Interior Secretary Jewell Announces $186M Trust Settlement to Nations

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The Ofﬁ cial Publication of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma

October 2015 Issue

Tribal Council holds regular Interior Secretary Jewell session The Choctaw Nation Tribal Council met in regular session Sept. 12 at announces $186M trust Tvshka Homma. Parliamen- tarian, Recording Secretary, Sergeant-at-Arms, and the Committee of the Tribal settlement to Nations Council were appointed. The following council bills were unanimously approved: • Letter of re-appointment of Jack Austin Jr. as Assistant Chief of Photos by Brandon Frye the Choctaw Nation of Delton Cox smiles with AARP representatives after being Oklahoma. presented his honorary medallion. Pictured are, from left, • Letter of Appointment of Michael Burrage Associate State Director Mashell Sourjohn, Regional Vice as General Counsel of President Nancy Stockbridge, Choctaw Tribal Council the Choctaw Nation of Member Delton Cox, and Oklahoma AARP State President Oklahoma. Joe Ann Vermillion. • Budget for General Fund FY 2016. • Budget for Capital Proj- Cox honored not done yet, though. It’s ects FY 2016. not a period at the end • Budget for Health Ser- vices Programs FY 2016. for service of the sentence. It’s just • Budget for Consolidated one event, and I have a lot By BRANDON FRYE Tribal Government more I’d like to get done Programs FY 2016. Choctaw Nation • Budget for Choctaw Na- before I cash in my chips.” tion WIC FY 2016. Delton Cox, long time During his time spent • Budget for Choctaw tribal council member and in service to the Choctaw Nation WIC Farmers’ Photo by Kendra Germany speaker of the tribal coun- people, Cox has been Market FY 2016. • Budget modifi cation Signing a multi-million dollar agreement that settles a long-standing land dispute are, from cil, was among 50 hon- vital to many facets of the #2 for Choctaw Nation left, Gov. Bill Anoatubby of the Chickasaw Nation, U.S. Department of the Interior Secre- orees at the 7th Annual Choctaw Nation. Most WIC and WIC Farmers’ tary Sally Jewell, and Chief Gary Batton of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. The historic AARP Oklahoma Indian notably, he has served Market FY 2015. signing took place Oct. 6 at the Choctaw Event Center. Elder Honors, held Oct. 6. District 4 as councilman • Budget modifi cation #1 for Choctaw Nation By CHARLES CLARK “Of course, I appreci- for 14 years, a role he con- Child Care Develop- million. in helping solidify and ate the honor, it shows tinues to fulfill. He also Choctaw Nation ment Fund budget for When asked what the improve our relationship recognition for some served as speaker for eight FY 2015. On Oct. 6, U.S. Secretary event meant to the ances- with the United States. We things I have done over years. • Approve a line of credit for Choctaw Defense of the Interior Sally Jewell tors of today’s Choctaw respect the vital role Sec- the years,” Cox said. “I am cont’d on page 12 Manfacturing, LLC. visited Choctaw Country people, Chief Gary Bat- retary Jewell has taken in • Approve a line of credit to announce the $186 ton said, “It means their helping make this historic for Choctaw Defense million agreement resolv- sacrifi ces have not been in settlement a reality. We are Munitions, LLC. • Approve disposal of ing a dispute with claims vain.” confi dent she will play an surplus equipment. dating back more than 100 Chief Batton led the essential role in our eff orts • Approve a determina- years. Staff of the Choctaw entourage showing the to continue strengthening tion under the Indian location where the Choc- the relationship between Health Care Improve- Nation, many wearing tra- ment Act, 25, U.S.C. ditional tribal attire, lined taw Cultural Center is to our governments, because 1680c(c)(2) to extend the hallway to greet Jewell be built, the Nation’s print we believe she has a unique health services to all on her historic visit. shop business, Career appreciation for the mutual non-native Health Ser- Choctaw Nation vice Eligible employees The settlement is the Development campus, benefi ts of a positive gov- of the Choctaw Nation result of a lawsuit brought Recycling Center, Food ernment-to-government Veterans Day Celebration and their covered de- by the Choctaw Nation Distribution Center, Child relationship.” November 11, 2015 pendents. and the Chickasaw Nation Development Center and Then it was Chief Bat- • Application for the Spe- Tvshka Homma cial Diabetes Program against the Department of School of Choctaw Lan- ton’s turn. for Indians Community- the Interior. Not only has guage; also shown was the “The Choctaw Nation is Begins at 10 a.m Directed Grant Pro- a monetary fi gure been Fire Department, a com- very blessed,” he said. Includes Lunch gram. reached, but it brings an munity partnership eff ort. “It is a historic occasion • Application for the Methamphetamine end to, as the Interior From there the group to have the Secretary of the Transportation Schedules and Suicide Prevention Department explained, proceeded to the main Interior visit the Choctaw Initiative-Generation “protracted, vigorously event—the signing of the and Chickasaw Nations. I Antlers (580) 298-5501 8:30 a.m. Indigenous Initiative contested and expensive agreement. am appreciative of having Support Atoka (580) 889-6147 8 a.m. • Funds and Budget for litigation that has bur- Bill Anoatubby, Gover- a sovereign-to-sovereign Bethel (580) 241-5637 8 a.m. Support for Expectant dened both nations and the nor of the Chickasaw Na- relationship between the Smithville (580) 244-3289 8:30 a.m. and Parenting Teens, Choctaw Nation and the United States for a decade.” tion, and council members Broken Bow (580) 584-6372 7:30 a.m. Women, Fathers, and At issue was the account- from both tribes met Chief United States government. Their Families Program. Coalgate (580) 927-3641 8 a.m. ing of management and Batton and Secretary It is also historic that these • Funds and Budget for Crowder (918) 334-5344 8 a.m. the Native American disposition of more than a Jewell at the door of the three sovereigns have Library Services Basic million acres of Chickasaw Events Center and all agreed to a settlement of Durant (580) 924-7810 8 a.m. Grant Tribal Youth Hugo (580) 326-7551 8 a.m. Initiative. and Choctaw tribal lands moved inside together. the timber trust account • Funds and Budget for that the U.S. government Flags of all three na- case.” Idabel (580) 286-6116 7 a.m. the Tribal Personal took control of on the eve tions lined the back of the Touching on the July McAlester (918) 423-1016 8 a.m. Responsibility Educa- of Oklahoma statehood. stage. All seats were fi lled visit by another federal Poteau (918) 647-9324 8 a.m. tion Program for Teen Pregnancy Prevention. The U.S., as federal trustee, in front. Two risers stacked government notable, Chief Spiro (918) 962-3832 8 a.m. • Authorize the Boys & held those lands in trust with members of the press Batton said, “This visit Stigler (918) 967-2398 7:30 a.m. Girls Club of McCurtain for the benefi t of the Na- were behind the audience. marks the start of a revital- Talihina (918) 567-2106 No Transport County, Oklahoma, to tions. In December 2005 Choctaw Assistant Chief ized relationship with the participate and accept Wilburton (918) 465-2389 8 a.m. United States. Secretary funding on behalf of the Nations fi led suit in Jack Austin Jr. served as Wright City (580) 981-7011 7:30 a.m. the Community from U.S. District Court seeking emcee introducing District Jewell’s presence here, the Department of a long overdue account- 6 Councilman Joe Coley to coming soon after Presi- For any questions, please call 800-522-6170: Brent Oakes Justice, Offi ce of Justice ing of the federal trustee’s open with a prayer. Next, dent Obama’s recent visit, ext. 2163, Roger Hamill ext. 2160, Harlan Wright ext. Programs to support the 2735, or Jason Burwick ext. 2369. Boys & Girls Clubs of management of those Scott Wesley sang The also serves to reaffi rm that America’s Programs for resources and an equitable Lord’s Prayer in the the foundation of this rela- Check with local community centers for any possible Youth. restoration of the value of Choctaw language as Ju- tionship is government-to- changes for transport. • Authorize the Boys & that trust. nior Miss Choctaw Nation government.” Girls Club of Durant, ◆ ◆ Oklahoma, to par- After a decade of litiga- Loren Crosby and Little “This is a time of heal- What’s inside Get your digital copy! ticipate and accept tion, a $186 million settle- Miss Choctaw Nation ing,” he said. Columns ...... 2 Scan this code with your funding on behalf of ment was reached. The Ariana Byington presented With an introduction Notes to the Nation ...... 5 smartphone for this issue and the Community from settlement will be divided the hymn in sign language. that spoke to her empathy Health & Nursery News ...... 6 archive copies of the BISKINIK! the Department of http://www.choctawnation. Justice, Offi ce of Justice between the Chickasaw and Gov. Anoatubby spoke and support of American Food Distribution ...... 6 com/news-room/biskinik- Programs to support the Choctaw Nations based fi rst. Indian issues and people, People You Know ...... 7 newspaper-archive/ Boys & Girls Clubs of on longstanding treaty “This is a historic mo- Secretary Jewell came to Obituaries ...... 8 America’s Programs for agreements. According to ment,” he began. the podium. She met the Iti Fabvssa ...... 15 Youth. Cultural Events ...... 16 For detailed meeting infor- those treaties, the Choctaw Directing his remarks to crowd with the Choctaw mation on these resolutions Nation will receive 75 per- Secretary Jewell, he said, greeting, “Halito!” ◆ The Mission of the and council bills, go to http:// cent of the funds, while the “We appreciate all of your “Today’s agreement is www.choctawnation.com/ Choctaw Nation Chickasaw Nation will re- help with this matter and the latest addition to a re- government/tribal-council- of Oklahoma bills/2015-council-bills. ceive 25 percent. Based on this administration’s help.” cord number of long-stand- Tribal Council meets at 10 the treaties, the Choctaw Reiterating an earlier ing settlements resolved To enhance the lives of all members through opportunities a.m. on the second Satur- Nation will receive $139.5 press release, he said, “This under this Administration,” day of each month in the designed to develop healthy, Council Chambers at Tvshka million and the Chickasaw settlement represents Secretary Jewell said, successful and productive Homma. Nation will receive $46.5 a signifi cant milestone cont’d on page 3 lifestyles. 2 BISKINIK | October 2015 FAITH, FAMILY AND CULTURE The family is the heart Chaplain’s Corner of the Choctaw Nation God has a perfect plan for you sitteth not down fi rst, and ashamed’...” (II Timothy Family is very important to me. The cooler weather counteth the cost, whether 2:15). has given me the opportunity to spend quality time with he have suffi cient to fi nish it? All these things are costly. my grandchildren over the past few weekends. We have 29. “Lest haply, after he Are you willing to pay the shot baskets and gone fi shing. Choctaw Country in the hath laid the foundation, price? You can’t live a clean fall is beautiful and it is a blessing to be able to make such and is not able to fi nish it, all life today, except one way, good memories. that behold it begin to mock and that is through Jesus My wife, Angie, and I are adoptive parents. We were him, 30. “Saying, this man Christ. elated to welcome our daughter and son to our hearts and began to build, and was not Paul said in Galatians our home. If we had not adopted our children, we would able to fi nish.” 2:20: “I am crucifi ed with not be enjoying our two grandchildren! I thank God every What Jesus is saying is, “If Christ: nevertheless I live; day for them. you are going to follow me, yet not I, but Christ liveth in I have often said our granddaughter is the boss of the family! She has our hearts down and count the cost.” me; and the life which I now wrapped around her fi nger. There are three problems live in the fl esh I live by the Our grandson is athletic and, at thirteen, is already taller than me. He keeps us active and busy. we face when we come to the faith of the Son of God, who There are many families such as Word of God. loved me, and gave himself ours who are united through pro- Rev. Bertram Bobb First, there is a mind for me.” Tribal Chaplain grams like the Choctaw Nation’s problem. Paul writes in his letter Children and Family Services. We must decide who Jesus to the Romans in Romans There are many more children I am thankful for the Christ is. Was He the Son of 6:14:“... sin shall not have needing a place to call home than privilege to share with you the Living God, the Way, the dominion over you.” There there are families to provide that God’s Plan of Salvation and Truth, and the Life? (John was a time when sin ruled in home. answers to questions as 20:31; John 14:6). Was He your life, but when you came Choctaw children need to be these. all Truth as He claimed? to Jesus Christ sin no longer raised in a Choctaw home. Where can I fi nd the truth That’s a decision you have to rules and He can help you to Choctaw foster families do more about life? Where can I fi nd make about Jesus Christ—a meet the high standards that than just provide a home and guidance and directions for mind problem. He sets in moral living. necessities. They share the Choc- The fi rst family of the Choctaw Nation includes, from how to act at home, at work, The Bible has this to say Now, coming to Christ taw heritage and teach the children left, son David, grandson Jeffrey, wife Angie, grand- and at school? Where can about the mind in Matthew isn’t going to make you stability and values. They give daughter Kaylynn (in front), and Chief Gary Batton. I fi nd comfort in a time of 22:37: “Jesus said unto him, perfect. them love. need? Thou shalt love the Lord thy Suppose you accept Jesus The children can be in the foster homes for a few days, a few months or a few years. To the Christian, the an- God with all thy heart, and Christ and you slip and fall, I have watched foster parents show strength and compassion as they are called with swers to these questions are with all thy soul, and with all what happens? Immediately, requests to accept a newborn, a toddler, or sometimes an older child. The unconditional obvious. thy mind.” And in Philippi- you need to say, “O Lord, I love is evident as they change one child’s life, then another, and another even though The answers have been ans 2:5, “Let this mind be in am sorry, I turn from that they know the child will most likely be there for just a short time. The foster families repeated from the pulpits, you, which was also in Christ sin, I don’t ever want to work with the children’s families so that they can have a better chance of returning in Sunday school classes, in Jesus.” commit it again.” Remember home. More than 100 Choctaw children were returned to their homes last year after personal testimonies and in The mind is important First John 1:9: “If we confess temporary intervention. the Bible. The Bible is God’s but remember that the mind our sins, he is faithful and There have been many compassionate families who began as foster parents and later Word. has been aff ected by sin. You just to forgive you your sins. adopted a child. In cases where the children have entered foster care and it is not pos- The writer in the Book of cannot come to Jesus Christ If you have sinned, go to sible for them to return to their parents or their own extended family, the child’s foster Hebrews 4:12 wrote: 12. “For by the mind alone, that step Him and say, “Lord, I have family can have the fi rst choice in adopting. the word of God is quick, has to be taken by faith. sinned, I am sorry.” There are many couples like Angie and me who are unable to have children and want and powerful, and sharper Jesus is God. He left The third problem in to make a diff erence, not only by adding to their lives but also by nurturing the life of than any two-edged sword, Heaven to come to this coming to Jesus Christ is an a child. If you are interested in becoming a foster parent, please call (800) 522-6170, piercing even to the dividing earth. He became man to emotional problem because extension 2331. asunder of soul and spirit, pay the penalty for sin, we are made of mind, and Yakoke, thank you, to all of the amazing and dedicated Choctaw families who reach and of the joints and mar- which is death, in our place, will, and an emotion. out to hold these children in your arms. row, and is a discerner of the He died, He was buried, Nobody says that you thoughts and intents of the He arose from the grave (I have to cry when you come heart.” Corinthians 15:3-4), He lives to Christ or that you have Employees always Whatever your profession, today, and this is what we to laugh when you come to or vocation, get to know the believe by faith. Christ. You can’t look at the Bible. Get a thorough knowl- The second problem that cross and realize the Love of ready to aid Choctaws edge of the Scriptures. There we face in coming to Jesus God without being emotion- are many people who have Christ is a moral problem. ally moved that God sent His Fall has offi cially arrived and like any other time of the not committed themselves Meeting the high standards Only Begotten Son, the Lord year, there are many things going on in the Choctaw Na- to God in faith. They are just of Christ. Jesus Christ, to shed His tion. Thankfully, we can enjoy an extended reprieve from waiting for a wind to come Jesus Christ demands blood and die for you, so that our hot Oklahoma summers in more pleasant weather for along to blow them in any fi rst place in everything. You you may have forgiveness of upcoming events. direction. come to Jesus realizing you sin and eternal life. But there I am very proud of the exceptional employees who Will you today commit have to pay a price. You can’t is more to it than that. work out in our communities to ensure that the needs your life to Jesus Christ? Let drag those dirty sins with To know Jesus Christ as of Choctaw people are met. This tribe is blessed with a Him have complete control you. You will have to quit Savior doesn’t mean just broad spectrum of programs and services in place which in your life. Let Him be the lying, you will have to quit blessings in heaven, it also are designed to assist tribal members of all ages. These Lord of your life. Serve Him stealing, you will have to quit means blessings here on employees know our members and are their best advocates for a better future. with love and a committed sleeping with that woman or earth until you get to heaven. The purpose of our tribal programs continues to be to educate and ensure happier, heart. man who is not your spouse, God has a perfect plan laid healthier lives for our tribal members. One of the best ways to accomplish this is to Jesus said in Luke 14:27- you will have to quit cheat- out for you here now. begin before birth. The Support for Expectant Parenting Teens (SEPT) program works 30:27. “And whosoever ing in school or at work. Remember to pray for with young women and men who are preparing to be parents. Specialists give the young doth not bear his cross, and You will have to invest USA and Native America mothers and fathers valuable tools to handle the signifi cant challenges of parenthood come after me, cannot be my study time in the Word of and their leaders. Pray which increases their chances of success moving forward. disciple. God “... to show yourself for our service men and Because of the personal relationships built by caring employees, our employees are 28. “For which of you, ‘approved unto God, a work- women who remain on ac- able to anticipate needs of tribal members throughout their lives. Kids in hardship situa- intending to build a tower, man that needeth not to be tive duty. tions are identifi ed and programs such as annual coat and shoe drives are there to make a diff erence. Fun events such as the Harvest Carnival held at Tvshka Homma off er an enjoyable environment for entire families to spend quality time together. The care of our elders is paramount and service employees spend countless hours in homes assisting with things as simple as helping to complete an application for services. In one such situation, a tribal member expressed his grateful- ness by saying, “thanks for caring.” This job is tough emotionally on workers, but an affi rmation as simple as this makes one know that they are making a diff erence. A favorite program is the Elder Choctaw Nation will select Angel Christmas gift drive because a school district within the employees across the Choctaw Na- nation to be the recipient tion have the opportunity to select an “angel” and bless them with of each Box Tops Program. Christmas gifts. I am convinced The 2015-16 recipient that there are none more generous Victims of domestic violence are honored as candles are will be Hartshorne Public than the employees of the Choctaw lit by a circle of Choctaws and other southeast Okla- Nation. School. Don’t have anyone homans at the Remember My Name Vigil earlier this month at Tvshka Homma. Many times, the situations are to give your box tops to? not pleasant but workers strive for positive outcomes. The circumstances that assistance arises from could be from the Here’s how you can help! loss of a job, a divorce or an extended illness. Sadly, the reason could be life threaten- ing and involve domestic violence. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Victims Services will hold its 2nd Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Walk on Oct. 23 at the walking trail located by the Outreach Services complex in Hugo, Oklahoma. Also this month, Choctaw Nation’s Children and Family Services department held its annual It’s easy for anyone to get involved with Box Tops. Remember my Name Memorial/Vigil on Oct. 2 at Tvshka Homma. It’s simple. Buy the products; clip the Box Tops; drop off The employees of Choctaw Nation do a tremendous job daily that exemplifi es the val- or send the Box Tops to the Choctaw Nation and help earn ues of our ancestors. A full list of services can be found on www.choctawnation.com. cash for the things the school needs like: books, school supplies, playground equipment, teacher training, computers, Tell a Tale etc. Check out the Choctaw Nation Facebook site this Drop-off locations: Send to: month for spooky stories Choctaw Nation Community Centers Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Choctaw Nation Travel Plazas Attn. Jerry Tomlinson straight from Choctaw P.O. Box 1210 Choctaw Nation Headquarters Nation employees and Durant, OK 74702 tribal members. For further information contact Jerry Tomlinson at 580-924-8280 ext. 2904 Student’s Information Only - Not used for Tax Purposes -

