More Festival photos on Pages 8-12

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

BISKINIKThe Official Publication of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma

October 2010 Issue Serving 203,193 Choctaws Worldwide Choctaws ... growing with pride, hope and success

Our strength will sustain future generations Chief Pyle’s State of the

Delton Cox, Speaker Nation address focuses on past and present heroes Cooler temperatures over the weekend brought out huge crowds to enjoy all that the Choctaw Nation Labor Day Festi- val has to offer. A highlight of the festival every year is Chief Gregory E. Pyle’s State of the Nation address as thousands gather on Monday on the Capitol grounds at Tushka Homma. “This year’s Labor Day theme is ‘Heroes of the Past.’ Cer- James Frazier, Secretary tainly Brother Bertram Bobb is one of our past, and current, heroes,” said Chief Pyle of a special presentation made to Trib- al Chaplain Bertram Bobb, recognizing him for a lifetime of achievements. “Many of our past heroes were members of our military and we will always honor their service to our country. “We have a great relationship with the military. The Choctaw Chief Gregory E. Pyle and Assistant Chief Gary Batton present Tribal Chap- Nation provides support to our troops in many ways. We con- lain Bertram Bobb with a Lifetime Achievement Award. tinue to send care packages to our troops stationed overseas, whether they are Indian or non-Indian,” said Chief Pyle. “We will provide a deployment send-off when the Oklahoma Na- Joe Coley, Chaplain tional Guard leaves for Afghanistan in January. “We also provide help with Wounded Warrior flights. This is Chaplain Bertram Bobb receives Council elects where we fly wounded troops to various locations around the country for medical care or to rejoin them with their families. Lifetime Achievement Award 2010-11 officers Recently, on one of these flights, the control tower in Houston Honoring a lifetime of achievement, United States, always sharing the Gospel learned that a wounded warrior was on the flight and asked if Chief Gregory E. Pyle and Assistant and singing hymns in his beautiful, deep The Choctaw Nation they could speak to him. Our pilot, a veteran himself, gave the Chief Gary Batton presented Choctaw voice. Tribal Council elected of- microphone to the soldier and told the controller to go ahead. Nation Chaplain Bertram Bobb with The Bertram Bobb Bible Camp near ficers during its Sept. 11 The controller started talking to him. He thanked the soldier a glittering crystal award while thou- Ringold has a spring retreat and a long regular session. District 4 sands of onlookers showed their appre- summer program for youth each year. The Councilman Delton Cox for his service and wished him a speedy recovery. He then said ciation with thunderous applause at the many people whose lives he has touched was re-elected by accla- that anyone else on that frequency who wanted to say anything mation to serve another could go ahead. One after another, they kept talking. One pi- 2010 Labor Day Festival. The crystal appreciate his tireless work as Director year as Speaker of the lot would get on then another. They continued lining up, all stairsteps on the Lifetime Achievement of the Christian Indian Ministries Inc. of Council. wishing the soldier well and thanking him for his service and Award trophy presented by the Chief Antlers and as a board member on the Na- See Officers sacrifice. We are so proud that the Choctaw Nation is able to were accompanied by a brass plaque tive American Bible Ministries Inc. on Page 13 help in this effort. that reads “Thank you for your Chris- As people leapt to their feet to give “We have to support our neighbors,” Chief Pyle said. “A re- tian Leadership: Psalms 37:23 The Brother Bobb a much-deserved standing Special election cent flood in Arkansas took the lives of 19 people. Several of steps of a good man are ordered by the ovation when presented with his Life- our forestry staff volunteered to go to Arkansas to offer aid. Lord: and he delighteth in his way.” time Achievement Award, Chief Pyle for District 1 “Our Going Green program continues – ‘sustaining our Brother Bobb, at 86 years young, also thanked him for his dedication to The Choctaw Nation people, our traditions, our earth.’ The Choctaw have always is the only person ever to hold the of- the military. “Brother Bobb, as a veteran, will hold a special elec- been protectors of the environment, especially water. This is fice of Choctaw Nation Tribal Chap- has served our country, and he has also tion Oct. 30 to fill the seat extremely important,” Chief Pyle stressed. “You are probably lain. Ordained in 1954, he still stays been instrumental in helping the Choctaw vacated by the death of aware that others are interested in acquiring the water from busy every day with his ministry. His Code Talkers be recognized nationally,” Councilman Hap Ward. Sardis Lake and some have even made a monetary investment column, “Chaplain’s Corner,” in BIS- said Chief Pyle. “Brother Bobb was tre- Four candidates have toward that. By treaty, the tribe’s water has never been given KINIK reaches 77,000 households mendously effective in the halls of Con- filed for the District 1 up. This is still our water, and we will fight for the protection each month and he travels extensive- gress when we were seeking co-sponsors seat – Thomas Rhea Wil- of this natural resource for all of southeastern Oklahoma, even ly, both in Oklahoma and across the See BOBB on Page 13 liston, Jonathan Anthony though it may take years to resolve. “Tony” Ward, Rich- “One of Choctaw Nation’s most successful programs is the ard “Rick” Impson and STAR program,” he informed the audience. “This program, Matilda Wade Paxton. Success Through Academic Recognition, rewards Choctaw students who make good grades or have perfect attendance. Choctaw Nation Through our STAR program, we have seen a significant in- to honor veterans crease in our students’ grades and school attendance. We are happy to announce that this program is now going nationwide. The Choctaw Nation “The Choctaw Nation continues to grow and prosper. Some will honor its veterans of the new construction recently completed includes a new arts with a ceremony on No- and crafts building at Tushka Homma, a new Child Develop- vember 11 at Tushka ment Center in Durant, new Social Services building and Well- Homma. The ceremony ness Center in Hugo, new scoreboards at ballfields here at the will begin at 11 a.m. Staff capitol grounds and a new Red Warrior statue in front of the will be on hand at 10 a.m. capitol building. on the Capitol Grounds Plans for future construction include new community centers near the War Memorial. All Choctaw veterans will and child development centers as well as a new amphitheater at receive a token of grati- Tushka Homma. The new amphitheater will be twice this size. tude. A free meal will fol- “Our tribal vision is ‘to achieve healthy, successful, produc- low the ceremony. tive and self-sufficient lifestyles for a proud nation of Choc- taws.’ This continues to be our goal – to better serve you … u What’s inside the Choctaw people. Our continued economic development will create more jobs, more revenue and ultimately more ser- Notes to the Nation...... 2 vices for our tribal members. Road projects will improve ac- Chief Gregory E. Pyle, Jr. Miss Choctaw Nation Nikki Amos, Miss Choctaw Na- Columns...... 3 cess to health care, schools and jobs. I want all of our families tion Kristie McGuire, Little Miss Choctaw Nation Mahala Battiest and Assistant Nursery News...... 4 to achieve our vision of healthy, successful and self-sufficient Chief Gary Batton. People You Know...... 6 Choctaws. Food Distribution...... 12 “I want to take a moment to recognize our Tribal Council VocRehab Calendar...... 13 who take their responsibility to the Choctaw people very se- Obituaries...... 15 riously,” Chief Pyle said. “They continually look out for the 2010-11 Princesses are crowned Iti Fabvssa...... 16 needs of our people and we appreciate their service to the Na- Choctaw Nation royalty reigning for Guire. She attends the University of Cen- tion. We also want to remember one of our Councilmen who 2010-11 are Jr. Miss Nikki Amos of tral Oklahoma with a major in biology. The Mission passed away just last month. Hap Ward was a good friend of Broken Bow, Sr. Miss Kristie McGuire Kristi demonstrated her storytelling skills of the Choctaw mine and a friend to all Choctaws. He loved his people and of Keota and Little Miss Mahala Bat- during the talent portion of the pageant by Nation of Oklahoma spent his time serving him. Although Hap can never be re- tiest of Wright City. The young ladies, relating a story about corn. pictured with Chief Gregory E. Pyle Jr. Miss Nikki Amos is the daughter of T o enhance the lives of all placed in our hearts, a special election will be held Oct. 30 for members through oppor- the District 1 Council position. and Assistant Chief Gary Batton, were Mike and Vicky Amos. She attends school tunities designed to de- “In closing, I want to emphasize that the Choctaw Nation crowned at the Choctaw Nation Prin- at Lukfata Elementary. Nikki shared a velop healthy, successful continues to be strong. As we honor our heroes of the past, cess Pageant held Thursday, Sept. 2, the beautiful song in Choctaw, “Beulah Land,” and productive lifestyles. we remember our heritage and continue our traditions. Our opening night of the annual Labor Day during the talent competition. strength and our continued growth will sustain our future gen- Festival at Tushka Homma. Little Miss Mahala Battiest is the daugh- The BISKINIK Miss Choctaw Nation Kristie Mc- ter of Jeremy Scott Battiest and Rachel is printed on erations to follow. And we will remain a proud Nation of Choc- recycled paper. taws!” Guire is the daughter of Harold Mc- See PRINCESSES on Page 13 October 2010, BISKINIK, Page 2

NOTES TO THE NATION Reservations for Labor Day RV sites No reservations will be accepted prior to January 1, 2011 2011 RV Space Reservation -PAYMENTS -GENERAL PARKING Name______All 2011 reservations will be made by mail. No RVs will be allowed to park in general parking. Reservations must be post-marked Jan. 1, 2011, or later. -ANIMALS Address______Reservations must be paid in full in the form of a money Animals will NOT be allowed in the festival area with order or cashier’s check. the exception of dogs owned by physically challenged in- City/State/Zip______NO PERSONAL CHECK WILL BE ACCEPTED. All dividuals. Respect your neighbor and clean up after your personal checks will be returned without reservations being animal. Daytime Phone/Cell Number______made. The fee for the weekend’s camping from Thursday -SANITATION through Monday will be $75. A sign-up sheet will be provided at the RV booth for Email______-VEHICLES WITH RVs those wishing to have on-site dumping of gray and black The payment of $75 allows one (1) RV/travel trailer and water tanks. RV self-contained camper description and length: one (1) vehicle into the RV area. A $10 fee will be charged Payment will be made to employees at the RV booth. for each additional vehicle pass requested. There will be a $50 fine for anyone caught dumping gray ______Due to limited space, no reservations will be made for or black water in the RV area. A local dumping station is public tables, tents, or boats in the RV area. No tents will be provided for individual dumping by sanitation personnel. ______allowed to hook up to an RV outlet. The $75 camping fee A second warning would mean eviction from the camping is for one RV only. area. ______-REFUNDS -TOW-AWAY OF VEHICLES No refunds will be given after Aug. 5, 2011. All pads not Any vehicle blocking access roads/areas between RV ______filled by 6 p.m. on Saturday will be offered to those on a rows may be towed at owner’s expense. waiting list. A fee will be charged to these RV campers. RVs may pull into the camping area no earlier than Number of slide-outs______-PHONE RESERVATIONS 8 a.m. on Wednesday before Labor Day. NO PHONE RESERVATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED - Only one (1) reservation per application - - NO EXCEPTIONS. One reservation per application. We Please return the form on the right with your reserva- No reservations accepted prior to Jan. 1, 2011. will do our best to respect requests for preferred RV pads, tion. Please include a copy of your CDIB. Be sure to Please return to: however, we cannot guarantee you will get the pad number include the length of your RV or camper and the num- Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma requested. Reservations will be dated and time stamped as ber of slide-outs. We need a daytime telephone number ATTN: Margaret Jackson received. should we need to contact you. Thank you. P.O. Box 1210, Durant, OK 74702

