businesses and individu- prise Drive in Durant, is open to the • modification #1 FY 2011 Cap- amount of waste accumulating in 1, the Choctaw Nation has collected als to drop off items to be recycled. public for dropping off items from ital Projects Budget, adding funds landfills each year, was funded more than 700 printer cartridges, “The Choctaw Nation of Oklaho- 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through for an additional 140 parking through an Energy Efficiency Com- 2,700 pounds of aluminum cans, and ma is a large entity and it is encour- Friday. spaces at the Poteau Travel Plaza and providing for improvements to be made at Tushka Homma. Tribal Councilmembers meet in YOU’RE READING AN regular session at 10 a.m. on the second Saturday of every month AWARD-WINNING NEWSPAPER at Tushka Homma. u What’s inside

Notes to the Nation...... 2 Columns...... 3 Nursery News...... 4 Food Distribution...... 4 People You Know...... 6 Education...... 7 Obituaries...... 13 Iti Fabvssa...... 14 Choctaw Nation: JUDY ALLEN PVIA Chaiman of the Board of Trustees Ken Hammond, left, receives a $60,000 check from Chief Gregory E. Pyle and Tribal Council Speaker Delton Cox. The Mission of the Choctaw Choctaw Nation partners with Nation of Oklahoma To enhance the lives of Poteau Valley Improvement Authority all members through By JUDY ALLEN opportunities designed Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma to develop healthy, suc- The Choctaw Nation presented a $60,000 check to the Poteau Valley Improvement Authority cessful and productive (PVIA), the first of four donations in this amount to be given over the next several years. As Chief 2010 OKLAHOMA PRESS ASSOCIATION lifestyles. Gregory E. Pyle handed the first installment of the monetary assistance to Ken Hammond, Chair- man of the Board of Trustees of the PVIA, a smile was on both men’s faces. “This is an important BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST WINNER This newspaper was recently project to help share the cost of studying the water in Lake Wister,” said Chief Pyle. PRESS AS A SO named one of the state’s best by a M C The four-year monitoring of the rivers coming into the lake and the lake itself is vital in getting O I H A 2010 T panel of judges. As a winner, A I L scientific information on the quality of the water. O

K this newspaper is entitled to AWARD N Last spring, to celebrate Earth Day, the Choctaw Nation, PVIA, area youth and officials from the O proudly display this 2010 WINNING The BISKINIK Nature Conservancy and the U.S. Geological Survey planted native bullrushes on floating rafts to is printed on award-winning emblem, which NEWSPAPER absorbs nutrients from the water in Lake Wister. This resulted in better, cleaner water for the people signifi es continued excellence and recycled paper. and wildlife. Monitoring the water over the next few years is the next step in improving the lake. service to the community. BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST The PVIA serves 80 percent of the residents of LeFlore County. March 2011, BISKINIK, Page 2

NOTES TO THE NATION

Thank you for help during accident 15th Annual 42nd Annual Talihina Indian I’m writing to say thank you to two wonderful men, Assis- AILYC Spring Pow Wow Festival Pow Wow tant Chief Gary Batton and Brian McClain. They helped us on Jan. 20 as we were traveling to Charlotte Jackson’s funeral and American Indian Leadership Youth we were in a car accident. We are fine, and again thank you. April 9, 2011 Council of Broken Bow Public Schools From Dondi Coley, Bydia Carney, Paul Carney and Elizabeth Talihina High School Gymnasium Terrell. April 2, 2011 On Highway 1 and 271 McCurtain County Sports Complex Head Staff Praise for BISKINIK Broken Bow, Okla. MC: Tim Tallchief, Jones Well done! The Biskinik’s Feb. 2011 issue is an outstand- Head Singer: Al Santos Sr., Apache ing edition, kudos should go to all involved. The interviews Head Staff Head Man Dancer: John Keel, Grant with the Choctaw elders are grand human-interest pieces. The MC: Kelly Anquoe, Tahlequah Head Lady Dancer: Kandance Folsom, Dallas segments on Blackjack Mountain ponies and Choctaw baskets Head Man Dancer: Kevin Connywerdy, Norman Head Gourd Dancer: Michael James, Hulbert provide historical perspective and a glimpse into the life and Head Lady Dancer: Leslie Deer, Holdenville ways of our ancestors. It would be nice to see more articles of Arena Dancer: Bill Takes Horse, Colbert this type. Keep up the good work! Head Gourd Dancer: Joe Bohanon, Muskogee Little Miss Club Princess: Haylee Himes RD Fink, Oklahoma City Arena Director: Bill Takeshorse, Colbert Club Princess: Landry James Host Singer: Pat Oyebi, Stillwell The Choctaw Nation Honor Guard Host Northern Drum: Blackbird, Shawnee Host Color Guard: Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Schedule Antlers 911 service needs info AILYC Sr. Princess: Alexandria Wade Gourd Dance - 2 p.m. The City of Antlers officials are asking for help as they up- AILYC Jr. Princess: Taylor McKinney Supper - 5 p.m. Gourd Dance - 6 p.m. date information for the city 911 service. According to 911 Di- Honorary Staff rector Robert Bowman, the city is in the process of updating Grand Entry, Inter-Tribals, Contests - 7-10 p.m. the 911 computer program in an effort to keep pace with the Head Man Dancer: Adolfo Martinez Participants must be 16 years or older to compete in population within the 298 exchange who lives outside the city Head Lady Dancer: Girlie Battiest dance contests. Men’s categories include fancy/grass limits. Bowman is asking anyone who has moved to a new lo- Jr. Head Man Dancer: Dallas Bohanan or straight/traditional. Women’s categories include cation or are newly moved to the area within the 298 exchange, Jr. Head Lady Dancer: Taylor McKinney southern cloth/buckskin or fancy shawl/jingle. First but outside the Antlers city limits, to contact his department place will receive $300, second will receive $175 and with current phone numbers or cell phone numbers, address Schedule third will get $75. and driving directions to their home. Armed with this infor- Stickball Game - 11 a.m. mation, Bowman will be able to determine GPS coordinates Gourd Dancing - 1 p.m. The public is welcome. There will be a cakewalk, Indian-made arts of each home, enabling emergency services personnel to find Supper - 5:30 p.m. and crafts, food consessions and raffles. Admission is free. Bring your addresses more easily. Contact Robert at his office at 580-298- own pow wow chairs. All princesses, clubs and drums are welcome. 0288 or his cell at 580-271-0233 or email at rbowman151@ Grand Entry - 6:30 p.m. For more information or A&C Booth space, contact Harry or Carol hotmail.com. Thank you for your assistance in this matter. Contests James at 918-567-2539. A booth space is $30. Tables and chairs are Men and teen boys’ categories include fancy/grass and not provided. straight/traditional. Women and teen girls’ categories This event is sponsored by the Talihina Indian Club with assistance of Congrats, Jeffrey include southern cloth/buckskin and fancy/jingle. Ju- The Oklahoma Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts. nior boys and girls will dance combined. Jeffrey Scott would like to say thank you for the rec- All dancers must register and be in grand entry to compete. All stick- ognition of his hard work on ball players are welcome, and arts and crafts spaces are available. getting straight A’s. Pictured For arts and crafts vendor information call Kim Battiest at 580-236- Thank you Higher Education with Jeffrey is his teacher 1305. For more information please contact Kim Battiest, Monica Billy I wanted to personally address this letter in response to the at Lambs Elementary, Mrs. at 580-584-3365 ex. 4069 or Katrina Anderson at 580-236-1280. great work and opportunity provided to me by the Higher Edu- Wilson. His parents are cation staff over the past six years. This department provides Katheryn Scott and Don- such a wonderful service to all our fellow Choctaw brothers ald Scott of Charleston Air and sister across the world. Force base, S.C. As the grandson of former Chief C. David Gardner, I have Thanks from Tonya decided to follow in his great footsteps. This would require Congratulations to Tonya Wil- great determination, perseverance and a little luck as he ac- son, daughter of Barbara Wilson- complished a vast amount of great things during his life. The Seeking contact information Holmes and Garry Wilson, for key to accomplishing my personal goals lies within education completing the LPN program in I have documents that I would like to return to the family and assisting the people of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. Oklahoma City. Tonya would like of Adelaide Risener, or I’d like to discuss other options. My I began my collegiate career in the heart of Chickasaw coun- to thank the Choctaw Nation and name is Darren Barton. If you have any information regarding try at East Central University in Ada. As a student, I strived the staff of Career Development for Adelaide, contact me at 480-464-1707 or 480-244-4273. My to become the best representative of the Choctaw Nation on all their help and encouragement. address is 605 E. McKellips Mesa, AZ 85203. Feel free to call ECU’s campus. My junior years I was voted as the Vice-Presi- Now that she’s passed her NCLEX anytime, hope to hear from you. dent of our Native American Student Association. The follow- and she’s an LPN, she would like ing year, I was unanimously chosen for the office of president. to give back and work for an Indian family. Tonya sends out a Durning my time in office, I was chosen to be the guest speaker special thanks to Karen Thomas of Career Developement, who at Chickasaw Governor Bill Anoatubby’s induction into East has been “wonderful.” Central University’s Hall of Governors, hosted countless cul- Fraizer Memorial Gospel Singing tural events and served as the moderator for ECU’s Spring The Frazier Memorial Gospel Singing will be held March 25 Lecture Series for the Advancement of Minorities in Math and at the Choctaw Community Center located at 707 Bond Street Science. in Crowder. The singing will begin at 7 p.m. Curtis Kinney will As a business student, I was honored to serve as the student serve as the master of ceremony, and concession will be avail- McAlvain Reunioin representative on the university’s Campus Expansion Commit- able. Everyone is welcome to attend. The 2011 Polk McAlvain Family Reunion will be held in tee, as well as interviewing candidates for the office for the Wister at the Community/Activity building on the north side Dean for the School of Business. My graduating semester, I of Lake Wister at noon on Saturday, June 4. Lunch will be pot- was chosen as the School of Business’s Outstanding Business luck, and the meat portion of the meal will be provided. Each Management Student of the Year. family is encouraged to bring a sidedish, drinks, an auction After I graduated with Academic Achievement in my Bach- Gregory E. Pyle Gary Batton item for both adults and children and lawn chairs. We will also elor’s of Science in Business Administration degree, I was Chief Assistant Chief be gathering at the Kennady/McAlvain Cemetery in Wister at given the opportunity by the university to continue my service 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, June 5. For information please contact Val to Native American students at East Central. I took the postion The Official (McAlvain) Templin at 918-429-9925 or email at outbackok@ as First-Year Experience Coordinator for the Department of Monthly Publication gmail.com. For Wister Lake State Park cabins, RV, camping Education’s Native American Serving Non-Tribal Institutions of the information or directions call 918-655-7212 or 800-654-8240. grant. I was chosen to be a panelist in the 2010 American In- Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma dian Learners Conference as a guest presenter at the Oklahoma Association of Registrars and Admissions Officers Conference. Judy Allen, Executive Director Lisa Reed, Director/Editor I also ran a student worker program to help 40 other Native Melissa Stevens, Circulation Director and low-income students finance their education. While work- Larissa Copeland, Assistant Editor ing as a full-time staff member, I continued my education and Karen Jacob, Purchasing Coordinator Sign-up for Conservation graduated with a perfect 4.0 GPA while receiving my Master’s Brenda Wilson, Administrative Assistant of Science in Human Resource Administration degree. For my Bret Moss, Copy/Production Assistant Reserve Program soon practicum, I ran a learning community for students interesting Chrissy Dill, Journalism Intern Beginning March 14, farmers will have an opportunity to in Native American cultures. Once again I hosted events and sign-up for the popular Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). took students to cultural conferences to enhance their under- P.O. Box 1210 For over 25 years, millions of acres of highly erodible crop Durant, OK 74702 standing of all tribal cultures. (580) 924-8280 • (800) 522-6170 land and environmentally sensitive land have been established I have since been promoted to a new position on campus and Fax (580) 924-4148 in grasses and other permanent covers, and enrolled in the CRP. could not be more satisfied with my education. It is because of www.choctawnation.com Producers have received annual rental payments while at the the services that the Higher Education office provided me that e-mail: [email protected] same type reducing erosion and improving wildlife habitat I was able to accomplish so many goals and experience count- The BISKINIK is printed each month as a service to Tribal throughout the United States. less fulfilling activities as a student. As an academic advisor, I Members. The BISKINIK reserves the right to edit submitted The enrollment process is a competitive bid type process. personally assist other students attain their educational goals. I material which it finds inaccurate, profane, offensive or mor- Producers who are approved will receive an annual rental pay- frequently meet with fellow Choctaws and can see just how big ally unacceptable. Copy may be edited for proper grammar and ment that is based upon the soil type of the land and the bid punctuation. Copy will be accepted in any readable form, but of a difference this office makes in their collegiate experience. rate. Rental rates range from $25 to $50 per acre in most areas. where possible, it is requested that material be typewritten and I have no doubt that Choctaw financial assistance is the de- double spaced. You must include an address or phone number The land must established to grasses and/or trees and may not termining factor that keeps these students striving to complete where you may be reached. Due to space limitations and the be hayed or grazed except under certain circumstances. their degree(s). I know that was true in my case. As a testament quantity of article submissions, we are unable to include every- To qualify for enrollment in the upcoming CRP signup 41, to that, I can tell you that in all my years in the heart of Chicka- thing we receive. you must be an agriculture producer with land that meets the saw country, in every year but one, there were more Choctaw If you are receiving more than one BISKINIK at your home following criteria. students than Chickasaw students working to complete their or if your address needs changed, we would appreciate hearing 1 – Land you have owned for 12 months or more. from you. degree at ECU. 2 – Land that is currently in CRP or land with an erodibility The BISKINIK is a nonprofit publication of the Choctaw Na- It is my wish that along with this letter, this represents to tion. index of eight or greater. your office just what can be accomplished by a Choctaw stu- Circulation is monthly. Article deadline is the 10th of the 3 – Land that you farmed in an annual crop four out of six dent through the Higher Education office’s dedication and to month for the following month’s edition. years from 2002 until 2007 or land in CRP four of the six years act as a “Thank You” of sorts, for what your administration from 2002 until 2007 that is still in the CRP cover. Note: Gen- has given me in the past. Please continue all your hard work in The Biskinik E-News is a digital version of your monthly eral pasture/hay land that has been in established grasses for Biskinik. It is delivered to your e-mail inbox twice monthly and helping Choctaw students world-wide, in attaining their higher haying and grazing during the period 2002-2007 is not eligible education. contains articles from the most recent BISKINIK newspaper for this program as well as links to the current BISKINIK and archives. Sign up today on choctawnation.com. Anyone interested in enrolling in CRP should contact a local FSA office: Atoka – 580-889-2554 ext. 2; Durant – 580-924- Sincerely, 4131 ext. 2; Hugo – 580-326-3655 ext. 2; Idabel – 580-286- Kyle W. Gardner The BISKINIK is printed 2574 ext. 2; McAlester – 918-423-4073 ext 2; Poteau – 918- Academic Advisor on recycled paper. BISKINIK® 2011 647-2047. The signup period will run through April 15, 2011. East Central Univeristy March 2011, BISKINIK, Page 3

Photography/history book on Choctaws Choctaw people to be featured in book set for publication next year

From the Desk of Chief Gregory E. Pyle In reviewing the list of people David and Rainette have found to photograph, I am amazed at the wide scope of Choctaws that The Choctaw Nation is working on a beautiful book of pho- are represented so far. There are many wonderful elders who tographs and compilation of history that is planned for publica- have taught us so much of the important lessons we live by to- tion next year. Renowned photographer David Fitzgerald and day. It was nice to see about a half-dozen names that are Choc- his photography assistant, Rainette Rowland (who is a Choctaw taws representing us at the Oklahoma State Capitol this year tribal member), have been traveling all over Oklahoma to cap- as Representatives and Senators. Portraits of men and women ture images of our citizens for this wonderful hardback tome. of faith include pastors of country churches and a Bishop in It is very exciting to use current photographs as illustration to Oklahoma City. Cultural leaders, artists, soldiers and veterans the rest of the world what Choctaw Nation is like. Combined are just a sampling of what this collection will offer. with information about our heritage, I think this book will be Please welcome this photography team to your community an excellent archive of present and past that we will share with and your home as they continue their travels through the Choc- many generations to come. taw Nation, capturing images on their cameras.