BISKINIK | October 2015 3 -

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Secretary Jewell cont’d from page 1 noting that this was the 86th agreement reached, the ﬁ fth largest, under President Obama. There had been 100 facing the United States. “This president has settled more than any previous administration,” she said. Referring to the issue as “a black mark of our history,” she said today’s step shows “our commitment” Photo by Charles Clark to “the trust and treaty Preparing to enter the Events Center for the document sign- obligation.” ing are, from left, Chief Gary Batton, Secretary Sally Jewell “This historic settlement and Gov. Bill Anoatubby. is the start of a new chapter The three nation repre- tion. The parties also agree in our trust relationships sentatives then moved to to undertake new informa- with the Chickasaw and sit side-by-side at a table tion-sharing procedures Choctaw Nations, and un- on stage where they each that will lead to improved derscores our commitment signed the document. communication concern- to fulﬁ lling those responsi- In return for the settle- ing the management of the bilities to Native communi- ment, the nations will dis- nations’ trust funds and ties across the country.” miss their current lawsuit natural resources. To the members of the and forego further litiga- “We plan for the pro- Nations present, she said, tion regarding the United ceeds to be invested in our “You have moved beyond States’ historic manage- people—expanding educa- being victims, you are ment or accounting of the tion, creating jobs, promot- survivors.” nations’ funds and natural ing economic development As she stepped back from resources held in the trust. and culture as well as a the podium, she turned and The parties will abide by al- portion to be invested in said, “ Governor, Chief, if ternative dispute resolution a sustainability fund for you will join me, we have procedures to reduce the the future of our citizens,” something to sign.” likelihood of future litiga- Chief Batton said. The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Homeowners Energy Management Services

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Contact Tom Clemons at (580) 317-7089 and Teresa Gallant at (800) 235-3087 Housing Authority of Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma | P.O. Box G - 1005 South 5th St. | Hugo, OK 74743 4 BISKINIK | October 2015 Remember My Name Vigil a reminder of the dangers of domestic violence By CHARLES CLARK Choctaw Nation Emotions ran high at the second Remember My Name Memorial/Vigil. Beginning just before dusk Oct. 2 at the Choctaw Nation Capitol grounds at Tvshka Homma, more than 35 women, men, and youth gathered in the cafeteria. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. At last year’s inaugural event Chief Gary Batton was the fi rst chief in Choctaw history to sign a proclamation recognizing the focus of the month and the seriousness of physical violence within families. The Choctaw Nation Children & Family Services’ Family Violence Prevention Program sponsored the event. Rep- resentatives from several of the Nation’s programs that touch on domestic violence came together to share information. Help is available for mem- Photo by Payton Guthrie bers of the Billie Nowabbi, a retired member of the United Methodist clergy, looks on as Choctaw Chief Gary Batton of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma signs another historic doc- Nation and ument this month. some offi ces off er help to anyone in need. Chief signs proclamation naming Jennifer Woods, second Monday in October as Com- Tara Woodlee munity Photo by Charles Clark Based Social Work director As the candle lighting proceeds around the circle of Indigenous Peoples Day in Hugo, gave an opening participants, each person shares a dedication and Chief Gary Batton signed a proclama- and even states, across the country have prayer. District 10’s Little memory of abuse that had aff ected their family. tion declaring the second Monday of reclaimed the day for indigenous people, Miss Kylee Hampton and October as Indigenous Peoples Day for who were living here when Columbus Junior Miss Maci Wagoner gave The Lord’s Prayer in sign language. Cherity Wallace, the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. arrived. of Children & Family Services in Durant, gave a reading of the proclamation previously The proclamation states: “The Choctaw Among the communities making this signed by Chief Batton. Nation of Oklahoma has a responsibility change are: Alaska; Anadarko, Oklahoma; Sabrina Ralls, of Children & Family Services in Poteau, gave a reading of the poem “Re- to highlight its glorious history, rich cul- Albuquerque, New Mexico; Portland, Or- member My Name.” ture, and promote who we are as Chahta egon; St. Paul, Minnesota; and Olympia, “My daughter Ashleigh was 20 years old and four months pregnant with my fi rst grand- people.” Washington. child when she was killed,” said Tara Woodlee. The signing took place at the Choctaw Batton said the Choctaw Nation’s Woodlee was the keynote speaker of the evening. The Texas resident is the founder of Nation headquarters in Durant, on Oct. proclamation will help to educate and Ashleigh’s Patience Project. Woodlee spoke about her own experience of being abused by 7, 2015, with Billie Nowabbi, a retired promote the signifi cance of the contribu- a previous husband, and then detailed her daughter Ashleigh Marie Lindsey’s life, and United Methodist clergy, in attendance. tions made by the Chahta people to the eventual death, at the hands of an abuser. In the U.S., the second Monday of Oc- United States of America and the State of “I could not fi nd a place to kiss my daughter’s face that was not covered in blood,” she tober is federally recognized as Columbus Oklahoma. spoke of her daughter’s fi nal moments. “Then, I watched my grandchild die on a sono- Day. The national holiday is observed as “This is an opportunity to celebrate the gram.” the anniversary of Christopher Columbus’ thriving cultures and positive values of Woodlee and the other speakers stressed the importance of seeking professional help if arrival to the Americas. the Indigenous Peoples of our region,” involved in abusive situations and not waiting until it is too late. A growing number of municipalities, Batton added. Woodlee’s presentation concluded as the sun was setting. At that time Marcia Hampton, Choctaw Nation Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Advocate based in Atoka, and primary PROCLAMATION: organizer of the evening, guided everyone outdoors for the candle lighting ceremony. WHEREAS, the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma recognizes that the Indigenous Peoples As each candle in the circle was lit, people off ered dedications in memory of someone of the lands that would later become known as the Americas have occupied these lands lost to domestic violence. In some cases, the dedication was for a person currently in a since time immemorial; and dangerous and painful situation. The thread of the event was to let people know that the Choctaw Nation stands fi rmly WHEREAS, the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma recognizes that this community and sur- against domestic violence and that help is being provided. rounding communities were built upon the land owned by the Choctaw people; and Another public event scheduled this month is the Glow Run, set for 6 p.m. Oct. 23 starting at the Choctaw Nation Community Center in Atoka. The evening 5K run will have tee- WHEREAS, the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma value the many contributions made to shirts for participants. In addition to the fun, the activity has the added purpose of spread- this community through Indigenous Peoples’ knowledge, labor, technology, science, ing the word that “Domestic violence is not our tradition.” For information or to register, philosophy, arts, faith and the deep cultural contribution that has shaped the character call marcia hampton at 580-889-1955 or Cherity Wallace, 580-924-8280 Ext. 2663. of this community; and For more information Choctaw Nation Children and Family Services WHEREAS, the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma has a responsibility to highlight its glori- • 1-800-522-6170, Ext. 2482, 2402, 2497 or 2635. ous history and rich culture and promote who we are as Chahta people; and Choctaw Nation Project SAFE • Durant, 580-924-8280 WHEREAS, the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma promotes the closing of the equity gap • Broken Bow, 580-584-3150 for Indigenous Peoples through policies and practices that refl ect the experiences of • Talihina, 918-567-4265 Indigenous Peoples, ensure greater access and opportunity, and honor our nation’s Ashleigh’s Patience Project indigenous roots, history, and contributions; and • 903-449-2335 or [email protected]

WHEREAS, Indigenous Peoples’ Day was ﬁ rst proposed in 1977 by a delegation of Na- tive Nations to the United Nations sponsored International Conference on Discrimina- tion Against Indigenous Populations in the Americas; Inter-Tribal NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that I, Gary Batton, Chief of the Choctaw Na- Council meeting tion of Oklahoma, do hereby proclaim the following:

Section 1. Indigenous Peoples’ Day shall be an opportunity to celebrate the thriving held in Durant The meeting of the fi ve tribes was held Oct. cultures and positive values of the Indigenous Peoples of our region. 8-9 at the Choctaw Casino Resort in Durant. Photo by Payton Guthrie Approved resolutions included: Section 2. Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma schools and other educational institutions are Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoa- encouraged to recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day. • Resolution 15-29: A resolution sup- tubby, Cherokee Nation Deputy Princi- porting the nomination of Joe Byrd as a pal Chief S. Joe Crittenden, Muscogee Section 3. The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma businesses, organizations, and other insti- National Congress of American Indians (Creek) Nation Principal Chief George Tiger, Choctaw Nation Chief Gary Bat- tutions are encouraged to recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day. (NCAI) Eastern Region Vice-President. • Resolution 15-30: A resolution declar- ton, and Seminole Nation Principal ing unequivocal support for the Indian Chief Leonard M. Harjo attend the Section 4. The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma shall promote the well-being and growth Inter-Tribal meet in Durant. of the American Indian and Indigenous community of the greater Choctaw Nation. Child Welfare Act and the Bureau of Indian Aff airs’ Guidelines and Proposed • Resolution 15-33: A resolution in sup- Section 5. Indigenous Peoples’ Day shall be used to refl ect upon the ongoing struggles Regulations Serve the Best Interests of port of H.R. 592/S. 314 The Pharmacy of Indigenous People, and to celebrate the thriving culture and value that Indigenous Indian Children. and Medically Underserved Areas nations add to our community. • Resolution 15-31: A resolution to respect Enhancement Act. and protect our Member Nations’ rights • Resolution 15-34: Resolution to support Section 6. The second Monday in October shall be declared as Indigenous Peoples’ Day in original homelands, as well as those National Day of Prayer in April for all in the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. of all “removed” Native Nations and Tribes of U.S. Tribes in their original territories. The next Intertribal meeting is scheduled SIGNED AT THE CHOCTAW NATION HEADQUARTERS, DURANT OKLAHOMA, • Resolution 15-32: A resolution estab- to be held in the Creek Nation Jan. 7-8, THIS 7TH DAY OF OCTOBER, 2015. lishing a Youth Committee. 2016.

Thanksgiving Dinners

You are invited to a LOCATION DATE TIME Thanksgiving Fellowship Supper and Antlers (Seniors) 11/18 Noon Gospel Singing Atoka 11/18 Noon Bethel 11/23 6PM Broken Bow 11/18 Noon Saturday, November 21, 2015 Coalgate 11/15 2PM First Indian Baptist Church Crowder 11/22 1PM 608 West Tyler Durant (Event Center) 11/3 6PM McAlester, Okla. Hugo 11/4 11:30AM Idabel 11/18 Noon Class singing starts at 3:00 p.m. McAlester 11/22 1PM Joe Coley – Director Poteau 11/18 11:30AM Supper at 5:00 p.m. Smithville 11/18 Noon Specials at 6:30 p.m. Spiro 11/19 11:30AM Emcee – Joe Coley Stigler 11/18 11:30AM Talihina 11/19 N/A Tvshka Homma 11/6 6PM Everyone Welcome! Wilburton 11/18 Noon Wright City 11/19 Noon All dinners are held at the community centers unless otherwise noted.

BISKINIK | October 2015 5 NOTES TO THE NATION Youth of the Nation EVENTS By Emily Dennis, Soper Chapter A Letter from Chief Batton of the Choctaw Nation Youth Advisory Board WHAT: Choctaw Cultural Meeting Choctaw Nation Youth can give back to my com- WHEN: Tuesday, October 27, 2015 Advisory Board (YAB) has munity by helping those in Program with Chief Gary Batton at 7 p.m. not only inspired me to be need. I want to be the best Booths open at 6 p.m. a better person, but has person I can be and help as Beading class from 6-6:45 pm infl uenced my outlook on many people as possible. I WHERE: Larry Brinkley Event Center, becoming more involved in am forever grateful to YAB Idabel Fairgrounds, my community. for teaching me these life 1001 NW 9th Street, It is a wonderful program skills. Idabel, OK 74745 to be in. I have learned so In YAB we do so many many amazing things. great things to help anyone Dear Choctaws and Friends of Choctaws, YAB has taught me how to in need. So many stories You are invited to Choctaw Day in Idabel! Dancers, grow as a person. come to my mind, but the singers, artists and more are gathering in your area for Just over the few years I best one would be about the special event. I hope you, have participated in YAB, it my YAB leader, Mrs. Windy your family and friends can be has changed my outlook of Brown. there with us as we celebrate our the future drastically. I am She is one of the sweetest, history and share our remarkable learning that life is not all most caring people I have culture. The cultural meeting about me. I help in my com- ever met. I would like to will be held at the Larry Brinkley munity as much as possible. believe all the YAB leaders Event Center. My life would not be the are the same way. Windy is Photo Provided same without this program. always brainstorming for CULTURAL PROGRAM: At I have a new outlook for ways to help our community Area farmers, from left, Lane Wesson, JR Wes- 7 pm, Assistant Chief Austin college and the community and she has never turned son, Billy Springer and Sam Cherry make prepa- and I invite you to join us and I live in. I am going to be down any of our ideas rations for the last Farmers Markets of the 2015 share the tremendous amount of attending University of Sci- either. Windy always works season. information through booths of ence and Arts of Oklahoma, around our schedules, so FINAL FALL HARVEST FOR pottery, ancient weaponry, tribal Chief Batton ad- Chickasha, in the fall to that everyone can partici- language, stickball, Choctaw dresses the Cul- pursue a degree in biology/ pate in the activities. She is FARMERS MARKET Participants in the Choctaw Nation WIC and Seniors books and art. You will be enter- tural Meeting pre-medicine. a great role model for all Farmers Market Nutrition Programs must cash their tained with Choctaw social danc- crowd last month One reason I am going to youth in this program and Farmers Market checks by the end of the month, Oct. 31. ing and songs in the Choctaw in Durant. follow this path is so that I the community. This will be the fi nal day that the 80 authorized farmers language. Artists and vendors at the eight designated Choctaw Community Centers that will have items at their booths hold Farmers Markets, or other listed farmers, will be able for show and sale. Family ancestry researched to accept the checks. My name is Regina Baker and I have been researching The markets are held 8:30 a.m.-noon Wednesdays. BEADING CLASS: Our Cultural Preservation staff is my family tree. Many local farms have already gone through their yields, off ering a beading class for ages 12 and up, in the same I have come across a lady named Micha Jenny Battiest so some sites may have limited produce available. location, from 6-6:45 pm. You must call to reserve a seat Anderson. I know she had one son, John Anderson, I de- For information, contact: for this beading class and we need to limit the number scend from him. If there are other descendants of Micha’s Peggy Carlton of people to the fi rst 50 who call for reservations for the living in Oklahoma I would love to get in touch with them. Choctaw Nation Farmers Market class. Reservations are needed because the Cultural Pres- If at all possible could you run some type of letter in the Nutrition Coordinator, ervation staff must plan for the correct amount of materi- paper so someone may get in touch with me? 800-522-6170. als for the class to make the jewelry. The contact informa- Please include my email address, [email protected] 580-924-8280, Ext. 2303 tion to RSVP for the class is (800) 522-6170, ext. 4377. and my mailing address: Regina Baker, P. O. Box 743, Foxworth, MS 39483. If you have any questions please MEMBERSHIP SERVICES: Tribal Membership will be email me or call me at (601) 441-8274. available to help with CDIBs, tribal membership cards Thank you very much, and photo IDs beginning at 5 pm. If applying for a CDIB Regina Baker for the fi rst time, please bring your original documents for verifi cation plus a copy of the original documents for Tribal Membership records. If you should have any ques- Seeking family of Kizzie Holman tions, please contact our offi ce at (800) 522-6170, ext. I’m the great grandson of Kizzie Holman. Kizzie has 4030. one sister. Her name is Anleetan Holman. If you have There is no pre-registration required to attend the information about family members, please contact me at event. For more information, please feel free to contact H05066 23-17-3UP, P.O. Box 4000, Vacaville, California our offi ce at (800) 522-6170, ext. 2747 or 2699. I look 95696-4000. forward to seeing you in Idabel. Sincerely, Robert Sellers Chief Gary Batton Photo Provided Correction: A sweet ride for D.A.R.E. Congratulations Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma’s D.A.R.E. SULPHUR SPRINGS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Michael Rose was a Heritage Award winner for his Program—for bringing home a special award! The 28th sculpture, Ball Headed War Club, in the Choctaw Indian Annual Drug Abuse Resistance Education International ANNUAL BENEFIT Art Show over Labor Day this year. The artist’s name was Conference was held in August in Louisiana. The Choctaw misspelled in a photograph cutline in the September 2015 Nation D.A.R.E. Offi cer Isaac James attended and was GOURD DANCE edition. Biskinik regrets any inconvenience the error may honored to carry the Oklahoma fl ag during the opening have caused. ceremony. While there, he entered his 2014 Ford Mustang Co-sponsored by Southeastern Oklahoma State University D.A.R.E. car into the car show. The public was allowed to view the vehicles. At the concluding award ceremony, Saturday Nov. 7, 2015 the Choctaw Nation D.A.R.E. car was awarded fi rst place Dance 2 p.m.-9 p.m. with Supper at 5 p.m. SOSU Ballroom, N. 5th St. & University St., Durant, OK in its class. D.A.R.E. offi cers provide education to schools Gary Batton Jack Austin Jr. and communities regarding the importance of staying off Head Gourd Dancer: Bruce Caesar Chief Assistant Chief drugs. For information: 800-522-6170. Head Singer: Tommy Allen Spotted Horse Oklahoma Indian Legal Services, Inc. Emcee: Eugene Louie Stumbling Bear e O cial for low income tribal members who are residents of Contact:Terry Ashby, 580-924-8280 ext. 2585 Monthly Publication Oklahoma and have tribal land. Free Wills & Estate Clinic Vendor space: Sheila Johnson, 580-920-2257 or Teresa Jefferson, 580-371-8427 of the Friday Nov. 6, 10Am - 3PM, Choctaw Nation Field Offi ce Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Proceeds to 1632 George Nigh Expressway, McAlester, OK 74501 Sulphur Springs United Methodist Church Campus Outreach Ministries You must call for an appointment to see an attorney. Judy Allen, Senior Executive O cer Ask for Norma (405) 943-6457. Lisa Reed, Executive Director Vonna Shults, Media Director Ronni Pierce, Editor Change of Program Name Charles Clark, Assistant Editor Notice Brandon Frye, Reporter/Photographer Kendra Germany, Reporter/Photographer Making a Difference is now Payton Guthrie, Social Media Coordinator Choctaw Nation P.O. Box 1210 High School Student Services Durant, OK 74702 580-924-8280 • 800-522-6170 In an eff ort to better assist our Fax 580-924-4148 tribal members, the Choctaw Nation www.choctawnation.com Making A Diff erence Program has email: [email protected] offi cially changed its program name to Choctaw Nation High School Stu- e BISKINIK is printed each month as a service to Tribal Members. e BISKINIK reserves the right to edit dent Services eff ective immediately. submitted material which it nds inaccurate, profane, Choctaw Nation High School o ensive or morally unacceptable. Copy may be edited Student Services works with Choc- for proper grammar and punctuation. Copy will be taw students in grades 9th-12th who accepted in any readable form, but where possible, it is attend an accredited high school. requested that material be typewritten and double Our goal is to assist our students spaced. You must include an address or phone number with academic information to pro- where you may be reached. Due to space limitations and mote education and/or career path the quantity of article submissions, we are unable to beyond high school. Our offi ce is include everything we receive. located in the basement of the south If you are receiving more than one BISKINIK at your building at the Durant complex. We home or if your address needs changed, we would will be contacting each offi ce that appreciate hearing from you. will need to change our program e BISKINIK is a nonpro t publication of the name. Choctaw Nation. Circulation is monthly. Article deadline is the 10th of Lori Wells, B.A., Director, the month for the following month’s edition. High School Student Services Editor’s note: Views and opinions in reader-submitted Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, articles are solely those of the author and do not PO Box 1210, necessarily represent those of the Choctaw Nation. Durant, OK 74702-1210 (800) 522-6170 / (580) 924-8280 Ext. 4007 [email protected] 6 BISKINIK | October 2015 HEALTH