Thank you Pride for Choctaw Tribe Veteran’s Pow wow from Timothy On Easter Sunday in May 1929, Vina Bohanon Bell The Choctaw Veteran’s Association’s Veteran’s Pow Selby died from tuberculosis. Vina and her husband, Silas wow will be held on Oct. 23 at the Talihina High School I would like to take Perry Bell had three children who were now orphans. gymnasium. This free-admission Pow wow will be honor- this opportunity to thank After Silas Bell died Vina had her three small children ing lady veterans and tribal code talkers. The Pow wow be- Chief Greg Pyle, Assis- and a farm to manage. Hester W. Selby had worked with gins at 2 p.m. with gourd dancing followed by supper at 5, tant Chief Gary Batton Silas in managing the farms. When he saw the burden Vina more gourd dancing at 6 and the grand entry and inter-tribal and the Choctaw Na- was carrying plus tuberculosis, he asked her to marry him. dancing at 7. All color guards, veterans and princesses are tion for their assistance He took her and her small family to Hope, N.M. Vina lived invited and the public is welcome. in helping me further my education. I would also like to three more years in this drier climate. thank Mrs. Penny James, Mrs. Gena Fowler and the Career Vina and her sister, Elsie Bohanon Anderson, had an Development of the Choctaw Nation for all their assistance agreement that when death came Elsie would rear the chil- Haskell Alumni Reunion through this program. In addition, I would like to thank Rita dren. Vina Bohanon and Elsie Bohanon were original en- Workman and all of the staff of the Vocational Develop- The Haskell Alumni Association of Oklahoma invites rollees of our Choctaw Tribe. alumni and friends to the annual Haskell Reunion on ment Program for all their help. A very special thank you Elsie’s husband was seldom around, so she reared Edith goes out to Councilman Jack Austin for his assistance in Oct. 29-31 at the Holiday Inn in Norman located at 1000 Virla Bell Poe, George W. Bell and Imogene Bell Horton. N. Interstate Dr. For any questions call Loretta Burgess at advising me about the programs that are offered through All three children did well. the Choctaw Nation. 918-633-7030 or email at [email protected] Please Edith is nearing 91 and has published a book of her mem- pass this reunion information to all Haskell alumni! I recently graduated from the Practical Nursing Program oirs as a teacher. She taught 34 years. Her first year was in a at the Kiamichi Technology Center in Idabel and have one-room school near Cushing. She taught every grade ex- passed the NCLEX and received my license as an LPN. cept kindergarten. Her last 12 years were as Assistant Pro- Once again, thank you very much. fessor of Reading with the Department of Reading at the Oklahoma Choctaws Timothy Davis University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond. She calls her book, “Through My Classroom Door,” by Edith Bell Poe. list October activities Without Aunt Elsie this accomplishment would not have The OK Choctaw Tribal Alliance (OCTA) in Oklahoma Thank you to Outreach Services been possible. City is getting over a busy month they had in September. I can’t explain enough how grateful I am for each and I feel a deep pride in my tribe when I read the wonderful Their taco trailer participated in the Labor Day Celebration every one of the workers from the Outreach Services from things that are done for our people. Be proud of who you at Tushka Homma the first weekend and the Governor’s the Hugo office. Thank you to all who went above and are and make the most of your opportunities as directed Septemberfest held at the Governor’s Mansion in Okla- beyond in your assistant to me. I just can’t say thank you by your able leader, Gregory Pyle and his Assistant Gary homa City the second weekend in addition to their monthly enough. I believe each and every one of you did your job Batton. taco sale on the 3rd. as expected and your kindness made me feel like family. I The Alliance will have their monthly taco sale with an Edith Bell Poe believe this is the Choctaw people way. This is how they inside garage sale and a bake sale on Saturday, Oct. 9, from have always helped people. 11-2:30 at the Alliance building. For information on the ga- Your kindness and smiles made me feel at ease and wel- rage sale, contact Mary Ann Allen at 405-573-1099, and come. God bless each one of you. Thank you for support for the bake sale contact Joyce Robinson at 405-677-5674. If you ever need any help call the Outreach Workers. I These sales are to generate funds for the Christmas dinner Words cannot express my gratitude to Chief Pyle, As- was given assistance by different people that I didn’t know. and related expenses. There will also be the weekly Chil- sistant Chief Batton and the Tribal Council for being there Chief Pyle has some good people working in Hugo that are dren’s Language class from 11 to 12 that is held each Sat- to help me through one of the most devastating times of my Outreach workers and I am sure everywhere else. A special urday. The adult language classes started up again in Sep- life. As Choctaw people, we are fortunate to have a chief as thanks to Brandy Clay, Connie Courtwright, Darryl Brown, tember and are held each Tuesday at 7. In addition to the compassionate and caring as Chief Pyle. I will never forget Carey Lester, Jason Wade and Jessica Allred. Choctaw language, dancing, history, culture and ceremo- the help and support. May God bless each of you. Larry Wesly nial dancing are also taught. The children’s class is similar LaDon Smith but with more emphasis on language. For information on these classes, contact Norris Samuels at 405-672-5653. The adult class started Sept. 14 and is a block of about 16 weeks Gregory E. Pyle Gary Batton Thank you from Washington and may be difficult to get in to unless you may have some Chief Assistant Chief prior language experience. Call Norris to be sure. Please extend our gratitude and thanks to Chief Gregory The beading class continues each Thursday evening from The Official Pyle and Asstistant Chief Gary Batton as well as the other 6 to 8 with Laura Belt. She can be contacted at 405-637- Monthly Publication representatives who came out to Tacoma on Aug. 6 to 0054. The Alliance General Meeting will be on Monday of the visit with members of the Choctaws out here in far-flung the 11th at 7 p.m. following the pot luck dinner at 6 p.m. Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Washington State. Even though we arrived late due to This month they will have a speaker, Dawn Nix, who is parking difficulties, we enjoyed ourselves immensely Judy Allen, Executive Director the Choctaw Nation IDA Coordinator for Choctaw Asset Vonna Shults, Web Director during the evening and the pleasant, friendly, family-wel- Building. Melissa Stevens, Circulation Director coming atmosphere did much to dispel our earlier frustra- Also for October, the Alliance is planning a Choctaw Janine Dills, Executive Assistant tions. Gospel Singing on Sunday the 31st but the time has not Lana Sleeper, Marketing Manager Once settled in the audience, we found ourselves feel- been finalized as of the time of this writing. Contact Phyllis ing like we were part of a large, happy family reunion. Been at 634-6259 or the number below to see if a time has Lisa Reed, Editor Chief Pyle, a wonderful speaker who is full of warmth and Larissa Copeland, Assistant Editor been set for this event. Karen Jacob, Purchasing Coordinator congeniality, added to this atmosphere. It was a pleasure The Alliance’s Senior Outing & Clothing Closet contin- Brenda Wilson, Administrative Assistant meeting him later during the picture session and Asstis- ues each Friday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. with a different Chrissy Dill, Journalism Intern tant Chief Gary Batton was kind and patient in listening menu planned at noon each week. Contact Della Eisel at Bret Moss, Journalism Intern to concerns and addressing them. 265-1963 for more information on the Outing and remem- The language lesson, although a struggle because of ber it’s not just for seniors, all ages are welcome. Just show P.O. Box 1210 the audience’s confusion, was still informative and fun. up and join in the fun. Durant, OK 74702 Because we came late we missed out on the edible treats (580) 924-8280 • (800) 522-6170 The Alliance is located at 5320 S. Youngs Blvd., in Okla- Fax (580) 924-4148 offered; however, this was not something either of us ex- homa City, about five blocks north of SW 59th Street be- www.choctawnation.com pected, and was a pleasant surprise (we did get to nibble tween May and Pennsylvania Avenues. For information e-mail: [email protected] on some tasty cheese later). about membership or Alliance activities, contact Phyllis The BISKINIK is printed each month as a service to tribal There were several booths offering information and lots Been at 405-535-8418 (cell), or Judith Bryant at 405-755- members. The BISKINIK reserves the right to edit submitted of freebies (pens, bags and coasters). This we didn’t ex- 6983. material which it finds inaccurate, profane, offensive or- mor pect, either, but were happy to scoop up. The little gold ally unacceptable. Copy may be edited for proper grammar and punctuation. Copy will be accepted in any readable form, but pins given out when we arrived have adorned us almost where possible, it is requested that material be typewritten and daily, and the T-shirts were also a welcome treasure. double spaced. You must include an address or phone number All-in-all, we thoroughly enjoyed the evening, and Southeastern Oklahoma where you may be reached. Due to space limitations and the were happy and blessed to have attended. Thank you so Indian Credit Association quantity of article submissions, we are unable to include every- much for coming out here to meet with us, listen to our thing we receive. The Southeastern Oklahoma Indian Credit Association If you are receiving more than one BISKINIK at your home concerns, share the news of the tribe and make available offers small business, home, home improvement and ag- or if your address needs changed, we would appreciate hearing opportunities for personal improvement (schooling, etc.). riculture loans. from you. Living here in Washington State we often feel like we’re To be eligible to apply, a person must reside within the The BISKINIK is a nonprofit publication of the Choctaw Na- a forgotten corner of the world. It was nice to be remem- 10-1/2 county service area of the Choctaw Nation of Okla- tion. bered with a personal visit by tribal leadership. homa and must possess a Certificate of Degree of Indian Circulation is monthly. Article deadline is the 10th of the month for the following month’s edition. God bless you all and keep you in His care. Blood (CDIB) from a federally recognized tribe. BISKINIK® 2010 For more information, please contact Susan Edwards at Bill and Kathleen Webb 580-924-8280 or toll-free 800-522-6170. October 2010, BISKINIK, Page 3 Festival wonderful venue to show art and culture crowded with customers enjoying the fabulous wares and the air conditioning. New Cultural Center This was a marvelous improvement from previous years’ outside pavilion shopping of arts and crafts. All arts and a marvelous improvement crafts vendors were in the same building, and all were From the desk of Chief Gregory E. Pyle equally comfortable. Located conveniently at the top of the hill by the amphitheater, customers could slip in and out I appreciate all the workers who volunteered to help without missing much of the concerts. make the 2010 Labor Day a success. It has been estimated The Cultural Center is an architectural match to the caf- that this was the largest attendance of any festival we have eteria that was opened at Tushka Homma last year. Both are ever hosted. Each year, improvements to the grounds and roofed in red (like our Capitol), and constructed with stone expansion of events help make the gathering more enjoy- and earthy colors. Visitors enjoy the historic photos that are able than ever before. framed and displayed throughout both buildings. It was a pleasure to hear the many compliments on the This was the seventh year for the Art Show that is held good looks and comfort of the new Cultural Center at the in the Capitol Museum. The talent of the Choctaws who Tribal Capitol Grounds in Tushka Homma. The booth had entered their artwork this year awed me. Many of the spaces were filled with items created by talented craftsmen paintings, sculptures, jewelry items, baskets and pots de- (and women) and the pathways inside the building were picted things that brought memories of Choctaw stories and legends to my mind. The Trail of Tears, Code Talkers and animals from children’s tales were just a few of the historic depictions in the art show this year. This is definitely an Sharing heritage at Labor Day Festival important event on the festival agenda each year and I en- who served our country in Code Talkers, one written courage all Choctaw artists to enter the 2011 show. World War I as the original for adults and one for chil- There were two unveilings during the weekend – the first Code Talkers. dren. of a warrior hero in front of the Capitol Building. The sec- The gavel of presidency An exhibit at the Capitol ond monument unveiled was in memory of heroes at the of the organization changed Building Museum features softball field – umpires, coaches and players who have sup- hands at this meeting the Choctaw Code Talk- ported the game over the many years since we have been from Evangeline Wilson, ers, and a new part of that hosting the tournament at Tushka Homma. I recognized a the niece of Code Talkers display is a trunk that was lot of names on the brass plates of the monument – some Mitchell Bobb and James owned by Walter Veach. The have passed on from this life. It was great to be able to re- Edwards, to newly elected contents of the trunk are laid member them in this manner. president Nuchi Nashoba, out for view – including per- One of my favorite things each year is to listen to story- the great-granddaughter of sonal grooming items and a teller Tim Tingle at the Monday morning ceremony. This Code Talker Ben Carterby. map of the area in France the year, Tim’s story was about the importance of protecting It was great to share infor- Code Talkers were first used. water, for ourselves as well as our neighbors. Since we are mation with the association Choctaw Nation and in the midst of an issue protecting the Sardis Lake, his cul- that we expect to see the first Choctaw People have an tural story fit perfectly with the present-day happenings. Congressional medals for impressive history and I am It was a blessing to be able to attend the festival and see Choctaw Code Talkers at proud to be a member of this so many of the friends and acquaintances we have made From the desk of Assistant pageant model their tradi- the end of 2011. Two of the great tribe and honored to over the years. Chief Gary Batton tional dress and speak in our descendants who walked the serve as Assistant Chief. Yakoke! language. halls of Congress with Chief Temperate weather made While these events, along and myself were present at all the events at the annual with the Social Dance, Stick- the meeting – Rev. Bertram festival extremely enjoy- ball Games and Choctaw Bobb (nephew of Mitchell able, but the activities I Village activities drew huge Bobb and James Edwards) Understanding God’s plan was most drawn to over the crowds; there was also a his- and Ruth Frazier McMillian weekend were the ones that torically significant Sunday- (daughter of Tobias Frazier). It was good to see and highlighted our heritage. afternoon event that hosted a The association was in- visit with many of you dur- Chaplain’s Corner It was a thrill to help Chief smaller audience. The 13th formed that the story of the ing the Labor Day Festival Pyle unveil the new statue in Annual Choctaw Code Talk- Choctaw telephone warriors at Tushka Homma. May the front of the Capitol Building er Association Board Meet- continues to be told – PBS Lord continue to bless each Museum, and it was heart- ing was held in the Tribal will air a documentary on of you. name that violates or falls warming to see the young Council Chambers, attended Oct. 21 and Patrick Calzada It is important that we short of His Glory. They are contestants in the Princess by descendants of the men is planning two books on have a clear understanding sins, and the committing of of what the Bible teaches any of them calls for punish- about God’s plan of Salva- ment by God. James said in tion. When we have this James 2:10: understanding, we can fully 10. “For whosoever shall hanksgiving Dinners praise God and thank Him keep the law, and yet offend T for what He has done for us. in one point, he is guilty of Antlers...... November 16...... 6 p.m. Let’s review the blessings all.” Atoka...... November 10...... 12 noon of God’s wonderful Salva- We read in Romans 3:23: Bethel...... November 22...... 6 p.m. Broken Bow...... November 18...... 6 p.m. tion. “For all have sinned, and Coalgate...... November 10...... 12 noon First, Salvation is needed come short of the glory of Coalgate Community...... November 21...... 2 p.m. by all. I believe the best God. Crowder...... November 17...... 11:30 a.m. place to begin our study of We read in Romans 6:23: Durant Community...... November 9...... 6 p.m. Salvation are these famil- “For the wages of sin is Hugo...... November 16...... 6 p.m. death; but the gift of God Idabel...... November 17...... 11:30 a.m. iar words from the book of McAlester...... November 17...... 11:30 a.m. Ephesians 2:8-9: is eternal life through Jesus McAlester Community...... November 21...... 1 p.m. 8. For by grace are you Christ our Lord.” Poteau...... November 17...... 11:30 a.m. saved through faith; and that Rev. Bertram Bobb Secondly, Salvation is a Smithville...... November 17...... 12 noon not of yourselves: it is the Tribal Chaplain gift of God’s Grace. Sinful Spiro...... November 16...... 11:30 a.m. gift of God: man needs a spiritual cleans- Stigler...... November 18...... 12 noon Talihina...... November 19...... 12 noon 9. Not of works, lest any ing. He must be forgiven Tuskahoma...... November 9...... 6 p.m. man should boast. completely so that so that he is removed Wilburton...... November 16...... 6 p.m. Notice that the apostle Paul said we are from condemnation to a place of acceptance Wright City...... November 18...... 6 p.m. saved by grace through faith. In some circles by the Almighty God. The Salvation that people don’t like to talk about being saved. God has provided through the gift of His To them is just doesn’t sound sophisticated. love does exactly that. But we must face the fact that the idea of Remember Ephesians 2:8: “For by grace being saved is very familiar throughout the are you saved through faith;…” Yes, Salva- Scripture. Therefore, we can and should feel tion is ours by grace. We should be thank- free to use that word “saved” without any ful for that, because not one of us as sinners apology. could ever save ourselves. Let’s look at some other passages where Grace as it relates to God might be de- his word “save” or “saved” is used. Matthew scribed as His favor toward those who do wrote in Matthew 1:21 about the Birth of Je- not deserve it. God’s grace is part of His be- sus Christ: ing, His very nature. John declared in 1 John 21. “And she shall bring forth a son, and 4:8 that”…God is love.” in the Choctaw Nation thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall God was not taken by surprised when man – Senior Citizen Dinners & Kids Christmas Parties – save his people from their sins.” fell into sin. In fact, the Lord allowed him to Antlers Seniors...... December 15...... 11:30 a.m. And in Luke 19:10 Jesus Himself de- do so, for reasons that are now clouded to Antlers Kids...... December 7...... 6 p.m., up to age 12 clared: our understanding, but which we shall some- Atoka Kids...... November 30...... 6 p.m., up to age 12, at the Atoka Community Center on Liberty Road 10. “For the Son of man is come to seek day understand. Bethel Kids...... December 9...... 6 p.m. and to save that which was lost.” Way back in eternity, knowing that man Broken Bow Kids...... December 7...... 6 p.m. And the apostle Paul wrote in 1 Timothy would sin, and concerned for the enslaved Broken Bow Seniors...... December 16...... 12 noon 1:15: sinner, God made provision for our salva- Buffalo Valley Kids...... December 9...... 6 p.m. Burkhart Kids...... December 9...... 7 p.m. 15. “This is a faithful saying, and worthy tion. Coalgate Seniors...... December 8...... 12 noon of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came Before man was created, the second Per- Coalgate Kids...... December 4...... 2 p.m., up to age 12 into the world to save sinners; of whom I am son of the Trinity, the eternal Son of God, the Crowder Seniors...... December 15...... 11:30 a.m. chief.” Lord Jesus Christ, planned that He would be- Crowder Kids...... December 11...... 1 p.m. Jesus Christ is the Savior who came to come a member of the human race through Durant Kids...... December 3...... 6 p.m. Eagletown Kids...... December 7...... 7:30 p.m. save sinners. He provided for their Salvation virgin birth, live a sinless life, and die to pay Heavener Kids...... December 6...... 7 p.m. through His Life, Death, and Resurrection. the price for our sins. As our substitute, He Hugo Seniors...... December 15...... 11:30 a.m. Even though the Bible clearly emphasiz- lived His perfect life and died that death in Hugo Kids...... December 3...... 6 p.m. at Housing Culture Center es that all men are sinners, (Romans 3:23), our place. Idabel Kids...... December 6...... 6:30 p.m. Idabel Seniors...... December 22...... 11:30 a.m. many people in self-righteousness and pride And His Resurrection from the dead was McAlester Kids...... December 11...... 1 p.m., up to age 10 refuse to acknowledge their guilt before a the proof that God was satisfied with the McAlester Seniors...... December 15...... 11:30 a.m. Holy God. Measuring themselves against sacrifice He gave. Yes, Jesus Christ fully Poteau Seniors...... December 15...... 11:30 a.m. others who are worse than they, they resent paid the penalty our sin demanded. We read Poteau Kids...... December 11...... 4-6 p.m., up to age 10 Quinton Kids...... December 10...... 6 p.m. being categorized as “sinners” along with in Ezekiel 18: 4: “…the soul that sinneth, it Smithville Kids...... December 7...... 7 p.m. murderers, adulterers, thieves, child abusers, shall die.” Smithville Seniors...... December 15...... 12 noon and perverts. Third, Salvation is received by faith. How Spiro Kids...... December 13...... 4 to 6 p.m., age 10 & under By comparison to outstanding members of can I share in the benefits of the salvation Spiro Seniors...... December 14...... 11:30 a.m. societies they feel satisfied with themselves. God has so graciously provided? The answer Stigler Kids...... December 10...... 4 to 6 p.m. Stigler Seniors...... December 8...... 12 noon These people fail to realize, however, that is – by faith. Remember Ephesians 2:8-9. Summerfield Kids...... December 12...... 2-4 p.m. they are judging themselves by the wrong When we believe Jesus Christ, our sins are Talihina Kids...... December 10...... 7 p.m. standard. You see, God is the One who sets forgiven, we are delivered from condemna- Talihina Seniors...... December 8...... 12 noon the rules. He is holy and righteousn, yes, tion, and we know the blessing of God. Yes, Tuskahoma Kids...... December 4...... 1 p.m. Wilburton Kids...... December 11...... 2 p.m. He is perfect. Nothing less than perfection we are saved through faith. Today, will you Wright City Kids...... December 9...... 6 p.m. meets with His approval. trust Jesus Christ as your own personal Sav- Wright City Seniors...... December 16...... 12 noon In His sight, not only are murder, adultery, ior? and theft wrong, but also so is lying, gossip- Remember to pray for America and for ing, jealousy, envy, selfishness, pride, self- our leaders. Pray for our brave men and will, hatred, and any other thing you might women in service. October 2010, BISKINIK, Page 4 Choctaw volunteers aid elderly, clean Nursery News Mason Lane Knight up Oklahoma highways, earn awards Mason Lane Knight was By CHRISSY DILL born Aug. 6, 2010. His par- Choctaw Nation of Oklhahoma ents are R.T. Knight and Re- bekah Hicks, Achille. Grand- The AmeriCorps VISTA parents are David and Tonia (Volunteers in Service to Knight, Durant; Deloyd and America) builds permanent Ironda Hicks, Achille. Great- infrastructures in non-profit grandparents are Jack and Lynda Shroyer, Moore; the organizations to help effec- late Lois and Bernice Hicks, Achille; Wilson and Thelma tively bring individuals and Blagg, Achille. Great-great-grandmother is Julia Knight, communities out of pov- Stillwater. erty. The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma plays a vital Hannah Avery role in participating with AmeriCorps by engaging Andy and Rejeina Hal- in the NSAIE (National So- liburton would like to an- ciety for American Indian nounce the birth of Hannah Elders) Tribal Summer As- Avery who arrived on July 26 sociate program, which is at 9:03 a.m. Hannah weighed in its second year of exis- 7 pounds, 10 ounces and was tence. Summer Associates’ 20 in. long. She joins her big contributions have a cred- brother Dillon Beau. She is the granddaughter of Ricky and ible impact on those being Gayla Wade, Earnie and Lisa Halliburton of McAlester and served as well as the poten- James and Marietta Sensibaugh of Haileyville. She is the tial to receive benefits for great-grandaughter of Cecil and Vivian Wade, Ceawilla their work. During the eight Green, Earnest and Catherine Halliburton of McAlester, weeks of service, the Sum- Kirk Tonihka, Clint HJames, Van Thomas, Phillip Green, Richard Bohanon, Connie Skip and Kathy Sensibaugh of Hartshorne and Richard and mer Associate volunteers Hudson, Eugene Jefferson, Kyle Meashintubby and Dovovan James. Linda Beams of Blanco. were given a minimum sti- teams and help them to real- Wright City and Idabel Se- Tribal Council but spe- pend to defray their cost of Hayden Nicole ize the importance of volun- nior sites helping the elders cial thanks go to the Aging living and at the end of ser- Forrest teerism and taking care of understand basic computer Services department for vice were given an option their environment. Clinton skills and assisted with the overseeing the need of our to receive an Educational Two-year-old Trinton James, previous employee meals program, in addition elders. The volunteer team Award that can be used Forrest proudly announces of Choctaw Nation and to other activities in the members contributed their by the volunteer to further the birth of his baby sister Kirk Tonihka, an elementa- community. hard work to aiding the el- their education. Of the nine Hayden Nicole, born Aug. 1, ry school teacher at Battiest Although the elders were derly, improved the com- members completing the 2010, at 6:05 p.m. in Tulsa. Public School, were select- given priority, the VISTA munity centers’ grounds Summer Associate Service, Hayden weighed 6 pounds, 8 ed as team leaders. The two volunteers focused on keep- and cleaned cemeteries and two volunteers were elected ounces and was 19 ½ inches long. Proud parents are Jo- volunteers were great lead- ing our land free of waste. church properties as need- to receive the education seph (J.D.) and Brittany (Thorson) Forrest of Bixby. Ma- ers, encouraging and work- Choctaw Nation Summer ed. They volunteered hours award. ternal grandmother is Shani Thorson and great-grandfather ing side by side with their Associate members were at the Broken Bow softball AmeriCorps VISTA has Bjorne Thorson of Colorado. Paternal grandparents are team through the hottest pe- able to partner with “The fields. At Wheelock Acad- been a part of the Choc- Cindy (Totty) Herod of Bixby and great-grandparents are riod of months meeting the Great American Cleanup of emy, hours were dedicated taw Nation for about seven Robert D. and Joyce (Allen) Totty of Bixby. Great-great- needs of Choctaw elders, Oklahoma,” volunteering to inventorying the many years. Connie Hudson, grandparents are the late Lloyd T. and Millie (Peevyhouse) assisting tribal programs at their hours through “trash historical items and did NSAIE VISTA Recruit Allen, who still lives in Stigler, and the late Hershel and Tushka Homma and Whee- pickup” along several high- some property up-keep. At was appointed to coordi- Wilmuth (Holder) Totty of Hoyt, who are original enrollees lock Academy and improv- ways between Broken Bow Tushkahoma the volunteers nate the activities of the of the Choctaw Nation. ing the roadside along state and Hochatown, between assisted with the grounds AmeriCorps VISTA volun- highways. The most promi- Grant and Hugo and along up-keeping, recycling and Brooke Alexandra teers for Choctaw Nation nent form of volunteer work the roadside of Choctaw helping some of the elders Blackburn Aging Services. This sum- that these Choctaw VISTA Nation’s hospital in Tali- in that area. mer, Choctaw Nation as the workers participated in was hina. Now that the Summer As- Brooke Alexandra Black- host agency recruited nine “elder chores services” in- This organization is a lo- sociates program is finished burn came into this world on volunteers who worked cluding cleaning up elders’ cal non-profit group which and all reports are finalized; March 12, 2010 at 11:13pm within their communities. yards through mowing, has been in existence since the full-time VISTA Recruit in the Hastings Indian Medi- Majority of the volunteers edging and pulling shrubs February 2010 and recently will be given the task of as- cal Center of Tahlequah. She were Choctaw tribal mem- among other things. For the credited for picked up of sisting with the upcoming weighed in at 7lbs 14oz with bers from north McCurtain community of Smithville, 400 bags of highway trash. “Need Assessment” survey measurements of 19 ¾ inches. Proud parents are Jimmy and south LeFlore counties one VISTA team was pro- The Summer Associates for compiling the needs Blackburn Jr. and Meghan Blackburn of Tahlequah. Brooke in which they were desig- vided with the necessary Program also partnered of our Choctaw Elders for has three siblings; sister, Piper; two brothers, Jordan and nated to work. Two recruits tools to pull tree stumps. with Tribal Preservation, continuation of meals pro- Trae Blackburn. Maternal Grandparents are James and Pat- became team leaders who The only female recruit vol- ODOT, Choctaw Nation gram for Choctaw Nation sy Roe of Warner. Paternal Grandparents are Jimmy Don were willing to mentor their unteered her hours at the “Going Green” and the elders. Blackburn Sr. of Gore, and Dorothy Blackburn of Moore. Choctaw Nation WIC WIC employees celebrate National Fruits WOMEN, INFANTS AND CHILDREN and Veggies - More Matters Month