Historic Preservation work shows Attention Firefighters! perseverance and dedication From the Desk of Choctaw Nation Forestry will be having a Assistant Chief Gary Batton wildland firefighter physical fitness test at News was both sobering and excit- ing that the tribe was being allowed 9:30 a.m. on April 11, 2011, at the Talihina High to repatriate over 120 remains from School track. a burial site from the Natchez Trace, which is a National Parkway that For more information call Raymond Ludlow at covers parts of Mississippi, Tennes- see and Alabama. After much con- Choctaw Nation Forestry 918-567-2321. sultation and collaboration with the federal entity and other tribes who could have possible connections to the remains, paperwork was signed between leaders of the National Park Service and the Choctaw Nation so that the funerary items and remains Born again into a living hope could be properly repatriated. It is a privilege to share The Choctaw Nation has been ac- with you a little of the Good Chaplain’s Corner tive in NAGPRA (Native American News of God’s Plan of Sal- Graves Protection and Repatriation vation from the Bible. Our Act) since it was legislated in 1990. Lord Jesus Christ said, in PRAY for the lost souls. In the late ‘90s we opened a Historic the Gospel of John, Chapter We’re suppose to pray Preservation office, now led by Director Terry Cole and Archaeologist Ian Thompson, along 3, Verse 3: “Verily, verily, I for all men and this with a fine staff of other dedicated personnel. They have consulted with museums and agencies say unto thee, Except a man includes the lost. Isa- across the United States to identify remains and when appropriate, repatriate and rebury those be born again, he cannot see iah said in Isaiah 66:8: remains. This recent action is a great example of some of the work that they have done over the the kingdom of God.” He said “... as soon as Zion years. I appreciate them very much for their commitment and perseverance. again in Verse 6: “That which travailed, she brought is born of the flesh is flesh; forth her children.” I and that which is born of the don’t sense today on Spirit is spirit.” the part of the Church a Why does the Lord Jesus burden to pray for lost Christ describe birth as the souls. CCYA volunteers for ‘Operation Gratitude’ picture of Salvation? On Dec. 11, 2010, members There is another rea- Birth is a universal expe- of the California Choctaw son why birth is a pic- rience. Birth involves life. Youth Association (CCYA) ture of Salvation. Birth Birth involves two parents. spent the day as volunteers involves a future. There In our case, as Christians, it for “Operation Gratitude.” are two places where would be the Word of God This organization sends care you will not find a po- and the Spirit of God. And packages to our service men liceman waiting to ar- birth determines nature and and women who are current- rest somebody. One is it involves travail – there has ly deployed to Afghanistan a cemetery. You cannot to be travail. Travail means and Iraq. The CCYA spent Rev. Bertram Bobb arrest a dead person. painful work, exertion, agony the day doing various tasks Tribal Chaplain And the other is at the or labor. The mother still has which included packing and nursery at the hospital. to cooperate with the way God made things in moving many of the 600,000 You cannot arrest a baby. Why? A baby order to give birth to the child. care packages to be shipped has done neither good nor evil, a baby Our Lord Jesus Christ had to travail on the in time for Christmas. Submitted photo comes into this world having only a future. cross that we might be able to experience the Now this is true of us as Christians. CCYA is dedicated to the preservation of culture, tradition through education, participation New Birth. The Prophet Isaiah says in Isaiah The Apostle Peter wrote in his First Epis- and representation. The youth group is open to all Choctaw youth and their friends ages 11-23. 53:22: “He shall see of the travail of his soul, tle: “Praise be the God and Father of our The group participates in Native American Cultural Activities through out California to share and shall be satisfied...” Just as the mother en- Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He Choctaw culture and traditions with others. CCYA is organized by the Okla Chata Clan of Cali- ters into travail to give birth to the child, so has given us new birth into a living hope fornia. For more information contact [email protected]. our Lord Jesus Christ gave His Life for us on through the resurrection of Jesus Christ the cross. Jesus talked about it in John 3:14: from the dead.” (I Peter 1:3 NIV). “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wil- When I was born the first time, I wasn’t Pre-register for 16th Annual Okla Chahta Gathering derness, even so must the Son of man be lifted born to a living hope, I was born to a living The 16th Annual Okla Chahta Gathering will be held May 7-8 on Bakersfield College’s practice up.” The words “lifted up” means crucified. death. When I was born the first time, I was field in Bakersfield, Calif. Nicodemus knew that was what Jesus was born into a sinful world with a sinful nature The two days are enjoyed by hundreds of Choctaws, family and friends who come together to talking about. The Lord Jesus Christ would and there was no real hope for me. When visit with other West Coast Choctaws and all who attend from Oklahoma. have to be nailed to a cross and lifted up be- I was born again through faith in Jesus Chief Gregory E. Pyle, Assistant Chief Gary Batton, Councilmembers and Chaplain Bertram tween Heaven and Earth. Christ, I discovered that I was born unto a Bobb are among the special guests. For Jesus Christ to be able to give Life to us living hope. You see God has planned for If you are interested in a vendor space or would like more information, please call 661-323- He had to give His Life for us. And we know His children a marvelous future, not just in 7111. Or for more information about the gathering, call 661-393-6552 or e-mail choctaws@okla- the reason why: “... the wages of sin is death Heaven, that’s true, we have a home pre- chahta.org. Check out the website at www.oklachahta.org. ...” (Romans 6:23). And God had to deal with pared for us in Heaven. In fact, Peter de- Use the form below to pre-register for the free Saturday meal and/or a camping space. sin before He can impart this New Nature to scribes that in that same chapter, First Peter us. So birth involves travail, we must never 1:4-5: “To an inheritance incorruptible, un- take the New Birth for granted, we must never defiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved look at it as some cheap thing, it is not cheap. in Heaven for you, Who are kept by the The New Birth is expensive: “For God so power of God through faith unto salvation Pre-Register for the 16th Annual Gathering loved the world, that He gave His Only Be- ready to be revealed in the last time.” Please pre-register for the FREE Saturday meal. gotten Son, ...” (John 3:16a). We are a part of a glorious future. There There is such a thing as the travail of the is no living hope here on Earth. But we Name______heart of the sinner. There is such a thing as have a living hope. Our living hope keeps Address______conviction. Each person who is born again growing, a living hope has roots to it, it gets has to realize his need for a Savior. He has bigger and more beautiful and more won- City/State/Zip ______to realize that he is a sinner deserving eter- derful. That’s the kind of hope we have, it’s Phone #______nal death, and this ought to bring some tra- an inheritance incorruptible. E-mail______Are you a tribal member? ______vail. There ought to be some travail. There But there is more to it than that. You see ought to be some conviction. Our Lord makes when you are born again into a living hope, – Camping on grounds of gathering – it very clear that “... whosoever believeth in it doesn’t mean just blessing in heaven, it Sign up now – limited number of spaces – they go fast – request early for a space! Him should not perish, but have everlasting also means blessing here on earth until you you must register & pay in advance life.” (John 3:16b). Salvation is “...by grace get to heaven. That means when the person If you cancel you must do so 2 weeks prior to get a refund so we can open to someone else. ... through faith, ...” (Ephesians 2:8a). I think is born again into the family of God, God I wish to register for camping: too that there ought to be a travail on the part has a perfect plan already laid out for him. of the Church. As you and I travail in prayer Never be afraid of the Will of God. Name______E-mail______for the lost, they then will come under con- When you are born again, that birth in- Address______Phone______viction and they will travail in conviction and volves a future and that future includes then they can find the Savior Who travailed today and tomorrow and next week until RV Camping (size and type) ______$10 – Friday or Saturday for them on the cross. that time when God calls you home or Je- or $15 for Friday and Saturday. In Galatians 4:19, Paul talks about being sus Christ comes to take us home. That’s Fee is per unit charge. All camping is dry – no electricity. No tent camping. in travail again for those Galatians, some of why we don’t have to be afraid of any day. whom were being led astray by false religion. A Christian can wake up any morning and Please make checks payable to When they were saved initially, it was be- say: “This is the day which the LORD hath Okla Chahta Clan of CA Inc. and mail to P.O. Box 80862, Bakersfield, CA 93380 cause of Paul’s travail, as the evangelist, as made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” All camping is for self-contained only. No hookups – No electricity. the missionary. God used the Word that Paul (Psalms 118:24). Camping and other information can be found at www.oklachahta.org, preached, and they came to know Christ as Remember to pray for America and for their Savior. And so it is that birth involves phone 661-393-6552 or e-mail [email protected]. our leaders. Pray for our brave men and travail. Let me request or suggest this to you – women in service. March 2011, BISKINIK, Page 4

FOOD DISTRIBUTION Grilled Chicken Paillards, Nursery News Mango Mint Salsa Recipe ANTLERS Christian Andrade Market open weekdays April 1-26 , except for: By Kathleen M. Zelman, MPH, RD, LD April 6 : Idabel 9-11 a.m.; Broken Bow 12-2 p.m. (market closed) WebMD Recipe from the WebMD Weight Loss Clinic Christian Sergio Battiest An- April 13: Bethel 9-10:30; Smithville 12-2 (market closed) Ingredients: drade was born at Kaiser Perma- Closed April 22 & 25 for holiday and April 27-29 for inventory • Chicken nente in Downey, Calif., on Nov. Cooking with Carmen: April 4 &14, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. o 1 fresh lemon, squeezed 27 to Sergio Jr. and Erica Andrade. o 1 fresh lime, squeezed Proud grandparents are Sheryl durant o 1 shallot, minced Lynn Battiest, Sergio Sr. and Laura Market open weekdays: April 1-26, except for: o 1-2 cloves garlic, minced Andrade. Great-grandparents are Closed April 22 & 25 for holiday and April 27-29 for inventory o 1 teaspoon olive oil Marcus Ray and the late Dorothy Cooking with Carmen: April 1 & 12, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. o 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper Jean Battiest, all of Downey. McAlester o 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded thinly Market open weekdays April 4-26, except for: • Salsa Closed April 22 & 25 for holiday and April 27-29 for inventory o 2 mangoes, peeled and chopped (about 2 cups) o 1 large red bell pepper, chopped (about 1 cup) Parker Rogenmoser Cooking with Carmen: April 6 & 18, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. o 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped POTEAU o 1-2 tablespoons minced red onion Parker Ann Rogenmoser was born Aug. 28, 2010, at 11:30 p.m. Market open weekdays April 1-26, except for: o 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice at St. Frances Cabrini Hospital Closed April 22 & 25 for holiday and April 27-29 for inventory o 1 teaspoon lime zest in Alexandria, La., weighing 7 Cooking with Carmen: April 8 & 20, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. o 2 teaspoons olive oil o 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped (can substitute cilantro or pounds 8.5 ounces and was 20.5 parsley) inches long. His parents are Justin and Sarah Choctaw Nation Food Distribution Preparation: 1. Combine juices, shallot, garlic, oil and pepper in a large Rogenmoser of Natchitoches, La. Open 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday thru Friday. We bag, add chicken and marinate at least 30 minutes in refrig- Grandparents are Robby and Barbara Rogenmoser of Boyce, will take lunch from 11:30 to 12 noon erator. La., and Barnie and Valerie Bond of Hot Springs, Ark. Great- WAREHOUSES & MARKETS 2. To make salsa, combine all ingredients, toss and re- grandparents are Bob and Wanda Rogenmoser of Boyce, La. Antlers: 306 S.W. “O” St., 580-298-6443 frigerate. Prepare grill on high heat. Remove chicken from Aunt Caitlin Rogenmoser, uncle David Rogenmoser and uncle Durant: 100 1/2 Waldron Dr., 580-924-7773 marinade, pat dry, and grill on both sides 3-4 minutes or until Ryan Rogenmoser also welcome baby Parker into this world. McAlester: 1212 S. Main St., 918-420-5716 brown and cooked. Poteau: 100 Kerr, 918-649-0431 3. Place paillard of chicken on plate, top with mango salsa. Food Distribution Sites Yield: 4 servings. Parker Burns Bethel: Choctaw Community Building Nutritional Information per serving: 254 calories, 28 g pro- Parker Colton Burns was born on Broken Bow: Choctaw Family Investment Center tein, 21 g carbohydrate, 7 g fat, 1.4 g saturated fat, 73 mg Idabel: Choctaw Community Center Jan. 4, 2011. He weighed 8 pounds cholesterol, 3.4 g fiber, 67 mg sodium, 24% calories from fat. 4 ounces and was 19 inches long. Smithville: Choctaw Community Center I hope you enjoy this recipe! Stigler: Choctaw Community Center He is the son of Howie and Elise For further information you may contact: Burns of Wichita, Kan. Howie is In accordance with federal law and U.S. Department of Agri- Erin Adams, RD, LD culture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the grandson of Donald Dwain Mc- Choctaw Nation Diabetes Wellness Center 800-349-7026 Cann of Purcell. the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, political ext: 6959 beliefs, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Adjudication and Compliance, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, or call 800-795-3272 (voice) or 202-720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an A colorful guide to a healthier lifestyle equal opportunity provider and employer. Halito, leafy greens such as spinach may help maintain a healthy ditional options in the color Let color be your guide to Orange and deep yellow heart, vision, immunity and palette, choose frozen or dried nutritious meals and eat right fruits and vegetables contain may reduce cancer risks. fruits and vegetables avail- with color during National nutrients that promote healthy • Fruits: cherries, cranber- able throughout the year,” she Nutrition Month. vision and immunity, and re- ries, pomegranate, red/pink says. While the trees may be bare duce the risk of some cancers. grape fruit, red grapes and “Instead of grilled chicken Tips to a better diet in March, there are still plen- • Fruits: apricot, canta- watermelon and mashed potatoes, con- March is National Nutri- ty of colorful and nutritious loupe, grapefruit, mango, pa- • Vegetables: beets, red on- sider painting a more colorful tion Month, and the theme for WIC foods to fill your plate. Dur- paya, peach and pineapple ions, red peppers, red pota- plate, such as grilled chicken 2011 is “Eat Right with Color”. WOMEN, INFANTS ing the 2011 National Nutri- • Vegetables: carrots, yel- toes, rhubarb and tomatoes topped with salsa, mashed Healthy eating is for everyone AND CHILDREN tion Month®, the American low pepper, yellow corn and White, tan and brown foods sweet potato, asparagus and of all age groups and ethnici- Dietetic Association encour- sweet potatoes sometimes contain nutrients spinach salad with orange ties. The food and physical ac- ages everyone to add color Purple and blue options that may promote heart health slices. A colorful meal is not tivity choices we make today and everyday affect our health and nutrients to their meals may have antioxidant and and reduce cancer risks. only visually appealing, but it and how we feel today and in the future. Eating right and being through this year’s theme: anti-aging benefits and may • Fruits: banana, brown also contains a variety of nu- physically active are keys to a healthy lifestyle. “Eat Right with Color.” help with memory, urinary pear, dates and white peaches trients and is quite flavorful,” “Adding a splash of col- tract health and reduced can- • Vegetables: cauliflower, Ansel says. Tips to Eat Right With Color: orful seasonal foods to your cer risks. mushrooms, onions, parsnips, For more information on • Make smart choices from everyday food groups- Give your plate makes for more than • Fruits: blackberries, blue- turnips, white-fleshed potato how to “Eat Right with Col- body the balanced nutrition it needs by eating a variety of nutri- just a festive meal. A rain- berries, plums, raisins and white corn or,” visit ADA’s National ent-packed foods every day. bow of foods creates a pal- • Vegetables: eggplant, pur- Ansel recommends choos- Nutrition Month website for • Get the most nutrition out of your calories- Choose the most ette of nutrients, each with a ple cabbage, purple-fleshed ing a variety of colors when a variety of helpful tips, fun nutritionally rich foods you can from each food group each day- different bundle of potential potato shopping for seasonal fruits games, promotional tools and those packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber and other nutrients benefits for a healthful eating Red indicates produce that and vegetables. “And for ad- nutrition education resources. but lower in calories. plan,” says registered dieti- • Find your balance between food and physical activity– tian and ADA Spokesperson Regular physical activity is important for your overall health Karen Ansel. and fitness-plus it helps control body weight, promotes feeling “Healthy eating includes of well-being and reduces the risk of chronic diseases. more than counting calories • Play it safe with foods- Prepare, handle and store foods alone. In fact, most children properly to keep you and your family safe. don’t get enough of all the essential nutrients critical to Eating Right with Color refers to eating a variety of colors normal growth and develop- of fruits and vegetables and eating all the colors of the food ment,” says Ansel. pyramid. Making your diet colorful is a great way to make “Food variety supplies dif- your meal times fun and exciting and helps prevent burnout on ferent nutrients, so to maxi- certain types of foods. mize the nutritional value of Remember, eating right with color creates happy, healthy your meal, include healthful habits that last a lifetime! choices in a variety of col- ors.” Ansel offers ways to Recipe of the Month: Ham Roll-Ups brighten up your plate in ev- Ingredients: ery season with this quick 6 Broccoli spears, cooked color guide. 6 Slices of ham Green produce indicates ½ Cup of cheese sauce antioxidant potential and may Preparations: help promote healthy vision 1) Place 1 broccoli spear on a slice of ham and roll up. and reduce cancer risks. 2) Roll the rest of ham slices around broccoli spears. • Fruits: avocado, apples, 3) Place ham roll ups in a baking dish. grapes, honeydew, kiwi and 4) Pour cheese sauce over roll ups. lime 5) Cover and bake in oven for seven minutes at 350° • Vegetables: artichoke, asparagus, broccoli, green beans, green peppers and