Tips to replenishing, rehydrating, & recovering NURSERY NEWS By ERIN ADAMS fat milk intensity, time, fi tness level and even Asher Dominick Anderson Choctaw Nation • A bowl of granola with 1 C low-fat the weather conditions. But to keep it Halito, milk simple, drink about a cup of water every Asher Dominick Anderson We all had such a wonderful time at • Low-fat yogurt with 1/2 C of fresh 15 minutes of exercise. was born 11:35 p.m. July 1, 2015, our Labor Day Festival this year! So berries If your workout takes about an hour, at Physicians Regional Medical Center in Knoxville, Tennessee. many people being active walking, • Almond butter on whole wheat you probably can get by on water alone, He weighed 8 pounds 10 ounces running, dancing, softball, and stick- toast but if you exercise hard for more than and measured 22 1/2 inches ball. With the heat and all this activity • A bowl of whole grain cereal with 90 minutes, you’ll need to replenish long. Proud parents are Joshua I started to wonder about all of our low-fat milk lost carbohydrates. Consider stashing and Erin Anderson of Heiskell, athletes and just how they were replen- Recovery Tip: Hydrate with a sports drink, an energy bar, or other Tennessee. He is the grandson of ishing during, after, and between events, Water easy-to-digest foods, such as bananas M. Darrel and Gwyn Dominick as well as preparing for their events. After your workout, drink enough or fi g newton’s in your gym bag or back of Stillwater and Lynn and Kay We all know water is life and we need water to replace any water lost through pocket. Anderson of Clinton, Tennessee. to be taking in water pre-event, dur- sweat. The best way to determine how Recovery Tip: Eat Well Each Day He traces his Choctaw heritage ing event, and after events. However, much to drink is by weighing yourself To exercise consistently, you need to from his great-great-grandmother, Clemmie Arlie Gard- we should also be taking in foods and before and after each workout. Then, for provide a good supply of high-quality ner Dominick, an original enrollee. beverages which can help our bodies to every pound of body weight you’ve lost, energy to your working muscles. The be at top physical performance prior to you’ll need to consume about three cups easiest way to this is to eat a balanced and during events as well as taking foods of fl uid. breakfast and continue eating a variety Catherine Corrine Estrada and beverages to help our bodies recover If you forget to weigh yourself, you can of high-quality foods throughout the effi ciently. I recently found this article use the “color check” to get a rough idea day. Proud parents, from Sports Medicine and feel this can of your level of hydration. This check Carbohydrate in the form of glycogen David and Meagan be very useful for all who are active, from simply refers to checking the color of is the fuel that makes exercise possible, Estrada would like to the daily walkers to the stickball players. your urine in the hours after exercise. so adequate carbs must be eaten each welcome, Catherine Following this information is a recipe Your urine should be relatively clear in day if you hope to train consistently. Corrine Estrada. She for one of my favorite recovery drinks. I color, so if you have dark, concentrated Protein and fat also have a place in your was born August, 6, 2015, at 3:41 hope you will enjoy this too! urine, you may be dehydrated and need diet and should be consumed daily. In a.m. She weighed 8 After-exercise recovery foods and to consume more water. general, each meal should contain a pounds 4 ounces and drinks can help athletes recover quickly Recovery Drink: Chocolate Milk varied combination of carbohydrates, was 20 inches long. She is the granddaughter to Paula and after a workout and get ready for the Chocolate milk has the right combi- protein and fat. Ruben Ruiz of Dallas Texas. She is the great-granddaugh- next workout or competition. The fol- nation of carbs to protein, which make Sources: ter to the late Von and Georgia Hudson of Smithville. lowing list includes tips to help endur- it an ideal exercise recovery drink. In Gilson SF, Saunders MJ, Moran CW, ance athletes quickly replenish depleted fact, a study comparing the recovery et al. Eff ects of chocolate milk consump- glycogen stores and rehydrate and repair rates of college soccer players using tion on markers of muscle recovery Ja’taiya Annlee Thompson muscle tissue after exercise. either a sports drink or low-fat chocolate during intensifi ed soccer training. Med Recovery Food: Consume 4:1 milk found no diff erence between the Sci Sports Exerc. 2009;41:508. Ja’taiya Annlee Thompson was Carb:Protein Ratio two drinks. The details of the research Kammer L, Ding Z, Wang B, Hara born August 17 in Lander, Wyo- Research shows that consuming a 4:1 showed similar levels of muscle soreness D, Liao YH, Ivy JL. Cereal and nonfat ming. Her mother is Sheyanne ratio of carbohydrate to protein after and fatigue, but after drinking chocolate milk support muscle recovery following Thompson from Fort Washakie, exercise results in higher glycogen stores milk the players had less creatine kinase exercise. [http://www.jissn.com/con Wyoming. Her father is Jason than consuming carbs alone. Consuming (which indicates of muscle damage), tent/pdf/1550-2783-6-11.pdf] J Int Soc Armajo from Ethete, Wyoming. more protein, however, slows rehydra- than they did after drinking a typical of Sports Nutr. 2009;6:2-12. Proud grandparents are Clarence tion and glycogen replenishment, so sports drink. Rodriguez NR, DiMarco NM, and Kristine Thompson of Fort the 4:1 ratio seems ideal for endurance Recovery Tip: Don’t Exercise on Langley S; American Dietetic Associa- Washakie. Her greatgrandmother athletes who train daily. Sports recov- Empty tion; Dietitians of Canada; American is Caroline Sue Williston from ery foods and drinks are handy, but You will recover faster after exercise College of Sports Medicine. Position Idabel. Her great-great-grandpar- expensive. You can get similar benefi ts if you don’t let yourself run out of fuel of the American Dietetic Association, ents are Ben and the (late) Hazel with a snack or meal comprised of whole during exercise. This means you need to Dietitians of Canada, and the American Williston of Idabel. grains, fruit, and dairy. Try these snack stay on top of your food and fl uid intake College of Sports Medicine: nutrition options after exercise: as you exercise. Proper hydration during and athletic performance. J Amer Diet Oakley Iris Kuykendall • 1 medium banana and glass of low- exercise depends upon your exercise Assoc. 2009;3:509-527. Our rainbow, Oak- ley Iris Kuykendall, Recipe of the Month was born on Sept. 8, 2015. She weighed 8 Fruit Smoothies pounds 8 ounces and was 20 inches long. Ingredients Proud parents are • 1 banana peeled Kasey Kuykendall • ½ cup fruit and Brittni Metcalf, • Strawberries or mango or any of Calera. Big sister Avy and big brothers Zayden, Riley, type, frozen is good Roman, and our littlest brother and guardian angel, • ½ cup yogurt, Greek or light Talon, are overjoyed with Oakley’s arrival. Proud grand- vanilla parents are Billy and Cindy Kuykendall of Cartwright and • 3/4 cup pineapple juice Tom and Nancy O’brien of Calera. • Optional ½ Tbsp. milled fl axseed Instructions Connor Patrick Wrenn 1. Place above ingredients in blender Connor Patrick Wrenn 2. Blend until desired texture was born on Sept. 27, 3. Serve chilled 2015, to Alexis and Yields: 4 - 4 oz. servings Keith Wrenn of Jack- Nutrition Facts sonville, Florida He was Serving Size 4 oz. 8 pounds 13.5 ounces Amount Per Serving: and 20.5 inches long. Calories 139 Calories from Fat 3 Total Fat 0.3g Trans Fat 0.0g Cholesterol 4mg Sodium 24mg Potassium 376mg Kahri Cavaness Total Carbohydrates 29.0g Kahri Cavaness is the Dietary Fiber 2.4g Sugars 20.2g new daughter of Clayton Protein 6.5g and Crystal Cavaness and the great-granddaughter of I hope you enjoy this recipe! For Sherley Zaicek. further information you may contact Erin Adams, RD, LD Choctaw Nation Diabetes Wellness Center (800) 349-7026 ext. 6959.

Choctaw Nation WIC WOMEN, INFANTS CHOCTAW NATION FOOD DISTRIBUTION and CHILDREN WAREHOUSES & MARKETS * * * HOURS * * * Antlers: 306 S.W. “O” St., (580) 298-6443 Open 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Durant: 2352 Big Lots Pkwy, (580) 924-7773 Wednesday, and Friday; Site Hours Days McAlester: 1212 S. Main St., (918) 420-5716 10:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Thursday Antlers 8:30-4:00 Every Tues. Poteau: 100 Kerr Ave, (918) 649-0431 (580) 298-3161 ANTLERS Atoka 8:00-4:30 Every Mon., Wed., FOOD DISTRIBUTION SITES Market open weekdays November 1-30, except for: (580) 889-5825 Thur., & Fri. Bethel: Choctaw Community Center Bethel 8:30-4:00 1st Tues. November 4: Idabel 9-11:30 a.m.; Broken Bow 1-3:30 p.m. (580) 241-5458 Broken Bow: Choctaw Community Center (market open) Boswell 8:30-4:00 Every Fri. Idabel: Choctaw Community Center November 18: Bethel 9-10:30; Smithville 12-2 (market open) (580) 380-5264 Smithville: Choctaw Community Center Broken Bow 8:00-4:30 Daily, except 1st Tues. & Closed: November 11 for Veteran’s Day, November 24-25 & 30 (580) 584-2746 2nd Thurs for inventory & November 26-27 for Thanksgiving Coalgate 8:00-4:30 Every Wed. The U.S. Department of Agriculture prohibits discrimination against its customers, employees, and applicants for employment on the basis of race, color, national Cooking with Carmen: November 13, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (580) 927-3641 origin, age, disability, sex, gender identity, religion, reprisal, and where applicable, Durant 8:00-4:30 Daily political beliefs, marital status, familial or parental status, sexual orientation, or all DURANT (580) 924-8280 x 2257 or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program, Market open weekdays November 1-30, except for: Hugo 8:00-4:30 Daily or protected genetic information in employment or in any program or activity Closed: November 11 for Veteran’s Day, November 24-25 & 30 (580) 326-5404 conducted or funded by the Department. (Not all prohibited bases will apply Idabel 8:00-4:30 Mon., Thur., & Fri. to all programs and/or employment activities.) If you wish to le a Civil Rights for inventory & November 26-27 for Thanksgiving (580) 286-2510 program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Cooking with Carmen: November 3, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. McAlester 8:00-4:30 Daily Complaint Form, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_ ling_cust. html, or at any USDA o ce, or call (866) 632-9992 to request the form. You may McALESTER (918) 423-6335 also write a letter containing all of the information requested in the form. Send Market open weekdays November 1-30, except for: Poteau 8:00-4:30 Daily your completed complaint form or letter to us by mail at U.S. Department of (918) 647-4585 Agriculture, Director, O ce of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Closed: November 11 for Veteran’s Day, November 24-25 & 30 Smithville 8:30-4:00 2nd Thur. Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, by fax (202) 690-7442 or email at program.intake@ for inventory & November 26-27 for Thanksgiving (580) 244-3289 usda.gov.Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have speech disabilities Cooking with Carmen: November 9, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Spiro 8:00-4:30 Every Wed.-Fri. may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339; or (918) 962-3832 (800) 845-6136 (Spanish). For any other information dealing with Supplemental POTEAU Stigler 8:30-4:00 Every Mon.-Wed. Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) issues, persons should either contact the USDA SNAP Hotline Number at (800) 221-5689, which is also in Spanish or call the Market open weekdays November 1-30, except for: (918) 967-4211 State Information/Hotline Numbers (click the link for a listing of hotline numbers Closed: November 11 for Veteran’s Day, November 24-25 & 30 Talihina 8:00-4:30 Mon., Tues., Wed., by State); found online at http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/contact_info/hotlines.htm. (918) 567-7000 x 6792 & Fri. for inventory & November 26-27 for Thanksgiving Wilburton 8:30-4:00 Every Thur. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Cooking with Carmen: November 5, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (918) 465-5641 BISKINIK | October 2015 7 PEOPLE YOU KNOW

and northern Arizona, in public about the history the midst of numerous of the park site and the national parks, like the cultures that lived and Grand Canyon, Bryce Can- interacted in this part of yon, and Arches. His fam- the world,” Amerman said. ily frequently visited these “I believe I have a lot to parks, and he admired the offer my staff team and the landscape, and enjoyed the American public.” history and prehistory con- He said he encourages nected to the locations. tribal citizens to learn He was so intrigued by about Choctaw heritage the parks and the land- and practice the tradition- scapes he secured several al values, language, and college degrees in geology heritage. “Look hard to see Amerman named Ranger at Historic site and plant science—includ- what our ancestors left for James teaches D.A.R.E lessons The U.S. National Park Bond ministered to the ing one bachelor’s and us to live by. Our Choctaw Isaac James, Choctaw Nation Drug Abuse Resistance Service recently named Choctaw and Chickasaw two master’s degrees. He people come from strong, Education (D.A.R.E.) Officer, visited the Choctaw Na- Choctaw Roger Amerman communities of Duncan, spent time working as a holy blood.” tion Head Start in Poteau to teach a program about as a Park Ranger at the Marlow, and Pauls Valley geologist, soil scientist, He added, “An elder safety. James visits the young students once a week. Whitman Mission National in the early 1900’s. He also and botanist before taking told me that all you need During a recent week, his lesson was on “stranger dan- Historic Site in Walla named his great-grandson on his most recent position to do is work hard at ger,” or what to do if a stranger tries to take a child. Walla, Washington. Amerman Aba-Chaha as park ranger. what you do and pray and Amerman, who currently (both words meaning high, In his free time, Amer- everything else will fall in Leisey reaches rank of Eagle Scout resides on the Nez Perce tall, long, or great). He man also planned and place.” Kale Andrew Leisey, of Reservation of north- bestowed this name upon implemented Native Roger’s grandparents are Hahira, Georgia has been central Idaho with his wife Amerman because his feet American and natural the late Andy Wright and awarded the rank of Eagle Carolyn and son Preston, as a child were long and resource workshops to Alice Bond Wright, and his Scout, the highest rank in is the great-grandson of narrow, indicating young educate students in the late great grandparents are The Boy Scouts of America. the late original enrollee Roger would grow up to states of Washington and the late Thomas Wright, He is a member of Troop Redmond Bond, who was be tall. Idaho. Elsie R. Wright, Redmond 440, Hahira, Georgia, born in 1870 in Atoka As a child, Amerman “I am a cultural inter- Bond, and Sally Lewis sponsored by Hahira County, Indian Territory. lived in southern Utah preter and I educate the Bond. United Methodist Church.

McWhorter crowned Miss Nevada Junior High America

After competing in pag- her class, she found the eants since she was a baby, students started asking Tinley McWhorter recently questions about her eye. Bradshaw heads to nals in rodeo earned the title and crown They were curious. She said PJ Bradshaw, represent- of Miss Nevada Junior almost all the name calling ing the Choctaw Nation of High America 2015. In the stopped. Oklahoma, placed in the national competition, she With this in mind, she first go-round of the Ar- also won the overall Fashion entered as a competitor in rington McSpadden Region Runway Award. her home state’s miss junior 8 Indian Rodeo Finals in McWhorter, 14-year-old high pageant wanting to Grandfield. from Las Vegas, Nevada, spread a message of under- Bradshaw competes on competed on an anti- standing and compassion. bullying. nity,” Tina said. “She fed the her mare, Hotbox, that she bullying platform aimed “It was like this pageant She has since maintained homeless, walked in numer- trained herself. at “building respect and was made just for me. I two public appearances a ous marathons to support PJ won the Finals Aver- values for everyone”, or wouldn’t just take a crown month, working for chari- breast cancer awareness age and qualified for the “B.R.A.V.E.” home, I could actually help ties, riding in parades, and and fitness. Her dream is to Indian National Finals In her own past, Mc- other kids who were being talking at schools. Over continue her anti-bullying Rodeo in Las Vegas, Ne- Whorter experienced bully- bullied,” she said. the last 10 months she has campaign at a higher level.” vada, that takes place this November. ing because of eye problems After making her deci- made numerous appear- Outside of her time which often left her wearing sion to pursue the title, ances at elementary schools spent earning crowns and Birthday wishes for Paula Smith an eye patch to school. She McWhorter had the official to read to children and to volunteering, McWhorter is remembers brushing off competition to take on. A discuss the effects of bully- a competitive cheerleader The Smith, McGehee, the name calling, but going panel of judges interviewed ing. who enjoys any beach she and Britton families would home upset and crying. her, she took part in an eve- McWhorter said she ap- can visit. like to wish wife and “One day, I asked the ning gown competition, and preciates her mother, Tina She is also an honor roll mother Paula Donnett teacher if I could talk to the she competed on a fashion McWhorter, who has always student who plans on pur- Turnbull Smith a happy class,” McWhorter said. runway. been there to support her no suing a career in law, after 65th birthday. “She let me. I just stood up After being crowned, her matter what she chose to do. attending universities in The families said, “You there in front of everyone new title came with the op- “She taught me that I can do Kentucky and Ohio. are our inspiration and and told them the names portunity for McWhorter to anything I want despite my McWhorter has three our rock, we are so blessed to call you ours.” they called me, and how publically speak with many disability,” she said. sisters named Jessica, Jorie they made fun of me, really elementary and junior high “I am extremely proud of and Kaitlyn. She also has hurt my feelings.” students, coaching them on how Tinley has grown and three brothers, Jarryd, After opening up to how to deal with and stop contributed to the commu- Andrew and Sean.