SITE PHONE HOURS DAYS Antlers 580-298-3161 8:30-4:00 Every Tuesday Atoka 580-889-5825 8:00-4:30 Every Mon., Thurs. & Fri. 1st, 3rd & 4th Wed. Bethel 580-241-5458 8:30-4:00 1st Tuesday Boswell 580-380-2517 8:30-4:00 1st & 2nd Friday Broken Bow 580-584-2746 8:00-4:30 Mon., Wed., Thurs. & Fri. 2nd, 3rd & 4th Tuesday Coalgate 580-927-3641 8:30-4:00 2nd Wednesday Durant 580-924-8280 x 2255 8:00-4:30 Daily Hugo 580-326-5404 8:00-4:30 Mon., Tues., Wed. & Thurs. 3rd & 4th Friday Idabel 580-286-2510 8:00-4:30 Mon. & Fri., 1st & 3rd Thurs. McAlester 918-423-6335 8:00-4:30 Daily Poteau 918-647-4585 8:00-4:30 Daily Smithville 580-244-3289 8:30-4:00 2nd Thursday Front row (kneeling): Ami Richards, Sherri Meadows, Taleesha MeltonBack row Spiro 918-962-5134 8:00-4:30 Every Wed., Thurs. & Fri. (standing): Brenda Isom, Deana Vineyard, Betty Baker, Marie Oehler, Vicki Kirkpat- Stigler 918-967-4211 8:30-4:00 Every Monday & Tuesday rick, Linda Woolbright, Tammy Kinsey and Samantha Fitzer promoted consuming Talihina 918-567-7000 x 6792 8:00-4:30 Mon., Tues., Wed., & Fri. more fruits and vegetables to WIC participants through fresh, canned, dried, frozen, Wilburton 918-465-5641 8:30-4:00 Every Thursday and 100 percent juice.