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., Thurs. & Fri. 1st, 3rd & 4th Wed. Bethel 580-241-5458 8:30-4:00 1st Tuesday Boswell 580-380-2517 8:30-4:00 1st & 2nd Friday Broken Bow 580-584-2746 8:00-4:30 Mon., Wed., Thurs. & Fri. 2nd, 3rd & 4th Tuesday Coalgate 580-927-3641 8:30-4:00 2nd Wednesday Durant 580-924-8280 x 2255 8:00-4:30 Daily Hugo 580-326-5404 8:00-4:30 Mon., Tues., Wed. & Thurs. 3rd & 4th Friday Idabel 580-286-2510 8:00-4:30 Mon. & Fri., 1st & 3rd Thurs. 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 918-962-5134 8:00-4:30 Every Wed., Thurs. & Fri. Stigler 918-967-4211 8:30-4:00 Every Monday & Tuesday Talihina 918-567-7000 x 6792 8:00-4:30 Mon., Tues., Wed., & Fri. Wilburton 918-465-5641 8:30-4:00 Every Thursday March 2011, BISKINIK, Page 5

Lester dedicated to keeping Choctaw art in public eye By LARISSA COPELAND explaining her drive to cre- a unique piece of Choctaw art Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma ate Choctaw art. “So many varies depending on the meth- Choctaws are such talented od she uses and the details that Portraying Choctaws cor- artists but their work isn’t go into it. Some pieces can be rectly and uniquely in her on public display. My grand- started and completed within artwork is important to Gwen mother, for example, was a a day, while others may take Coleman Lester. wonderful Choctaw quilter up to six weeks to finish. “I want people to see Choc- but she would make them and The colored pencil draw- taws as an individual tribe,” give them away to friends and ings are realistic and detailed, she said. “We have our own family. People need to see the while her acrylic paintings history and heritage. Some- Choctaw art.” flow freely across the canvas. times I show our history and “When I was in high school She enjoys creating colored where we’ve been and some- my parents took me to an all pencil drawings most but they times I show where we are to- Indian art exhibit,” she con- seem to take the most time to day. We’re not all history. We tinued. “On each piece, the create. are a living, growing tribe,” artist was identified along “They’re the most de- she continued. with their tribe. I remem- tailed,” she said. “Once I get Lester, a resident of Clare- ber walking around to all started, it’s like they take on a more, Okla., began creating the pieces and there were no life of their own.” art as a hobby when she was Choctaw paintings. That re- Lester is the daughter of young but it turned full time ally stuck with me. I felt the two Choctaws. Her full- as she grew older. As a child, need to make Choctaw art.” blooded Choctaw father Jim- she was always doodling and Keeping Choctaws as her my Coleman was from Hugo drawing. The love of art was focus has paid off for Les- and her mother, Lucille Tims always there but it was in her ter. She has won numerous Coleman, who was one-half late teen and early adulthood awards over the years at art Choctaw, was from Antlers. when she began to take it shows and exhibitions. She is proud of her Choctaw more serious. Courtesy ROD LESTER Additionally, in 2003, Les- heritage and is happy to let it Lester received her de- ter was commissioned by the show through her work. gree in commercial art from Gwen Coleman Lester paints a Choctaw stickball scene. Creating Choctaw art is impor- Choctaw Nation to paint the She and her husband, Rod, Southwest Oklahoma State tant to Lester because she feels Choctaws are often under represented in the public market. Trail of Tears mural at the produce her limited edition University and worked as a museum at Tushka Homma. prints through their company, commercial artist until 2000. paint on occasion. She also such as family life, dances, scenes, though, are her pas- It’s the largest mural she’s Native Traditions Artworks, It was then that she took up does colored pencil illustra- and stickball games, but oc- sion. painted to date, something which they sell online and creating art full time. tions and pastels. casionally she’ll paint inter- “I felt like we needed more she says she’s very proud to at Native American art festi- Today, she paints in wa- Her subjects include mostly tribal scenes, wildlife, cultur- Choctaw art representation in have done. vals and museum exhibitions tercolor and acrylics, and oil Choctaw subjects and culture al still life and food. Choctaw the market place,” she said The time it takes to create throughout the year.

Amerman creates unique beading by combining influences By LARISSA COPELAND tional influences have also is “just right,” he stitches the Phoenix. Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma had an impact on his art. beads down one by one to Pieces of Amerman’s art The types of art he creates create a colorful, photo-real- are part of the permanent Multi-faceted and award- are beaded jewelry, clothing, istic image. collections of museums such winning Choctaw artist Mar- framed canvas pieces, paint- The subjects of his beading as the Smithsonian National cus Amerman of Santa Fe, ings, feather works, and per- are everything from Choctaw Museum of the American In- N.M., is recognized for his formance and various other and traditional Native Ameri- dian, the Portland Art Muse- photo-realistic beading im- forms. He’s currently work- can/historic subjects to movie um, and the American Muse- ages. Though best known for ing on a series of capotes, star and rock star subjects. “I um of Natural History, among this intricate beading tech- a “mountain man” style of go through phases,” he said, many others. His work has nique, Amerman also works hooded blanket. He also does explaining the varied subject also been featured in many with glass and ceramics and ceramic glasswork, where his matter of his art. “Whatever publications including the is a painter, a performance Choctaw influences really phase I’m going through is New York Times, Wall Street artist, a multimedia artist, and show. “Choctaw methods, es- what I make. I also can make Journal, American Indian Art a fashion designer. As a full pecially those from Mound- anything that I’m commis- Magazine, Southwest Art time artist, creating is a way ville, lend itself to translate sioned to create such as fam- Magazine, among numerous of life for him. well into glass form,” he ily member photos, dogs, others. His work is also part He has lived in many artisti- said, becoming familiar with anything that person wants.” of the private“ art collections cally diverse and culture-rich Choctaw ceram- of numerous ce- regions of the country, which ics after a resi- A variety of people, places lebrities and enter- is evident in his pieces. “A dency with the tainers including variety of people, places and Smithsonian. and art forms influenced John Travolta, El- art forms influenced where I Where he re- ton John, Sylves- am as an artist,” he said. Born ally stands out, where I am as an artist. ter Stallone and in Phoenix, Ariz., but grow- though, is with“ Val Kilmer. – Marcus Amerman ing up mostly in the Pacific his beading. He Amerman is Northwest, Amerman was uses both tradi- also a live per- Choctaw Nation: LARISSA COPELAND exposed to a wide variety of tional and modern methods Most of his work is com- forming artist and gives lec- cultures and tribes including A beaded bracelet made by Amerman is on display at the of beading but with a twist. missioned pieces, however, tures and workshops at loca- the Nez Perce in Washington, Smithsonian Museum of the American Indian in Washing- He combined the figura- he does occasionally sell to tions across the United States. the Hopi in Arizona and the ton, D.C. tive and pictorial techniques a gallery or enter into an art Amerman has one son, Choctaw in Oklahoma. he learned in Washington show or museum exhibition. 16-year-old Sirius. They are Born with a love of art in his family would go to pow He attended Whitman Col- and the multicolored, gradi- The two shows that he en- proud descendents of Red- his blood, Amerman grew up wows, make their own re- lege in Walla Walla, Wash., ent beading he picked up in ters regularly are the annual mond Bond, a Choctaw cir- in a creative environment. galia, do the bead work, the where he obtained his Bach- Oklahoma to create his own Santa Fe Indian Market and cuit preacher who established “Everyone in the family feather work, everything they elor of Fine Arts. Along with type of beading. Using a 13 the Heard Museum Guild’s many churches in Choctaw made art,” he said. Together, needed, he says. his life experiences, educa- point cut bead, a size he says Indian Show and Market in territory.

for a time they ment will be used to put the The process of obtaining Choctaw Nation requested a tive and important nature, a lived among remains back into the ground. the remains was not complet- ground penetrating radar sur- NAGPRA Advisory Board REPATRIATE: the Choctaw Individuals working on the ed by just a dedicated few, vey of the original burial site has been assembled within and they intermixed,” there- reburial will hand dig every but by a dedicated many. The to better understand how the the tribe to give the Historic Choctaw Nation fore some of today’s Choctaw grave with a shovel in order Coalition of Southeast Tribes, remains were buried and sub- Preservation Department di- signs Repatriation people have Taensa lineage, to keep the process as respect- which includes a number of sequently removed from their rection on how to proceed Agreement to claim continued Thompson. ful and traditional as possible. Native tribes, has been work- burials. with repatriations and reburi- The Taensa also lived near The remains will be placed in ing to improve the process The Natchez Trace Park- als. This ten member group ancestors’ remains and intermixed with the Ala- the most precise way as can that tribes must use to obtain way then took a thorough includes tribal elders, tradi- Continued from Page 1 bama and the Chitimacha at be determined to match how remains. inventory of their collection tional people and tribal coun- different times, therefore, they originally came from the This process is dictated by and found that some of the cil members. Other than sheer respect for those same tribes of today can earth. the Native American Graves collection had been dispersed A great deal of effort has the departed, the Choctaw be- also trace their linage back This may seem like a great Protection and Repatriation to other locations. The Choc- been poured into this endeav- lief is that “where they were to the group being repatri- deal of work, but to those Act (NAGPRA), which is a taw Nation had them assem- or; individuals throughout the buried, the soil around them is ated. Today, several tribes involved, it is worth every federal law passed in 1990. ble the collection as a whole. Choctaw Nation and many part of them,” mentions Terry have affiliation with these bit of work. “It is not some- The road that led to this Natchez Trace Parkway others who have handled var- Cole, tribal historic preserva- remains, such as the Jena thing great that we do, it is particular reburial began representatives Cameron H. ious aspects of the repatria- tion officer. Band of Choctaw Indians, something great that we are when the tribe was first con- Sholly, superintendent, and tion. Through this work, the Cole went on to explain that the Alabama-Coushatta and allowed to do. Its a privilege sulted in 2002 when a federal Dr. Christina Smith, cultural Historic Preservation depart- when a body starts to deterio- several others. This reburial to get to honor the ances- institution in Mississippi, the resource manager, have been ment has made progress that rate the physical body is ab- act of respect is for more than tors,” said Thompson as he Natchez Trace Parkway, un- working very closely with will help with future repatria- sorbed into the ground around just the Choctaw Nation, but described his feelings toward der requirements of NAG- the Choctaw Nation through tion. the grave. This makes the area is a great success for multiple the repatriation. PRA, went through their col- the repatriation process. They “Through this, we are build- around the grave sacred. tribes. Cole followed by mention- lection of human remains and joined Chief Gregory E. Pyle ing positive relations with the The remains are not only The return of these remains ing that the ancestors have found that particular remains and Choctaw Historic Preser- National Park Service in the important to the Choctaw is a significant and spiritual handed down responsibilities could be traced to the Choc- vation department represen- Southeast, and those relation- people, but are significant to event for Choctaw Nation to the generation of today and taw Nation. tatives, Cole and Thompson, ships will make it much easier numerous other tribes. The that has been guided by an one of those responsibilities Since then, the research and other tribal dignitaries, to repatriate other ancestors remains are believed to be advisory board, made up of is to take care of those who compiled about these re- at the tribal headquarters on who need to be brought back those of the Taensa tribe, who distinguished Choctaw peo- have passed away. “It is our mains lead to the conclusion Feb. 23 to sign the Repatria- to their homes, ” said Thomp- lived in the area at that time. ple from various walks of life. responsibility and our job.” that they are of Choctaw af- tion Agreement. This docu- son. They are identified as such by Similarly, the reburial is a This great honor is not just filiation. The Choctaw Nation ment officially transferred Thompson went on to tell the material culture, location, very spiritual process and will for the Choctaw Nation, but filed a Repatriation Claim in the custody of the remains to that in times past burial sites early written records and the be handled with great care by for all the tribes to which the 2009 and in turn, the institu- the Choctaw Nation of Okla- like this have been subject to way that the burials were put all involved. The reburial will remains are affiliated. The tion published an Intent to homa. More than 100 people grave looters and other mali- in the ground, said Thomp- be directed by several Choc- Choctaw Nation Department Repatriate to a national pub- were in attendance to witness cious activity. He stressed that son. taw spiritual and religious ad- of Historic Preservation has lication, the Federal Register. the historic event. to disturb the reburial site, “They are one of tribes who visors and out of respect for invited those certain tribes to In working with the Nat- Within Choctaw Nation, and those like it, would be to lived near the Choctaw, and the departed, no large equip- partake in this event as well. chez Trace Parkway, the this work is of such a sensi- commit a federal offense. March 2011, BISKINIK, Page 6