Dumond celebrates 95th birthday

Nina Cody Dumond of Denton, Texas, proudly displays her Choctaw Elders blanket on her 95th birthday on Aug. 20. Five generations of Choctaws attended her birthday celebration. Dumond’s mother, Har- riet Oakes Cody, was an original enrollee. Urice (right) is pictured with son Roy Kirk. Mecom celebrates 90 years, receives Urice receives Choctaw elder blanket Joe Urice, 91-year-old Choctaw citizen from Kerrville, overdue Bronze Star after WWII Texas, was thrilled when he received his elder blanket Barney Mecom, of Tulsa, celebrated his 90th birthday from the Choctaw Nation. He draped it across his living on June 19 with a party at his family home with relatives room couch. and friends, many of them visiting from locations span- He is the son of original enrollee Beryl Dendy Urice, ning the U.S., from New York to California. who was born in 1905 in Elmore City. His wife, Melba Mecom, said the event was extra Both are veterans. Urice served in the 8th AF/351st special because Barney was awarded the Bronze Star by bomb group in the bloody 100th drop over Holland Army servicemen for meritorious service in a combat toward the end of WWII. He is active with the 100th zone during WWII. bomb group, having served as board member. He at- Mecom arrived in Europe in October 1944 and served tends at least one military reunion per year. the 100th infantry division, starting in southern France, Daughter Kathy Urice said she is very proud of her moving on to Belgium, Germany, and Austria. He also father. She wished to thank the Choctaw Nation for later served in Korea. honoring him. Barney’s son, Richard Mecom, studied his father’s military records and discovered his father was due for York donates historic documents the award. Lynn York, of Marlow, stopped by the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Headquarters in Durant on Sept. 29 to Hicks wins county fair doll competition donate his father’s historic collection to the Nation in with corn husk doll the name of the York family trust. Harvey York, Lynn’s father, had spent much of his Jo Ella Hicks won first place in a doll competition free time, when not on duty as a police officer, cutting during the Bryan County Fair, held Sept. 8-12. out newspaper clippings, taking photographs, collect- Hicks, who currently serves as the second vice ing memorabilia, and journaling in stacks and stacks president of the Durant Choctaw Seniors, submitted a of notebooks—all to document the lives and times of traditional corn husk doll to compete against a selection Choctaws from roughly 1970-1986. of porcelain dolls. The resulting historical documents, Lynn thought, After winning the competition, she donated her doll would likely belong in any upcoming cultural museums to the Durant Choctaw Community Center, where it is the Choctaw Nation builds. available for viewing. Heavener and group lay ag to rest Some noteworthy items included in the collec- Hicks picked up traditional cornhusk doll making Poteau senior Leroy Heavener (right) and four other tion: two portraits painted by Choctaw artist Brunetta from a previous Durant Choctaw Seniors president, disabled American veterans (from left), Joseph Houle, Griffith, a wooden podium Harvey built for tribal Carol Ayers. Ray Helton, Wanda Ludwig, and Gary Ludwing gath- council meetings, stickball sticks constructed by Sydney Ayers and Hicks, as well as other elders of the group, ered to lay an American flag to rest. J. White, and scrap books containing images from the travel to different youth classes across the Choctaw Na- A fire left the flag tattered, and the group wanted to first stickball game to be held on the Tvshka Homma tion to teach the art of making corn husk dolls. show their respect. grounds during the resurging popularity of the game. 8 BISKINIK | October 2015 OBITUARIES

Johnny Ray Watson Ian Michael Pruitt Paul David Wesley Johnny Ray Watson, 48, of Smith- Ian Michael Pruitt, 19, passed away Paul David Wesley, 73, passed ville, passed away on June 23, 2015. on Aug. 27, 2015, near the community away on Aug. 26, 2015, at McAlester He was born to the late Clyde Wat- of Enville. He was born April 23, 1996, Regional Health Center. He was son and Julia Ann Lewis Watson, on to Kelly Harris, in Ada. born March 31, 1942, to Taft and Aug. 15, 1966, in Talihina. Ian attended the Marietta Day Care, Carrie (Pickens) Wesley, in Talihina. Johnny Ray was carefree and then Marietta Public Schools through Paul married Leona Mary Christie friendly with everyone he met. He the fifth grade. He graduated from on Oct. 16, 1964 in Hartshorne. always had a smile, and never met a Dickson High School in 2014. He was Paul was trained as an electrician. stranger. a heating, ventilation and air condi- He worked over 20 years at Komar Johnny was proud of his heri- tioning tech apprentice, having stud- Manufacturing as a maintenance tage, and even more proud to be ied HVAC at the Southern Oklahoma supervisor, and several years at the full-blood Choctaw. He was a loving and kind son, father, Technology Center for two years. First National Bank. grandfather, brother, uncle, great-uncle and friend to all. He Ian loved and respected his sister, Jenny, her husband Paul was a proud member of the Choctaw Nation, and will be dearly missed. Jeremy, his brother, T.J. and his wife Brook. He dearly loved was fluent in the Choctaw language. He assisted the tribe in Johnny Ray is survived by daughter, Stormie Watson of his friends and family. Especially his nieces and nephews, who translating the Holy Bible into Choctaw. Hot Springs, Arkansas; two sons, Kelly Watson of Wickes, pestered the life out of him. Paul was a Deacon at Brushy Missionary Baptist Church for Arkansas; Jody Watson of Dardanelle, Arkansas; his mother, Ian delighted in vacationing and spending time with his sister over 40 years. He taught Sunday School, organized the yearly Julia Watson; a grandmother, Rhoda Sullivan of Smithville; and her family. He also enjoyed hunting, and fishing with his all-night singing, bass singer in the quartet, organized Vaca- great-aunt, Minnie Edwards of Smithville; two sisters, Re- brother. Family gatherings were always of utmost importance to tion Bible School, and took care of the over-all health and gina Yates of Smithville and Teresa Watson of Watson; three Ian, spending time with cousins and other relatives. maintenance of the Church. brothers, Julian Watson of Tulsa, Michael Watson of Berg- His hobbies included arrowhead hunting and bowling. Ian Paul was preceded in death by his parents; granddaugh- man, Arkansas., and Brian Watson of DeQueen, Arkansas; won many medals and trophies for his bowling. He also loved ters, Brianna and Alexis Wesley; sister, Rozella Wesley and granddaughter, Hanna Watson of Darndanelle; along with hunting deer, turkey, opossums and armadillos. He especially brother, Isaiah Wesley. numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, loved hunting and fishing with his brother. He liked playing He is survived by his wife, Leona Wesley of the home; son, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. video games with his cousins and baseball with friends. Anthony Wesley and wife, Norma of Haileyville; daughters, Arrangemnets were made under the direction of Beasley He also enjoyed installing stereo systems and speakers. Ian Michelle Wesley of McAlester, and Jeanelle “Peewee” Col- Wood Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas. Interment was at spent time tinkering with the lawnmower and his trucks, in lins and husband, Corey; grandchildren, Anthony Wesley, Buffalo Cemetery. particular painting the dash yellow and orange/maroon. Ian Kirstean Wesley, Kyleigh Stewart and husband, Cameron, was an excellent artist. Even though he was colorblind he had a Kenna Brumley, Miranda Winlock, Jandyn Winlock, Kristian very unique way with colors. In addition, he was a very talented Winlock, Joseph Winlock, Tyler Collins and Jordan Collins; Hazel Kathrine (Bennett) Kruz guitarist and drummer. great-granddaughter, Hadleigh Stewart; Sisters, Loyce Wes- Ian was preceded in death by his great-grandparents, Willard ley Wright and husband, David of McAlester, Leola Lester Hazel Katherine (Bennett) Kruz, and Lois Willis. and husband, Bill of McAlester and Ramona Robertson of 96, of Fort Worth, passed away on He is survived by his mother, Kelly Harris of Enville; sister McAlester; and numerous nieces, nephews and other family July 27, 2015. She was born to Hor- and brother-in-law, Jenny and Jeremy Spradling; brother and and a host of friends. ace and Neter Bennett, in Bokchito. sister-in-law, T.J. and Brook Williamson; nieces and nephews, Arrangements were made under the direction of Chaney Hazel loved quilting and garden- Jordan Rex Spradling, Jaedyn Lynn Spradling, Karly Jade Harkins Funeral Home in McAlester. Interment was at the ing. She was a member of the Rich- Williamson, and Briar Coy Williamson; grandparents, J.C. Brushy Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery. land Hills Baptist Church, and the Harris, and Claudia and Jerry Vaughn; aunts and uncles, Pam Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. and Jimmy Kerley, Kathy and Regan Kester, and Kim and Brad She was preceded in death by her Herbert Harris Carnes Goss; and numerous cousins. parents, husband, and son; H.O. Herbert Harris Carnes, 81, of Arrangements were made under the direction of the Flana- “Dick” Kruz. Battiest, passed away on Jan. 28, gan-Watts Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Marietta. Hazel is survived by two daughters, eight grandchildren, 2015. He was born to Solomon and Interment was at Lakeview Cemetery in Marietta. and twelve great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grand- Oceana (Homer) Carnes, on June children. 21, 1933, in Bentley. Arrangements were made specially, under the direction of Herbert was of the Methodist Taylor C. Murphy of Shannon Rufe Snow Funeral Chapel in Bert Holt faith. He enjoyed watching westerns, Fort Worth. Interment was in Dibble. Bert Holt, 64, passed away on reading, listening to country music, Saturday, June 27, 2015, at his home crossword puzzles and reading the in Antlers. He was born on Aug. 5, paper. 1950, in Tom. He was preceded in death by his Bettye Marcille Morris Stills He served in the U.S. Army and parents; one brother, Ellis Carnes; and one sister, Joella Bettye Marcille Morris Stills, 83, was a veteran of the Vietnam War. Carnes. of St. Joe, Arkansas, passed away Bert was a drug and alcohol coun- Herbert is survived by his daughter, Terri Carnes of on Aug. 22, 2015. She was born on selor for over 30 years. He worked Pendelton, Oregon; grandchildren, Sequoia Carnes-Conner Dec. 5, 1931, to Howard and Dora at the Choctaw Nation Recovery and Dylen Conner; nieces, Toni Bowers, Mary Lois Hayes, (Palmer) Morris, in Soper. Center, and the Kiamichi Council on Georgia Jarvis, Lillie Dusenberry, Peggy Carnes, Phyllis Bettye worked as a seamstress Alcoholism and other Drug Abuse. He was an avid motor- Badgewell; nephews, Ellis Carnes and Noel Carnes; special and was a homemaker. She enjoyed cycle rider, and loved spending time with his family. Bert was friends, Don Koljonpn and Pinty; numerous great nieces and fishing, flower gardening and was a member of the Kulli Tuklo Methodist Church, and was a nephews and friends. a proud member of the Choctaw proud member of the Choctaw Nation. Arrangements were made under the direction of Brumley Nation. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joel Holt and Funeral Home in Broken Bow. Bettye was preceded in death by Selma Maytobe Holt; son, Ira Huston Holt; and brother, her parents; and sister, Scottie Maurice Morris. Nathaniel Holt. James Elliot She is survived by her four children, Howard Bigger of St. Bert is survived by his wife, Faye Holt of the home; daugh- James Elliott, 84, passed away on, Joe, Bennie Stills and his wife Jeanette of Harrison, Arkan- ters, Michelle Holt and Jeff Madbull of Rattan, Kim Holt of Sept. 04, 2015, in Shawnee. He was sas; Dave Jones, wife Terri and their daughter Toni; Larry Idabel, and Angela Holt of Antlers; son, Tim Holt of Rattan; born June 29, 1931, to James Arthur Glenn and Claudie; five grandchildren; and three great- grandchildren, Chris Baker, Mona Jones, Ivan Wayne Baker and Jane Louise (Bigger) Elliott, in grandchildren. Jr., Jordan Holt and Kamryn Baker; brothers, Alan Holt and Ada. Arrangements were made under the direction of Coffman Beth, Joel Wayne Holt, Nathan Holt and Bobbi and Melvin James attended high school in Funeral Home of Harrison and Jasper. Interment was at Maytubbie and Donna; sisters, Juanita Lajeunesse, Mona Asher, and Pleasant Grove where he Osborne Cemetery in St. Joe. Salinas and Margaret McKinney and Deroy; several nieces graduated. He served in Korea in the nephews, other relatives and a host of friends. U.S. Army for two years. James also Arrangements were made under the direction of the White attended college at Oklahoma State Bill Brumley Family Funeral Home in Idabel. Interment was at the Kulli University Tech. Tuklo Cemetery. Bill V. Brumley, 91, passed away James married Joyce Rich in Tecumseh on Jan. 15, 1956. They on Sept. 4, 2015, at Mercy Hospital lived a short while in Seminole and Louisiana, before return- in Ardmore. He was born Dec. 7, ing to Oklahoma. He owned and operated Elliott Plumbing in 1923, to Virgil Bryant and Mary Denton Smith Tecumseh for years. Elizabeth Rushing Brumley, in Ada. James never met a stranger, and enjoyed talking and visiting. Denton “Lee” Smith, 70, of Nash- Bill was a resident of Ada. He He also enjoyed attending various events in Oklahoma, which ville, Tenn. passed away on Aug. 12, attended Colbert and Byng schools later included entering his homemade quilts into contests. 2015. and graduated from Byng. He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Shirley Denton is survived by his wife, He was a proud member of the Elliott. Donna Smith; son, Benjamin Choctaw Nation. James is survived by his wife, Joyce, of the home; two daugh- (Sarah) Smith; daughters, Angie Bill enlisted in the United States ters, Jaime Elliott of Tecumseh, and Janette Elliott of Roseville, Smith and Karen (Patrick) Clark; Navy July 8, 1941. He was assigned to the USS Saratoga and Calif.; granddaughter, Ansley Elliott of Tecumseh; sister-in-law, four brothers and four sisters; seven the “Lucky Biloxi,” seeing action in the Pacific theater. He Pat Tucker of Tecumseh; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Jerry grandchildren. retired from Tinker Force Base in 1980. and Phyllis Rich of Edmond; sister and brother-in-law, Leota Arrangements were made under Bill was a member of Aydelotte Baptist Church near Shaw- and Ted Violett of Eufaula; many nephews, nieces, cousins; and the direction of Madison Funeral nee. He married Emily P. Eberle Oct. 10, 1946. numerous friends. Home in Madison, Tennessee. Interment was at Middle Ten- Bill was preceded in death by his parents; wife Emily; son, Arrangements were made under the direction of Cooper nessee State Veterans Cemetery. Bill V. Brumley Jr.; and two sisters, Jo Lee Tipton and Den- Funeral home in Tecumseh. Interment was at Tecumseh Cem- nis Faye Miller. etery. Bill is survived by two daughters, Ramona Kay Wetherill and husband Rick, Ada, and Emma Lou Roberts and hus- George McKee Moses Williams band Mike, Pauls Valley; 11 grand-children, Erin Wetherill, George Ray McKee, 72, of Soper, Moses Williams, 96, passed away Ryan Wetherill, Megan Nevada Smith, Alison Flores, Heather passed away on Sept. 18, 2015. He peacefully at his home on Sept. 4, Howard, Jennifer Callison, Hilary Sharp, William Bryant was born to George Harvey McKee 2015. He was born Feb. 18, 1919, to Brumley, Andrew Brumley, John Roberts and Jay Roberts; and Eulah Mae (Ray) McKee, on Harvey Williams and Fannie Batti- and 12 great-grandchildren. Oct. 22, 1942, in the community of est Wesley, in Kulli Tuklo. Arrangements were made under the direction of Criswell Buckhorn. Moses was full-blood Choctaw. Funeral Home of Ada. Interment was at Rosedale Cemetery George served in the U.S. Army He attended Jones Academy in in Ada. during the Vietnam War and was a Hartshorne, and Goodland Indian member of the American Legion in School in Hugo. Moses was em- Soper. He married Edith “Kay” Legg ployed with Dierks Lumber Com- Deborah Kay Johnson on July 15, 1992, in Grand Prairie, pany, which later became Weyer- Deborah Kay Johnson, 57, of Honobia, passed away on May Texas. George retired from Texas Instruments after working haeuser in Wright City. Moses made his home in Wright City 1, 2015 at Saint Edward Mercy Medical Center Fort Smith, for over 30 years, as a supervisor in the defense technology until his retirement. After retirement he moved to Eagletown. Arkansas. She was born on Sept. 6, 1957, to Molly Garvin and department working with missile guidance systems. Moses enjoyed watching football and basketball. He loved the late Ray Garvin, near Red Oak. George is survived by his wife, Kay McKee; three sons, Pat- fishing and watching his grandkids play sports. In 2000, he Deborah married Raymond Johnson on June 28, 1975, in rick McKee and wife Beckey of Soper, Greg Carroll of Soper, received the Outstanding Choctaw Nation Senior Citizen Talihina. and Brian Dunn of Dallas; sister Mary Boykin of Soper; two plaque. She was preceded in death by her father; Ray Garvin, father grandchildren, David Willson III, and Zachary Dunn; along Moses was an elder and a member of the Mt. Fork Pres- in law; Raymond Johnson, Sr.; sister, Evah Rodgers; grand- with numerous family members and friends. byterian Church where he taught Choctaw Bible class. He son, Joseph Savage. Arrangements were made under the direction of Miller & was one of the founders of the Fifth Sunday Choctaw Singing She is survived by her husband; son, Kevin Johnson and Miller Funeral Home in Hugo. Interment was at the McKee Class, which started at St. Matthew and continues to this day. wife Elizabeth of Whitesboro; daughter, Brandy Savage Family Cemetery. Moses married Helen Edith Bohanan on Feb. 8, 1942, at St. and husband Jason of Panama; mother, Molly Garvin; and Matthew Presbyterian Church in Broken Bow. mother-in-law Thelma Johnson; three sisters, Charlotte He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Helen; Smith of Tipton, Sandra Murray and husband Dale of Rand- Obituary Policy daughter, Joann Dalby; grandson, Jerald Carney, Jr.; three lett, and Janna Smith and husband Robert of Washington; Obituary submissions are for Choctaw tribal members and are free of sisters, Elsie Battiest, Laura Willie, Edna Gibson; and one three brothers, Mike Garvin and wife Beverly of Forney, charge. The Biskinik will only accept obituary notices from funeral homes brother, Harvey Williams, Jr. Texas, Leonard Garvin and wife Karen of Gladewater, Texas, or other official sources. Family members/individuals may still submit Moses is survived by three daughters; Wanda and hus- and Kenneth Garvin and wife LaVonda of Attwood; grand- funeral notices as long as the notice is from the funeral home or printed band R.J. Frazier, June Williams of Eagletown, and Patricia in their local newspapers through a funeral home service. Full-length children, Holly, Kason and Lathan Johnson of Whitesboro, Gaines and husband Rev. Melvin Gaines of Midwest City; handwritten notices will not be accepted. The Biskinik strives to serve all sisters, Norma and husband Andy Choate, of Finley, and Lou Stuart and Wade Savage of Panama; one special aunt, Jane Choctaws, therefore, any handwritten notices received will be searched (Sike) Marley of Red Oak; sister-in-law, Kathy Ludlow and online for official funeral home notices. If none are found, efforts will be Billy, of Finley; sister-in-law, Mary Williams and brother, husband Clifford of Tuskahoma; sister-in law, Sheri Carshall made to contact the family and make arrangements for an official notice. John Dixon Williams of Texas. Moses is also survived by and husband Mark of Wister; many aunts, uncles, nieces, Notices may be edited for space limitations. thirteen grandchildren, thirty great-grandchildren and three nephews, cousins; special friends, Gilbert Breelove and wife Send official obituary notices to: great-great-grandchildren. Along with several nieces and Lori. Biskinik nephews and many friends. Arrangements were made under the direction of the PO Box 1210 Arrangements were made under the direction of the Burkhart Funeral Service in Talihina. Interment was at Old Durant OK 74702 Brumley Funeral Home in Broken Bow. Interments was at Talihina Cemetery. email: [email protected] Williams Cemetery in Eagletown. BISKINIK | October 2015 9 OBITUARIES