Recipe: Pepperoni Pizza Eat Better Recipe courtesy of Eating Well October is “Eat Better, Eat To- Ingredients: Importance of family meals gether” month. According to research • 1 lb prepared whole-wheat pizza dough or conducted by Washington State Uni- pita pockets Life can be tough on fam- family involved in meal versity when families eat together the • 1 cup canned unseasoned pumpkin puree ily dinner time. In addition WIC preparations and clean-up positive effects last long pass dinner • ½ cup no-salt-added tomato sauce to work and school sched- WOMEN, INFANTS – Cooking will be quicker time and into a healthy lifestyle which • ½ tsp garlic powder ules, there are sports prac- AND CHILDREN with help and children like can decrease the risk of type 2 diabe- • 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella tices and games, lessons, to eat what they have helped tes and heart disease. cheese homework and friends. and salads make quick and to prepare. Assign age-ap- Some positive results include: • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese With all the rushing around, easy meals that everyone propriate jobs, like choos- • meals are more nutritious • 2 oz sliced turkey pepperoni (1/2 cup) it’s easy to slip into the fast can enjoy. ing the fruit for dessert, and healthful Preparation: food lane or the microwave • Keep your kitchen mixing pre-cut vegetables • spending less money on food 1. Place oven rack in the lowest position; habit. stocked with quick-to-fix into a salad, setting the table • have more time, because the preheat to 450. coat a large baking sheet with Bringing balance back foods – Keeping a wide or clearing the table after family only cooks one meal cooking spray into busy evenings is well variety of tasty choices on the meal. • traditions are created by 2. Roll out dough on a lightly floured sur- worth the effort. Your hand such as rice, pasta, Family meals help to cre- involving the whole family in meal face to the size of the baking sheet. Transfer to whole family will feel bet- beans, and frozen and/or ate strong family bonds. preparation the baking sheet. Bake until puffed and lightly ter when they are eating canned fruits and vegetables Families feel more con- • children and teenagers have crisped on the bottom, 8-10 minutes. delicious, nutritious meals make meal planning easy. nected to each other when fewer problems and do better in school 3. Whisk pumpkin puree, tomato sauce and together. Fortunately, there • Have a fam- they eat together. Eating A few tips for having quality family garlic powder in a small bowl until combined. are several simple steps that ily weekly menu – Whether together can also help save meals: 4. Spread sauce evenly over the baked crust. can help families get a tasty you write them down or money. Share food and love 1. Aim for 4 or more meals a week Top with mozzarella, parmesan and pepperoni. dinner on the table eas- keep them in your head, with your family through 2. Keep a sense of humor Bake until the crust is crispy on the edges and ily and quickly. It all starts try to keep five to seven family meals. and laugh a lot the cheeses have melted, about 12 minutes. with a little planning and kid-tested, parent-approved Remember…Family 3. Cook it quick and eat it slow Nutrition Information: Serves 6 meal time organization. meals for your menu. Pick meals create happy, healthy 4. Respect each individual’s right to Calories: 280 Sodium: 602mg Total Fat: 6g Simple steps to get your meals that are easy and memories that last a life- decide how much to eat Total Carbohydrate: 35g Saturated Fat: 3g family to the table: popular with everyone like time! One fun way to envolve the family Dietary Fiber: 3g Mono Fat: 2g Potassium: • Keep it simple - tacos, spaghetti or slow- Courtesy of: Eat Right: in putting dinner on the table is mak- 153mg Cholesterol: 30mg Protein: 16g Meals do not need to be cooker stew. American Dietetic Associa- ing pizza. Yes! Pizza! fancy; sandwiches, soups • Get the whole tion October 2010, BISKINIK, Page 5

ByNew LARISSA COPELAND clinic helping Choctawssomnogram, is a 6-8 hour ing sleepwithin the 10-½ borders easier more than 30 leads are at- Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma observation and recording with a physician’s referral tached with adhesive to a that electronically transmits for the sleep study. patient on their legs, feet, Many people overlook and documents specific ac- The clinic consists of two chest, abdomen and head. the value of getting enough tivities that go on while a separate sleep rooms and The leads measure a pa- sleep each night. According person sleeps. These studies an observation room where tient’s stage of sleep, brain to Rebecca Osbourne, a reg- are used to make medical a registered polysomno- waves, chest and leg move- istered polysomnographic diagnoses and to identify graphic technologist moni- ments, snoring, grinding of technologist at the Choctaw various sleep disorders. tors the patients. teeth, and other physical Nation Health Care Center Many sleep disorders ex- The two rooms are set up movements a patient makes (CNHCC) in Talihina, the ist, with more than 80 dif- to feel as close as possible while sleeping, as needed to continual lack of adequate ferent types documented. to a comfortable bedroom make a diagnosis. A physi- sleep can lead to a num- The more common disor- instead a hospital room. cian can order a more inten- ber of health problems ove ders are obstructive sleep They have no clocks but do Rebecca Osbourne, a registered polysomnographic sive study as well. time. “It can lead to con- apnea, insomnia, narcolep- have TVs that are set to turn tech at the Choctaw Nation Health Care Center in Ta- The recordings taken at gestive heart failure and sy, restless legs syndrome, off after a certain time. The lihina, monitors a patient from the observation room. the clinic are sent to Health it’s been linked to diabetes sleep walking and periodic rooms are also kept at a cool South Sleep Disorders in and high blood pressure,” limb movement (twitching) 73 degrees. The cool tem- Fort Smith, Ark., where the she said. “A person’s mem- have a problem. They may The sleep clinic opened disorder, along with numer- perature is for two reasons records are read, scored, ory can also be affected if feel tired all the time but not its doors to patients on ous others and subcatego- – most people sleep better dictated and then sent back they aren’t getting enough realize why. Feb. 1, 2010, and typically ries in many disorders. when they are in a cooler to the CNHCC for analysis sleep.” “They never get a feeling sees an average of 32 pa- A major contributing fac- room and to prevent the ad- and diagnosis. “We usually Recent surveys conducted of being refreshed,” contin- tients a month. Patients tor for many sleep disorders hesive on the leads (wires) get the results back in about by the National Sleep Foun- ued Osbourne. come to the sleep clinic to is obesity because it causes attached to the patient from 3-4 weeks,” said Osbourne. dation show that nearly sev- To help Choctaws deter- participate in a sleep study pressure on the airway. With melting, leading to false Anyone wishing to make en out of 10 Americans say mine if their sleep habits are after a referral from their a high percentage of Choc- readings. an appointment at the clinic they experience frequent the cause of problems they physician and usually make taws who are overweight Six hours of recorded should consult with his or sleep problems. Sleep dif- experience while they’re two visits before treatment and experiencing the effects sleep is necessary for the her physician. New appoint- ficulties can stem from too awake, the Choctaw Nation can begin at home. The first from it, the availability of study. ments are made daily and little sleep, too much sleep of Oklahoma has opened a visit is diagnostic, to try to the sleep clinic is beneficial The overnight test begins the slots do fill up quickly. or not enough quality sleep. sleep clinic at the CNHCC pinpoint the problems, and in diagnosing and receiv- at around 9:30 p.m. with the With these new treatments Often, a person experienc- in Talihina to perform the the second visit is for titra- ing treatment for them. This hooking up of the leads, and available to Choctaws, a ing trouble during sleep sleep studies necessary for tion, to correct the problem. clinic is available to any ends at 6 a.m. good night’s sleep is now may not even realize they a diagnosis. A sleep study, or poly- Choctaw tribal member liv- For a typical sleep study, just a referral away. MRI brings more comprehensive