PEOPLE YOU KNOW

Happy first birthday Red Eagle performs Paityn Aly’cia Grace Battiest of Bro- at Columbia ken Bow celebrated her first birthday Choctaw hip-hop singer and on March 9 with family and friends. song writer Jesse Robbins, or “Red She is the daughter of Tia Renee Bat- Eagle,” has been asked to perform A Salute tiest. Proud grandparents are Reggie during the plenary session at this and Katie Baker of Broken Bow. Great- year’s prestigious Cross-Cultural grandparents are Lena Battiest and the Winter Roundtable Conference late Esau Battiest of Broken Bow and at Columbia University in New Lavada Baker and the late Madison York City, on Feb. 25. This year’s Baker of Wright City. Great-great-grandparents are Helen Bat- theme is “Indigenous Voices,” and tiest and the late Isaac Battiest Sr. of Broken Bow. Jesse intends to sing songs that The Hegler boys Paityn would like to wish her Papa Reggie, grandmother La- give voices to Choctaws and other Twenty-one-year-old Pvt. Johnathan vada and Auntie Krystal a happy birthday this month. tribal people’s concerns. He has gained notoriety from his ap- L. Hegler graduated from basic train- pearances as a rap concert act and during the countless poetry ing from the U.S. Army on Jan. 26. He readings he has staged across Oklahoma and Texas as well as did his training at Ft. Leonard Wood, from the airplay he has garnered from various radio stations. in Missouri. He received special recog- Family birthdays The Roundtable Conference selected Robbins based on what nition for expert marksman and main- they described as his “strong tribal and community connection, tained a PT Level 5 throughout training. Happy birthday wishes to Hunter He is currently stationed at Ft. Gordon in Daniel James who turns three years voice of political protest and spiritual insight.” It would have been appropriate to add something about Jesse’s Indian sense Georgia for his AIT schooling for Signal old on March 11 and his Papa Dar- Support Systems Specialist. rell James on March 15. Hunter is of humor, which lightens up his often intense lyrics. Some of the songs he intends to sing are protest songs, “Seventh Gen- Navy sailor Harold L Hegler III, age the son of Derek James of Dun- 18, has graduated from basic training at canville and Megan Williamson of eration,” “Ain’t Your Mascot,” “Here Come the Skins” and the tender ballad about an 11-year-old Choctaw boy, “Do You the Great Lakes Training Faulty in Chi- Irving. He is the grandson of Dar- cago on Sept. 10. He is currently in Lem- rell and Carol James of Duncanville and Have A Choctaw Name?” Jesse currently lives in Oklahoma City and attends Oklahoma City Community College. oore, Calif. completing his B School for Ken and Kathy Williamson of Irving. He Aviation Machinist Mate. He will then celebrated with family and friends, and be sent to Fallon, Nev., for his final duty base. he also wishes a happy birthday to his Johnathan is a 2007 graduate, and Harold is a 2010 gradu- cousin Mallory of Louisiana who turned Happy birthday, Councilman Dosh ate, both of Daingerfield High School. They are the sons of 5 on March 10. She is the daughter of Troy and Candace Hegler of Daingerfield, Texas, and the Willa Caudill would like to wish Councilman Ted Dosh a Lila and Roger Graham and the grand- grandsons of Harold and Erma Hegler, also of Daingerfield. daughter of Bobby and Janice Morris of happy birthday. Happy birthday, Ted! Alabama. Happy birthday to all! Brigadier General Drake is five Drake Logan Stubbs’ grandmother John Owen Happy birthday, Nadine would like to wish him a happy fifth Brig. Gen. John D. Owen is the Air Nadine McDonald’s family helped birthday on March 1. Drake celebrated National Guard Assistant to the Com- her celebrated her birthday on Feb. his birthday with lots of friends and mand Surgeon, Air Mobility Com- 16 at their home in Sulphur. They are family. He is in kindergarten at Swink. mand. He also serves as a medical very happy to have their wonderful and His parents are Cody and Amber Ward doctor who is the advisor on Air Na- beautiful mom with them this year. God of Swink and J.D. Stubbs of Boswell. tional Guard issues such as aeromedi- blessed them with the miracle of her to- Drake has one brother, Xanden Ward, of cal evacuation, worldwide airlift and tal recovery and plenty more years to the home. His grandparents are Becky refueling missions. He maintains a private practice in Mis- come, for which they are so grateful. Peters of Hugo and John and Rhoda Stubbs of Boswell. Great- souri. grandparents are Betty Shawhart of Fort Towson, John and Owen’s maternal grandmother, Myrtle Susan Anderson Georgia Stubbs and the late Mary Wall, all of Boswell. Also Stafford, was an original enrollee and born in 1898 in Indian wishing Drake a happy birthday are his uncles Cody Peters and Territory. His grandmother’s grandfather was Capt. John An- Canyon Taylor and his aunts and cousins. derson. He was one of the two men who led the Choctaws into the Talihina area, as chronicled in the Talihina First Presbyte- rian Church history book. Owen advises the Air National Guard Air Surgeon and the Air National Guard Assistant to the Air Force Command Sur- Carly Davis geon on representing and developing policy for the entire Air National Guard medical mission. He was commissioned in serves as page 1978 through the Health Professional Scholarship Program at the University of Missouri School of Medicine in Kansas Carly Davis, a se- City. Prior to his current assignment, he was the Chief of nior at Maysville High Staff, Missouri Air National Guard. School and a Choc- Gen. Owen served as advisor to the Adjutant General on taw member, recently matter pertaining to the Missouri Air National Guard. He di- served as a page for rected and coordinated headquarters staff activities in support State Representative of 2,700 personnel in a C-130 airlift wing, an F-15 fighter Lisa J. Billy at the wing, an air operations group, a bombing range and four spe- Oklahoma House of cialized squadrons and flights. Representatives. She joined Chief Gregory E. Pyle and Rep- In 1978, Owen received his Bachelor of Science, Biology, resentative Billy on the floor of the House chambers following from the University of Missouri in Kansas City. In 1981, he the historic State of the State address given by Oklahoma’s first attained his Bachelor of Arts/Medical Degree from Missouri. Caldwell elected as board president female governor, Mary Fallin. Carly is the daughter of Larry Three years later, he received his Family Practice Residency Dr. Sandy Caldwell, pictured center, was recently elected and Joyce Davis of Wayne. from the University of Oklahoma, and in 2004 he attended as the board president of the Wyoming Women’s Foundation. Air War College by correspondence. Dr. Caldwell is the granddaughter of original enrollee Wilson Owen has received many awards and decorations. These Jones Beal. She and her husband, Jeromy, are both graduates awards include: a Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Med- of Hugo High School, and she and her family moved to Wyo- al (with two Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters), Aerial Achievement ming in 2005 for her to serve as the Associate Vice President of Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achieve- Western Wyoming Community College in Rock Springs. ment Medal (with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster), Joint Meri- The Wyoming Women’s Foundation and the Oklahoma torious Unit Award, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (with Women’s Foundation were started by the same person, Merle one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster), Air Force Organizational Ex- Chambers, who served as one of the only women CEOs in the cellence Award (with three Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters), Na- oil and gas industry. The two women’s foundations met togeth- tional Defense Service Medal (with one Bronze Service Star), er in Denver last year at the Women’s Funding Network annual Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terror- convention. ism Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon (with one Silver Oak Leaf Cluster and one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster), Armed Forces Reserve Medal (with Gold Hourglass), Small Arms Expert OK Choctaw Marksmanship Ribbon (Pistol), Air Force Training Ribbon, Tribal Alliance Missouri National Meritorious Service Medal, Missouri President Phyllis National Guard Recruiting and Retention Ribbon (with two Been (left) and Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters), Missouri National Guard Five American Red Year Long Service Ribbon, Kansas National Guard Meritori- Cross of Central Congrats, Sonja ous Service Ribbon and Kansas Nation Guard Service Medal Oklahoma offi- (with one Bronze Sunflower). In 2007, he was named Surgeon Congratulations from her mother and father, Corin and Shea cers. General’s Air National Guard State Air Surgeon of the Year. to Sonja Starr Nieto, for wining Reserve Grand Champion with Owen is a practicing physician at the Liberty Clinic in Lib- her Duroc hog, Jimmie Dean, at the 2011 Arizona National erty, Mo. He’s always been proud of his Choctaw heritage and Volunteers Livestock Show. Sonja is 14 years old and from Casa Grande, adored his grandmother, Myrtle Stafford. worked in neigh- Ariz. borhoods recent- ly distributing Lt. Foster found after 66 years fire prevention Second Lt. Dewey W. Foster of the U.S. Army Air Forces and safety educa- Happy birthday, Ozeda will be coming home after being lost in Papua New Guinea tion tips. Ozeda Bushers, oldest daughter of in 1944. Lt. Foster was on an escort mission when his P-47D now deceased Josiah and Venia Web- Thunderbolt developed engine trouble and was forced back ster of the Cisco Community, was re- to base. In route back to his base his plane lost power and cently given a surprise 80th birthday crashed. Lt. Foster’s plane remained undiscovered for 66 OK Choctaw Tribal Alliance, party at her home. Those in atten- years. dance included Ozeda’s sister, Shirley In Aug. 2010 the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command Red Cross team up for fire safety and her husband, Bill Johnson of Cla- sent in a team to excavate a crash site in a remote area of New Guinea, and Lt. Foster was found. The crash site was so During the month of January, OK Choctaw Tribal Alli- remore; her sister, Nan with her hus- remote that the plane and remains had been untouched since ance members and President Phyllis Been participated in band, Phil Berglan of Humble, Texas; the crash in 1944. the American Red Cross “Volunteers Commemorate Dr. son Charles Bushers and his wife, Phyllis of Longview, Texas; Lt. Foster’s father Dewey Franklin Foster and his grandfa- King by Providing Lifesaving Fire Safety Information.” son Joe Bushers of Cisco Community; niece Penny Barbee of ther E.A. Foster are original Choctaw enrollees on the Indian Volunteers canvassed the neighborhoods of the OK Choc- Tulsa; and niece Kim Roberts and her husband and daughter, Rolls in Washington. Both Dewey F. and E.A. were members taw Tribal Alliance distributing fire prevention and safety Danny and Victoria of Splendora, Texas. of the Choctaw Nation. tips. The American Red Cross of Central Oklahoma website Ozeda was presented a beautiful arrangement of colorful Lt. Foster was a sophomore at Oklahoma University when mentioned the OK Choctaw Tribal Alliance as a supporter. flowers and gifts from members of the group. Cake andice World War II broke out and he enlisted in the Army Air Corps. Been recently finished a successful four-year term as cream was served, and afterwards the group enjoyed dinner at His only surviving relative, his sister Mary Flowers, is also a president of the OK Choctaw Tribal Alliance and will con- Beard’s Catfish Restaurant. Everyone had a good time. member of the Choctaw Nation. Mary lives in San Antonio, tinue on as board member. The OK Choctaw Tribal Alliance Ozeda is the granddaughter of Daniel Webster, who served and Lt. Foster was buried with full military honors at Fort thanks Been for all her dedicated service! as a councilman on the last Choctaw Council before Oklahoma became a state. Sam Houston National Cemetery on Feb. 22. March 2011, BISKINIK, Page 7 EDUCATION Exciting summer awaits youth attending Choctaw camps Choctaw youth have an- other exciting summer ahead. The Choctaw Nation’s Cul- tural Events Department is holding cultural and sports camps at several locations in Southeastern Oklahoma. Cultural Enrichment camps will be held May 31-June 1 at Tushka Homma for youth 8 to 18 years of age from Districts Submitted photo 1, 2, 7, 8, 9 and 10. Youth from Districts 3, 4, 5, 6, 11 Pictured left to right are Arlie Marris; Bob Pate, tribal councilmember; Robert Smith and 12 are scheduled for June and Delton Cox, both tribal councilmembers. 2-3 at Tushka Homma. The Cultural Enrichment camp is a great opportunity to Jones Academy Staff Members Recognized learn more about the Choctaw Eleven staff members from until his graduation in 1963. years. He also worked for the heritage and culture. Focus Jones Academy were recog- In October of that year, he school when it was directed will be on stickball, archery, nized with service awards this started working in the main- by the BIA. Marris is a Viet- arts and crafts, storytelling year. These individuals were tenance department when the nam veteran. and the Choctaw language. Choctaw Nation: BRET MOSS acknowledged for their con- school was under the auspices Other staff receiving ser- Deadline for application is tributions and faithful service of the Bureau of Indian Af- vice awards were as fol- April 21. to the students at Jones Acad- fairs. The BIA then handed lows: Five-Year Awards: Rita Sports camps will give the play and decrease their poten- 21. emy and the Choctaw Nation. the daily operations over to Hammers, Fred Jones, Mary Choctaw boys and girls a tial for injury. South camp is Football Camp will be an Robert Smith and Arlie Mar- the Choctaw Nation in 1985. Kuykendall and Morris Sam; chance to improve skills in scheduled for June 13-14 at exciting opportunity for male ris received awards for 25 In all, Smith has worked for Ten-Year Awards: Charles golf, softball, baseball, bas- Tushka Homma for girls from students 8 to 18 years of age. years of service. Smith is cur- Jones Academy for 47 years. Thomason and Homer Tobey; ketball and football. Districts 1, 2, 7, 8, 9 and 10. The camp will feature Josh rently the student dorm man- Arlie Marris is currently Fifteen-Year Awards: Rhonda The Golf Camp is open to North camp is June 16-17 at Heupel, OU’s assistant coach ager for the facility. He is a the assistant dorm director. Faulkner, Robert Ray and students ages 10 to 18 and Tushka Homma for girls from and quarterback coach, as former student who attended He has served Jones Acad- Brad Spears.. will be held at two different Districts 3, 4, 5, 6, 11 and 12. well as former Big XII play- Jones Academy for five years emy students for a total of 37 courses this year, splitting the Deadline for entry is April 21. ers and former NFL coaches. north and south districts of the Leading high school coach- Campers will receive instruc- Choctaw Nation. The north es from Southeastern Okla- tion in areas of offensive camp will be held June 6-7 homa will be instructing this drills, defensive drills and at Arrowhead Golf Course year’s Baseball Camp for Sooner ball. The Football in Canadian for participants boys 8 to 18 years of age. Camp is a 2-day camp June Students invited to Native from Districts 3, 4, 5, 6, 11 They will focus on hitting, 5-6 at Paul Laird Field on and 12. The south camp – for pitching and fielding with the campus of Southeastern Districts 1, 2, 7, 8, 9 and 10 – emphasis on helping the stu- Oklahoma State University in American language fair will be held at Silverado Golf dents improve their level of Durant. Deadline for applica- Students of Native Ameri- The deadline for registra- Registration forms and ad- Course, Durant. The camps play and decrease potential tion is April 1. can languages from preschool tion is March 9. ditional information are avail- will be instructed by ESPN for injury. South camp will be All camps are day camps to high school are encour- The competition draws able online at snomnh.ou.edu/ Golf Schools Director of In- June 20-21 at Tushka Homma with lunch and drinks pro- aged to enter the ninth annual more than 600 participants languagefair. Deadline for struction Ed Bowe. Deadline for Districts 1, 2, 7, 8, 9 and vided. Bus transportation is Oklahoma Native American from across Oklahoma as registration is Wednesday, for entries is April 1. 10. North camp will be June available on designated bus Youth Language Fair, sched- well as neighboring states March 9. PowerPoint pre- The Softball Camp, also 23-24 at Tushka Homma for routes. uled for Monday and Tues- who compete in as many as sentations, films, books and conducted in two locations, Districts 3, 4, 5, 6, 11 and 12. For more information or to day, Apr. 4-5, at the Sam No- 27 Native American languag- poster entries also must be is open to girls ages 8 to 18. Deadline for entry is April 21. receive an application, log on ble Museum in Norman. es. Pre-K through fifth-grade received by this date. No late This year the camp will be Basketball Camp focuses to www.choctawnation.com Participants in grades pre- competitions will take place entries will be accepted. conducted by the former on learning the fundamen- and follow the link for Youth K through 12 may demon- on Apr. 4, and sixth through To have forms sent by mail, Division I players from the tal skills of the sport to use Summer Camp Applications strate their language skills 12th-grade competitions on or for additional information, Big XII and ACC Confer- throughout school with the or call the Cultural Events as groups or individuals in Apr. 5. The top three award participants may contact the ences and top Oklahoma high ultimate goal of playing col- Department at 580-924-8280 the spoken language and winners in each age group and museum’s Native American school coaches. Emphasis lege-level basketball. This is or 800-522-6170. New ap- language in song categories. category will receive a trophy Languages department at will be placed on giving each a two-day camp for students plicants must send copies of Other competition categories that can be displayed at their 405-325-7588 or by email camper the proper instruction ages 8 to 18 at 12 sites. Dead- their Choctaw Membership include poster art and book, school or tribal center. Every at [email protected]. to help improve their level of line for application is April and CDIB. open to grades three through student who participates will ou.edu. The 2011 Oklaho- 12; language with Power- receive a medal and language ma Native American Youth Point presentation and film/ fair T-shirt. Language Fair is made pos- video, both open to sixth A panel of elders and sible in part by the Boeing Ashmore attends research program through 12th graders; a lan- teachers from several differ- Company and the Columbus Stephen C Ashmore was one of 10 students selected to guage advocacy essay, open ent tribes will judge the spo- Foundation.The Sam Noble attend a National Science Foundation research program at to students in grades nine ken language and language Oklahoma Museum of Natu- Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas, this past summer. through 12; and a language in song competitions. Native ral History is located on the Stephen’s research project, “An Intelligent, Mobile, Middle- masters performance for artists will judge the posters OU Norman campus at Tim- ware Solution for Secure Automatic Reconfiguration of Ap- ninth through 12th graders, based on creativity and use berdell Road and Chautauqua plications,” was one of only 135 selected for publication and designed to showcase the lan- of this year’s theme, “Elder Avenue. Additional infor- will be presented at the 2011 International Association for guage skills of students who Voices, Youth Choices.” In mation about the museum is Computing Machinery Conference (ICUIMC) held in Seoul, have grown up speaking a addition, Native authors will available by calling 405-325- South Korea. Native American language. judge the book competition. 4712 or at snomnh.ou.edu.

To the Youth of the Nation Courtney Patterson, Youth Advisory Hugo Chapter Choctaw Nation From where I’m standing, you eat or get eaten. From what I’m seeing, friends aren’t really friends and families Vocational Rehabilitation Calendar aren’t acting like families. For some odd reason, people just aren’t being people. Why, you ask? Maybe because of shame, rage, envy, fear, love, pity, take your pick, the list goes on. It’s always something with somebody, no one is ever satisfied. We all want to play the victim in our Broken Bow own cases, when honestly we’re all the culprits of our 8-4:30 own crimes. Every time I turn around someone is bleed- Idabel by appt. ing from back stabbings or heartbreaks. We brought that on ourselves but not just by ourselves; we were blinded by some type influence. The way I see it, nobody can just let something go, they have to have revenge. For what, Broken Bow Broken Bow though? What will that solve? It’s like a never-ending 8-4:30 8-4:30 battle of tag. Yes you want to play all day, but sooner Idabel by appt. Idabel by appt. or later you’re going to get tired and someone has got to call quits and be the bigger person. Drama is like a sickness, and it’s always going to be around. Most times its curable, sometimes it’s not, but the only way it will Talihina Antlers Broken Bow Poteau happen is if you sit around and don’t get help. Basically, 10-2 by appt. 8-4:30 11:30-1 negativity can be avoided, but it’s up to us to dodge the Durant Idabel by appt. hit. 8-4:30