Lyle Lawrence Thomas Rev. William Jennings Frye Charleen Wilson Adams Lyle Lawrence Thomas, 50, passed The Rev. William Jennings Frye, Charleen Wilson Adams, 69, away on Feb. 27, 2015, in Antlers. 76, passed away on Sept. 4, 2015, at passed away on Sept. 4, 2015 sur- He was born on Aug. 12, 1964, to McAlester Regional Health Center. rounded by her family. She was born W.W. and Rosalyn (Begay) Thomas, He was born on Jan. 10, 1939, to on Jan. 30, 1946. in Los Angeles. Edmond and Eliza (Pickens) Frye, in Charleen touched many lives with Lyle enjoyed being outdoors, hunt- Blanco. her kindness and generosity. She ing and fishing. William grew up on the fam- holds a special place in the hearts of He is preceded in death by his ily farm near Blanco. He attended those who knew and loved her. mother, Rosalyn Thomas; grand- school in Blanco early on. He also She is survived by her children, mother, Lizzy Mae David; grandfa- attended Jones Academy near Darren, Johnny and Allison; grand- ther, Impson Thomas Sr. Hartshorne, before finishing high daughter, Sara; and many family Lyle is survived by father, W.W. Thomas of Antlers; sister, school at Pittsburg. William attended the Haskell Institute members and friends. Lori Thomas of Oklahoma City; nieces and nephews, Paige in Lawrence, Kan. In 1959, he joined the U.S. Navy. William Thomas, Tyler Thomas, and Jeffery Thomas; four uncles, served for over 10 years in California, the western Pacific Geneva Louise Brown Lester Thomas, Mack Thomas, Gerald Don Thomas, Impson Islands and the Far East. Geneva Louise Brown, 93, Thomas Jr.; two aunts, Hazel Wilson and Ruby Harjo; as well In 1965 he started college at Bacone College in Muskogee, passed away on Sept. 22, 2015, in as numerous relatives and a host of friends. where he met his wife, Ruth Ann Killer. They were married Pottsboro, Texas. She was born on Arrangements were made under the direction of Burkhart on Aug. 11, 1966, in Locust Grove. May 22, 1922, to Robert Thomas Funeral Services of Antlers. Interment was at Corrine Cem- William rejoined the Navy until his honorable discharge Moore and Annie Elizabeth (Bard) etery. in 1971. He returned to Bacone, graduating in 1973. William Moore, in Shawnee. then attended Northeastern State College in Tahlequah, Geneva had lived in the Boswell where he earned his bachelor of arts degree in sociology and community since 1951. She mar- Henry Lee Harrison American Indian Studies. William was one of the first stu- ried Henry B. Brown on Aug. 17, dents to receive a degree in American Indian Studies. Henry Lee Harrison, 71, of McAl- 1940, in Purcell. Since then he has served the Choctaw and Chickasaw tribes ester, passed away on Aug. 29, 2015, Geneva was a retired teacher in many capacities. He served as a Choctaw Tribal Council- at his home. He was born on July 1, from the Boswell School system, and was a member of 1944, to George and Louise Harrison man, and was instrumental in starting the Commodity Food Distribution Center. He was recently selected as a moderator the Eastern Star and the Choctaw Nation. She was also a in Atoka. Henry was the oldest son member of the First Baptist Church of Boswell. Geneva of 15 children. for the Choctaw/Chickasaw Association, and had served as a missionary for that organization for several years. Wil- was an avid Elvis fan. Her favorite pastimes included He graduated in 1963 from the shopping, reading, cooking and ranching. However, she historic L’Ouverture High School in liam was ordained a minister in 1987, and served numerous loved spending time with her children most of all. McAlester. Henry soon after joined churches in the area for many years. Geneva was preceded her in death by her husband, the United States Army, serving in In his free time he enjoyed watching sports on televi- the United States, Germany and sion, studying languages, fishing, hunting and meeting new Henry; and both of her parents. France. He was honorably discharged in 1969, and transi- people. She is survived by, two daughters, Donna E. Coffey tioned to civilian life in Oklahoma. William was preceded in death by his parents. and husband, David of Irving, Texas, and Miranda Hull Henry moved to Tulsa, where he married and had two sons, He is survived by his wife, Ruth; daughter, Christine and husband, Ron of Boswell; three brothers, Robert T. Ronald and Shawn Harrison. Before moving back to McAl- Browne and husband John; son, Edwin Frye; five grand- Moore, Alton O. Moore and Thomas David Moore; two ester, Henry had his third child Natosha Sabir. In the early children, Cyndi McFarland, Tracey McFarland, Jordan sisters, Margaret Seebeck and Jeanne Kyrias; grandson, 1980s, Henry remarried and became a stepfather to Monica Hamilton, Zoe Ann Frye, William Scott Thomas Frye; two Jeffery David Coffey and wife, Cristy of Double Oak, Owens. In this marriage Shalondra Harrison was born. In the great-grandchildren, Clayton McFarland, Delaney Spitzner; Texas; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of 1990’s Henry met Shirley Hunter, and they shared their lives brother, Norman Frye; mother-in-law, Clara (Killer) Fishing- other family members and friends. hawk; and several aunts, uncles, cousins and other relatives. together until his passing. Arrangements were made under the direction of Miller Arrangements were made under the direction of Brumley- Henry worked in several job roles throughout Oklahoma. & Miller Funeral Home, in Boswell. Interment was at Mills Funeral Home of McAlester. Interment was at Brushy He worked as a correctional officer, security guard, as a Fairview Cemetery, in Shawnee. construction worker and as a forklift operator at Simmons Cemetery. Poultry Processing Plant. Lincoln Scott Balch Mary Sue Puckett Henry was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, Lincoln Scott Balch, 22, passed Mary Sue Puckett, 85, passed away Ruezell, James, Dwight; Debra, Sandra Kay, Carolyn, Geneva away on, Sept. 25, 2015, at Plains on Sept. 27, 2015. She was born and Sylvia. Memorial Hospital, in Dimmitt, on Jan. 19, 1930, to Ira E. and Lou Henry is survived by, Shirley Hunter; his sons: Ronald Texas. He was born on March 17, LeFlore Maddux. Harrison of Tulsa; Shawn Harrison (Jackie) of Moore; 1993, to Paula Susanne (Wayland) Mary worked for 45 years at Ri- Daughters: Natosha Sabir, Arlington, Texas; Monica Ow- and Steve Eugene Balch, in Guymon. ley’s Reproduction Inc. She started ens, Huntington Beach, California and Shalondra Harrison, Lincoln was a 2012 graduate of off as a secretary, and by the time Oklahoma City; grandchildren, Shawn Mycal Harrison, Mustang Public Schools, where he she retired she was vice president Cristopher Harrison, Kamrie Harrison, Kanille Harrison; Te- was a member of the Junior Reserve of the company. During her retire- Era Harrison; Raheem Sabir, Rakaiyah Sabir, Xavier Sabir; Officer Training Corps Program ment she became a caretaker to her Don Benefee IV “Bentley”; great-grandchildren, Kolby Har- from 2008 to 2012. In May of 2014, mother, grandkids, and eventually rison and Amira Harrison; his brothers, Kenneth Harrison he graduated from Canadian Valley Technology Center as a her oldest daughter. of McAlester, George “Ray” Harrison of Nebraska, Harold certified diesel mechanic. Lincoln was a lifetime member of Throughout her life, her coworkers knew Mary as Susie, Harrison, Kansas; sisters, Theresa Harrison, Nello Porfilio, the National Rifle Association, the Amarillo Gun Club and by her nieces as Chub or Bub, and by her granddaughters Pamela Harrison-Ramey all of McAlester; aunts, Cecil Davis First Baptist Church, Dimmitt. she was simply known as grandma. She was a proud member of Atoka, Peggy Proctor of Oklahoma City, Patricia Brown He was preceded in death by great grandparents; Reece J. of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. Mary loved her family of California, Pauline Brown of McAlester; uncles, Jesse Balch, Lavada Jones, Bob and Lucille Riedy, Leroy “Bill” and greatly and she knew she was greatly loved by all of them. Harrison and Joe Harrison both of Atoka; and many nieces, Gertie Williams, Everett and Alma Wayland; and uncle Gary Mary was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Rob- nephews, cousins and friends. Michael Balch. ert David Puckett; two sisters, Patricia K. Smith and Dorotha Arrangements were made under the direction of Chaney Lincoln is survived by his parents Steve and Paula Balch; L. Gasseur ; as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Harkins Funeral Home of McAlester. Interment was at Oak sister Kerry Balch; grandparents, Steve and Jolene Balch, She is survived by her daughters, Linda L. Rawlins, and Hill Cemetery in McAlester. Paul and Ruth Wayland; uncle and aunts, Maas and Stacy Kathryn Susan Henderson and husband Rick; grandchildren, Balch, Aaron Etherington, Joseph and Brenda Fowler, Daniel Miranda K. Rawlins, Jonathan J. Henderson, Ashlee D. and Angela Bendon, Thad and Laura Pickard and Everett Cassil; great-grandson Dakota L. Scott; nieces, Deborah Al- Joesph Matthew Homer “Skip” and Ashley Wayland; cousins, Brenden Balch, Camryn len, and Terry Hilprecht and husband Carl; nephew, Robert Joseph Matthew Homer, 39, of Balch, Lauren Etherington, Kaitlin Coleman, Skyler McMinn, “Bob” Smith and wife Pauline; great-nieces, Kristen Renfro McAlester, passed away Sept. 23, Morgan McCurry, Kaiden Coleman, Mattisyn Coleman, and husband Denver, Tommi Allen, and Scott Smith and wife 2015, at McAlester Regional Hos- James Derrick “JD” Fowler, Rebecca Fowler Cuevas, Little Deborah; as well as many more loved ones that will miss her pital. Joe lost his 5-year long battle Eli Cuevas, Caleb Pickard, Everett Wayland and Gwyneth dearly. Services were held at Sunny Lane Funeral Home in with cancer. He was born on April Wayland; as well we many extended family members and Del City. 14, 1976, to Joseph and Melita (Ben- friends. James Henry Wade nett) Homer, in McAlester. Memorial donations may be made to Mustang Public James Henry Wade, 94, of Duncan, Joe lived at the family ranch in School JROTC Program. Arrangements were made under the passed away on Sept. 30, 2015, at his Albion, and later moved to McAl- direction of Yanda & Son Funeral Home in Yukon. Interment home surrounded by his family. He ester where he graduated from was at Sugar Creek Cemetery in Nelson. was born on May 10, 1921, to Thomas high school in 1994. He worked at Donald “Xumash” Joe Jefferson and Myrtle (Hopkins) MEECO and K&B Construction Company. Wade, in Bray. Joe was a devoted son, brother and friend. He was full of Donald “Xumash” Joe, 80, passed James was a veteran. He proudly life and enjoyed having a good time with his friends, playing away on Oct. 4, 2015, at his home in served his country in the United guitar, listening to music, spending time outdoors at the lake, Ardmore. He was born on April 17, States Air Corps in World War II, as fishing and hunting. 1935, to Tom and Annie (Tecumsah) a surgical technician. He retired from He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Homer; McKay Joe, at Spring Hallow on the Mack Energy as a foreman in 1986. maternal grandparents, Doris and Bob Cargill and Hugh Umatilla Indian Reservation in Mis- James was an avid golfer, pool player and loved the game of Bennett; and paternal grandparents, J.F. and Francine sion, Oregon. softball. Homer. Donald grew up on the Umatilla He was very proud of to be a member of the Choctaw Nation Joe is survived by his mother; son, Joe Homer of McAles- Indian Reservation and attended of Oklahoma. ter; nephew, Luke Homer, Jr.; brothers, Stephen Homer and school for 12 years at Pilot Rock, James married the love of his life, Barbara Weatherman on wife, Susan of McAlester and Luke Homer and wife, Christi Oregon. After high school he en- Nov. 18, 1978, in Ft. Townson. He loved his children and was of Arpelar; sister, Bonnie Gourdin and husband, Travis listed in the U.S. Air Force in 1954, and served in the Korean even known to give them an occasional dance lesson. of West Virginia; other nephews and nieces, Jake Homer, Conflict until he was honorably discharged in 1958. He was He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Betty Bethany Griffin, Matthew Griffin, Austin Homer, Melissa stationed at the Ardmore Air Base when he met his wife. Wade; a daughter, Deborah Jo Wade; brothers, Paul Homer, Stephen J. Homer and Akaysha Wolf; sister-in-law, He married the love of his life, Ruby Irene Taylor on July Wade and T.J. Wade; sisters, Vinney Whitley, Ada Ham- Melissa Homer of Missouri; dear friends, Paige Priddy and 26, 1958, in Gainesville, Texas. mons, Margie Wade and Agnes Bohanon. Sherri Davis and numerous aunts, uncles and loved ones. Donald worked as a sales representative for Coca Cola Bot- James is survived by his wife; three sons, James H. Wade Jr. The family would like to thank Rob Stephens and Erik Wil- tling Company for thirty years and retired in 1989. He later and wife Mary of Lawton; Tim Wade and wife Donna of Ard- liamson for their many visits and friendship. worked as a janitor for Plainview Schools, until he retired. He more; Dino Bohanon of Ash Down, Arkansas.; five daughters, Arrangements were made under the direction of Chaney then worked part time for Chickasaw Nation Food Distribu- Rebecca Wade Green of Duncan, Elizabeth Fields and husband Harkins Funeral Home of McAlester. Interment was at the tion until his health forced him to quit. Scott of Oklahoma City, Barbie Barnett of Oklahoma City, Angel Hill Family Cemetery in Albion. Donald was an avid bow shooter and won numerous awards in tournaments. He had much respect for his culture Kelly Sherill and husband Chad of Duncan, Stephanie Stallcup Shirley McPherson and strived to keep his children involved in many activities. of Dallas; 16 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and many He and his two sons formed the drum group High Country other family members. Shirley McPherson, 84, of Singers. He entered a float in parades for many years and Arrangements were made under the direction of the Don Lakeland, Florida passed away took first place many times. He was and Oregon Ducks fan. Grantham Funeral Home. Interment was at the Duncan Cem- on July 18, 2015. She was born He tried to catch every game and support his team. He would etery. Nov. 14, 1930, to Roy and June spend many days watching football with his grandsons. Christine Rae (Vann) Castaneda McPherson, in Longmont, Donald was a singer and guitar player. He played in local Colorado. clubs, until he joined the Durwood Indian Baptist Church. He Christine Rae (Vann) Castaneda, 67, passed away on May 25, 2015. Shirley proudly worked and attended all night singings and formed the group, The Gospel String. He later formed the group, Durwood Gospel Singers She was born Oct. 26, 1947, to Car- retired as a federal employee, and the Ardmore Gospel Singers. thel Enex and Ethel Marie Vann. where she accumulated many Donald joined the Chickasaw Honor Guard, and marched She was a member of the Choctaw wonderful stories. She was an avid at the head of grand entries carrying the eagle staff. Nation of Oklahoma. Her grand- reader, and prided herself with learning something new Donald will be missed by all that knew and loved him. father, Mitchell Bobb, was a Code everyday. He was proceeded in death by his parents, wife, Ruby Irene Talkers for the United States during Shirley moved to Pinellas County, F in 1976 with her Joe; son, Chad Vincent Joe; grandson, Kevin Don Aaron; WWI. Christine was affectionately husband, Robert E. Johnson, and youngest daughter. great-granddaughter, Taygan Helene Joe; brothers, Orlando, known by many as “Nannie.” She loved the Gulf coast of Florida. Shirley was a proud Charlie and Bruce McKay, sisters; Augustine, Sarah and Christine was preceded in death by member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. Mavis McKay, Elsie McKay Minthorn, Flora McKay James, her parents, and brother, Carthel E. Vann Jr. She was preceded in death by her sister, Conny Price, Minnie and Donna Joe; daughter-in-law; Donna Helene Joe She is survived by her children, Michele Castaneda, and brother, Arthur McPherson. He is survived by four sons, Michael Joe and wife Jonnie; Michael Castaneda (Debbie), Melissa Castaneda (Mark Martinez), Paul Castaneda (Jessie Bird); her grandchildren, Shirley is survived by her sisters, Juanita Hale and Mark Joe and wife, Dondi; Brad Leon Joe, and Arlyn Jay, two daughters; Elaine Day and husband, Tim and Annette Aaron; Jennifer (Edward), Jacqueline (William), Nicholas, Michael, Marylin Preston; seven children, Annette Hester, Jimmy seventeen grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; Olivia (Brent), Alexa, Zackary, Cyria, Alina, Angelina, and Johnson, Paul Johnson, Theresa Oss, David Johnson, three great-great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Anna Bob Kaiya; great-grandchildren, Alayna, Leona, Juliana, Jordan, Marsha Bumgarner, and Janice Drouin; stepson, Robert and Pearl Marris; and numerous nieces and nephews. and Julian; siblings, Anella Garcia, James Vann, Joseph Johnson; 18 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, and a Arrangements were made under the direction of Griffin- Vann; and her beloved dog, Sassie. great-great-grandson. Hillcrest Funeral Home in Ardmore. Interment was at Hill- Arrangments were made under the direction of Passantino A celebration of her life was held at her favorite beach. crest Memorial Park. Bros. Funeral Home & Cremations, in Kansas City, Missouri. 10 BISKINIK | October 2015 EDUCATION