Bymedical LARISSA COPELAND services to Talihina Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma

July 26, 2010, marked a huge step forward in the availability of vital health care for the people of south- eastern Oklahoma with the opening of a new magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, scanner lab at the Choctaw Nation Health Care Center (CNHCC) in Talihina. The MRI lab is equipped with a state-of-the-art G.E. Patricia Glasco, an MRI/X-ray/CT tech at the Choc- 1.5 Tesla MRI scanner and taw Nation Health Care Center in Talihina, checks over is a huge step-up for the an image of a brain created with the new MRI scanner. hospital, according to Patri- cia Glasco, one of the two MRI/X-ray/CT technicians piece of medical equpiment non-ionizing radiation to at the facility. and will be an asset for the create images. “Having our own MRI Choctaws. “This is much better for scanner means we won’t “The addition of an MRI the patients,” said Glasco, have to refer patients to a machine provides one more as opposed to X-ray and CT Tribe represented at Gulf oil spill third party to receive this way to ensure our tribal scans, which are both con- service,” she said. members have the best sidered moderate to high ra- stakeholders meeting in New Orleans The scanner cost the health care possible,” said diation diagnostic methods. Choctaw Nation approxi- Chief Pyle. Currently, the MRI is mately $2 million but over The images created by the housed in a temporary time it will actually save MRI are useful, and some- building just outside the money for the tribe by al- times necessary, in making hospital but plans are in the lowing patients to be treated a definitive diagnosis for a works to move the lab to a at its own medical facility patient. MRI scanning is a permanent location in the instead of being sent to out- noninvasive medical imag- near future. side clinics. ing technique used to pro- Since the start of opera- “We can do it all here vide doctors images of the tions this summer, the MRI now,” continued Glasco. different soft tissues of the has provided services for And for many patients body, and is especially use- approximately 80 patients that means saving them a ful in neurological, muscu- with many more scheduled. long drive, too. This MRI loskeletal, cardiovascular, Appointments can be scanner is one of only three and oncological scans. made after a referral from Three Oklahoma tribal representatives traveled to New Orleans to meet with officials available between Poteau, MRI scanners create a a physician and are open concerning the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico and its effect on historic tribal sites along McAlester and Tulsa. powerful magnetic field to to the general public liv- the coastline. From left, Charles Coleman, Thlopthlocco Tribal Town; Dan Odess, His- Chief Gregory E. Pyle align the hydrogen atoms in ing within the CNO’s 10-½ toric Properties Specialist; Terry Cole, Tribal Preservation Officer, Choctaw Nation of says the MRI is a vital water in the body and uses counties. Oklahoma; and Ted Isham, Director of Cultural Preservation, Muskogee (Creek) Nation.

ByGood STAN STAMPER Samaritansto Hugo and the other was rescue woman fromof theburning vehicle before it was Medicalvehicle Center in Fort Publisher, Hugo Daily News traveling from Hugo to turned over. Smith, listed in critical con- Tuskahoma to work in sup- After the vehicle was dition. In a world sometimes port of the Tribe¹s big an- righted, the three men re- Since that time, family seemingly gone mad, where nual Labor Day celebration. moved her from the smol- members have reported that television cameras show Choctaw Housing Author- dering truck and kept her she has been transferred to kids beating other kids, ity employee, Steve Bow- conscious as she had suf- St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa or adults standing idly by ers, was northbound when fered a major laceration to and later to a rehabilitation while a criminal beats an- he spotted the pickup on its her forehead and was bleed- hospital in McAlester. other citizen, it’s refresh- side with fire coming from ing profusely. Bowers, retired from the ing to find someone who the underside of the engine “She appeared to be go- Navy a number of years ago is willing to risk his life to compartment. ing into shock and we kept and has been employed by help someone. He quickly pulled his talking to her and trying to the Choctaw Nation for the That happened four miles tribal pickup to the side of keep her alert until the EMS past 13 years. south of Clayton last week, the road and sprinted to in- crew arrived,” Bowers said. Thompson has been em- when Anna Mae Steely was vestigate as to whether or Good samaritans, Michael Thompson, left, and Steve When the two men were ployed by the Choctaw Na- driving her Chevy pickup not anyone was in the ve- Bowers, came to the aid of a automobile crash victim. asked whether they feared tion for six and a half years. southbound on Highway hicle. the vehicle might explode He is the son of Choctaw 2. According to Oklahoma The woman was hanging as they attempted to rescue County Tribal Councilor Highway Patrol reports, her from the top of the vehicle Terry Grey, an employee of guished the blaze. Thomp- the woman, Bowers re- Perry Thompson. vehicle left the roadway, suspended by her seat belt the U.S. Forest Service. son assisted Grey in affixing sponded, “We had to get her Though neither of the careened through the ditch, and shoulder harness and According to Bowers, a chain to the frame of the out. That was the only thing men felt they had done any- turned over onto its right was barely conscious, Bow- part of the windshield had overturned truck, and then that crossed our minds.” thing unusual, and certainly side, struck a tree, and burst ers said. About the time I separated from its frame, Bowers used his Choctaw Thompson added, “All I not heroic, many American into flames. got to the pickup, Michael and as he tried to remove Housing Authority vehicle, could think about was that if citizens would beg to differ, Despite her misfortune, Thompson (another tribal the windshield wearing a four-wheel-drive Dodge, I, or a member of my fam- especially in a world where Steely was in luck, as the employee) came running leather gloves, Grey raced to pull the pickup back onto ily was in that car, I would regard for other people first two people to happen up. to retrieve a fire extinguish- its wheels. want someone to try and sometimes seems so lack- upon the crash were mem- Thompson was south- er from his semi-truck. Bowers was assisted by help them.” ing. bers of the Choctaw Nation bound from Clayton enroute As the flames licked up Thompson as they cut the Steely was transported We salute all three of of Oklahoma and Choctaw to Hugo when he saw the around the vehicle, Bow- woman from her seatbelt by EMS to Clayton where them for their heroic and County residents. One was burning vehicle. ers fought to remove the and shoulder harness and she was picked up by a he- kind act. Good Samari- traveling from Tuskahoma The two were joined by windshield, as Grey extin- lowered her into the seat licopter and flown to Sparks tans... all. October 2010, BISKINIK, Page 6 PEOPLE YOU KNOW Oklahoma man survives widow maker heart attack - twice This Father’s Day will be a special one for the McDown Dr. Ludlow and his team had to shock McDown 15 times Douglas Horstmanshof, M.D., co-director of the INTEG- children. They’ll celebrate the fact that their father is still during the ordeal to restart his heart. “His heart wouldn’t RIS Advanced Cardiac Care program was brought in to as- alive. start. He was clinically dead,” says McDown’s wife Linda. sess the situation. It was determined that McDown’s body “Seeing my dad on his death bed was surreal because he “Had they quit on him at INTEGRIS Canadian Valley, he was not responding to the heart medication most commonly has always been the strongest person in my life,” reflects would not be here today. They did an amazing job!” used with stent patients. His medication was adjusted and 20-year-old Megan McDown. “It was the most terrifying ex- Realizing that McDown needed more advanced care, he he spent the next 15 days in the hospital until he was finally perience of my life,” admits 22-year-old Jon McDown. “It was transferred to INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center in able to go home mid May. Recovery was slow at first. But was like seeing Superman on the ground and not knowing if Oklahoma City. While en route, paramedics had to use a de- miraculously, by the end of the summer, McDown was able he was going to be able to get up again.” fibrillator twice just to keep his heart beating. to return to work. For all intents and purposes, Harold McDown’s life should Once at INTEGRIS Baptist, McDown coded an additional “So many great people played essential roles in Harold’s have ended April 20, 2009. The then 46-year-old was the pic- six times. He was treated by INTEGRIS Heart Hospital car- recovery. We could never thank them enough for the out- ture of health. He didn’t smoke, didn’t drink, ate healthfully diologist Mel Clark, M.D. “With his heart attacks he had so standing care he was given,” says his wife. “Now he’s back and exercised regularly. In fact he had just finished working many cardiac arrests that at one point we were almost ready to normal. Playing golf and going to the lake. We walk three out with a friend when he started to feel ill. to stop resuscitation,” says Clark. or four miles a day and I can’t keep up with him!” McDown Recognizing the seriousness of the situation his friend But they persisted and eventually were able to get Mc- says he is in the best shape of his adult life and his doctors rushed him to INTEGRIS Canadian Valley Hospital in Yu- Down somewhat stabilized, though the prognosis was grim. agree. kon. They arrived at the emergency room at 8:01 a.m. Two The main artery to McDown’s heart was completely blocked. “Through a combination of dedicated work by him and minutes later, McDown was in full cardiac arrest. A stent was inserted to try to restore blood flow but it was his incredibly supportive family, leading edge medical care, “The chest pain was excruciating. It felt like someone was “touch and go” for the next several days. and answered prayer, Harold has enjoyed a return to an es- tightening straps around my chest,” remembers McDown. Showing some improvement, MeDown was discharged sentially normal quality of life,” Dr. Horstmanshof applauds. The type of heart attack he suffered is so severe it is fre- from the hospital April 27, 2009. Without even making it “He has been a model of self-care and compliance, which quently referred to as the “widow maker,” with a survival home, McDown returned to the emergency room within an has greatly contributed to his remarkable improvements.” rate of roughly only 5 percent. hour. He was experiencing a second massive heart attack. The McDowns went back to INTEGRIS Canadian Valley “What caught my attention was when Linda McDown The odds of surviving this one were even lower than the first. Hospital on the one year anniversary to thank Dr. Ludlow grabbed my arm and said ‘Whatever you do please don’t let It was determined that McDown’s artery was again and the ER staff for helping to save Harold’s life. Ludlow him die. He’s a good husband’,’’ says Sean Ludlow, M.D., an blocked. After another stent was placed, McDown’s condi- will never forget the encounter. “To see him come around emergency room physician at INTEGRIS Canadian Valley tion was extremely critical. “My blood pressure was dan- the corner healthy was amazing. Based on his condition that Hospital. “Normally you try to leave the personal aspects out gerously low and my hands and feet were ice cold as my dreadful day, he shouldn’t be here today.” Ludlow says the to do what is right for the patient. You leave the emotion out body was beginning to shut down,” explains McDown. “But event changed him as a doctor. He often thinks of the Mc- and deal with it later. But I prayed as J walked into the room I really thought I was going to die when I started losing my Downs as encouragement on tough days in the ER. ‘Please God let me see a miracle today’.” sight.” The family says the experience has only brought them Dr. Ludlow is one-half Choctaw. He is the great-grandson He asked to see his children, to tell them goodbye. But see- closer. “When you come that close to death it just makes you of original enrollee the late Watkin Ludlow and Harriet Lew- ing their faces, he found renewed strength. “When my kids think differently,” says McDown. “I don’t sweat the small is Ludlow of Ludlow, Okla. He is the son of Bob Ludlow of came I started fighting again. I wanted to live! I honestly stuff anymore and I truly cherish every moment I have with Ludlow. think that if my kids had not come, I might have given up.” my wife and kids.”