Choctaw Nation Crowder by McAlester Holiday appt. 10-2 Durant Stigler by appt. to aid with loans 8-4:30 The Southeastern Oklahoma Indian Credit Association offers small business, home, home improvement and agriculture loans. Holiday Wright City by Atoka Wilburton To be eligible to apply, a person must re- appt. 9:30-11 10:30-2 side within the 10-1/2 county service area Coalgate of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and 12:30-2:30 must possess a Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood (CDIB) from a federally recog- Durant-Mondays • Broken Bow-Mon., Wed. and Fri. • Idabel-By appointment nized tribe. For more information, please contact Su- Phone: 580-326-8304; Fax: 580-326-2410 san Edwards at 580-924-8280 or toll-free Email: [email protected] 800-522-6170. March 2011, BISKINIK, Page 8 District 10 ladies share their memories Lorena Mae Interviews of several Choctaw elders were made in 2007. Included in this Scott Cooper month’s Biskinik are two from the Lane, Okla. Atoka area – Lorena Scott Cooper and Lorena Mae Scott was born at home on March 10, 1923, in Boswell. Her mother was Rebecca Louise Peters. The stories Margaret Crowder Scott and her father was are written as close as possible to the Sampson Scott, both full-blood Choctaw. Her elders’ own words. daddy said his father came from Mississippi and settled in Boswell. She was small and Lorena Scott Cooper didn’t remember her grandparents. She lived in the country close to Antlers. school and all the boys slept then moved to Unger. Tony Her daddy had a hotel on his allotted land in in a different room. Lorena moved with them; he was about Boswell. He was a preacher and Lorena has washed dishes at the school. 5 years old. been going to church all of her life. She goes In the summer, Jasper and Mose and Lorena had nine to Coal Creek Presbyterian Church, just over Jesse worked at the church and children and all of them are still the hill. did the communion. Jasper be- living – Roland Lee Cooper, The next to the youngest child, Lorena had came a preacher for the Cum- Nelson Cooper, Raymond Coo- two brothers and one sister, Jesse Scott, Jasper berland Presbyterian Church. per, Mary Lou Cooper Dillard, Scott and Naomi Scott Johnson. When Lorena got out of the Moses I. Cooper, Linda Cooper, She went to school at Long Pine, walking Catholic School, they joined Franklin Lee Cooper, Johnny close to a mile toward Crystal to the school. the Cumberland Presbyterian Lee Cooper and Sampson Lee There were 24 children in the first grade and Church. Jesse was an elder at Cooper. Lorena named Samp- 42 in the second grade. Coal Creek Church in Atoka County. son after her daddy. Lorena and Mose Cooper Lorena’s daddy passed away when she was 5 She was 8 or 9 when she left the Catholic Rowland and Sampson can speak Choctaw years old. Her mother helped by doing wash- School and went to live with her mom in a and the other children can understand it. ery Wednesday and goes on all the trips. She ing and cleaning jobs to support her children. little shed with a dirt floor somewhere close Lorena never learned to drive. She wishes went to see “Bad Company” in Durant. She Lorena was too little to help, but remembers to Antlers. They lived there until they were now that she had. just likes to get out of the house. watching her using a washboard. When she grown, then they moved out. Jasper went to Mose, Lorena and their family moved to She sings with the group at the site. They grew up, Lorena knew how to do those things war, but Jesse didn’t. Naomi stayed with their Stringtown and Mose worked at the Fugate sing in Choctaw, #21 in the Choctaw Hymn because she had watched her mother. mom until she got married. Sawmill. Lorena was young and used to do Book. The kids used to play with a doll. They Lorena got married first, then her sister. Lo- farm work, picking beans and cotton before Lorena can cook banaha. She uses ground played church and would sing. They also rena was 16 years old when she married Hes- she had her kids. Raymond worked at the saw- cornmeal, soda, a teaspoon of flour and boil- made mud bread and pretended it was banaha. ter Robinson. He was close to 40 when she mill after he got married. ing water. She wraps it all in corn shucks and Lorena attended St. Agnes Catholic School, met him in Atoka. He lived in Kiowa so they In 1975, Mose had a house built. He was ties them. She cooks a pot of beans with the a boarding school for Indian children in Ant- moved there and lived in town. tired of moving around. Lorena has lived there banaha. You can use the beans or not but her lers. They attended there for two years, staying They had one child born in 1945, Tony Rob- ever since. kids like banaha with beans. at school even during holidays and the sum- inson. Hester and Lorena were married seven Mose quit the sawmill and went to work for She tells them, “You better learn to cook ba- mer because they had no place to go. years when Lorena got a divorce. the county driving a dump truck. He was 68 naha yourselves.” Their mother stayed with a woman in the She and Tony moved back in with her mama when he died and still working for the county. They like fry bread, too. Lorena taught her country near Antlers. She was working for the who was living in Crystal. She was getting old He died on Nov. 8, 1992. grandchildren to make it. woman and would visit them at school some- and not working any more. Lorena never held Linda and Raymond live in Stringtown. Lorena goes to the Choctaw festival every times. a job outside the home. Mary lives on Wapanucka Road. Moses lives year. The bus takes her every day for four Lorena didn’t talk at all until she was 5 years The second time she married, she was 28 in Crystal. Tony lives in Dallas, Rowland in days. She also went to the Trail of Tears Walk old. The she spoke nothing but Choctaw and years old. She married Mose Sampson Cooper Coalgate, and Johnny lives with Lorena. Nel- and walked about a mile. Lorena says she was allowed to speak Choctaw at school. of Hugo. He was 27. son lives in Oklahoma City, Sampson in Eu- wanted to keep walking, but a friend made her When the teachers taught in English, Lorena She met Mose at an Indian church halfway faula and Franklin in Broken Bow. quit and get on the van. couldn’t understand them. Her sister and two from Crystal and Sun Kissed Store. Lorena has 24 grandchildren and 47 great- Lorena has tried beading, but with 10 kids brothers could understand and were the ones Mose moved in with Lorena’s mama, Lorena grandchildren. When they get together, they and cooking three times a day, she had to quit. who taught Lorena. and Tony. He worked at a sawmill at Crystal. fill up the church house. She used to quilt. Her mom taught her, but she All of the girls slept in the same room at They stayed with her mom for two years and Lorena goes to the Choctaw nutrition site ev- can’t now because of her eyes.

Aug. 29, 1964. she sewed in a treadle machine. Rebecca Louise They would walk out to Rebecca’s mom’s Benjamin was in prison in McAlester for on Friday afternoons after school and stay the three years. Rebecca and the children still Peters Cole weekend. They would go to church on Sunday lived in Lane but Benjamin was on the go. Re- Stringtown, Okla. and then stay in Lane. The family walked four becca stayed home and quilted for people to and one-half miles to Double Spring Church, make a living for her children. She made quilts Rebecca Louise Peters was but it seemed like 20 miles. They walked be- for herself, too. born March 12, 1927, at her cause they didn’t have a wagon or a horse. Her She never drove and didn’t have anyone to parents’ home in Lane. Her fa- parents never owned a car, and she hasn’t ei- teach her to drive. She walked to jobs. One of ther, William Lewis Peters, and ther. which was doing laundry and housekeeping at mother, Tracy Taylor Peters, They have a family tradition of going to the Atoka hospital in 1971. Then, she worked were both full-blood Choctaws. church. Their daddy was a church elder and at a nursing home in Atoka from 1976-1985. Rebecca was the third of her a candidate preacher who was making a step In 1985, she had to quit because she had to parents’ seven children. The Rebecca Cole at age 30 and more recently at a Senior towards being a minister. walk two and one-half miles from home to the oldest was Edna Mae Peters Day hat contest. Rebecca used to play the piano and loved highway and catch a ride to work. At 58, she Jackson; next was Lorene Pe- to play for church and church couldn’t walk it anymore, just barely making ters Lombness. Then Rebecca was born. After singings. They would call her it to the highway. Rebecca were Betty Jean Peters Gibson, Sam out of the crowd to play. On March 28, 1980, they moved to the house Lee Peters, Esther Vera Peters Nelson, and She remembers her daddy she has now. Benjamin only lived a year af- Lizzie Lou Peters LeFlore. sending for music books from ter that. He had been living in Oklahoma City. Rebecca started to school at Lane. The the Stamps Quartet in Dallas. He died on Sept. 30, 1981. Rebecca’s children school went from first through eighth grades. Rebecca could play anything in lived with her and her son still lives with her. She walked a short distance to school. In the that book, but it was loaned to Her daddy died in August of 1980. He had a third grade, the family moved to Harmony someone who never returned it. stroke and was in a nursing home. It was hard where she went to the fifth grade. Then the She learned to play while to understand him talking, but he could hear family moved to Lane. This was her ’s allot- watching her daddy – how he them. Rebecca asked him if she could have ted land – 160 acres. He sold part of it and did his fingers. She asked him an acre of his allotment, saying, “I want that just kept 20 acres. Rebecca has one acre from what he was playing and that’s piece of land right there on the corner.” He just him. The house they lived in was just a little how it started. Her daddy had a shook his head yes. distance from where she lives. piano, and he could play with- Her mom lived there until 1986 when she When Rebecca was 13, a government man Rebecca enjoys a pow wow. out a book. Only Betty, Sam died. Rebecca’s siblings are all deceased, ex- came looking for Choctaw people. He wanted and Rebecca learned how to cept for Lizzie who lives in Atoka. them to go to a Choctaw school. Betty Jean coffee, sugar and salt. play. Rebecca’s oldest sister’s daughter has an and Rebecca went to Goodland. A government Their daddy worked with the WPA building She started playing while she was in her acre out there, too. All Indian homes call for man took them; their daddy hired someone to roads. He walked to work between 3:30 and 4 teens and was a regular player for church. an acre of land. pick them up when school was out. a.m. He would go anywhere they asked him Lane First Baptist didn’t have a player so Re- Rebecca cooks some of the Choctaw dish- Rebecca stayed upstairs at Goodland in one to. becca helped them out, too. es. She still gathers wild onions down on the big room with a lot of beds. She had her friends Their mama quilted and showed them how Her mama would camp and feed dinner to creek and cooks them with scrambled eggs. and Betty Jean had her friends. None of the to put up a quilt from the ceiling. people coming to a church rally. They had to She also makes tanche labona. Her kids don’t other family members went to Goodland. Rebecca was the last child at home with her haul water for that. Mama cooked hog meat, eat it, and she says, “Y’all must not be Indian.” At Goodland, they didn’t allow the girls parents. She was 28 years old when she mar- beans, potatoes, tanche labona and banaha. She goes to the Choctaw center every to talk the Choctaw language. Their parents ried. They camped at the church from Friday night Wednesday. Her niece, Norene Crow, is the spoke both Choctaw and English, so Rebec- She met Benjamin Cole, a full-blood Choc- until Sunday night, using kerosene lamps. president of the Senior Citizens Group. ca did, too. She never got in trouble, though, taw, when he was in Lane working on a saw- There were two camp houses. Mama brought The seniors take some trips out of town on for talking in Choctaw during her two terms mill. He lived in Durant and Bokchito. He quilts, and people slept on the church house the Choctaw bus. We go to see the Christmas at Goodland – the fifth and sixth grades. She attended their church, Double Spring Cumber- floor. They stayed in the camp house and lights at Chickasha, and they go to concerts in didn’t participate in any activities while there, land Presbyterian, north of Lane. The building Mama cooked three meals a day for church, Durant. They have fundraisers to get money just attended her classes. is still there, but no services are held. and sometimes for an all-night singing. for the trips including pie sales on the second After two years, Rebecca and Betty Jean left The couple was married on April 14, 1955, Their daddy would walk to their house in Wednesday each month. They attend the festi- Goodland and went to Mayor’s Chapel, about at the courthouse in Atoka by a justice of the Lane carrying watermelons or a tow sack of val every year, going on Friday and Saturday half a mile from Lane. There was a school peace. A friend drove them there and Esther corn for them. He carried it on his shoulder to stay for the singing. there and that’s where they finished the eighth went along, too. all that way. Rebecca has had diabetes since 1992. Her grade. They walked to school in the rain, snow They didn’t tell anyone they were getting Her mom’s father, Charley Taylor, came to sisters, Betty Jean, Lizzie and Esther, also had and cold. married. Rebecca left the house and went to visit them in Lane. Rebecca never knew her diabetes but Rebecca doesn’t remember her After school, they stayed home. Whatever stay with her sister, Lorene. From there, Re- grandma who had passed away. Her grandpa parents having it. their parents were doing, they had to help becca and Benjamin went on to Atoka. Her lived in Wilburton where he had an allotment. When Rebecca was at home, she spoke them. Their daddy was a farmer who grew parents were surprised, but didn’t get mad or Her uncle’s children still have his allotment. Choctaw. At Lane, they spoke Choctaw. All corn, sweet potatoes and watermelon. He only say anything about it. Rebecca never knew her father’s parents three of her children can speak Choctaw. They had gardening tools and borrowed a horse and Rebecca and Benjamin lived at Lane. Ben- who had some allotment land around there, went to Lane school to the eighth grade and to plow when needed. They did everything else jamin got into some trouble and had to go to but sold it. high school in Atoka. Her son went to school by hand. the penitentiary in McAlester. Rebecca found Rebecca sewed a lot for her kids, even her with Lane Frost at Atoka. Their daddy also had pigs later on and their a house in Lane. boy. She made graduation gowns, dresses and She has five grandchildren and nine great- Mama had a few chickens and one cow for They had three children. Their first child, western shirts. She filled out a card she re- grandchildren. milk. The family was self-sufficient. When Shirley Yvonne Cole, was born on Oct. 23, ceived in the mail, sent it in and won a Dress- Rebecca worked hard for her children, and they needed anything, they went to Lane Store 1955. Stella Louise Cole Johnson was born on maker’s Zigzag Sewing Machine. She still has still does. They all come over on Sunday to eat or Black Jack Store where they bought flour, Oct. 23, 1957. Lloyd Aaron Cole was born on it and it still works. Before the new machine, when she fixes meatloaf and cabbage. March 2011, BISKINIK, Page 9 Choctaw basket weaver Eveline Steele creates impressive Choctaw art By CHRISSY DILL tiest, through the Oklahoma of basket weav- dying process follows. Eve- nose” basket, the basket she Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Indian Arts Council in Okla- ing. line uses mostly black, dark and her mother were making homa City. Eveline made “You need to brown, reddish and a yellow- the week she passed away. A baskets under her mother’s learn how to har- ish tint, the shades you get basket made with this type Eveline Steele of Broken supervision, and she taught vest and get your from natural dyes. The use of design has a “nice curve Bow has a passion for tradi- her many designs and the dif- own cane fiber,” of natural dyes increases the at the bottom,” as Eveline tional Choctaw basket weav- ference in commercial and she explained. value of a basket. described. Held sideways it ing. Being the daughter and natural dyes. “You have to “While commercial dyes resembles a bull’s nose, she granddaughter of master art- “I’ve seen it all my life,” do it from the are used almost exclusively said. For using as a decora- ists Elsie Williams Battiest said Eveline about her reason ground up.” This today,” said Eveline. “It is tive wall display, she prefers and Fannie Battiest Williams, for basket weaving. “It’s been is important be- important to know the natural to add a hook to the basket, she grew up with this art a part of my family for gen- cause you aren’t dyes and dye method,” which because it “works better than playing a prominent part in erations.” Her grandmother, able to purchase is another process of its own, a long handle.” her life, and she continues to Fannie Wesley, provides more this type of cane knowing when and what to In addition to her upcom- contribute her great work to inspiration for Eveline, being used to create a harvest, including the avail- ing exhibit at The Smithson- Choctaws and the community without her sight and able traditional Choc- ability of roots, bark, nuts, ian, Eveline has displayed today, provided with great to make baskets. “She had Eveline harvests some cane to make her taw basket, you berries and flowers. her work at various events. inspiration from her family. mastered it,” said Eveline. “I tradtional Choctaw baskets. must harvest it You must take the design Her most recent display took The art can be traced through grew up watching them work yourself. Since your basket into consider- place at the Synod four-state- at least five generations now with cane baskets.” river cane grows ation. A traditional Choctaw regional Presbyterian Wom- that her son Corey is begin- Eveline said she remem- of other tribes; it varies. along river beds and damp, basket can include or not in- en’s Conference in Oklahoma ning to make baskets. bers what her mother and On occasion it’s poor eti- swampy areas, Eveline and clude a handle. Some baskets City. Recently, Eveline has been grandmother have taught her quette to “borrow” designs her husband Dale usually are made from the bottom up She has demonstrated her invited by the Choctaw Na- about basket weaving. “I re- attributed to a particular tribe, travel a 60-80-mile round trip and some are made from the artistic work several times at tion of Oklahoma to display member what they said, how explained Eveline. Incorpo- to harvest her cane. backside forward. “Some you the Choctaw Nation Labor her work at one of the largest they processed and prepared rating designs or using pur- When you have harvested just start interweaving from Day Festival, and has put museums in the world, The the strands of cane fibers, and chased reeds instead of reeds properly cleaned your cane, original fibers you’ve started them on display at a basket Smithsonian in Washington, it helps me,” she said. “As I grown yourself makes for you then must split it into off with,” said Eveline. “You conference at the Grand Vil- D.C. She will present her bas- grow older, I appreciate the good practice and learning, quarters or sixths. “This de- just have to know what kind lage of the Natchez Indians in kets at the Choctaw Nation art even more.” She recog- but the finished product is a pends on the size of your of basket you want to make Natchez, Miss., and in Louisi- of Oklahoma Festival at the nizes the value of traditional non-traditional basket. cane,” said Eveline. Next you before you start weaving.” ana. “I just go where the invi- Smithsonian’s National Mu- baskets. The process of making a must remove and smooth the “The number of natural tation comes from,” she said. seum of the American Indian Traditionally, the Choctaw traditional Choctaw basket sharp inner joints, or it will fibers used with dyed fi- Eveline plans to bring sev- in June. baskets are made with strands consists of several steps. Ac- be rough on your hands, she bers makes them different eral of her Choctaw designs Eveline started basket of split river cane fibers with cording to Eveline, first you explained. and varies the sizes and pat- to The Smithsonian this sum- weaving in 1990. “That’s the certain patterns and designs must locate good cane, and Next you must peel each terns,” added Eveline. Some mer, including two or three of year I really got into it,” she interwoven with basic col- carefully select, harvest and section for strand of cane fi- baskets are woven or plaited her pattern baskets created in said. Her mother was the rea- ors of black, red or yellow- prepare it. Remove branches ber and scrape the strands, with two and five counts of the past as well as new bas- son she took up the art of bas- ish tint mixed with natural and smooth poles, wash each this is what you will be use to fiber or three and five counts; kets she will construct. One ket weaving and serves as her cane, according to Eveline. pole with water and a sponge, make your basket. Dry your the number varies. There are will be a storage basket with inspiration. “The finished rim of a -tradi leaving one side abrasive and processed fiber daily as you many varieties of patterns no handle and the other will She began by participating tional Choctaw basket is also the other soft. Making these work the remaining poles. that can be used. include a handle. She will in a year-long apprenticeship unique,” she explained. It’s strands of processed can fiber After about two weeks A design that holds a place also bring her most-loved de- with her mother, Elsie Bat- similar to the artistic patterns is the most important aspect of processing the fibers, the in Eveline’s heart is her “bull sign, the bull nose.

Smithville appreciation dinner leads to good food and great fellowship

Assistant Chief Gary Batton leans in to chat with Anna Carlile and Mary Darryl and Logan Williams visit with Kenny Bryant prior to taking the stage for musi- Lou Meashintubby before dinner is served. cal entertainment.