Willett prepares for teaching career Jordin Willett attended an early childhood world conference in Washington, D.C. in Aug. Representatives from over 38 countries were in attendance. Willett and her colleagues from Park University led a workshop on engaging culturally diverse children and families in literacy. Willett is student teaching this fall and will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in middle school education with social sciences. Willett appreciates the financial assitance the Choc- taw Nation has offered her in the pursuit of becoming a teacher. She hopes to be able to share her Native Ameri- can culture with her future students. Mother Annette Willett from Liberty, Missouri; father Intolubbe-Chmil brothers graduate from Colorado Univ. Wes Willett from Parkville, Missouri; and grandparents Jerry and Peggy Newcomb of Fritch, Texas are all proud On May 9, brothers Johnathon and Daniel Intolubbe-Chmil graduated from The Uni- of Willett’s accomplishments. versity of Colorado on May 9. Johnathon received his Law Degree, and Daniel received a Bachelors in Economics. They are the great grandchildren of Earl & Velma Intolubbe (deceased) of Durant, Walley named 2015 OCTA Scholar Oklahoma, grandchildren of Jim Intolubbe, of New Mexico. Pictured are father John, Johnathon, Abigail, Mother Loren, Daniel & Patrick. The Oklahoma Choctaw Tribal Alliance (OCTA) an- Megli moves on to graduate studies nounced Rachel Walley as their 2015 Annual Scholar- Austin Megli, from ship winner. Mansfield, Texas, recently Walley’s award-winning graduated with a Bachelor essay demonstrated her of Arts in philosophy and desire to advance her political science from the career in higher education University of New Mexico. by seeking a degree in Arts “I would like to say thank Education. you to the Choctaw Nation She is attending the and specifically the Higher University of Central Education Program for all Oklahoma in Edmond. She the monetary support and is involved in volunteering encouragement,” he said. her services at OCTA. Her He is continuing his goal as an art teacher is to help students, with an empha- education as a first year law Sanders earns blue ribbon for quilting sis on Native Americans, to develop their artistic skills. student with an emphasis Rhey’lyn Sanders, proud 11-year-old member of the She is also an up and coming artist in her own right. on political, environmen- Choctaw Nation from Olustee, placed first in a quilting tal, and tribal law at the University of New Mexico Law competition at the Jackson County Fair in Altus Sept. 9. School. In her second year to compete, Sanders entered the nov- During his studies, he worked for the Office of Gov- ice 1-3 years of experience quilt top only competition. She ernmental Affairs and Community Relations where he earned her second first place ribbon. conducted policy research and lobbied at the New Mexico She took summer classes in 2014 from Turkey Creek legislature, obtaining over $200,000 in capitol for the Quilting, taught by her great-aunt Kay Sanders. student body. Megli was elected to the Associated Students of the Martinez picked for advisory council University of New Mexico as the Assistant Director of Isabella Martinez submit- Governmental Affairs. ted an essay and earned a This past summer he attended the American Indian place on the Georgia State Law Center 2015 Pre-Law Summer Institute. School Superintendant “I am very proud of my Choctaw heritage and thankful 2015-2016 Student Advisory to be a tribal member of the Choctaw Nation,” Megli said. Council. In her essay, she explained Scott meets president, interns the things she would like Schooling makes trip to D.C. The summer of 2015 was to reform for the state of RayAnn Schooling took a trip to Washington D.C. in a busy and exciting one Georgia. June 2015 with her 8th grade class from Decatur, Texas. for Madilyn Scott, 16 year She also maintained stand- The Choctaw Nation helped fund Schooling’s trip, old junior at Durant High ing on the principal’s honor and she and her mother wanted to offer thanks. School. roll. “We appreciate them so much for all they do to better Scott spent six weeks of She has been involved with the future generations of the Choctaw Tribe,” mother her summer as a research Choctaw Nation’s Success Through Academic Recognition Julie Schooling said. “You all made this trip possible for intern in the Native OKstars (STAR) program since the 5th grade. my daughter and the other students who made the trip.” program with the Oklaho- Park creates success through fashion In particular, they wanted to thank the Choctaw Na- ma State University Center tion, Chief Gary Batton, Assistant Chief Jack Austin, for Health Sciences. Coco Park, or Courtney Jr., Angel Rowland with the Choctaw Nation Donations “I got the opportunity to Rush as she was originally Committee, and the Decatur Jr. High School teachers do some medical research named, built up an online and the parents who chaperoned. and, my favorite, dissect following as blogger, beauty cadavers,” Scott said. “I got writer, mixed media jour- Sanders earns to dissect the major arteries nalist, and now a published diploma, begins and muscles in the cadav- author. ers. The most interesting of Her online persona, and the college that was being able to take out the brain and examine it on a name of her fashion blog, is Beauty Wolf. It can be found Shaylie Sanders, great- up close level.” at www.thebeautywolf.com. great granddaughter of Madilyn was also one of the five Choctaw students se- Her work as a freelance original enrollee Emma lected to meet with President Obama during his visit to the journalist and online blogger Frazier, graduated as Choctaw Nation. has been praised by The Daily valedictorian of her 2015 “Meeting the president was a once in a lifetime oppor- Mail, Fast Company, Lucky Heavener High School tunity,” Scott said. “I got to sit in my high school gym and Magazine, Fashionista, and class. talk to him on such a personal level. We got to share our the San Francisco Chronicle. Her upcoming book, “Korean She is the daughter of stories and ideas about our native community and how we Beauty Secrets,” is set to be released in Nov. Rodale and Kellie Sanders, could possibly better it. He shared so much interest in our Originally from Ardmore, Park is a certified aesthetician graddaughter of Phil and thoughts and ideas, it was unreal.” and professional makeup artist, having lived and worked in Terry Sanders, and great- She plans on going going to college and eventually be- places such as Dallas, New York, Toronto, and Montreal. granddaughter of the late coming a medical doctor. She now lives on the east coast with her family, including Thelma Sanders. Scott has also utilized the Choctaw Nation High School husband Richard Park. There, she participates in social activ- She is attending the University of Arkansas in Forth Student Services program (formerly known as the Making a ism and volunteers at the Native Women’s Shelter of Mon- Smith, working toward a degree in chemistry. Difference program). treal, teaching Native women about empowerment through Sanders appreciates the assistance Choctaw Nation “Being Choctaw has also provided a lot of support as a beauty and self care. has offered during her academic pursuits over the years. Student,” she said. “They have helped me realize that my wants and dreams are possible and have done, and continue She is the great-granddaughter of the late Earl Labor of to do, anything they can to help me reach those goals.” Antlers, and the granddaughter of the late Janice Labor Con- verse of Tishomingo. She is the daughter of Paula Converse Rush of Ardmore. RUNESTONE 5K/10K 2015 Essay Contest & Conference All Native American youth, 9th -12th grade The Choctaw Nation Happy Heart Runestone 5K/10K Run will be Who held in Heavener. on November 14 at the Runestone State Park. What Writing contest Medals will be awarded to the top three male & female finishers Deadline Nov. 1, 4 p.m. (MST) in each age group. In addition, the top 3 male and female finishers overall will receive a trophy. Pre-registered participants will Why Chance to showcase writing talents receive a t-shirt. On-Site registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and will end promptly at 9:30 a.m., no exceptions. On-site registration t- shirts will be first come, first serve basis. Race will begin at 10:00 Prompt Utilizing our resources to our greatest bene t a.m. Walkers are not recommended to do the 10K unless they There are roughly 46 million acres of Indian can complete it in under 2 hours. There is a 2 hour time limit. grazing lands in the lower 48 states and roughly 4.5 million acres of farm land; of the 3.4 billion Indi- ans derive from Ag sales, it is roughly split equally November 14, 2015 between cows & plows. The theme was selected to No Registration Fee! demonstrate how the IAC encourages producers to Pre-Registration Deadline Date: October 30, 2015 maximize the resources available through federal programs, bringing products to market, all the while gently moving us back to what got us here. For more information or for the registration form, contact Mandy Alliance Indian Ag Youth Grammar at 918-567-7000, ext. 6391 or by email at [email protected]. For more info, contact: Verna Billedeaux at (406)338-2650/(406)450-8107, Janie Simms-Hipp at (479)409-9125 or Donita Fischer (605) 964-8320. BISKINIK | October 2015 11 EDUCATION

ChoctawCrawford scholar urgers travels lawmakers to to D.C., make ghting lobbies cancer top for cancer research priority during national annual leadership summit

Lon Kruger and his wife, forward,” said Crawford. By TAYLOR CRAWFORD & Barbara, took their One ”Cancer is a disease that JILL COURTNEY Degree stories to their still kills 1,600 people a Choctaw Nation meetings with members of day in this country. This is Oklahoma’s congressional incredibly important for More than 750 cancer pa- delegation and their staff. tribal members as cancer tients, survivors, volunteers In the meetings with continues to have a major and staff from all 50 states Senator James Lankford, impact on our population gathered in Washington, Congressman Markwayne as well.” D.C. with a common goal. Mullin and staff members Aside from a full day of Taylor Crawford (bottom left) with the Oklahoma advocacy Their mission: To make from the offices of Senator advocating, Crawford also team, just before carrying out meetings on Capitol Hill. the fight against cancer a Jim Inhofe and Congress- took part in a Lights of (Back row, from left): Paula Warlick, Oklahoma grassroots national priority. man Jim Bridenstine, HOPE ceremony at the U.S. manager for ACS CAN; Michelle Brown, Oklahoma state lead ambassador for ACS CAN from Dist. 2; Desarae Simmons, Their efforts were part Crawford and fellow ACS Capitol Reflecting Pool. Dist. 3; Jamie Gross, Dist. 5; Ellen Tillery, Dist. 1; Dawn Wat- of the annual American Photos Provided CAN advocates discussed The ceremony of reflection son, Oklahoma government relations director for ACS CAN. Cancer Society Cancer Ac- Taylor Crawford is a Choc- specific priorities neces- was a powerful presence— (Front row, from left): Taylor Crawford, Dist. 2, Brittney Hodg- tion Network (ACS CAN) taw Tribal Member and sary to reach their goals. complete with more than es, Dist. 4; Victoria Gleason, Dist. 2; Lon Kruger, University of Leadership Summit and participant of the Choctaw These lifesaving policies 20,000 luminaries lit in Oklahoma men’s basketball coach; Barbara Miles. Lobby Day from September Nation’s WIOA Program. include increasing medical honor of lives lost to cancer. 27-30, 2015. “The reality of the research funding dollars for “The pouring rain was no “Being a member of a CAN works to encourage Among this group was situation is that we all the National Institutes of match for the hearts and team of people who strive lawmakers, candidates and Taylor Crawford, a 21-year- live within one degree of Health and National Cancer perseverance of each of the for a common goal with government officials to old member of the Choc- cancer,” said Crawford. Institute over the next two wonderful people stand- great intention has been support laws and policies taw Nation of Oklahoma. “We all know someone who years, supporting legisla- ing in it—fighting for such truly inspiring,” said Craw- that will make cancer a top Through a partnership has been affected by this tion to improve patient an important cause,” said ford. national priority. ACS CAN between the Gates Millen- disease—a coworker, family quality of life, and cospon- Crawford. “Each of us has ACS CAN is a non-profit, gives ordinary people ex- nium Scholars Program member, or friend. Those soring legislation to make a story to tell. What are we non-partisan advocacy traordinary power to fight and ACS CAN, Crawford are the stories we bring.” colorectal cancer screenings going to do to end this so affiliate organization of the cancer. For more informa- served alongside a team The Oklahoma ACS more affordable for seniors. more people don’t have to American Cancer Soci- tion about the work ACS of Oklahoma advocates CAN team along with the “These priorities are face the reality of having ety, which is dedicated to CAN is doing in Oklahoma lobbying on Capitol Hill on University of Oklahoma’s crucial to decreasing the a cancer story? Strive for eliminating cancer as a and across the nation, visit September 29. men’s basketball coach impact of cancer moving more.” major health problem. ACS acscan.org. OU scholar honored for educational excellence “This was by far a highlight of my life. and special olympics. She volunteered Never have I ever imagined I would be at various events involving special olym- honored in such a way,” Roberts said. “I pics and helped to raise money to send not only see this as an accomplishment students from a local school to the Special for myself, but an accomplishment for all Olympic State Games. Native people at OU. Recognition on a Last year, Roberts was inducted into university-level for American Indians is Gamma Beta Phi Honor Society. She rare.” received various scholarships including: Roberts is Choctaw, Chickasaw and Gates Millennium Scholarship, AT&T Taos Pueblo. She was born in Santa Fe, American Indian Scholarship, McAlester New Mexico to Michael and Rebecca Scottish Rite Scholarship, and the Strat- Roberts of Ada. She is the eldest of three ford B. & Eleanor M. “Bobbie” Tolson daughters. Younger sisters are Paan Pai Scholarship.She is an OU Presidential and Morning Star Roberts. She is the Leadership Class Alumni, a member of the granddaughter of Wilson and Sharon Rob- Dean’s Honor Roll, and 2014/2015 Miss erts of Ada, as well as Vincent and Judith Indian OU. Mondragon of Taos, New Mexico. She is currently studying human rela- In 2012, T’ata Roberts entered her col- tions with a minor in Native American lege career at the University of Oklahoma studies. She enjoys spending time with named a “Featured Future Sooner” based my family, traveling to various powwows on her high school grades and leadership across the United States and Canada, Photo by Payton Guthrie skills. playing basketball, singing in the car, T’ata Roberts enjoys a University of Oklahoma football game with her family, all dressed for She quickly took on new experiences going on road trips and exploring new the occasion. Pictured (left to right) her mom Rebecca Roberts, T’Ata Roberts, father Michael and leadership roles on campus, including places. Roberts, and below are siblings Morning Star Roberts and Paan Pai Roberts. an involvement with the American Indian Roberts plans to continue with her edu- By BRANDON FRYE Student Association (AISA). During cation by attending graduate school. As and professors. freshman and sophomore years she was a a Gates Millennium Scholar, she plans to Choctaw Nation She received a minute of recognition member, became the cultural affairs chair use the scholarship to its fullest extent and T’ata Roberts’ long time dedication to on the big screens of the stadium at the as a junior, and today serves as President spend as much time in school as she can. the pursuit of knowledge and the advocacy OU vs West Virginia home game. A brief of AISA. “To the students, never forget who you for Native communities culminated with biography was read while various pictures As president of AISA, Roberts stressed are and where you come from,” Roberts a unique honor for the young leader at the of her highlights on an off campus were unity and inclusiveness of the Native com- said. “Take your education as far as you University of Oklahoma football stadium shown. munity as a whole. In 2014, she served can and use it, give back to the community on Oct. 3. Roberts was selected out of the entire AISA as Miss Indian OU, where she repre- and our people when you’ve made it to the The university began featuring exem- student body at OU based on her past sented with the platform of special needs top.” plary student scholars during their games. success in the areas of academics, leader- Roberts, 21-year-old senior, was at the top ship, community involvement, and for her of the list for many of her mentors, peers, accomplishments and awards. Batton Scholar Spotlight: recipient of the 2014-15 Gary & Angie Batton Family Scholarship. Samantha Bishop “Receiving the Batton Scholarship was such an honor, I felt so proud to be acknowledged by the Choctaw Nation for my hard work and dedication to my education,” said Samantha. According to Bishop, the scholarship helped with the financial struggle of attending college. “The Batton Scholarship provided me with an opportunity to graduate from college by relieving much of the stress that exists while trying to figure out how I will be able to pay for classes, books, and all the other fees that come with a college education,” said Bishop. Since starting her college career, Samantha has decided to use her double major, to work her way towards a master’s degree in forensic psychology. She is currently working for the Jackson County DHS as a child welfare specialist in Child Protective Services. The Affordable Care Act (Editor’s note: This is fifth in a series “When I graduated college I felt a requires you and each member of your family to have health insurance about the six recipients of the Batton calling to help children,” said Samantha. coverage OR qualify for an exemption from the responsibility to have Family Scholarship, which has been of- “I began working for Jackson County fered since 2012 to Choctaw students who in July and have recently passed my insurance OR pay an additional tax (penalty) when filing your federal income are close to graduating at Southeastern certification to become a Child Welfare tax return. The Marketplace offers affordable, low cost (and even free for Oklahoma State University.) Specialist Level 1. I have found my cur- some) insurance plans with little or no out-of-pocket costs when used rent job to be very rewarding though it outside of Indian Health clinics. Native Americans can enroll anytime during By KENDRA GERMANY can be difficult at times.” the year due to special enrollment provisions. Choctaw Nation Samantha is the daughter of Billy and Stacy Stein. Find out now how the Affordable Care Act will affect you and your family. Samantha Bishop always knew she She wants to give thanks to her grand- You may need to take action now to prevent paying additional taxes to the wanted to help others. mother, Nellie Hunter, for encouraging IRS when you file your federal income tax returns. She began her college journey, with her to be an active member of the Choc- her eyes set on becoming a police offi- taw Nation. Visit one of the Choctaw Nation health care facilities and talk to a Benefits cer. Double majoring in psychology and “I believe the biggest honor receiving criminal justice, Samantha found herself this Scholarship was seeing the pride in Coordinator to find out more. You can also call Choctaw Nation at (800) 349- struggling to find a way to afford her my Granny’s and my parents’ eyes when 7026 and ask for a Benefits Coordinator for assistance. education. I told them I was going to meet Chief She was thankful to be chosen as a Batton.” 12 BISKINIK | October 2015