Happy 60th Smitherman elected Happy 90th, Nina anniversary Healdton city manager Nina Cody Dumond of Den- Nathan “Sonny” Ward 6 McAlester City ton, Texas, celebrated her 90th Benton, Jr. and Aline Councilor Louis Smitherman birthday on Aug. 20 at a reception “Tootsie” Scuggins was elected as Healdton’s new given by her family. were married on Oct. city manager on July 19. Smi- Honoring her and joining the 9, 1950, in Law- therman’s grandfather was the celebration were family and rence, Kan., after attending Haskell Institute. They made original enrollee J.C. Riddle. friends who traveled from Arling- their first home in Lawrence then later moved to Chiloc- He worked for Choctaw Nation ton, Houston, San Antonio, Arizona, Colorado, Nebraska co, Okla., in 1956. After retirement from Chilocco Indian Health Services in Talihina. Smitherman plans to keep the and Mexico. School in 1980, the Bentons spent the last 30 years in Ar- citizens abreast of what the city of Healdton is doing and Nina was born in Ervin to William Cody and Harriett kansas City, Kan., where they are active charter members build better relations with the city and its citizens. Oakes Cody. Mrs. Cody was an original Choctaw enrollee. of Hillcrest Bible Baptist Church. They have five children: Nina grew up in Shoat Springs, near the Ervin community. She graduated from Grant High School and attended Hugo Nathan III, Marilyn Walking Sky, Phillip, John and Nancy Happy birthday, Smith. They also have 15 grandchildren and eight great- High for post-graduate classes. grandchildren. The Benton children are hosting a reception Kolby! She had one brother, Gene Cody of Hugo, who passed away in 1989, and one nephew, Larry Cody of Hugo. Nina in their parents’ honor from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 9 Happy Birthday Kolby Ludlow! at Hillcrest Bible Baptist Church in Arkansas City. has three children, seven grandchildren (two deceased), Kolby turned 7 years old on Sept. nine great-grandchildren (one deceased) and three great- 27. His proud parents are Stephen great-grandchildren. and Crystal Ludlow of Talihina. His Nina is loved and admired by all who know her. Happy 51st aunties Naomi and Rachel Ludlow and Lavada Russell would also like to wish him a happy birthday along with his anniversary grandparents Boyd and Flo Ludlow of Talihina and Phybee Billie H. McCants and John Conley of Beggs. 2010-2011 Miss PAC and Frances Willis mar- Seventeen-year-old Veronica Arre- ried Oct. 10, 1959, in dondo of Dallas was recently crowned Bakersfield, Calif. Bil- Congrats, Luca the 2010-2011 Miss Pac Princess. Ve- lie is the descendent of Luca Dorsino Falagrady re- ronica is a member of the Choctaw Andrew Jackson West- cently placed second in the Colo- tribe and attends Townview Schools. brook and Mattie McDaniels Westbrook. rado Junior Golf Association State At Townview she is the president of Championship held at Boulder the Project Green Program and plans Congrats, Jayna! Country Club in Boulder, Colo., to graduate in 2011. Veronica is study- on Aug. 11. Only 25 of the state’s ing science and engineering. Jayna Noley Fields of Ed- top junior golfers qualified for this mond graduated from the Uni- championship which was based on their point accumula- versity of Central Oklahoma tion over the summer of tournament play. Luca placed in Keelie turns five on May 7, 2010, having earned several other events this past summer including a 1st place Keelie Ann Kannady turned five a Master of Education in Sec- finish at Indian Tree Golf Club in Arvada, Colo., and a third on Sept. 13. She attends Pre-K at ondary Education. Her master’s place finish at the Cherry Hills Country Club shooting his Southside Elementary School in thesis was entitled “Adolescent career low of one under par. Coweta. Her favorite colors are pink College Student Perceptions of and purple, and she likes playing Healthy Sleep Hygiene.” She is with her dolls and going to the Tulsa a member of Kappa Delta Pi, the Blue named Zoo. She is the daughter of Mitch international honor society for educators. Additional honors and Melissa Kannady and the great- include Dean’s list recognition and having served as a UCO TANF Director great-granddaughter of original enrollee Eliza Ann “Dain” student senator representing the Native American Student Tracy Blue has been hired to be Steelman. Association. She plans to teach high school English and the Tribal TANF Director for the journalism. She is the daughter of James and Joyce Noley North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indi- Happy birthday of Wilburton, and is the mother of teenage sons Cody and ans of California. The Tribal TANF Happy eighth birthday Christian Ornelas. Fields is married to Kenneth Lee Fields, program operates in Madera, Mari- to Aspen Winfield! Aspen Jr., and the couple celebrated their first anniversary on July posa, Merced and parts of Fresno likes barrel racing with her 8. At their wedding reception, the couple celebrated their counties. Tracy is a California Native and has family that horse, Tag. She’s in second Choctaw heritage by re-enacting the Wedding Race. lived in the Talihina area. Tribal TANF is a welfare-to-work grade at Jefferson School program for parents to get on their feet again, learn a new in Riverton, Wyo. She’s trade or to start a new business. TANF laws allow sovereign the great-granddaughter Happy birthday, John nations such as tribes to have their own programs separate of Linnie (Spring) Winfield. Her great-great-grandparents Happy 20th birthday to John from the county systems that sometimes are not culturally were Ella and Frank Oakes of Hugo and Lennie Spring and James Going on Oct. 28. Wish- sensitive to the Native American needs. TANF works with Chris Spring of Hanford, Calif. Her great-great-uncle is ing him a happy birthday are his schools and other stakeholders, as prevention is the key to Cecil Spring of Mena, Ark. mother Bertha Going of Golden; getting our next generation of workers and business people three brothers Gabriel Going, to understand navigation in the business world. Mario Going and Kevin Cart- Olsen Reunion erby; Grandma Mary Carterby; Summer wedding The annual Olsen reunion was held at the Harmony Uncle John Ray Carterby; two Community Center near Atoka on Sept. 4. Attending were James Richards and Jessica aunts, Melinda Simpson and 55 descendants of Benjamin Olsen and Sarah Ann Small- Woods were married on July 16 Martha Carterby, all of Golden wood Olsen, who was an original Choctaw roll member. at Glensheen Estate in Duluth, Three of her grandchildren were present, Sarah Esther Ol- Minn. James is the great-grandson sen Cummings of Talihina, Tommy Olsen of Clayton and Congrats, of original enrollee Alma (Willis) Dora Lee Olsen Barnett of Odessa, Texas. The oldest per- Wells and the great-great-grandson Ross Riddle son present was Sarah Esther Olsen Cummings who is 92 of original enrollee John Willis. Ross Riddle grad- years old. The youngest present were twins Benjamin and uated from Oklaho- Samuel Olsen of Calera, who are 9 months old. There was ma State University lots of food, visiting and the annual auction. A good time in May with a degree Happy birthday was had by all. in Biochemestry and Molecular Biol- Kristianna ogy. He applied for Kristianna Nicole Holder will turn Happy birthday, Tracy and was accepted into OSU Medical School in Tulsa. The 16 on Oct. 10. She will be starting Happy belated birthday to Tracy! From “White Coat” ceremony was held on Aug. 14 in Tulsa. Ross Driving School and hopes to get her Mom and your sons Cody and Kendall. would like to thank the Choctaw Nation for its support dur- license. At the present she is in the ing his undergraduate studies. Ross is pictured with How- 10th grade and doing fine. She goes ard G. Barnett Jr (left), President, OSU Center for Health to church on a regular basis and likes Sciences and Stanley E. Grogg, D.O. (right), Interim Dean, everybody she meets. Kristianna is OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine. proud to be a Choctaw. October 2010, BISKINIK, Page 7 Choctaw Nation pilot featured in Garmin promotional video By LARISSA COPELAND time and money, ing a veteran, says he’s very Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma which translates proud that the Choctaw into better ser- Nation is able to assist the Recently, Garmin Lim- vices to its tribal wounded troops. “Recently, ited, an international com- members. on one of these flights, the pany known for its GPS “Even in the control tower in Houston technologies, turned to the King Air, I can learned that a wounded war- Choctaw Nation of Oklaho- beat the airlines rior was on the flight and ma (CNO) to help it spread to Washing- asked if they could speak to the word about one of its ton, D.C.,” said him,” said Chief Pyle. “Al major avionics products. Cherry. “By Cherry, our pilot, a veteran Al Cherry, director of the time Chief himself, gave the micro- flight operations for the Pyle would phone to the soldier and told Choctaw Nation, was cho- have left his of- the controller to go ahead. sen to take part in a promo- fice in Durant, The controller started talk- tional video released earlier drove to Dallas, ing to him. He thanked the this summer for the Garmin got checked in, soldier for his service and G1000, a state-of-the-art boarded, caught wished him a speedy recov- integrated flight instrument a connection, I ery. He then said that any- system. In the video, Cherry would have had one else on that frequency told of the experiences and him sitting in an who wanted to say anything satisfaction the CNO flight office in down- could go ahead,” continued operations team has had town D.C. when Pyle. “One after another, with the Garmin G1000 in the airlines were they kept talking. One pilot one of their aircraft. Al Cherry, pilot and director of flight operations for the Choctaw Nation. still at altitude would get on then another. “They flew a production enroute to the air- They continued lining up, crew down here to our han- and navigation radio, dual two, there is no flight that 4,000 flight hours on it port. In the Cessna, it’s even all wishing the soldier well gar from their headquarters WAAS (wide area aug- has to go, meaning that if when the reconditioning quicker. We can have him and thanking him for his in Olathe, Kan.,” he said. mentation system) GPS, I’m not comfortable about a began and will now give in at his meeting while the service and sacrifice. We “We spent about two hours auto-pilot system, digital flight for whatever reason – the CNO approximately 20 airliner would still be load- are so proud that the Choc- doing the interview and get- charts and gauges, data- fatigue, weather, anything – more years of service. ing passengers. It’s very ef- taw Nation is able to help in ting the shots they needed.” link weather reports, terrain I make the call about it,” he In addition to the Beech- ficient (to own the planes).” this effort.” In 2008, the CNO up- maps database with syn- said. “This Garmin system craft King Air 90, the CNO “We’re also able to land In addition to Cherry, the graded one of its airplanes, thetic topography vision, helps making that call a lot also owns a 2004 Cessna at thousands of airports that flight operations team in- a Beechcraft King Air 90, XM radio, and many other easier.” Citation Encore twin-en- the airlines don’t serve,” he cludes Chief Pilot Quentin with the G1000, and it features – all in one system. Another benefit to hav- gine jet for longer-distance continued. “We can go di- McLarry, a CNO pilot since was the first aircraft to be “It just makes flying a ing this system is the weight trips or when they need rectly to where we need to 2005, and John Wesley, equipped with a fully func- lot easier,” says Cherry. It saved in the aircraft by more space for passengers. go.” who has been on-board with tioning, fully certified sys- allows the pilots to reduce replacing the heavier in- The CNO is the second Along with flying for the CNO since 2007. The tem. Along with the inter- stress and stay more fo- struments, gauges and ra- owner of both planes. tribal business, the flight three rotate piloting the two view with Cherry, the video cused during flight, improv- dios with the lighter, more In total, they fly roughly team volunteers their time aircraft owned by the CNO, also featured the Choctaw ing safety, he explained. compact G1000. “We took 400 hours per year in the two and the planes to provide flying the Choctaw officials aircraft with the new instru- And safety is one thing about 150 pounds out of the aircraft. The planes weren’t free air transportation to as needed for tribal busi- ment system. that the CNO places above nose of the aircraft,” said acquired as luxuries for the wounded active duty and ness. The team undergoes “We’ve been very satis- everything when it comes Cherry. “I could really feel CNO; they were purchased veteran armed forces mem- annual training and certifi- fied with this system and to flying. As a former Navy a difference.” to fulfill a need of the tribe. bers and their families for cations to stay up-to-date on were willing to talk about aviator and regional airline The flight instrument Chief Gregory E. Pyle, As- medical purposes. the aircraft they fly, along it,” said Cherry. “Garmin pilot who holds commer- system upgrade was just sistant Chief Gary Batton, “We volunteer for flights with the medical screenings and the company that in- cial, flight instructor and one of many improvements and other Choctaw officials for the Veterans Airlift required of aviators. stalled the system, Elliott airline transport ratings, done to the King Air 90 do a great deal of traveling Command,” said Cherry. The flight team all agrees Aviation in Moline, Ill., Cherry said when he was over the past two years. The every year to Washington, “This organization coordi- that flying has been made have used us as references hired in 2001 he was very 1993-model aircraft has re- D.C., and Oklahoma City, nates flights for wounded easier with the Garmin in the past because we’ve impressed with the CNO’s ceived new engines, props, meeting with government active duty and former system and were happy to been so impressed with the stance on safety, flying and exterior paint job, and inte- officials on matters pertain- armed forces members who do the promotional video system and we made that the maintenance of its air- rior remodel, making it look ing to tribal issues. They have disabling injuries that to help Garmin promote a known to them.” craft. “Safety is the main and operate like new. “Over also journey to areas all over preclude them from using product that’s been so use- The G1000 has every- concern here. You’ll find the last couple of years the country, holding com- normal modes of travel. ful to them. Garmin be- thing a pilot needs to fly all some companies that don’t we’ve pretty much built a munity meetings with tribal We usually make about one gan distributing the video in one system, displayed live by that but it’s a priority brand new airplane but at a members residing outside flight a month.” around the world earlier this on just three Hi-Def LCD here,” he explained. “They fraction of the cost of buy- the CNO boundaries. By Chief Gregory E. Pyle, month to companies and pi- screens. Included is the said, one, maintain the air- ing one new,” said Cherry. owning its own planes, the recalling a recent event that lots interested in the G1000 combined communications craft right or park it, and The airplane had about CNO is able to save both occurred while transport- system. Hooser honored with AARP Labor Day Art Show winners 2010 Indian Elder award Paintings: 1st place – Two By CHRISSY DILL Princesses Standing by Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Kevin Hardin 2nd place – Lone On Aug. 30, Choctaw Choctaw – 1700s – elder Ernest Hooser, his Hidden Behind the daughter Pam Morgan and Beauty of the For- friends attended the AARP est with Her Brother (American Association of Turtle by Janie Semple Retired Persons) Oklahoma Umstead 2010 Indian Elder Honors 3rd place – Cattle at the National Cowboy and Drive by Vickie Earth- Western Museum in Okla- man Tipton homa City. Ernest was one Honorable Mention of 50 Indian elder honorees – The Woman who coming from many differ- Posed as Pocahontas ent Native American tribes by Kevin Hardin of Oklahoma. Heritage Award – The evening began with Code Talker by Dylan a delicious buffet dinner. Cavin Soon after, the Oklahoma Graphics: Fancy Dancers displayed 1st place – God’s four different styles of Na- Girl by Melanie Yost tive American dance includ- 2nd place – Choc- ing the butterfly dance and taw Greeting by Gwen the hoop dance. The event Coleman Lester The People’s Choice award was presented to Nan- room in the museum was 3rd place – Jenny by cy Rhoades for her painting, “Prideful Watch.” The the perfect setting for the Carol Ayers award was determined by votes from visitors to the banquet, where massive Heritage Award – art show. paintings of our nation’s God’s Girl by Melanie beautiful landscape were Yost Edmon Perkins Lid by Cathy Nyman displayed. Ernest Hooser and his daughter, Pam Morgan, at- Sculpture: Basketry: Heritage Award – The AARP Mistress of tended the AARP ceremony in Oklahoma City 1st place – We Lost 1st place – Choctaw Beadwork by Shirley Ceremonies Cherokee Bal- but We Gained by Ly- X basket by Lizabeth B. Lowman lard greeted the proud el- they all could be present. A beaming Hooser re- man Choate Mitchell Jewelry: ders by saying, “The first After all of the thanks ceived his Honorable Indi- 2nd place – The Hunt- 2nd place – Friend- 1st place – Repousse people of America, the first were expressed by the an Elder medal while shak- ers by Lyman Choate ship basket by Lizabeth Spirit Horse by Theresa people of Oklahoma, we AARP spokespeople, the ing the hands of the AARP 3rd place – Walk On B. Mitchell Renegar welcome you!” presentation of medals to representatives and being by Yvonne Huser 3rd place – Choctaw 2nd place – The Eye AARP Oklahoma Vol- the 50 Indian elders began. applauded by many. “I feel Heritage Award – An- Elbow basket by Susan by Robert Proctor unteer President Marjorie Ernest Hooser was nomi- honored,” declared Hooser. cient Traveler by Lyman Locke Charlesworth 3rd place – Favorite Lyons expressed her thanks nated by his friends Dottie “I’m here with a group of Choate Heritage Award – Colors by Theresa Ren- to the elders saying she had Davis and Reba Titsworth, the better people of these Pottery: Choctaw pouch by Liza- egar “the best seat in the house, both of Durant. Davis wrote tribes. This is real good.” 1st place – Yaklush- beth B. Mitchell Honorable Mention – looking at all of these fac- a letter to the AARP regard- As his description in the Storage Vessel by Ed- Cultural: Tuklo Hoshonti / Two es.” Following Lyons was ing Hooser’s outstanding 2010 Indian Elder Honors mon Perkins 1st place – Timikachi Shadows by Erin Proctor AARP State Operations pride for his Choctaw heri- program reads and past stu- 2nd place – Nuni-Fish Beating of the Drum by Herbert Executive Vice President tage and his history of being dent Davis speaks of him, by Verna Todd John H. Johnson White Heritage Award – Hop Backus. AARP Na- an educator. Davis herself “Mr. Hooser is an inspira- 3rd place – Okfuchush 2nd place – Shoboti – Stickball Jewelry by tional Board of Directors was taught by Hooser when tion to everyone he meets.” – Duck by Verna Todd Shutik / The Heaven’s Jerry Lowman President-Elect Robert Ro- she was in Jr. High School Hooser is one of the most Honorable Mention Smoke by John H. John- Best of Show: masco spoke of his pride at Durant. “For as long as I proud Choctaws you will – Owl Vase by Edmon son White Pisatuntema by Dylan as he looked over the many can remember, Ernest has ever have the pleasure of Perkins 3rd place – Untitled Cavin faces of the respected Na- told us stories about his meeting, and is very happy Heritage Award – Yak- by Jarvis Johnson Sr. People’s Choice: tive American elders of the Choctaw past,” expressed to have received this much- lush - Reproduction of Honorable Mention – Prideful Watch by audience, and he was happy Davis. deserved honor. 1830 Storage Vessel by Gourd Vessel with Turtle Nancy Rhoades October 2010, BISKINIK, Page 8 Labor Day Festival Photo Gallery 2010