Assistant Chief Batton can’t hold back a smile as he spends time with the future of the Choctaw Chief Pyle is happy to lend a helping hand in the Nation people. kitchen at the Smithville dinner. Lodean Starr shows Assistant Chief Batton some affection at the Smithville appreciation dinner.

Photo right: Flora Cusher, Arlene Wilson and Virginia Grant pose for the camera.

Photo left: Sandra Glover and Dee Tidwell enjoy a visit with Chief Pyle.

Smithville photos by JUDY ALLEN Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma March 2011, BISKINIK, Page 10 Tim Tingle conveys Choctaw history through narratives By BRET MOSS to conduct his own re- not be filled with physical both fiction and nonfiction Choctaw Nation of Oklhahoma search. bodies, those who have gone with an echoing of history. He joined a Toast- on before him fill the audi- “I like the fact that some- Choctaw history can be masters Club in Austin, ence. times the bookstores don’t found in many places. One and when it was his “Sometimes, in my mind, know how to categorize my might look into a history turn to speak, he shared I actually imagine who from books,” said Tingle as he book, watch a documentary the Choctaw narratives my family might be there,” expressed his pleasure in the or travel to a local known for he had been taught. explained Tingle. Jones uniqueness of his stories. its historical relevance, but Tingle soon realized strengthened Tingle’s skills In the mid 2000’s Tingle the most intimate knowledge that it was his calling considerably though his guid- and his associates began an about the heritage of a people to assemble Choctaw ance. “He was the most im- annual event called Choctaw is found in the people them- history and legend and portant mentor of my life,” Storytelling Festival. In its selves. put it into stories to be continued Tingle. first year, held in Crowder, From there is where Choc- passed through the gen- In the spirit of bettering Okla., it was a three-day taw storyteller Tim Tingle ab- erations. his knowledge and storytell- event in which people with sorbs his unique talent. Tingle In the early 1990’s, ing ability, Tingle attended stories would come and share is an accomplished author and Tingle met an older the University of Oklahoma their own narratives. storyteller that, while he en- man named Charley from 1998-2003. He attained There were tables set up tertains, educates. Jones at the first reen- his M.A. Degree and studied in themes. For instance, if Tingle has authored six actment of the Trail of American Indian Literature. the story were about a hog books himself and co-au- Tears. Charley was the During his studies at OU, slaughter, the storytelling area thored three books. He has official Storyteller for he was taught Choctaw writ- would be set up as if the audi- won a multitude of awards the Choctaw Nation, ing and accessed a much ence was at a hog slaughter. for his works including the and a Council member. grand array of resources and Other tables might be talking “Oklahoma Book Award for During this event, a databases that, over time, about ”boarding school,” or Best Children’s Book” in Choctaw Nation: LISA REED large number of people gave his stories more impact “ghosts I saw,” or “Choctaw 2007 for Crossing Bok Chitto. began a 30-mile walk and power. “I spend several foods.” Most Choctaws know Every summer, the uncles attended school at Tushka- to remember the hard- years of emersion into that Tingle recorded a great deal Tingle as the storyteller who would take the cousins on a homa and being punished for ships of their elders during world,” said Tingle. As a re- of stories from these events, precedes Chief Greg E. Pyle’s trip to the remote Big Thicket speaking the Choctaw lan- their rough journey. Not many sult, he could not only convey and uses that information to Annual State of the Nation Ad- of East Texas. He remembers guage. They were told stories people finished the event, but the Choctaw stories, but he tell new stories and to add dress. He has also performed that they would walk for days of their ancestor’s on the Trail authenticity to in Ontario, Canada, and made and make camp at night. “Ev- of Tears. “My uncles realized the ones he cur- ten trips to Germany speaking erything we ate was either the importance of passing “My life’s work is to take rently performs. on military bases for the U.S. fished for or hunted,” com- down these stories orally, to Tingle holds department of Defense. He mented Tingle. “At night my be believed and passed on,” these stories and broaden the stories he will be a featured presenter at dad and uncles would tell stated Tingle. tells and the the upcoming Choctaw Na- us Choctaw family stories He remembers the stories the audience.” work he does tion of Oklahoma Festival at around the campfire. he was told in his youth with – Tim Tingle in very high es- the Smithsonian, an event this “It was a conscious effort great fondness. His love and teem. summer in Washington D.C. on the part of the family to talent for telling stories stem It is more Tingle’s affiliation with the teach us,” continued Tingle. from this time in his life. “I than just retell- art of storytelling is rooted in His family used these trips was a brilliant strategy to teach had the historical evidence to ing words. “My life’s work the actions of his family. He to educate the younger mem- us about being Choctaw,” Tingle and Jones spent 15 enforce what he was telling to is to take these stories and was born in 1948, in the Hous- bers on what it meant to be said Tingle. “I always go back miles walking together as his audience. broaden the audience,” said ton, Texas area. He was raised there.” Charley told him story after After his time at OU, Tingle Tingle. in a very close knit family and “I always go back As he story, many of which later be- began gathering hours of re- He doesn’t want these sto- enjoyed much time with his grew up came books. corded interviews with Choc- ries to merely stay in the in- relatives. there.” and at- Jones was a man familiar taw elders whose stories, ner circles of a family or pass These close ties with his – Tim Tingle tended the with the art of storytelling though valuable now, will be away with the one that knew family would be the catalyst University and tutored Tingle in this art. priceless in days to come. it best, but he wants all of that would spark his interest of Texas, Jones taught Tingle many as- He traveled all over Okla- them to spread and to be re- in Choctaw history and the he encoun- pects that aid him in his story- homa and other places in the told among many people of act of orally passing it on to Native American. The older tered difficulty discovering telling on a regular basis. country, learning stories from all cultures. younger generations. family members knew that information on his Choctaw One of the most important elders. These stories would be He believes this is impor- His grandmother, a full the younger generation would heritage. He loved to learn things he learned from Jones filled with imagination, histo- tant because these are not just blood Choctaw, moved to not have the same experi- the facts behind the narratives was how to not be discour- ry, folklore and legends. stories of hardship, but they Pasadena with his grandfather ences that made them who he had heard, but had trouble aged when there are a num- He released his first book in are stories of triumph and the who had a farm there. In this they were, and the sharing of uncovering them. ber of empty seats in the au- 2003 titled Walking the Choc- perseverance of the human area, many family gatherings narratives was the best way to When his son was in el- dience. Jones taught Tingle taw Road, which is a collec- spirit, Choctaw or not. were held and stories were convey their experiences. ementary school and Tingle that he is not only speaking to tion of Choctaw stories. The It is his hope is that “most shared. The family would Tingle and the young fam- found out that he was not be- those present, but also to the stories that filled this book Americans will someday rec- hunt, fish and fellowship with ily members were told stories ing taught any history that in- ones who the narratives are fell into a hard to define area ognize the strength and the each other. about how their grandmother cluded Choctaws, he decided about. Though the seats may of book categories. They were goodness of we Choctaws.”

Greg Rodgers wields the right words to perk listeners’ ears By BRET MOSS a great pride for his Choctaw acy and the stories that keep it recorded and preserved. Choctaw Nation of Oklhahoma heritage. His mother, Sheron alive. Tingle saw a promise Rodgers began his quest Folsom Rodgers continued in Rodgers through the writ- to archive the narratives on the efforts and made it a point ing and research he was doing a day when he least expected Choctaw storyteller Greg that Rodgers knew about the at OU, as well as his enthu- it. He was at OU when Tingle Rodgers is set to be one of early Choctaw history. siasm for the subject. Tingle gave him a call urging him to the featured presenters at the Aside from hearing history had also attended OU, which come and interview a Choc- upcoming Choctaw Nation from his great-grandfather, gave the two an added sense taw elder in Fanshawe, Okla. of Oklahoma Festival at the Rodgers also enjoyed long of common ground. After some persuasive words Smithsonian, an event held in talks with his family. “Dur- Tingle began to take Rodg- by Tingle, Rodgers jumped in Washington, D.C. in coopera- ing dinnertime, the TV was ers under his wing. Rodgers his vehicle, and recorded his tion with the Smithsonian in off and we would sit and would practice telling stories first interview. an effort to educate a national talk,” described Rodgers. He to Tingle to hone his narra- Over the years he has spent audience about the Choctaw soaked up the stories that his tive abilities. This training with Tingle and in his own re- Nation of Oklahoma (CNO). family members would tell combined with his education search, Rodgers has become a Under the mentorship of him. As a child, “I always had at the university was trans- quite adept in the art of sto- renowned storyteller, Tim a real strong connection to the forming Rodgers in to not just rytelling. “It is all about con- Tingle, Rodgers has begun a power of stories,” he contin- a man with knowledge and necting words with images,” very promising career in the ued. speaking ability, but a medi- said Rodgers as he explained art of the spoken word. Rod- The education of his great- um by which Choctaw legacy what he must do to success- gers was a featured regional grandfather, combined with could be expressed. fully tell a story with a mes- teller at the Spirit of Okla- his love for swapping stories It was not only Tingle who sage. “It is about emotional homa Storytelling Festival. gave Rodgers a curiosity that helped Rodger’s storytell- truth,” he continued. He has also performed during led him to Native American ing abilities, take flight; but The story titled Harriet’s the Native American Concert Studies at the University of he also acknowledges les- Choctaw Nation: LISA REED Burden is one with which at the Texas Storytelling Fes- Oklahoma. The education he sons learned form other great Rodgers finds a deep sense tival. was receiving allowed him to Choctaw storytellers like Rodgers would be making the NAGPRA is the federal of connection and emotional Rodgers is the published thing historically and schol- Stella Long, Adeline Hudson, presentation that day. Rodg- law that governs how Native truth. It is a story about a little author of the book, The arly about the stories he had Buck Wade, and many others. ers knew he had two choices; American remains should girl’s hardship on the trail of Ghost of Mingo Creek and heard and studied. In the genesis of his story throw a fit and back down, or be handled by the museums tears, filled with a consid- the upcoming One Dark In 2005, Rodger’s family telling career, Rodgers was step up and show his skill. He and societies that have them erable amount of emotion; Night in Oklahoma. He has hosted a family reunion. Greg reluctant to partake in pub- chose the latter and broke the in their custody. While Rod- emotion that can immerse a served as a board member for wanted there to be a strong el- lic speaking. Tingle soon ice to his newfound talent. gers spoke at this event, he listener into its words. both the Oklahoma Choctaw ement of their Choctaw heri- reminded him that it was When Rodgers spoke he found himself surrounded by The stories he tells are tales Tribal Alliance and Territory tage during this reunion. He his duty to pass along these witness the kids become at- Choctaw people and Choctaw laced with history, lore, fic- Tellers, the Oklahoma state invited Tim Tingle to come to stories and experiences. He tentive and engaged in his places. That feeling solidified tion, imagination, and the cre- storytelling organization. He the event to share his stories charged him to do his part in words. He realized that he his love for storytelling. ativity of generations bound is also a regional vice- could do what Tingle had The feeling of belonging up in one account. With these president for the Fol- been teaching him. Over time that he receives because of narratives, Rodgers has made som Family Associa- “It is all about connecting he became more adept in the these tales is what makes his name for himself in the realm tion. words with images... it is art of public speaking. He work special to him. Through of storytellers and historians. Rodgers was born in learned that “it really has a the power of the narrative he Even though Rodgers is 1968 and grew up in the about emotional truth” lot more to do with the audi- connects himself the past and young and has many years Oklahoma City area. “I ence than with the teller,” ex- he hopes to help other make left to tell his stories, he was always attracted – Greg Rodgers plained Rodgers. that connection as well. knows he must pass along to the Choctaw Na- As Rodgers began telling In an effort to keep these his knowledge, and become a tion,” said Rodgers. In stories on his own, he began connections alive, much like mentor as Tingle has been to the summers he would to feel a great since of connec- Tingle, Rodgers is archiving him. He hopes to transfer his head to Southeast Oklahoma about the Choctaw people the preservation of the Choc- tion to his ancestors through Choctaw Stories. He helps talent and love for storytell- to the Choctaw Nation to and help the family connect taw memories. the stories he told. A prime out with the annual Choctaw ing to someone who not only spend time with his family. to their Choctaw roots. Rodgers traveled with example of this was during a Storytelling festival, which understands the importance His great-grandfather, Jack After Tingle was done shar- Tingle to Sapulpa, Okla., to Native American Graves Pro- serves as more than just ven- of these words, but who can Folsom, an original enroll- ing his stories with the family, tell stories to the junior high tection and Repatriation Act ue to share. It shines light on feel the same since of legacy ee, who had a log cabin in Rodgers began to talk with student. Much to his surprise, (NAGPRA) conference in many, sometimes-unknown that drives him to do what he Mead, Okla., inspired in him Tingle about the Choctaw leg- Tingle told the children that Moundville Ala. legends and allows them to be does best. March 2011, BISKINIK, Page 11

McAlester seniorPhoto left, citizen Eugene luncheon Sweet, Councilman Bob Pate and Jack Haynes pose for a photo in McAl- ester.

At right, William John- son, James Green and Betty Thomas work hard in the kitchen preparing lunch for the McAlester crowd.

A.R. Kirkpatrick and L.J. Compton play a game of bin- Charleen Samuels and Sylvia Compton enjoy the bingo Chief Pyle visits with Thelma Thompson at the McAles- go at the McAlester senior luncheon. and each others company at the McAlester center. ter luncheon. McAlester photos by JUDY ALLEN Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Crowder seniors show their gratitude Councilman James Frazier and Chief Pyle pose for a pho- to with World War II veteran Martin Killing- sworth at the Crowder com- munity center.

Chief Pyle vis- A beautiful quilt made by Dolly Horton of Idianola was presented to Chief Pyle from the its with Doralene Crowder Senior Citizens. Vanessa Allen and Walter Spears help hold it for view. Smith and Christie Higgins at the Crowder luncheon.

Jerry and Thelma Fleck, left, and Clar- ence Morris enjoy the enter- tainment at the Crowder appre- ciation lunch.

Crowder seniors practice a line dance.

Crowder photos by JUDY ALLEN Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma

Durant seniors keep center abound with activities

Marilynn Mitchell, Durant Choctaw senior group president, swears in the newly appointed officers. First vice-President Jo Selby, Second Vice-President Sharon McGee, Secretary Margie Sutton, Treasurer Bob Green, and Assistant Treasurer Tim Sexton. The senior officers of the Durant community center, accompanied by Councilman Ted Dosh and Durant photos by BRET MOSS others, proudly stand in front of this year’s freshly tilled community garden. Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma March 2011, BISKINIK, Page 12 Senate sings praises of ‘Swing Low, Sweet Chariot’ as Oklahoma state gospel song The Oklahoma Senate has spiritual not only stays in Alexander Reid, heard them Glenn Miller, Gene Autry, lard said he was touched by supported legislation to make our hearts forever, but in our singing. In 1871, Reid was at Duke Ellington, Louis Arm- the support from the Senate Swing Low, Sweet Chariot “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” state’s history.” a performance of the Jubilee strong, Johnny Cash, Stevie and others around the state the state’s official gospel Willis received his name Singers of Fisk University Wonder, Elvis Presley and to make the beautiful spiri- Chorus: song. from his owner, Britt Willis, in Nashville, Tennessee, and Eric Clapton. The spiritual tual the state’s official gospel Swing low, sweet chariot, Sen. Judy Eason McIntyre probably in Mississippi, the thought the Willis’ songs has also been a theme song song. Comin’ for to carry me is the author of Senate Bill ancestral home of the Choc- were better than those of the for English Rugby players “As a historian, I’ve found home; 73 recognizing the song writ- taws. Britt Willis was a prom- Jubilee Singers. and fans for several decades. that so many Oklahomans Swing low, sweet chariot, ten and composed by Wallis inent citizen of the Choctaw He transcribed the songs Willis had many other fa- and others around the world Comin’ for to carry me Willis, a Choctaw freedman Nation who moved to Indian and passed them along to the mous spirituals including and country have sang this home. in the old Indian Territory, Territory prior to the Civil group which introduced them Steal Away to Jesus, The spiritual all their lives and sometime before 1862. War and had a large planta- to the world, performing them Angels are Coming, I’m a never realized it came from I looked over Jordan, “What a treasure Wallis tion near Doaksville in what around the United States and Rolling, and Roll Jordan Roll Oklahoma so my heart rejoic- And WHAT did I see, Willis has been for not only is now Choctaw County. Europe. among others. es that this will bring positive Comin’ for to carry me our state, but the world. This Willis lived his life out in Willis supposedly received He was inducted into the light to our state and wonder- home, beautiful song has comfort- Choctaw and Atoka Coun- inspiration for “Swing Low, Jazz Hall of Fame in Novem- ful citizens like Wallis,” said A band of angels comin’ ed millions as a favorite at ties. It is believed that he died Sweet Chariot” from the Red ber 2010. Ballard. “Personally, my fam- after me, church and funeral services. in Atoka County, as that is River, which reminded him of Assistant Secretary of the ily is so touched and thrilled Comin’ for to carry me It’s also been used in films, on where his unmarked grave is the Jordan River and of the Oklahoma State Senate Cur- that Wallis’ song will forever home. TV, and has been redone by located. Prophet Elijah being taken to rie Ballard is a descendent be a permanent part of Okla- Repeat chorus: many famous artists over the Prior to the Civil War, Wil- heaven by a chariot. At that of Wallis and Minerva Wil- homa history. Unfortunately, years,” said Eason McIntyre, lis and his wife, Minerva, time, the Red River divided lis. Ballard’s ancestors were all of my older family has If you get there before I D-Tulsa. were sent by their owner to Indian Territory from Texas, Choctaw Freedmen in Okla- passed away and won’t get do, “Swing Low, Sweet Char- work at the Spencer Acad- which belonged to Mexico. homa. to witness this. I do have a Comin’ for to carry me iot is a song that is deeply emy, a Choctaw boarding In the last century, the His grandmother, aunt and cousin that grew up with my home, woven into the fabric of our school located about ten spiritual has continued to mother all grew up in the mother in Muskogee that will Tell all my friends I’m culture. It’s a song that we can miles northwest of Fort Tow- grow in popularity. The tune state. be floating on a cloud, and I comin’ too, all relate to; and I am so proud son just west of the current has been recorded by such His was the first generation know there are angels that Comin’ for to carry me and humbled to be a part of town of Spencerville, where greats as Benny Goodman, of their family that grew up will celebrating in heaven home. ensuring that this beautiful the superintendent, Reverend Fats Waller, Tommy Dorsey, outside of Oklahoma. Bal- when this becomes official.”