Spotlight on Elders Choctaw Nation o ers a variety of with housing and rental assistance By KENDRA GERMANY Clarence Wilson well. Rent is based off of 15 cessed on a first-come-first- By KENDRA GERMANY Choctaw Nation percent of total household serve basis. The Choctaw The Choctaw Nation of yearly income. Nation Storm Shelter Grant Choctaw Nation Oklahoma offers many Home Financial Ser- Program is dependent Born and raised in the different services for the vices are also available. upon availability of funds. house he calls home in Fort benefit of its people. One of Homeowners Financial Storm shelters shall be pro- Towson, Clarence Wilson those services is The Choc- Services offer qualified vided as grants for eligible has seen a lot of change hap- taw Nation of Oklahoma members of federally rec- applicants who meet the pen in his 88 years of life. Housing Authority. ognized tribes the opportu- qualifications. Applicants Born the son of Clarence According to Tracy nity to purchase, construct, must be 55 years and over, McCurtain Wilson and Mary Archey, Service Coordina- rehab, or refinance a home or must have a documented Jewell Philips, Clarence has tion Director for the Hous- through its home loan ambulatory disability. one sister named June. ing Authority, the Housing products and counseling Storm shelters are “I was born in that room Authority is here to assist services. In addition to the awarded one time only. A in there,” said Clarence. “ I tribal members in their numerous direct loan prod- storm shelter may be in- was born in 1927.” efforts to adequately meet ucts, conventional, Federal stalled in a new or existing He worked at the local their housing needs. Housing Administration home. The storm shelter drugstore part-time, before “The mission of the (FHA), Veteran Affairs must be installed at pri- graduating high school in Housing Authority of the (VA), and Native American mary residences and must 1945. Clarence went into the Choctaw Nation is to pro- 184 loans are available be installed on property service for a short period of vide the Choctaw people through participating lend- owned by the applicant. time, after high school. He with the opportunity for ing partners. Those owning two or more then attended college for a decent, safe, and sanitary The Choctaw Home homes are only eligible for couple of years at Oklahoma housing while building Buyer Advantage a storm shelter for their A&M. In 1949, Clarence stronger, healthier com- Program (CHAP) offers primary residence. Only married his wife Peggy. Photo by Kendra Germany munities and promoting loans to eligible members one person may register According to Clarence, he Clarence Wilson, Choctaw born and raised in Fort Towson, economic independence for of the Choctaw Nation of per physical address. Those lived in Fort Towson until reminisces and reflects on his life. our clientele,” said Archey. Oklahoma nationwide with that live in mobile homes, he was 17, and then left like The Choctaw Nation no income ceiling limits. must own both the mobile most people do. “Whatever they had, I knew Clarence. “It just has to.” of Oklahoma Housing The member qualifies for home itself and the land it “I worked here with my what their name was.” He says that there have Authority’s mission is a mortgage according to is located on to be eligible uncle and my dad on the “Now, you don’t know who been a few changes that he achieved through the sever- credit and debt ratios. The for the program. Only farm,” said Clarence. “Then they are, you don’t know hasn’t liked over the years, al services that are avail- amount of assistance for single-family residential I decided, there must be a how long they are going to but he has gotten used to able through the Housing the CHAP down payment homeowners are eligible better way to make a life stay, and you don’t know them. One of those being Authority in Hugo. and closing costs are de- for their primary residence. than that.” what they are going to do everyone’s infatuation with There are many services termined by underwriting Those that live in a rented He and Peggy moved while they are here.” social media, like Facebook. available to the Choctaw guidelines of the participat- house are not eligible for to Houston in 1953, and People are not the only “I’m not supposed to be people and others living ing lending partners. It is this program. Apartment Clarence went to work as an thing Clarence has seen out there. If I’m out there, within the 10.5 county also determined by other complexes, duplexes, and asbestos worker. change. somebody has put me on service area, including pro- purchase variables that other multi-family resi- Clarence retired in 1985, “They keep moving the there,” said Clarence. “I grams that assist elders. include loan-to-value ratio dences are not eligible for and he and Peggy decided to seasons ahead,” said Clar- really don’t care for people Independent Elder and sale price. this program, as they are move back to Fort Towson. ence. “We never saw any knowing what I’m doing.” Sites offer a total of 121 The Choctaw Home- considered a business. “We’re the ones that ran signs of Christmas until As someone who has lived one-bedroom units across owners Lending Servic- Community or neighbor- off from the nest,” joked after Thanksgiving. Then the a full life, Clarence has a lot the Choctaw Nation service es offers direct loans to eli- hood storm shelters are not Clarence. “Ordinarily, it’s stores would begin to have of wisdom to share with the area. Sites are located in gible borrowers that reside eligible for this rebate. the child, but this time it was fruit and the candies.” younger generations. Poteau, Hartshorne, Tali- in the 10.5 county service Homeowners rehabilita- us.” Clarence reflected on his “One thing I see, I believe hina, Calera, Hugo, Idabel area, who otherwise may tion services are also of- All four of Clarence and childhood memories of going in sports, and I support and Stigler. not be able to qualify for fered through the Housing Peggy’s children still live in Christmas caroling. them. But, it seems like some Applicants and/or a secondary market loan Authority. the Houston area. “On cold winter nights, of the students are head- spouse must be 55 years or through other institutions. The Choctaw Home- “It hasn’t been bad, but those of us that belonged ing more trying to succeed older, have some form of Borrowers must be mem- owners Rehabilitation there’s a lot of things that to the church, not only our in sports, than they are in income, pass an OSBI and bers of federally recognized Services assists with I miss that we had down church, anyone who wanted education,” said Clarence. “I local background check tribes, with a household in- emergency repairs and there. But, you get used to to walk and sing caroled up really believe in education. and have a CDIB and Tribal come that does not exceed rehabilitation to homes it,” said Clarence. and down the streets,” said I like sports too, but I don’t Membership card. Maxi- 80 percent of the National that are owned by tribal Clarence is no stranger Clarence. “They don’t seem think it should come first.” mum income for family of Median Income level. Pref- member families residing to change, especially the to do that anymore. We don’t One piece of advice Clar- one or two must meet the erence is given to members in the 10.5 county service changes he has seen in his have them come by, and ence would give a young HUD established income of the Choctaw Nation of area. community. that is something we really person is to enjoy life while limits in order to qualify as Oklahoma. Types of loans The overall goal for these “Here, we lived in a good enjoyed. It was one of the you are young. well. Rent is based off of 15 offered include new con- services is to assist as many neighborhood. They were re- few things we had to do.” “I would have to tell you percent of total household struction, purchasing exist- tribal member families as ally neighbors,” said Clarence. Clarence says he is not op- to enjoy what of it you can, yearly income. Amenities ing homes, rehabilitation, available annual funding Growing up, Clarence says posed to change. because the latter years are inside the units include home improvement, energy permits, with their efforts he knew everybody in town. “People have always ac- okay, but it takes a lot of ef- a refrigerator, stove and efficiency/weatherization, to protect their home’s “I knew most everybody’s cused me of not liking the fort sometimes,” said Clar- energy star rated washer affordable development long-term viability and cre- name, their dog’s name, their change, but yet I understand ence. “Friends are always and dryer. and refinancing of existing ate a decent, safe, and sani- mule’s name,” said Clarence. it has to cone about,” said good to have, good friends.” Elders can also qualify home loans. tary living environment. for the 202 Supportive The Choctaw Home- Applications for assis- Cox honored Housing for elders. 202 owners Support Servic- tance can be obtained by cont’d from page 1 But most of all, Cox said he Oklahoma State President, Supportive Housing is a es offers a comprehensive contacting the Housing great honor and privilege to is proud of the expansion and said, “The common thread partnership with Housing menu of support services Authority, or be picked serve as speaker, and it was growth District 4 experienced among these honorees is the and Urban Development to eligible tribal member up at any Choctaw Nation time for another deserv- during his service as council- wisdom and impact they have (HUD) to serve Native families wanting to pur- Field Office. To be eligible ing councilman to have the man. had on their tribes, family, American and non-Native chase, repair, rehabilitate, for assistance, applicants experience. “The whole idea I had was and community.” Americans 62 years and or improve existing homes must be members of a fed- Cox previously served as serving the people, doing “This night, in this place, over. This program offers or building a new home. erally recognized tribe with tribal treasurer, worked for what is best for the people,” as Oklahoma tribes and Na- one-bedroom apartment To be eligible, you must a household income that the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Cox said. tions join together in a spirit units across the 10.5 county be a member of a federally does not exceed 80 percent of harmony and peace, we service area. Sites are recognized tribe, residing of the National Median In- reflect and give thanks for the located in Poteau, Atoka, in the 10.5 county service come level. Priority is given lives they have lived and the Calera, Hugo and Idabel. area. Preference is given to eligible families that are innumerable ways they have Applicants and/or spouse to members of the Choc- lowest income, elderly, passed on their legacies to must pass a federal and taw Nation of Oklahoma. have verifiable disabilities, future generations,” Vermil- local background check and Eligible qualified tribal and members of the Choc- lion added. meet the HUD established families can finance the taw Nation. The AARP Oklahoma income limits. Amenities complete construction cost Rental Assistance is Indian Elder Honors, which on each site include a com- of their home, the purchase available to eligible tribal has recognized 350 elders mon area building with a of the land and site im- families who reside in the from all 39 federally recog- safe room inside. provements. 10 1/2 county service area. nized tribes and Nations in Elders are not the only The knowledgeable To be eligible, applicants Oklahoma since its inception ones who have the op- Choctaw Homeowner Ser- must be members of a in 2009, is the largest gather- portunity to benefit from vices Team can assist each federally recognized tribe ing of its kind in the state. the services the Hous- family through every step with a household income “Whether they are well ing Authority offers. The of the process to purchase, that does not exceed 80 Delton Cox, long time Speaker of the Choctaw Tribal Council, known or exhibit the quiet Choctaw Nation Af- repair, rehabilitate, or im- percent of the National was among 50 honorees at the 7th Annual AARP Oklahoma devotion to family and com- fordable Rental Hous- prove an existing home or Median Income level and Indian Elder Honors. He is pictured seated, in the middle, with munity, collectively, this ing Properties are construction of a new home provide required documen- his wife Deloris to the left. Pictured also, from left to right, are year’s AARP Oklahoma comprised of seven housing and site development. tation. Preference is given Sean Voskuhl, Council Member Thomas Williston, Assistant Indian Elder Honorees repre- communities within the The Housing Authority to elders and members Chief Jack Austin Jr., Chief Gary Batton, and seated to Cox’s sent what is best about Native Choctaw Nation service is also responsible for the of the Choctaw Nation of right, Joe Ann Vermillion, Oklahoma AARP State President. American people in Oklaho- area. They are located in Choctaw Nation Storm Oklahoma. ma: love of family, dedication Bokoshe, Caney, Quinton, Shelter Program. The Homeless Emergency and helped to make life better District 4 also experi- to culture, and respect for all Red Oak, Wright City, and Choctaw Nation Storm Shelter assistance has the for hundreds of youth while enced forward momentum people,” she said. Talihina. Applicants must Shelter Grant Program is same eligibility criteria as serving as director of the with health, commerce, and Anyone interested in have a CDIB card and some administered through the rental assistance. Prefer- Jones Academy School. education during Cox’s time joining the AARP Oklahoma form of income. All ap- Choctaw Nation Housing ence is given to members of Cox served on the Choctaw as councilman. This can be Inter-Tribal Community plicants, their spouse and/ Authority, and provides the Choctaw Nation. Constitutional Committee seen with advances such as Group can send an email or children over the age of storm shelters to eligible in 1983, was instrumental in the development of a food to: [email protected]. For more 18, must pass an OSBI and Choctaw Tribal Members For more information preserving Wheelock Acad- distribution center, recycling information about AARP local background check to who live in Oklahoma, on all of the available emy, and has been a strong center, clinic expansion, Oklahoma’s Native American qualify. Applicant’s income Texas, Kansas, Missouri, programs and services advocate for the Choctaw casino expansion, community outreach, visit the AARP per number of family and Arkansas. These are provided by the Choctaw language and historic preser- center, travel plaza, and re- Oklahoma Indian navigator composition must meet the states with a high risk of Nation Housing Author- vation programs during his cent construction of a tribally website at www.aarp.org/ HUD established income tornados. ity call (800)235-3087 or career with the Nation. owned Chili’s franchise. okindiannavigator. limits, in order to qualify as Applications will be pro- (580)326-7521. He has worked with senior “We have come a long To read more about Delton citizens in the North LeFlore way,” Cox said. “We have Cox and his service to the County area to help raise been standing on the shoul- Choctaw people, visit http:// Tribal Members, Want your Choctaw News Snapshot? money for cultural activities, ders of the people who came www.choctawnation.com/ It’s easy! Sign up to receive news ashes through email. Just call the Choctaw classes, and language lessons. before us. We got to where we news-room/press-room/ Nation Circulation Department and provide your email address and phone He is devoted to the healthy are because of what they did.” media-releases/protecting- number, 800.522.6170 x2116 or lifestyles of senior citizens. Joe Ann Vermillion, AARP what-is-choctaw/. email [email protected] BISKINIK | October 2015 13 A lineage remembered When Andrew Jackson determined that the southeastern tribes should be removed from their homelands to what is now Oklahoma, so as to better facilitate the white folks who wanted more land, it was the Choctaw tribe that was chosen to be among the fi rst to go on what they called The Long Sad Walk. The Cherokee Trail of Tears came later. I understand that the Choctaws were chosen to be the fi rst removed because they were deemed least likely Photos by Ronni Pierce to protest—they had already Stylist Jessa Parson gives Chahta member Taylor Lewis a trim. Other members begun to assimilate and there of Chahta group in attendance included (standing, left to right) Vicki Perez, were farmers and store- Angie Hill, Paula Griffi th, Melissa Cress, and Marie Battiest. keepers and teachers among them. There were, to be sure, diff erent levels of assimila- tion. I remember one of my bySingle RONNI PIERCE Mom’s Day Out uncles telling about how our Choctaw Nation my students and this is my way of giving Choctaw ancestor, Oteman- back to the Choctaw Nation.” sha, had held an important Chahta Ohoyo Tikba Hikia, a division She also contacted her students and position in the Sixtown Clan of Choctaw Nation Outreach Services, other beauticians to help out. back in Mississippi—that found a way to put Chief Gary Batton’s Jamie Nelson from DeQueen Arkansas she had been a bone picker. servant-leadership commitment to work made the trip when a friend fi lled her in on Photo Provided At the time I didn’t know for women in the Broken Bow area. the event. A beautician herself, she came Ruth Adella (Foster) Downer, original enrollee, with what a bone picker was and her daughters Sue (left) and Beverly. This summer, members Rehauna Wil- in to help because she “just wanted to I don’t recall if my uncle told liams and Angie Hill spearheaded a day make people feel good about themselves.” by RON QUERRY loudly as did I. me. Had he done so, I feel out for single, working mothers at Totally Over 30 women showed up for the mini- Contributing Writer I am very light-skinned. certain that as a young boy I Cosmo in Broken Bow in honor of Erica makeovers. Over the past couple of would have remembered so Martinez, a member of Chahta who passed In November, Chahta Ohoyo Tikba This week a parcel was decades I have spent a good gruesome were the duties of away this year. Hikia will hold a graduation ceremony for delivered addressed to my deal of time and money that high offi ce in Choctaw The day included a free haircut and its members. The graduating women will late mother Beverly (Downer) having skin cancer and pre- culture. If Otemansha were a style, manicure, pedicure, and facial. have earned a certifi cation in Home Buyer Querry Corbett. My mother cancerous lesions removed, bone picker, she was, indeed, Education, Entrepreneurship, Energy Ef- died September 24, 2011, of mostly from my face. My hair an honored person and fi ciency, and Leadership. natural causes in Oklahoma color has transitioned from would have performed im- The Chahta Ohoyo Tikba Hikia Program City, a few days before her orange (when I was born, I’m portant duties in the funerary is currently seeking Native American 89th birthday. told), to white-blond (as a kid practices of her community at women in the McCurtain County area who Born October 4, 1922, in reciting things in elementary the time. want to improve their leadership skills and Norman to Ruth A. Downer, school), to reddish-brown She would likely have had gain knowledge in home ownership, entre- an original enrollee of the (high school and Marine distinctive tattoos that identi- preneurship, and energy effi ciency. Choctaw Nation, and to Corps), to raccoon-like fi ed her position and her The program is an eff ort to help Native Pierce A. Downer, my mother multi-colored, to gray. (A thumb and index fi ngernails American women in the McCurtain County spent much of her early child- former Principal Chief of the would have been long and area become more employable, market- hood on my grandmother’s Choctaw Nation told me once thick. For when a Choctaw Regina McKinney gets a manicure able, and self-suffi cient. Participants will allotted land near Newcastle. that I shouldn’t mind what Indian died, he or she was from Marilyn Culp, a student at To- be taught leadership entrepreneurial skills Our family always called it my hair turned, just as long wrapped securely in robes tally Cosmo. and become experts in homeownership, “Choctaw Place.” as it didn’t turn loose.) My and placed upon a wooden fi nancial literacy, and energy effi ciency The parcel was accompa- eyes are blue. scaff old near the house and Debbie Elliot, the owner of Totally measures. nied by a letter from Chief To see a photograph of my left to rot for a number of Cosmo, volunteered her salon and her ser- They are actively seeking new members. Gary Batton. In it, Chief mother as a young girl you months. When the appropri- vices. “I did it because Choctaw Nation has For an application or to fi nd out more, Batton honored my mother would not likely question her ate time had passed the bone funded a lot of students so with their help contact Melissa Cress with the Choctaw for her years of wisdom and Indian-ness. The same ap- picker came and removed I have been able to stay in business,” she Nation at [email protected] or her service with a beautiful plies with increasing certainty what fl esh remained on the said. “I really appreciated the funding for (580) 326-8304 ext. 6031. wisdom blanket. I speak for to my grandmother, to her deceased person’s bones by her three children when I say father, to his father (the latter using his or her fi ngernails. ATOKA CHILI’S our mother was always proud I understand to have sported The bones were then placed HIRING EVENT of her Choctaw heritage and braids and, when astride a in boxes and stored in a bone Nanih Chito would have been deeply horse and under the infl u- house until such time as there Monday, Nov. 9 moved by this tribute. ence of strong drink which were enough bones from 8AM – 8PM It was, I suppose, in fi rst was not unusual, would the community to bury in a Annual Singing Atoka Choctaw or second grade when I was frighten women and chil- mound. Community Center fi rst required to commit to dren—and while that story To be sure, I have no real Wright City, OK 1203 W. Liberty Rd. memory and to recite the may not be entirely accurate, evidence that I am descended Oct. 24, 2015 Atoka, OK 74525 Pledge of Allegiance, the I hope that it is), and, I trust, from bone pickers—only a Supper: 5:30 p.m. Want to work in an Lord’s Prayer, and the names on back to a Choctaw woman story told by a long deceased Singing: 7:00 p.m. exciting, fast-paced of the Five Civilized Tribes. named Otemansha, peace be uncle. But I hope the story environment? Join the Only later did it occur to me upon her. was true. I like thinking of Group and Classical Singing Chili’s opening team! not every young scholar in The Dawes Commission this woman without whom I Featured Singers: SERVERS, the United States was so well was organized in 1893 to would/could never have been 1. Redefi ne, from McAlester BARTENDERS, versed in exactly which fi ve establish a Roll of American born—I like thinking about 2. Forbits for Him, from Dallas, Texas HOSTS, COOKS, tribes were deemed civilized, Indians residing in Indian her place in her community. DISHWASHERS 3. Carpitchers, from Talequah as were my classmates and I Territory between 1899 and In preparation for Re- Onsite Interviews and at Andrew Johnson Elemen- 1907. moval, in September of 1830, Guest pianist: Thomas Williston from Off ers! Instant Results! tary in suburban Oklahoma My late grandmother at a place near what is now Idabel Join us for a day of fun City. Ruth Adella Foster is listed Philadelphia, Mississippi, Emcee: Henry Battiest Jr. from Durant and opportunities. I assumed that fresh young Number 15,137 as of March the making and signing of If you like good gospel singing,come to Nanih Chito. For more information, people all across America 26, 1904, on the Dawes Com- the Treaty of Dancing Rabbit please call pledged and prayed and mission Rolls as an original Creek took place. The Choc- 800-522-6170. chanted “Choctaw, Chicka- enrollee of the Choctaw taw tribe ceded almost eleven saw, Cherokee, Creek, Semi- Nation of Oklahoma, as million acres and agreed to nole” just as proudly and as are her father and her two remove to Indian Territory older brothers. Her mother in what is now Southeastern Choctaw Nation Vocational Rehabilitation is enrolled as an “I.W.” or Oklahoma. November 2015 “Intermarried White.” My Possibly owing to the fact Durant - Monday, Wednesday and Friday grandmother had a younger that traditional Choctaw Broken Bow - Monday, Wednesday and Friday; Idabel by appointment brother who was born after people, when they moved Phone: 580-326-8304; Fax: 580-326-0115 Email: [email protected] the rolls had closed and so, or relocated, were bound by to his eternal dismay, was tradition to take the bones not considered an original of their ancestors with them, enrollee. E.A. Foster, Jr., Otemansha refused ever to was his name—we knew him leave her Mississippi home, as Uncle Manny—and he as did her son James, who is researched exhaustively the my three-greats grandfather. Foster family lineage: James died in Mississippi My four-greats grand- in 1833 at about the age of mother was referred to gener- twenty-eight. Otemansha ally in documents I possess died some four years later as, “the Choctaw woman, and is buried near the Pearl wife of William Foster” in River. Mississippi. In a couple of The Treaty of Dancing documents of court proceed- Rabbit Creek, which was ings, she is called “O-Te-Man- ratifi ed by Congress February Sha,” which I presume was a 25, 1831, promised, among phonetic attempt to spell her other things, autonomy of Choctaw language name. “the Choctaw Nation of Red Otemansha was of the People and all their descen- Sixtown Tribe or Clan of dants,” to be secured from Choctaw Indians. Oklahoma laws of U.S. states and territo- Historian Angie Debo says ries forever. that “Sixtown Indians, Okla I like knowing that I am Hannali, spoke a distinctive a direct descendant of a dialect, tattooed blue marks woman who may have used around their mouths, and her fi ngernails to scrape clean were shorter and heavier in the bones of dead people. build than the other Choc- taws.” (Debo, The Rise and See the unedited version of Fall of the Choctaw Republic, this story online at choctaw- 1934, p.20). nation.com. 14 BISKINIK | October 2015