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Friday, Sept. 3, for the new Choctaw Culture Center arts and An unveiling ceremony was held Friday, Sept. 3, for the Tushka crafts facility on the Choctaw Nation Capitol grounds at Tushka Homma. The beautiful new facility Homma “Red Warrior” statue on the capitol lawn. The statue’s was welcome by visitors to the festival who wanted to leisurely browse the unique creations of the face is that of Joseph Oklahombi, one of the most well known of vendors inside. There were 136 booths set up with items such as jewelry, paintings, baskets, quilts the Choctaw warriors of World War I. His arrow is aimed toward and various arts and crafts. the future.

The oldest person in attendence at this year’s festival was 95-year-old Cecil Spring of Mena, Ark. A Red Warrior memorial was unveiled at the softball field on Saturday, Sept. 4. The monument was constructed to honor deceased ball players of Tushka Homma.

Norma Jacob Jones and Liz Jacob Scroggins. Storytellers Greg Rodgers, Adeline Hudson and Stella Long.

Grand door prize winners of the two 2010 GMC Sierra pick-up trucks were Patty Roberson of McAlester and Robert McDonald of Ardmore.

Alma Hibbert from Wylie, Texas, visits with Assistant Chief Gary Batton makes a special pre- Chief Pyle. sentation to bride Debra Belt.

Quilt Show Winners Machine Stitch: 1st place: Janelle Kirkes, Tuskahoma, Quilt - Hope Pride Success. 2nd place: (tie) Thelma Wright, Sallisaw, Quilt - John Deere. 2nd place: (tie) Ann Bender, McAlester, Quilt - Little Girl with Balloons. 3rd place: Becky Myill, Oklahoma City, Quilt - Bryant Rickman give Kaitlyn Olin Williams officiates the wedding of Debra Cowboys. Maus a ride on Choctaw pony Belt and Erik Garcia. The couple married Sept. Hand Stitch: Chief Going Streak. 2, in a traditional Choctaw ceremony. 1st place: Robert Clay , Broken Bow, Quilt - Pine- apple Delight. Machine/Hand Stitch: 1st place: April Sessums, Marlow, Quilt - Trail of Tears. 2nd place: Lois Thomas, Talihina, Quilt - Plantation Lady. 3rd place: (tie) Becky Tisho, Oklahoma City, Quilt - Rail Road. 3rd place: (tie) April Ses- sums, Marlow, Quilt - Satin Crazy Quilt. Nicholas Charleston, Durant. Luksi is a crowd pleaser! October 2010, BISKINIK, Page 9 Labor Day Festival Photo Gallery 2010

Chief Gregory E. Pyle and U.S. Con- gressman Dan Boren join dancers Dezarae and Serena for Grand Entry.

Bryant Rickman rides Chief Go- ing Streak and Rebecca Stair Gilpatrick rides Chisto through the village. The horses are descendants of Choctaw ponies from Blackjack Mountain.

Choctaws compete to see who’s the toughest of the tough.

Gourd dancing, social dancing and stickball are enjoyed every year at the festival. October 2010, BISKINIK, Page 10 Labor Day festival photo gallery 2010

18 and under (boys) 3-point contest 1st place Johnathan Diamond, 2nd Volleyball 2nd place winner - Smoke Ages 7-9 Free Throw 1st place Cole McKinney, 3rd place Rylee 18 and under (girls) Signals. Team members: Audrey Crosby, place Michael Battice, 2nd Volleyball 1st place winner - N2WIN. Team Barton 3-point contest 1st Carl Crosby, Brett Billy, Rayburn Baker, members: Tim Harjochee, Shiela Davis, Brian place Chantey Lee Lincoln Barnette, Lenora Crosby, Vicky place Kolby Battiest, 3rd Culley, Melissa Culley, Neva Harjochee, Jeremy Wesley, Gloria Battiest, Shonda Wesley place Dylan Williams Wallace, Carey Tom and Joel Hall and Anita Ferguson

Youth checkers 1st place Sam Sears, 2nd place Casey Davidson Men’s age 18-35, 3-on-3 winners - Ishto. Team Age 14-17, 3-on-3 winners - The Destroyers. Team members: Delaney Pennock, Billy Long, Nathan members: Ben Robinson, Sidney Williams, Cameron Men’s 3-point contest 1st place Oscar Turtle, Jordan Parnacher Tennison, Tad Holt (also pictured: Matt Owens) Gore, 2nd place Randall Clay

Women’s Doubles Horseshoes win- ners - Tiffanie Bohanan and Sequina Taylor Dominoes winners (youth) 1st place The overall winners of the 2010 Labor Day Fes- Adult checkers 1st place Jason Baker, 2nd Heaven Williams, 2nd place Kalli tival 5K race are congratulated by Chief Gregory place Casey McKinney Battiest E. Pyle and Assistant Chief Gary Batton. The top female finisher was Vanessa Parnell, age 14, who Not pictured: Youth Singles Horse- ran the race in 22:15, and the top male finisher, shoes winner - Rayborn Taylor, Jr. Matt Agnero, age 30, ran it in 16:50.