Choctaw student athletes sign letters of intent with Bacone College On Feb. 23, Choctaw High School’s Jasmine Sievert and Putnam City High School’s Chaney Porter, with nu- merous family members and respective high school staff and students in attendance, committed to Bacone College in Muskogee, where they will be competing with both the track and basketball programs while pursuing their bachelor’s degrees. Choctaw Nation Participates in the Recycling of: “We are extremely excited to have someone with Jas- mine’s athletic, as well as academic caliber, signing with Aluminum Cans – PLEASE EMPTY CANS our school. We believe as a true freshmen she will make an immediate impact on our programs,” remarked Ba- Plastic 1 PETE - Marked with recycling code 1 on or near the bottom of the container include: soft drink, water and sport drink cone head track coach Shawn Venable. “Chaney will also bottles, edible oil and salad dressing bottles and household have a great amount of positives to bring to us not only cleaner bottles (examples: Pine-Sol and dish soaps) PLEASE RINSE AND EMPTY BOTTLES athletically, but also due to her academic strength,” Athletic recruiter Cedric Sunray went on to say, “As Courtesy PUTNAM CITY HIGH SCHOOL . Plastic 2 HDPE - Marked with recycling code 2 on or near the a 6A state champion in discuss, a basketball player who Back row from left, Putnam City High School head coach bottom of the container include milk jugs, shampoo/toiletry averaged nearly a double-double this season, and more bottles, laundry detergent and household cleaners (Soft Scrub Courtney Pennington, Jacobi Porter, Tanya Cooper, Ta- and Fantastik), and motor oil bottles PLEASE RINSE AND EMPTY BOTTLES importantly, an exemplary student carrying a 4.0 GPA, jinee Porter, Putnam City High School head track coach we could not be happier to be welcoming Jasmine to our Mike Hardesty, and assistant track coach Cheryl Bowhay. campus,” he said. “We appreciate the work of her coach- Paper – Shredded and Non-shredded Office Paper, Front row from left, Bacone College Athletic recruiter Ced- Newspaper, Magazines/Catalogs, Books, Phone Books es and family, especially her aunt, Jennifer Jones, who ric Sunray, Chaney Porter, and Bacone College head track have all been involved in this process. There is no ques- Cardboard – boxes flattened and free of coach Shawn Venable. food/Styrofoam/plastic contaminants tion in the future that she will be an National Association of Other Items: Intercollegiate Athletics Divi- Prescription Bottles Christmas Cards sion I All-American in both the Printer/Toner Cartridges Cell Phones athletic and academic arena.” Steel Cans (Vegetable Cans) Sunray continued, “Chaney Items sorted, bagged, and tied assist in collecting material for will undoubtedly be a great better recycling. success for us as well,” he said. “She is carrying a 3.6 GPA and has all the intangibles that a For recycling locations and questions please contact: Choctaw Nation Recycling Program college program and coach are 3108 Enterprise Blvd. Durant, OK 74701 looking for. Her pride in her In- (580)924-8280 or 1-800-522-6170 dian heritage is evident through her participation in her school’s Indian Cultural Club and other venues. Courtesy RYAN HORTON These young women are fine Choctaw Nation’s examples for the Choctaw Na- Back row from left, Choctaw High School girl’s basketball coach Dandy Peeler, tion of Oklahoma and we are Mary Kast, Allyssa Sievert, Niki Grubbs, Bob Grubbs, and Choctaw High School excited about their involve- head track coach Jay Reaves. Front row from left, Bacone College Athletic Recruiter plastic recycling ment here,” concluded Sunray. Cedric Sunray, Jasmine Sievert, head Bacone College track coach Shawn Venable. As we continue to add recycling items for collection we want to teach everyone what each is, how to identify them and what they may be used for in the future. On the bottom of each plastic container there is usually a small symbol that is the three arrows with a number in the middle of it similar to the ones shown. The Choctaw Nation’s Have you ever wanted to be a recycling facility currently accepts numbers one and two. TABLE GAMES dealer? Blackjack, Roulette, Pai-Gow, Mini Baccarat and Craps

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Management reserves all rights. Gambling problem? Call 1.800.522.4700 Check back each month for more information on the Choctaw Nation recycling program and more ways we’re going green! March 2011, BISKINIK, Page 13 OBITUARIES Wanda Mae Byington Gary Wilson Lillie Mae Pezzolo Wanda Mae (Wade) Byington, 71, Gary Wilson, 57, passed away on Lillie Mae (Judy) Pezzolo, 82, of of McAlester passed away on Feb. 6, Feb. 8, 2011 in Bennington. He was Carson City, Nev., passed away Feb. 2011, at McAlester Regional Health born on Oct. 5, 1953, in Pittsburgh, 22, 2008, surrounded by family at Center. Okla., to Woodrow W. and Evelyn her bedside. She was born March 25, Wanda was born Jan. 3, 1940, in (Dyer) Wilson. 1925, in Graham, to Jessie and Rose Ulan. She was the daughter of Anna Gary was a construction manager Stidham. Judy lived most of her life Wade and granddaughter of Esiah for the Choctaw Nation. He enjoyed in the bay area and moved to Carson and Jane (Pusley) Wade. She attended the outdoors, hunting, fishing and gar- City to be near her family. Being three Carter Seminary and Haskell Indian dening. Gary married Sonya Henson parts American Indian, Judy was a University of Lawrence, Kan. She on Oct. 23, 2004, in Soper. proud member of the Choctaw Nation went to Los Angeles after graduating and was employed as a Gary is survived by his wife, Sonya Wilson of the home; of Oklahoma. Judy was the founder of the National Organiza- dispatcher/teletype operator with California Highway Patrol daughters, Terra Wilson of Dallas and Tasha Wilson of Grape- tion for Mentally Impaired Children (NOMIC), an organiza- for seven years. vine, Texas; son Brandon Wilson of Frisco; stepdaughters, Tara tion to help children with disabilities. Over the years Judy blos- While in California, she met Houston Henry Byington. They Moffatt and Taylor Russey of Bennington; sisters, Annette Ter- somed into a woman of great courage and strength, holding her returned together and married in 1964 in the San Bois Com- rell and husband Johnny of Bennington, Theda Robinson and love for her children closest in her heart. munity. In 1975 she was employed with Choctaw Nation of husband Gary of Bennington, and Laquita Wilson and friend She is survived by her daughters, Joanne Cluff and Christal Oklahoma and served as a recording secretary for the Choctaw Rick of Bennington; brothers, Steve Wilson and wife Jamie of Saint Denis; son George Pezzolo; four grandchildren, Victoria Nation Health Board and the Choctaw Nation Enterprise Inc. Hugo, Randy Wilson and wife Brenda of Durant, and Donald Stone, Erica Stone, Chelsea Cluff, and Tyler Cluff; one great She served as president of the local county organization for Wilson of Las Vegas; mother Evelyn Wilson of Bennington, granddaughter, Sienna Stone; two step-daughters, Deborah years and also served as a representative for the drafting of the and five grandchildren. Fowler and Angel Varnell; numerous nieces and nephews; and present Choctaw Constitution. She worked several years with Mr. Wilson was preceded in death by his father, Woodrow her devoted canine companions, Benji and Cookie. the Indian Education Program at the McAlester school system. W. Wilson. She was very dedicated to the Indian people having worked 19 years for Choctaw Nation. She later retired from the Choctaw Joseph Marion Lawrence Frederick Goins Nation for health reasons. Years later she provided home bound Joseph Marion Lawrence Sr., 93, passed away on Jan. 10, “Meals on Wheels” for the City of McAlester. Frederick Gary Goins, 71, of 2011, at Kindred Hospital in Oklahoma City. He was born on She was a member of the District 11 Choctaw senior citizens Whitefield, was born July 31, 1939, Nov. 23, 1917 in Lindsay, to Harry Edwin Lawrence and Se- and a member of the First Indian Baptist Church of McAlester. in Havana, to Taze and Willie “Bill” lina (Betts) Lawrence. Joe married Christine (Parr) Ferguson There she was involved with the W.M.U. as the activities di- Elizabeth (Cox) Goins. He passed on Oct. 23, 1991, in Arkansas. rector. She enjoyed pow wows and was an avid volleyball and away on Nov. 5, 2010, in Whitefield. Joe was born and raised in Lindsay and graduated from Lin- softball player. She enjoyed watching her kids and grandkids He is survived by wife Darlene say High School. He began working as a printer at the Lind- in sports and school activities. She was an avid reader and en- Goins of the home; two daughters, say News. From Lindsay, he moved to Shawnee to work and joyed spending the majority of her time with her family and Beth Bray and husband Johnny of eventually relocated to Maryland where he enjoyed a long ca- friends. Whitefield, Traci LeMond and hus- reer as a printer for the U.S. Government in Washington, D.C. Wanda is survived by her children, Houston Byington of band Mark of Muskogee; son David Upon his retirement, he moved back to Oklahoma and settled McAlester, Wynoka and Leonard Brokesholder of McAlester, Goins and wife Carey of Loganville, Ga.; two sisters, Susy in Moore. Henry and Lisa Byington of McAlester, Wynona “Nonie” By- Adcock of Stigler and Mary Gardner of Ramona; 11 grand- Joe served his country during World War II in the U.S. ington of the home and Tawanna Byington of the home; broth- children, Kent Bray, Brooke Burdick and husband Jake, Can- Army Air Corps. He was affiliated with the Lindsay Methodist er and sisters, Jane Bear of Bell Gardens, Calif., Howard John dice Bray, Kelsey Anthony, Mark Lemond, John Lemond, Church and was a member of the Lindsay Masonic Lodge. Joe and Sarah Kenieutubbe of Las Vegas, Regina Kenieutubbe of Lacey Bangle and husband Josh, Dow Goins, Dalton Goins, was an avid coin collector and Washington Redskins fan. Anadarko; seven grandchildren, one great-grandchild, numer- Braden Goins, Sam Goins; and great-grandson Bret Burdick. Mr. Lawrence is survived by his wife, Christine Ferguson ous nieces and nephews and a host of friends. Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Taze and Bill Lawrence; his son, Joseph Marion Lawrence Jr.; his step- She was preceded in death by her husband, Houston Henry Goins; one brother, Boyd Goins; and one sister, Martha Ap- sons, Larry K. Marks and B.T. Ferguson; his younger sister, Byington; mother Anna M. Wade; sister Oleta Kenieutubbe; ple. He married Darlene Webster on July 31, 1961. They were BenaVee Lawrence Garrett; nine grandchildren, Brent Marks, brothers, Osborne “Boy” Kenieutubbe and Dwight Kenieutub- married 49 years and had three children. Gary retired from the Leigh Lawrence O’Brien, Todd Marks, Lynn Lawrence, Dustin be; nephews, Kevin Shields and Baby Kenieutubbe. Union Pacific Railroad in 1994 after 27 years of service. He Marks, Kristopher Ferguson, Ali Ferguson, Colby Ferguson enjoyed crappie fishing with his father-in-law, Sib Webster for and Adrienne Ferguson Jacobs; 11 great-grandchildren, Kyle many years. In his later years he enjoyed spending time with Patrick O’Brien, Chase Ferguson, Mickinzi Ferguson, Leyton Leon Derron Stowers his grandchildren and mowing the grass. He was a member of Jacobs, Arizona Ferguson, Jacob Marks, Treavor Marks, Ryan Leon Derron Stowers, 77, of Ma- the Whitefield Baptist Church. Marks, Terran Marks, Dylan Marks, and Greyson Marks. dill, passed away on Dec. 15, 2010, Mr. Lawrence was preceded in death by his parents, Harry at an Ardmore hospital. He was born and Selina Lawrence; siblings, Azelle Martin Watkins, Olan Nov. 4, 1933, to the late Loyd Monroe Bennie Melvin John Martin, Mildred Ilene Lawrence and Maxine Lawrence Cly- Stowers and Oleta Bernice Jarman mer; and stepson, Don Ferguson. Stowers. Bennie Melvin John, 81, passed Derron attended Tyler Elementary away on Jan. 28, 2011, at a Sher- School before moving to California man, Texas, hospital. He was born Billie Ruth Strickland at the age of eight. He also lived in March 29, 1929, at Ardmore to Alex Oregon before moving to Monahans, and MaryAnn Simpson John. He Billie Ruth Strickland, 68, passed Texas, where he graduated in 1951. He attended Odessa Jr. was married to Gladys Tone and she away on Jan. 30, 2011, at her home in College and classes at Eastern New Mexico University. preceded him in death May 12, 2006, Antlers. She was born March 25, 1942 He married Ruth Ann Maddin on Dec. 22, 1956. He later in Oklahoma City. Mr. John was a in Talihina, the daughter of Preston married Guy Eva Hallmark on Nov. 10, 1994. gunnery sergeant for the U.S. Marine Lee Lawrence and Mary Francis (Bil- He served 15 years in the National Guard and was honorably Corps during the Korean conflict. He ly) Lawrence and had lived in Antlers discharged. Derron later worked in the oil fields at Lovington, received a Purple Heart. He was employed at the Denver Zoo since 1975. Her parents preceded her N.M., and Monahans. He later became lineman and foreman until his retirement. in death. She was also preceded in for Lee County Electric at Lovington. In 1972 he moved to Survivors include five sons, Eldon John, Bennett M. John death by her husband, Curtis Strick- Cloudcroft, N.M., and was supervisor and later operation man- and wife Sheila, Monroe John, Bennie M. John Jr. and Vernon land; her brother, Preston Lawrence; ager until 1999 when he retired and moved to Madill. He was John; one daughter, Juanita John; grandchildren, Corinna A. and her grandson, Van Linn Jr. proud of his Choctaw heritage and he enjoyed fishing, hunting, Linton and husband Russell, Erica V. Eppler, Kristina F. John, Billie enjoyed music and spending time with her family and golfing and he was an active member at the Mannsville Assem- and Jessica D. John; three great-grandchildren, Joseph and Re- friends. She was of the Assembly of God faith. bly of God Church of Mannsville. becca Jefferson and Stryder Lee Eppler; and many other rela- Survivors include one daughter, Brenda Linn of Antlers; four Derron is survived by his wife, Guy Eva Stowers of Madill; tives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sons, Van Linn of Hugo, John Linn of Antlers, Larry Linn of child Kirk Lee Stowers and wife Dianne of Tupelo; sister Ethel wife, Gladys John; two sisters, Vivian and Sally John; brother Soper and Robert Linn of Hugo; four sisters, Barbara McKee Caudill and husband L.G. of Lovington, N.M.; two grand- Andy John; nephew Jimmy Lee John; and a grandson-in-law, of Hugo, Linda Taylor of Soper, Sharon Davis of Soper and Le- children, Afton Dodgen and Brandon of Tupelo, and Hannah Matthew Eppler. nora Jackson of Hugo; four brothers, Raymond Tom of Hugo, Stowers of Tupelo; one great-grandchild, Aslan Dodgen; step- Michael Tom of Fort Smith, Ark., Larry Tom of Bennington, son Kent Hallmark and wife Pam of Madill; three stepgrand- and Wayland Tom of Kennett, Mo.; 17 grandchildren, 12 great- children, Courtney Housholder and husband Josh of Madill, grandchildren, 22 nieces and nephews, and many other rela- Tracy Vanderwork and husband Lee of Woodward, and Jason Richard Don Allen Englebright tives and friends. Branch and wife Kendra of Lone Grove; two foster children, Angela King and husband Larry of Dickson, and Sharon Giles Richard Don Allen Englebright, of Madill; 10 foster grandchildren, Tyler, Josh, Jake, Talaya, 54, passed away on Nov. 3, 2010, in Colton, Jade, Brooke, Luke, Lexie and Tate; two nieces, Sandy Peggs, at the age of 54. He was born Ott Younger Ladner and James Fort of Madill, and Lesly and Kent Jameson of Lov- Jan. 27, 1956, in Tahlequah, to Albert Ott Younger Ladner, 77, of Jim- ington, N.M., and their children, Kenda and Kellen Fort, and Henry and Helen Martha (Byington) town, passed away on Jan. 28, 2011, Bradley, Jesika and Jacob Jameson. Englebright. at the family home in Jimtown. Mr. Richard is preceded in death by Lander was born Aug. 20, 1933, in Ruby Mae Layne his parents; son Richard David Allen Jimtown, the son of Sylvester “Choc” Englebright; three brothers, Talbert, and Audry May Chambers Ladner. Ruby Mae Anderson Layne passed Thomas and Kenneth; and sister Janet A resident of Jimtown all of his life, away peacefully on Jan. 11, 2011, Englebright. he attended Jimtown Grade School at The Memorial Medical Center, Left to cherish his memory are his five children, Shelly and graduated from Leon High Modesto, Calif. Drywater and husband Mike of Pryor, Rachel Englebright of School in 1952. Mr. Ladner served in Ruby was the eldest child of origi- Wagoner, Bobby Englebright of Glenpool, Joshua Englebright the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1957, and was stationed in Ger- nal enrollee Osborne B. Anderson and wife Lisa of Glenpool and Kristy Englebright and husband many. He and Laquitta Holt were married in Marietta on Aug. and Iva Pearl Weathers Anderson. Jason of Middletown, Ohio. He is also survived by five broth- 28, 1959. She had seven siblings, Osborne, ers, Ronnie, Johnny, Delbert Englebright, Joe Englebright and As a farmer/rancher, Mr. Ladner served 40 years as a USDA Otis, Ben, Rosetta, Ruth, Rowena and wife Carol of Peggs, and Loyd Englebright and wife Rozella of FSA (ASCS) community and county committeeman and as mi- Rosemary. Locust Grove; five sisters, Mary McKim of Chouteau, Jackie nority advisor. He was currently serving on the Love County Ruby was born in Weathers, and grew up in Pittsburg, where List of Rockford, Ill., Kay Jenkins and husband Joe of Foyil, Soil Conservation Board of Directors, the Jimtown Volunteer she went to school. She was active in girls basketball in high Faye Butler and husband Larry of Peggs, and Sherry Martin Fire Department Board and on the board of the Ouilda John- school and served as a pianist at the Baptist Church in Pitts- of Peggs; as well as 10 grandchildren. Richard will be greatly stone Trust. In addition he was a member of the Choctaw Na- burg. She attended Haskell Institute in Lawrence, Kan., for a missed by all that knew him. tion of Oklahoma and the Love County Historical Society. Mr. short period of time. Ladner had previously served on the Wilson Co-op Board for She married Giles H. Layne in 1932 at the First Christian many years. He was also very involved in the upkeep of the Church. Afterwards, they lived above the Banner Store (coal Racheal Riddle Oswalt Cemetery and the Jimtown Cemetery. mine affiliated) in Pittsburg. That union produced four chil- As a young man Mr. Ladner enjoyed fishing and hunting, dren: Harold, Gerald, Danny and Linda. Ruby and Giles loved Racheal N. Riddle, 25, of Cleve- especially hunting coyotes with Walker Hounds. Most recently to dance, especially to the music of Bob Wills and his band. land, Tenn., passed away on Jan. 18, he liked to play dominoes and watch old westerns. His life- When jobs were scarce they packed up and moved to Haw- 2011. time pastime was the pecan bottom, keeping it cleared and the thorne, Calif., with their two youngsters. At the start of World She attended Valley View Baptist brush burned. Mr. Ladner was a member of the Church of Jesus War II, she worked for North American Aviation Company in Church. She graduated from Bradley Christ of Latter Day Saints. El Segundo, Calif. Giles worked across the street at Douglas Central High School in 2004. She was Preceding him in death were his parents; five brothers, Aviation. a gifted artist and cared deeply for her Wester Ladner, Charlie Ladner, Vester “Buck” Ladner, Andrew In 1942 they moved to Pleasant Hill, Calif., where Giles family. “Bay” Ladner and Richard Ladner; and four sisters, Emme worked at the Mare Island Naval Base. In 1943 they returned She was preceded in death by her Ladner, Epsy Harris, Ruby Mapp and Azaline Hays. to Hawthorne where they opened a diner on Prairie Avenue, father, Phillip Lee Riddle. He is survived by his wife, Laquitta Ladner of the home; son across from Northrop Aviation Co. At the end of World War II Survivors include her mother, Angie Riddle of Cleveland; Brian Ladner and wife Melissa of Jimtown; daughter Rhidonah they moved to Ceres, Calif., where they successively owned maternal grandmother, Mae Dyer of Cleveland; paternal grand- Ladner-Neal and husband Curtis Neal of Monroe, Wash.; four two restaurants. Ruby stayed in the food service business until mother, Carolyn Riddle of Georgetown; fiancé, C.J. Maples, of sisters, Sue Taliaferro of Marietta, Poline Monkres of DeSoto, she retired. Giles worked in construction until he died in 1980. Cleveland; two sisters: Ramanda Riddle and Reanna Riddle, Texas, Grace Graham of Duncanville, Texas and Frances Fos- They have six grandchildren, David, Sharon, Bobby, Mi- both of Cleveland; one brother, Randon Riddle of Cleveland; ter of Tilden, Texas; and three grandchildren, Brian Ladner II, chael, Donna and Tami, and 10 great-grandchildren. and several aunts, uncles and cousins. Burk Jones and Audrey Ladner. March 2011, BISKINIK, Page 14