USDA Accepts Farm Service Agency Choctaw singer Lainey Edwards County Committee Member Nominations

Byproving BRANDON FRYE she’s a ‘Lucky Girl’ The Oklahoma Farm Service Agency Choctaw Nation (FSA) recently announced that USDA will Lainey Edwards, of soon begin accepting nomination forms Moore, began stomp- ing out her own musical for eligible candidates to serve on local path early in life, making FSA County Committees throughout Okla- her way to Nashville as a homa. performer and the voice of a popular radio show. The nomination period is June 15 “It was just a soul through Aug. 3, 2015. thing,” Edwards said, “At Almost anyone participating or associ- age 9, I just knew. I told both of my parents, and I ated with agricultural land and who is of auditioned for the school legal voting age can be nominated as a talent show before asking candidate. them.” Tribal members are considered land- This was one of her fi rst musical steps, made back owners if their tribe has an agricultural when she lived in Moore interest in the Local Administrative Area as a young Oklahoma (LAA) and they live within the LAA. tomboy. She received full Photo by Brandon Frye support from Marty and Lainey Edwards stands on the stage of the new Choctaw Nation Grand Theater the night Karen Edwards, her par- before she performed in Durant. She had returned to her home state and the land of her All nomination forms must be re- ents. Both were musically tribe to share her blend of rock ‘n’ roll and country. ceived in a County FSA Offi ce or talented. Edwards’ father served as song leader at songwriter, musician, track of the EP is a party American. I am extremely postmarked by Aug. 3, 2015. Voting the family’s home church friend, and family member song likely to transport proud of it.” takes place between Nov. 9, 2015 for 25 years, and he and who has played a role in most anyone who grew up She recently returned to and Dec. 7, 2015. her mother both sang at her journey so far. as a southerner back to Oklahoma and to the Na- weddings. “Moving to Nashville, memories of their roots. tion to perform in Durant Edwards said her par- everyone has huge hopes Edwards has joined the and Pocola, and is plan- For more information about the election ents have always enjoyed and aspirations. I moved list of proud Oklahoman ning on coming back soon or to obtain an election map you can con- music. Her father pre- to town with a team of country music perform- for more shows. ferred country, and her people who believed in ers, alongside the likes In addition to her tact your local FSA offi ce in Atoka, Hold- mother was more of a rock me,” she said. “There of Blake Shelton, Reba country-rock performanc- enville, Hugo, Idabel, McAlester, Poteau, ‘n’ roll kind of person. “I have been so many great McEntire, and Toby Keith es, Lainey has taken on or you can contact the Bryan County FSA think I have a great mix- lessons to be learned, so – only Edwards holds an the role of hosting a radio offi ce in Durant at (924) 4131 ext. 2, serv- ture of both of them and many great people to learn additional pride close to show called “Latest with their loves,” she said. from.” her: being a member of Lainey” every Saturday. ing as the local FSA contact offi ce for the With such a musical In particular, she tends the Choctaw Nation of Her show off ers a behind- Choctaw Nation. environment, and such to shower praise upon her Oklahoma. the-scenes look at the mu- supportive parents, it is no band members, referred She said there aren’t sic scene in Nashville. The surprise by the age of 12 to as “the tribe” in the of- many other performers show currently reaches “USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer” Edwards was performing fi cial name for her group: with black hair, chocolate nearly 50,000 music fans frequently at the Okla- Lainey Edwards and the brown eyes, and the skin a week, and can be found homa Opry in Oklahoma Tribe. She also considers tone her heritage has of- online at www.lotoradio. ou are cordially invited to attend . . . City. And it wasn’t long her fans to be a part of her fered her. Edwards said com. Y after the family followed tribe. she embraces her heritage Her offi cial website is The Choctaw Nation Lainey to Nashville to In 2009 Edwards re- and where she came from. http://www.laineyed- of pursue her ambitions. corded and released her “My passion is to get wards.com, where you Oklahoma’s Legal Assistance Events It’s not an easy task, fi rst album, “Lucky Girl,” back into Oklahoma as can watch her new music moving to a city full of it included 12 songs that much as I can, work with video “Barnstormin’,” musicians and pushing she co-wrote. my own tribe, develop as well as listen to some Samantha Guinn, a licensed attorney, will be into singer-songwriter This summer she re- awareness towards the of her songs, read up on available to provide assistance with simple legal stardom. But, Edwards leased a new fi ve-song ex- culture,” Edwards said. her latest news, and plan documents. This service is free to all Choctaw is on her way, and off ers tended play, or EP, called “Everyone is so fascinated ahead to see one of her members. Examples of matters she may be able to appreciation for every “Barnstormin’.” The title when I say I am Native shows. assist with are: • Family law (adoption, divorces, custody, child support) • Contracts and leases • Guardianships and modifi cations

Community Center Schedule

November • 11/5 Broken Bow (at 10:00 a.m. instead of 9:00 a.m.) • 11/12 Atoka • 11/17 Coalgate

9 a.m. - 1 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Now Open At the Choctaw Please contact the community center to conﬁ rm she will be there Casino Resort in Durant. Sun - Thurs 11am - Midnight before traveling. Currently we are not providing representation in Fri & Sat 10am - 2am court or assisting in criminal matters.

2015 Bow Shoot Schedule APPLYING FOR A JOB? Turkey Shoot, Nov. 14 Registration, 10:30 Competition, 11:00 NEED HELP? S B|H B|NO C B 5 & under; 6-8; 9-13; 14-16; 17-19; 20 & over

Prizes for each age group at the end of each shoot. Final prize awarded at end of year for Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma is offering assistance to overall points. individuals who would like to submit an application Information, please call for employment and need assistance with the process Sue Folsom (800) 522.6170x2134 or Pam Waugh (580) 775.7862 or any of the following:  Creating a user profile Southeastern Oklahoma Indian Credit Association  Applying for Choctaw Nation jobs  Resume building/reviewing and Choctaw Revolving Loan Fund  Interviewing tips and skills 10am-3pm e Southeastern Oklahoma Indian Credit Association o ers small business, home, home improvement, and agriculture loans. To be eligible to apply, a person must reside within the 10 1/2-county service area of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and must possess a Certi cate of For additional information or ANTLERS November 9, 2015 Field Office Degree of Indian Blood (CDIB) from a federally recognized tribe. questions please contact: ATOKA October 20, 2015 Field Office Micro-loans are available for emergency home improvements and small Stephanie Burton BETHAL December 1, 2015 Field Office [email protected] BROKEN BOW December 2, 2015 Field Office businesses. e loans are available up to $2,500 and are to be repaid COALGATE November 12, 2015 Field Office 580 924 8280 ext.2771 within 24 months. To be eligible to apply you must be Choctaw, possess a CROWDER October 13, 2015 Field Office Craig Northcutt CDIB and you must reside within the 10 1/2 county area of the Choctaw DURANT October 15, 2015 Field Office Nation. [email protected] HUGO October 14, 2015 Field Office For more information, please contact Susan Edwards at 580.924.8280 580 924 8280 ext.2582 IDABEL December 9, 2015 Field Office or toll-free 800.522.6170. MCALESTER October 22, 2015 Field Office POTEAU October 29, 2015 Field Office If you are interested in applying for a loan from the SOICA or the SMITHVILLE December 3, 2015 Field Office Choctaw Revolving Loan Fund, there will be a representative from the SPIRO October 28, 2015 Field Office Choctaw Nation Credit Department at the: STIGLER October 27, 2015 Field Office TALIHINA November 5, 2015 Field Office Idabel Community Center • October 30 WILBURTON November 4, 2015 Field Office Crowder Community Center • November 13 WRIGHT CITY December 8, 2015 Field Office at 9:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. & 1 p.m. - 2 p.m. BISKINIK | October 2015 15

Iti Fabussa

Photo by Brandon Frye A mound at the Spiro Mounds historical site, where the prehistoric members of the Missis- sipian culture lived and celebrated times like the Green Corn Ceremony. The season of harvest arrives at Spiro Mounds and beyond By BRANDON FRYE perpendicularly to the and renew a connection to . . . the moon peeks through the forest as you walk, lighting your way. Off in the dis- Choctaw Nation sun. As a result, across the the Creator, fires in homes tance you hear it, at first very faint, then louder as it moves closer. The haunting call world, the days and nights were squelched. The only of an owl. Within seconds, it swoops over your head and lands on the fence post along Autumn officially began are equal at 12 hours and two times this occurred your path, turning its head to look at you. Does your heart skip a beat? Are you filled for the northern hemi- the sun moves across the were for this ceremony, or with dread? If so, you are not alone. For many Choctaws, seeing an owl is a clear omen sphere on Sept. 23, this sky, rising and falling at for someone’s death. of an imminent family related illness, accident, or something far worse. For the month year’s autumnal equinox. exactly east and west. The second day was of October, Iti Fabvssa will explore the legend surrounding owls. Nowadays, some rejoice This coincided with a fast, and a spiritual in this seasonal milestone harvest time, and reaping leader gave herbal drinks Judy tells of a young girl, a resident of Carter Seminary. She because it marks the return what they had celebrated out to help people purify awoke in such a fright that the night staff were unable to console of college football, a need during the Green Corn themselves physically and her. Through her sobs she wanted nothing more than to call home. for sweaters, and maybe a Ceremony. spiritually. When Judy asked the staff what was happening the staff let her pumpkin-flavored treat. For Choctaws, when Then, the males and know that the young girl had had a bad dream and wanted to call But to Native Americans corn reached the green females separated, and home. Of course they denied her this request; it was 2 a.m. Judy inquired about the young girl’s dream. When she learned it was of of the past and present–es- stage of growth, and when they bathed in a purifying an owl, she immediately chastised the staff members and allowed pecially those who be- spiritual leaders decided, herbal solution. The fast the young girl to call home. Her uncle had just died. longed to the Mississippian a ritual and celebration continued through the Culture of North America known as the Green Corn night and the next day. Judy’s story is not unique. Many families have stories of owls and their ominous or descended from them as Ceremony began. This was Sometime during that day, warnings of death in the family, whether extended or close. According to missionary the early Choctaw ances- usually sometime between they broke their fast with accounts, owl stories were prevalent in our homeland as well, including one of the tors did–the onset of the June to August. a feast, and that evening Choctaw ishkitini, or the horned owl. (Swanson 2011:199) It was believed it prowled harvest season signaled an “The Green Corn Cer- they had the main part of at night killing men and animals. If it screeched, it meant this death was sudden, entirely different series of emony was the most im- the stomp dance. as with a murder. If the ofunlo, or screech owl, was heard it signified a young child cultural events. portant time of the year for The stomp dance oc- under seven in the family would die very soon given the owl itself was small in size. If It was time to collect, traditional Choctaw com- curred around a fire. The the opa, or common owl, perched on trees near the home and hooted, then this was prepare, and store for the munities in the 1700’s, and fire was seen as being an ominous warning of death among close relatives. winter months. some Choctaw people even sacred, seen as having a “If my grandma heard a screech owl, she would just tremble in The spiritual importance still today,” Ian Thompson, connection with God. The fear!” of the sun and fire also Director of Historic Pres- smoke from the fire carried Mary Sockey travelled the Trail of Tears with her siblings and parents. Her mother, played a role. ervation for the Choctaw people’s prayers up to God. sister, and she were among the only survivors of her family. Having lost relatives as Choctaws believed the Nation of Oklahoma, said. There was a caller who young as two years old in Mississippi, and then young siblings during removal, she sun to be a hole in the sky It was a time of renewal, led it. The females had was well aware of the pain in losing small children. It is no wonder she held an intense through which this greater purification, forgiveness, turtle shell rattles on their fear of screech owls. But why an owl? Why is the owl the messenger of such bad news? being watched over the and a time of coming legs, and they kept the beat earth. Fire was revered as together as a community to of the music. Joseph recounted a story of his youth, north of Madill. Elders Then the fourth day sat on the porch at night. They saw in the distance an owl. It flew it was considered a repre- prepare for the following closer and landed near them. Each time they tried to scare it, it sentation of, or connection year, he added. of the ceremony, it was would fly away only to return and land in the exact same spot. It to the Creator. Thompson recalled time spent with friends was a different looking owl, much too tall and bulky. It would flut- Keeping this in mind, the an account of a Choctaw and family again. And ter its wings and appear to dance before them. One of the elders importance of the autum- Green Corn Ceremony held coals from the sacred fire went into the house, grabbed his gun, and returned to the porch to nal equinox to the Missis- in the Sugarloaf Mountains were spread to each living shoot it. It was shot in the leg and flew away. The next day, one of sippian tribes, and later during the late 1800’s: space. the elders reported to the others that a local witch or Indian doctor Choctaws, becomes clear. On the first day, people Some Choctaws still was in the hospital with a leg amputation. An equinox occurs twice set up camp and spent practice the Green Corn Olin remembered, this owl was different. We hired an Indian a year when the poles of time with friends. Ceremony, or something doctor to assess the situation during the day time and he found the the earth become oriented To facilitate purification similar. owl to be an Indian doctor who wished to harm a family member. He offered us a solution to get rid of it. We crushed red bricks and replaced the pellets with brick dust in our shells. When we fired Chahta Anumpa them off at the owl, the red dust scared it away. uuu Aiikhvna uuu Stories like these tell of great witches, or hatukchaya, that can transform themselves Lesson of the Month into owls. Once the hatakchaya is an owl, they use their medicine on unsuspecting Vocabulary: vno akosh – I, the one who people. For this reason, people have grown fearful of owls and want to avoid interac- …initiates an action with ‘li’ – ‘I’ tion with them because their presence is a warning of bad things to come. Tradition- 1. Vno akosh tamaha ia la chi. ally, we consulted the village Indian doctor, or alikchi, to determine if an owl was a Conversationally: Anakosh tamaha ia la chi. hatukchaya. We took their suggestions to counteract the upcoming disaster. Over time I am the one who will go to town. people noticed strange human-like characteristics of hatukchaya owls that made them easier to differentiate between regular owls: their deep throated or unusual hoot, their 2. Vno akosh shulush himona chompa li tuk. ability to laugh, their tall stature or roundness like a man, even their ability to dance, Conversationally: Anakosh shulush himona chompa li tuk. walk, jump, and move like a human. Despite this, people remain suspicious of all owls. I am the one who bought new shoes. Olin offered this story. Down in Mississippi, my mother was 3. Vno akosh chiba hopona la chi. scared. Very scared because of two owls that would land on the Conversationally: Anakosh chiba hopona la chi. clothesline, swoop down and walk around on the ground every I am the one who will cook with you. evening. Over and over like a nightly ritual. I prayed with her. Then watched it happen again through the dining room window. 4. Vno akosh California ia la chi sv yimmi. Same thing, then they flew off. I went outside thinking there was Conversationally: Anakosh California ia la chi sa yimmi. something that was attracting these owls. Then I smelled the I believe I am the one who will go to California. smell, was there a gas leak? I called the gas company and they found a gas leak. While the man was fixing the leak, I asked him Vocabulary: vno ako – me, the one whom….an action directed if the owls would be attracted to the smell. He told me they would toward me. be but also the change in the air. With the leak the air was heavier and they could see it when evening came. It had nothing to do with 1. Vno ako sv pisa tuk kiyo. Conversationally: Anako sv pisa tuk kiyo. the superstition at all; it was science. It was me, the one whom he did not see. Our stories, including our legend, are passed down from generation to generation. A rich oral tradition could explain why we believe in the ominous warnings of owls or 2. Vno ako vm anoli tuk. their true identity as witches. The next time you see an owl, where will your mind take Conversationally: Anako vm anoli tuk. you? It was me, the one whom he told.

3. Vno ako a nukowa tuk. Conversationally: Anako a nukowa tuk. Choctaw Language It was me, the one with whom he got mad. 4. Vno ako sv hoyo tuk. Word of the Day Conversationally: Anako sv hoyo tuk. It was me, the one whom he was looking for.

vno akosh (ah-noh-ah-kohsh) = the one who chiba – with you conversationally: anakosh (ah-nah-kohsh) hoponi – to cook tamaha (tah-mah-ha) = town yimmi – believe ia (e-yah) = go nukowa – mad la (lah) = I li (lih) hoyo – looking for me chi (chehn) = future tense marker shulush (shoh-lohsh) shoe/shoes chompa (chohm-pah) – buy/purchase himona (hih-moh-nah) - new sv- I or me (referring to self) li (lih) - I pisa (pehn-sah) – see tuk (tohk) - past tense marker kiyo (key-yoh) – not a; vm (ahm) – to or for me anoli (ah-noh-li) – tell vno ako (ah-noh-ah-kon) – me, the one whom conversationally: anako (ah-nah-kohn)

www.choctawschool.com 16 BISKINIK | October 2015 Durant

Audrianna Tom is all Early arrival in Durant smiles in her Choctaw is Joyce Gilmore, who dress. The 5-year-old is is often seen at District the daughter of Jared 9 events. As the mother Tom who set up a stick- of Josephine, the Junior ball display booth and Miss, she helps out with did traditional dancing. the driving and dressing.

The Lord’s Prayer in sign language is always a crowd The Snake Dance is performed by dance troupe and guests at the Community Meeting. The Choctaw dancers favorite at cultural events. From left, District 9’s wind in, out, and around each other on the dance ﬂ oor. A chanter and beating sticks keep the rhythm going Little Miss Kenzie Wilson, Junior Miss Josephine at a fast pace. Social dancing is one of the highlights of the Choctaw Cultural Community Meetings, and the Gilmore, and Senior Miss Kayleigh Powell demon- one held in Durant at the Choctaw Event Center Sept. 22 was no exception. strate with precision and grace.

Jacob Brittingham, 11, a Boswell ﬁ fth-grader, gets a Durant family, from left, Elaine Bennett, Jennifer Rosa Gilmore wins a Choctaw ballcap, presented lesson in beading from his grandmother Teresa Ja- Paddock, Laynie Paddock and Lerran Preston check by Chief Batton, during the drawing. Door prizes cob, also of Boswell. As she worked with her grand- their tickets during the drawing for door prizes. included everything from tote bags to beadwork. son, she explained that she still lives on the land allotted to her grandparents. Artist Bazaar

John Berry and Russell Washington, with Achukma Theresa Prough attended the Artist Bazaar with granddaughter Pecan Oil, sit ready to inform attendees about the culi- Tristan Boucher, who is learning traditional Choctaw art from nary and healthy-living uses of their cold-pressed oils. Prough. Lorene Blaine, a Choctaw who is popular with folks in need of tasty fry bread or jewelry to go with their traditional clothing, sat near the entrance to the Choctaw Welcome Center in Photos by Charles Clark & Colbert for the Artist Bazaar. She greeted visi- Brandon Frye tors and told them about her bead work and embroidery.

Sheila Johnson (left) makes beaded jewelry, including necklaces and hats with beadwork brims. Husband Jarbis Johnson makes turtle rattles, war clubs, and knives. Grandson Emanuel Johnson (right) makes both jewelry and weaponry.

Linda Lou of Antlers weaves baskets while chatting with attendees. She has traveled and learned from basket weavers across the country from diﬀ erent tribes.