RevitalizingAlong with feather bon- Choctaw Moccasins nets, dream-catchers, and top Choctaw women’s moc- References Cited tipis, moccasins are some- casin, mentioned by Young, thing that the mass media still exist. However, some of Du Pratz, Antione Simon widely associates with Na- the surviving moccasins made Le Page 2006[1758] History tive American people. Unlike Iti Fabussa by nearby Tribes are very of Louisiana: Or of the West- these other objects, however, similar, and give us a great ern Parts of Virginia and Car- moccasins really are a part starting point for making the olina... Bibliobazaar, U.S.A. of Choctaw traditional cul- Their shoes or old-style Choctaw women’s ture. Today, a wide variety of moccasins are moccasins (see photo). Knutruff, Jenna, S. Gail made of deer- Similarly, we can use docu- DeHArt, Michael J. O’Brien moccasins are made, includ- Early-style Choctaw moc- skin, deprived mented evidence from other 1998 7500 Years of Prehis- ing mass-produced mocca- casins, NMAI # 136067.000 of the hair, and Tribes, to suggest that Choc- toric Footwear from Arnold sins that come in boxes with (flaps up) marked shoes sizes, mail or- exposed taws also may have applied Research Cave, Missouri. der moccasins that involve to the smoke of a single child’s moccasin are sticky tree sap to the soles, Science 281(5373):72-75 sending in a tracing of your a wood fire, till housed at the National Mu- almost like today’s Shoe Goo foot to the maker, and custom it attains a deep seum of the American Indian TM in order to make them Young, F.B. 1830 Natives moccasins made by Indian brown color. in Washington, D.C. Wavy more durable. of the Choktah Tribe of North grandmothers directly to the The moccasin edges on these shoes indicate In the past, our ancestors American Indians. Edinburgh feet of their families. In most is formed of that they were made without did not wear their mocca- Journal of Natural and Geo- parts of the country, mass- a single piece the use of scissors, and they sins constantly the same way graphical Science 2:13-17. produced and Plains Indian- of this leather, and they are sewn up with that we live in our shoes to- style moccasins dominate with one seam thin leather thongs. They rep- day. Moccasins were worn in the original traditional Tribal behind, and an- resent an early form, and are cold weather to keep the feet styles. There really is such as other from identical to Young’s descrip- warm, and when traveling thing as Choctaw-style moc- the instep to the tion and Bodmer’s paintings. through thorns or rough ter- casins, but at the time of this toe. A flap of The agreement of these three rain to keep the feet from get- writing, you would be hard- about two inch- independent sources suggests ting scratched. Around home, Choctaw pressed to find very many es is left round that this type of moccasin was they often simply went bare- Choctaw feet wearing them. the place where once pretty common in many foot (c.f. du Pratz 2006:371 Moccasin The loss of Choctaw mocca- the foot enters, if not all Choctaw communi- [1758]). sins is sad. The shoes worn and this flap, to- ties. So, what about actually by our ancestors are beautiful gether with the Choctaw moccasins in two wearing a pair of Choctaw Classes and comfortable in their own seam, is fanci- other collections in Oklahoma moccasins? They are warm, Times and Locations: right, are not particularly dif- fully decorated tell us about changing styles in soft, very light weight, breathe ficult to make, and look much with beads and more recent years. Although well, are extremely quiet, and Poteau more in place with a Choctaw porcupine quills made of traditional braintain fit like gloves. Although they March 7 at 5 p.m. shirt or dress than any store- dyed blue and leather, these pairs were con- are not waterproof and do not “Tulope, A Choctaw Man”, Location: bought moccasin ever could. red. If worn by a structed using scissors, metal afford sensitive feet the same by Karl Bodmer Poteau Field Office, A number of Tribal members man, it is edged needles, glass beads, and cushion as a thick rubber sole, have expressed an interest in of the country have preserved with scarlet hair, store-bought thread. These they will probably be the 208 B Street learning how to make Choc- an impressive series of Na- - if intended for a woman, it moccasins have a seam run- most comfortable shoes you taw-style moccasins. To meet tive American shoes that goes reaches to near the calf of the ning up the top of the foot, have ever put on. Atoka like the pucker-toe, but care- For more information about this request, the Choctaw Na- back more than 8,000 years leg, and is ornamented with April 14 at 6 p.m. tion Historic Preservation De- (e.g. Knutruff et. al. 1998). red binding or ferret; a moc- ful trimming and fine stitches Choctaw moccasins, and partment is beginning to offer What immediately surpris- casin of plain leather is worn have been used to remove to make a pair of your own, Location: classes around southeastern ing is that leather moccasins in common. (Young all of the wrinkles at the toe. please come to one of the Atoka Field Office, Oklahoma on making them. do not appear until the end 1830:14). classes hosted by the Choc- 1410 S. Gin Rd. Who knows, but in a few of the sequence. Instead, the To this description, we can taw Nation Historic Preserva- months, Choctaw moccasins early shoes are different vari- add several period pictures. tion Department. These will might even start to become eties of slippers, made from In 1834, Swiss artist Karl be held at a different location Oklahoma City a popular indigenous fashion plant fiber. Today’s closest Bodmer traveled to Missis- around Choctaw country each May 27 at 5 p.m. again! equivalent would be a pair of sippi and did a series of paint- month. Enrollment is free, Location: As regular readers of Iti crocheted houseshoes. Based ings of the Choctaw people he but please bring a pair of scis- OK Choctaw Tribal Al- sors if you intend to make Fabvssa know, Choctaw tra- upon what is found in these met. Five of paintings show liance, 5230 S. Youngs. ditional culture changes and caves, in appears that leather details of Choctaw mocca- Choctaw moccasins, Mu- moccasins. Hides may be develops over time. In this moccasins may have began sins. Each of these matches seum of the Red River, Ida- purchased at the time of class Blvd. regard, certain places, such to be common in much of the what Young wrote: the moc- bel (flaps up) for $50. Please call 1-800- as dry caves, have the abil- eastern U.S. about 1000 years casins are made of dark brown 522-6170 ext. 2216 to reserve ity to preserve objects made ago. leather, they have a seam run- Also, the flap is cut shorter so a spot. from perishable materials for Moccasins can be con- ning on top of the foot from that it doesn’t extend forward a very long time, and give structed in several basic the instep to the toe, and a flap beyond the ankle. One such Please mail your ques- ways, and each re- that rolls down and the open- pair of Choctaw moccasins tions to Iti Fabussa gion and Tribe has ing of the moccasin. We also in the Museum of the Red c/o BISKINIK, P.O. its own traditional see that these moccasins are River in Idabel, is decorated Box 1210, Durant, OK variety(s). Today, pucker-toed, meaning that in with green and purple beads 74702, or email biski- we have three ex- construction, the material is and probably dates to the late nik@choctawnation. cellent sources gathered up around the toe in 1800s. A single Choctaw com with “Iti Fabussa” for learning about such a manner that a number moccasin in the Confederate in the subject line. Choctaw moccasins: of small creases are created Memorial Museum in Atoka, Editor’s note: Due to written descriptions, on top of the moccasin. Puck- may be a generation or two the volume of the respons- drawings, and a few er-toe was once the main style later. Beadwork hides the es we get for this column Choctaw women’s moccasins, pieces surviving in the Southeast, and variants seam on its instep entirely, our writers will prioritize made by Ian Thompson in family or mu- were made by the Chickasaw, and Choctaw ribbon work the questions according seum collections. Muscogee Creek, Seminole, decorates the flaps. to topics and space avail- us look at how some things, The following description of and Cherokee. Unfortunately, to the best ability. We will publish as such as shoe styles, have Choctaw moccasins was writ- Several early Choctaw of the authors’ knowledge, no Later-style Choctaw moc- many as possible in future changed. Several caves in ten just before the Trail of moccasins still survive. Two surviving pictures or exam- casin, Atoka Confederate issues of the newspaper. the central and eastern part Tears: pairs of adult moccasins and ples of the early-style high- Memorial Museum

Choctaw Traditional Services and cultural activities Pottery Class Durant March 20, April 10 & April 24 – 5-9 p.m. keep Atoka Field Office busy Pottery Studio behind Cultural Events Building The Choctaw Nation field For those seeking to learn GED classes are also held services offered for those 4451 Choctaw Rd. office in Atoka is an eventful their Native language, Choc- at the Atoka center from 1 to seeking assistance. Offices at Poteau place to be during the month taw classes are held every 4 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday the center include Community March 21 (Class ending) – 5-9:30 p.m. with activities going on reg- Monday and Tuesday night and Thursday afternoons. For Health Representative, Com- Poteau Field Office, 208 B Street ularly for those wishing to from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. more information on Choc- munity Based Social Worker, learn more about the culture, and are open to the public. taw GED services, contact Tribal Police, Indian Child Idabel those seeking services or Tribal arts and craft classes the Adult Education program Welfare/Family Preservation March 22 (Class ending) – 12:30-4:30 p.m. those just wishing to socialize take place every other Thurs- at 800-522-6170. and District 10 Councilman, Idabel Field Office, 2408 Lincoln Rd. with fellow Choctaws. day evening from 6 to 9 p.m. Additionally, several local Anthony Dillard. In total, the Senior luncheons are held The classes include beading, organizations, including the center has 13 employees. Antlers every Wednesday afternoons basket making, dressmaking, Atoka Youth Advisory Board Anyone with questions March 24, April 7, April 21 – 6-9 p.m. at the center. The lunch is moccasin making, and other and Atoka County Upward about services offered or ac- Antlers Library & Community Building, 104 S.E. 2nd St. open to all Choctaw seniors in forms of tribal art. Various Bound groups, hold monthly tivities at the center can con- the area and those who attend subject matter experts in the meetings at the center. tact the Atoka field office rep- Note: Regular pottery classes will be ending in Poteau always enjoy a good meal and crafts teach the classes, which The field office also has resentative, Twilia Pittman, at and Idabel in April. Regular classes will continue in Du- fellowship. are also open to the public. applications for many tribal 580-889-6147. rant and Antlers.

AssistanceThe USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), for recently ranchersissued notify the local FSA office affected of these losses. There may be situ- byDale alsowinter encouraged producers toweather use Hay Net on the FSA a reminder to livestock producers that FSA programs may be ations where producers are transporting feed to their livestock. website (http://www.fsa.usda.gov/haynet), an online service available to assist them. Many are dealing with harsh winter Producers should document these additional costs.” that allows producers with hay and those who need hay to post weather, which is causing serious harm to livestock and forage FSA administers several programs that help producers re- ads so they can make connections. Hay Net is a popular site for due to heavy snow, ice and extremely cold temperatures. cover from livestock deaths that are beyond normal mortality farmers and ranchers who have an emergency need, such as the Kevin Dale, the Bryan County FSA Director who also serves rates, losses of purchased and/or harvested forage, and with one caused by the current wintry conditions. Individual ads can as the Choctaw Nation local FSA contact, has this to say about the additional costs of providing or transporting feed. Among be posted free of charge by producers who complete a simple the weather and the programs offered by FSA “This is turn- the key programs are the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) online registration form the first time they use the site. ing out to be a tough winter for many farmers and ranchers and the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and For more information about these FSA programs visit at in Oklahoma and learning about our FSA programs is an im- Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP). For livestock death losses www.fsa.usda.gov/ok or one of the following FSA offices lo- portant step for producers to take,” said Mr. Dale. “We need to be eligible under LIP, producers must file a notice of loss cated in the Choctaw Nation: Atoka – 580-889-2554; Durant – producers to document the number and kind of livestock that with the local FSA office within 30 calendar days from when 580-924-4131; Hugo – 580-326-3655; Idabel – 580-286-2574; have died as a direct result of these winter storms and timely the loss is apparent to the producer. McAlester – 918-423-4073; or Poteau – 918-647-2047.