Terrapin Race winners (ages 3-7) 1st place Kail Postoak, 2nd place Ages 16-18 Free Throw 1st place Kaleb Jones, 2nd McKenzie Petty, 3rd place Draven place Kolby Baker, 3rd place Cole McKinney Postoak

Bow shoot winner (ages 17-19) Michael Bugos Age 10-13, 3-on-3 winners - The No- Names. Team members: Todd Dawkins, Seth Burke, Keaton Slater, Bryn Houl- ton, Vhitney Garner, Kyle Morley

Bow shoot winners (women age 20 and over) 1st place Pam Men’s Horseshoes Waugh, 2nd place Cyndi Houser, 3rd place Hope Jones Ringer winner - Ages 10-12 Free Throw 1st place Brianna Battiest, Charles Elk 2nd place Chas Fariless, 3rd place Tyler Walker

Women’s 3-on-3 winners - Team SWAG. Team members: Lisa Wright, Evan Lee, Tara Howze, Tiffany Wheeler

Men’s Singles Horseshoes Women’s Singles winner - Bunky Impson Horseshoes winner - Tough Tough Choctaw Tiffanie Bohanan Champion - Jered Johnson Women’s 3-point contest 1st place Lau- ra Hamilton, 2nd place Misty Madbull Men’s Doubles Horseshoes winner - Abe Locust and David Cheater

Best-dressed terrapin winners Men’s age 35 and over 3-on-3 winners - South- McKenzie Petty (ages 3-7) and east Ballers. Team members: Don Tsosci, Mike Jacob May (ages 8-12) Terrapin Race winners (ages 8-12) 1st place Convers, Darrell Buriss, Bobby Gordon Ages 13-15 Free Throw 1st place DJ John- Jacob May, 2nd place Kadin Postoak, 3rd son, 2nd place Tyler Hulbutta, 3rd place place Lauren Nichols Adam Walker

Bow shoot winners (men age 20 and over) 1st Bow shoot winners (ages 9-13) 1st place Kacey Dominoes winners (adult) 1st place Bow shoot winner (ages 14-16) Jason place Al Gurganus, 2nd place Kenneth Bugos, Ludlow, 2nd place Sam Jacob, 3rd place Bryant Chris Griffin, 2nd place Roland Wade Bugos 3rd place Jody Waugh Lee October 2010, BISKINIK, Page 11 Labor Day Sports and Activities

Men’s Softball Champions 2010 -- Next of Kin

Women’s Softball Champions 2010 -- Young Bloods October 2010, BISKINIK, Page 12 GED students receive diplomas during graduation ceremony By BRET MOSS wards, Kacey Eggenburg, An- gelena Fisk, Anthony Floyd, Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Jennifer Floyd, Ruth Garner, Commencement began at Magarita Gates, Jewell Gib- son, Jennifer Gould, Corinne 7 p.m. on Sept. 17 for the Hamm, Brentlee Haynie, Al- Choctaw Nation of Oklaho- lana Hill, Danielle Hoffman, ma’s (CNO) GED graduates Brett Allen Holderm, Joseph in the Mitchell Auditorium Holloway, Charlotte Holstine, on the campus of Eastern Rhonda Hooser, Asha How- Oklahoma State College in ell, Daniel Hudson, Donald Wilburton. The graduation Hughart, Betsie Hunter, Jef- ceremony is held for indi- fery Hutchings, Darlene Ina- viduals who have completed cio, Ashley Jaimes, Nathan the requirements to earn their Jamison, Heather Johnson, GED and deserve the cere- Moses Johnson, Ashleigh Jo- plin, Tyler Kelly, Paul Kill- mony dedicated to the recog- ingsworth, Erica Kleman, Jon nition of their achievements. Kurkendall, Bridgette Lar- Prior to the processional, kins, Tashena Leflore, Lauren the audience was kept en- Lindamood, Dakota Man- tertained with the sound taghi, Jeffery Martin, Michael of “The Revelators.” This Marzek, Cody May, Zachary trio of siblings from Durant McIntyre, Joey McKinney, consists of Bubba Johnson, Sylvia Morales, Emily Mor- Lena Scott and graduate gan, April Myers, Kaylene Moses Johnson. Myers, Roy Nelson, Chris- topher Nelson, Felicia Ortiz, After the graduates were Justin Osborn, Tara Osmer, seated, Joe Coley, District 6 Curtis Prock, Randy Peavy, Councilman, delivered the Elizabeth Quinones, Austin Invocation. Joy Culbreath, and District 4 Councilman friends and all the people ebrating these achievements. Adcock, Samantha Anderson, Ribbe, Lacey Rollings, Arial CNO Executive Director of Delton Cox followed Batton who lent support, time and Following Sen. Gumm’s Misty Arterberry, Jessie At- Routh, Mark Sam, Lindsey Education, took the stage to on the mic and introduced resources that aided in the speech, the graduates began teberry, Arlena Baker, Arion Smauels, Michael Scott, Wil- be the first of many to con- the Tribal Council in atten- completion of the task. to walk across the stage to Barnhart-Zellers, Chester liam Scott, Stephanie Sexton, gratulate the graduates on dance. Though Cox spoke Speaking of the graduates, be awarded their certificates. Bear, William Beatty II, Whit- Jelsee Shelton, Tanesha Shoe- their accomplishments. briefly, he made it a point to Gumm stated, “They are go- Leading the walk on stage ney Bell, Heather Bennett, make, Jacquieline Shomo, Tanner Bergren, Kayla Billy, encourage the graduates to ing to make a brighter future was the year’s highest scor- Ben Shook, Karen Simms, “I’m so proud of you. Toni Billy, Daniel Birken- What an accomplishment,” continue furthering their ed- for themselves… for their er, Anthony Floyd. Christina Sistrunk, Rachael field, Caleb Black, Tonya Skinner, Adonna Smith, Amy ucation. “Make this the first families… for the state.” He, For the graduates, the road said Culbreath. She went Blake, Jonathan Bogle, Ken- Smith, Melissa Smith, Jona- on to mention that this year step… it will improve your like Cox, encouraged them to their diploma consists of neth Bond, Vance Boswell, than Sockey, Edward Spot- boasted a record-breaking quality of life,” he said. to continue their education. 13 weeks of in-class learn- Lacey Box, Ashley Boykin, tedfeather, Sheldon Teague, number of 140 students Oklahoma State Sena- It will not be easy he said, ing twice a week, or distance Aireal Brown, Chris Buie, Shelia Terrell, Courtney earning their diploma. tor for District 6 Jay Paul but “God rarely asks us to do learning classes three times Ashlea Bumgarner, LaDonna Thomas, Casey Tinkler, Al- Assistant Chief Gary Bat- Gumm stepped up to the an easy thing.” a week for nine weeks. Af- Burdette, Heath Byrd, Kerry len Tisho Jt., Marky Todd, ton praised the graduates podium to fulfill his role as Gumm also thanked CNO ter the classroom education, Carpenter, Amber Carter, Ste- Shineesta Tonihka, Sarah saying, “I don’t think you the night’s keynote speaker. for investing in their people they are required to complete ven Christie, Angela Clark, Tuggle, Kevin Waldron, Jen- Anthony Clark, Kayla Cloud, realize the hope that you Gumm spoke as one who with programs such as the the state test, which is admin- nifer Walker, Nichelle Walk- Shawna Cody, Jimmie Col- give us and the people,” as truly knows the value of Adult Education Program, istered by a GED examiner. er-Darrow, Krista Waterman, bert, Christy Conallis, Tyler Scott Wheeler, Michael Wi- he expressed his satisfac- education. which makes all this pos- The ceremony concluded Coulter, Colby Davis, Shawta ley, Diana Williams, Brandon tion in the fact that Choctaw In his address he acknowl- sible. Neal Hawkins, the with the recessional as the Davis, Jeremy Deere, Jakob Wilson, Rebekah Wilson, members are furthering their edged that it is not just the Adult Education Director, proud graduates exited the Dickieson, Roberta Dinger, Anthony Wilson-Gasca, Lisa education. graduates who deserve rec- mentioned that this was the auditorium. Trenton Duff, Crystal Dunkin, Wood, Nathan Woody and Tribal Council Speaker ognition, but the family, 13th year for this event cel- Graduates include Justin Patrick Dunlab, Matthew Ed- Ashley Young. CAB program helps make dreams come true The Choctaw Asset Building (CAB) program has assist- ed two Choctaw tribal members in achieving their dreams. Kimberly Feltman of Bryan County and Floyd Murray IV of McCurtain County have each reached their savings goals and were able to take advantage of the matching funds pro- vided by CAB. Feltman, one of the first participants to sign up, saved $2,000 over the course of a year. CAB was able to match her funds with an additional $6,000, giving her a total of $8,000 to help her reach her dream of owning a family home. “This is a huge blessing to me and my husband and our children,” says Feltman, “to know we will grow old in our new house and that our children will always know where we are if they need anything or a place to stay.” Murray recently paid for a semester of tuition, books, and fees at Southeastern Oklahoma State University using a portion of his savings that CAB matched $2 for each $1 of his savings. Murray is working towards an associate’s de- Kimberly Feltman and Dawn Hix, CAB. Janie Joplin, CAB, and Floyd Murray IV. gree in Business Management and plans on continuing with his bachelor’s degree. “Earning an associate’s degree will and cause the stability of my household to become sufficient. small business. Participants are provided with 12 hours of fi- qualify me for several job opportunities with reasonable pay Once I earn an associate’s degree, it will also help me move nancial education and 6 hours of asset specific training. “We closer to a bachelor’s degree which will open more possi- are so excited for our savers. It is very rewarding to help bilities for the future,” says Floyd. Murray will continue to someone see their dreams come true. This program is such FOOD DISTRIBUTION save with the CAB program until CAB has matched a total a great opportunity for Choctaw tribal members. Where else of $2,000 of his savings with an additional $4,000. This will can you receive a 200% - 300% return on your investment or ANTLERS give Murray a total of $6,000 to help pay for his education. 12 hours of financial education free, not to mention one-on- Market open weekdays Nov. 1-23 , except for: In order to earn the matching funds, Feltman and Mur- one counseling with our achievement coach to help you with Nov.3 : Idabel 9-11 a.m.; Broken Bow 12-2 p.m. (market closed) ray had to meet their monthly savings goals for at least six your daily budget needs. It is an amazing program,” says Nov. 10: Bethel 9-10:30a.m.; Smithville 12-2p.m.(market closed) months, satisfy the educational requirements, and complete Dawn Hix, CAB Program Manager and IDA Coordinator. Closed Nov. 11 for holiday & 24-30 for inventory an asset purchase plan. “The main goal of the program is to CAB’s service area includes the 10 ½ counties of the Cooking with Carmen: Nov. 9 &19, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. increase the saving habits and money management skills in Choctaw Nation, the counties that border the Choctaw Na- our tribal members. The matching funds are not just given to tion including those in Arkansas and Texas, and now Okla- durant the participants. They have to earn them by taking time out homa and Cleveland Counties in central Oklahoma. Ap- Market open weekdays: Nov. 1-23, except for: of their schedules to attend financial education classes and plicants must have some form of earned income and meet Closed Nov. 11 for holiday & 24-30 for inventory making sacrifices in order to meet their savings goals. Some certain financial guidelines to qualify for the program. In- Cooking with Carmen: Nov. 1 & 15, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. of our participants are able to make small adjustments, while formation about the Choctaw Asset Building program can others require almost a lifestyle change in order to find the be found online at www.choctawcareers.com/cab.html, on McAlester money to save,” says CAB Achievement Coach Janie Joplin, facebook, or interested persons can call Dawn Hix or Janie Market open weekdays Nov. 1-23, except for: “I am so very proud of these two. While CAB may have giv- Joplin at 866-933-2260. Closed Nov. 11 for holiday & 24-30 for inventory en them a pathway, they had to set their goals and do all the Cooking with Carmen: Nov. 3 & 12, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. hard work in order to be successful in attaining their goals.” CAB participants are able to save for one of three assets, To the Youth of the Nation POTEAU a first-time home purchase, to pay for a post secondary edu- By Kassi Baughman, Youth Advisory Board Market open weekdays Nov. 1-23, except for: cation, or to start or expand a small business. Up to $2000 2nd Place Scholarship Winner (CDIB) Closed Nov. 11 for holiday & 24-30 for inventory of the participants’ personal savings are matched at a rate Cooking with Carmen: Nov. 5 & 17, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. of 3 to 1 for homebuyers and 2 to 1 for those who wish to Upon graduation from Caney High School, I plan to attend pay for a post secondary education or to start or expand a Southeastern Oklahoma State University, majoring in pre- Choctaw Nation Food Distribution pharmacy. My educational goal is to complete all basic re- quirements within two years, while achieving a GPA of 3.8. Open 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday thru Friday. We I feel this is a goal I can accomplish due to the fact I am con- will take lunch from 11:30 to 12 noon currently enrolled in high school with a 4.0 and college with WAREHOUSES & MARKETS a 3.67 GPA, while participating in many extra-curricular ac- Antlers: 306 S.W. “O” St., 580-298-6443 tivities. After completing two years at Southeastern, I plan Durant: 100 1/2 Waldron Dr., 580-924-7773 to transfer to Southwestern to complete a pharmacy degree. McAlester: 1212 S. Main St., 918-420-5716 I fully grasp the responsibility and determination it will Poteau: 100 Kerr, 918-649-0431 take on my behalf to accomplish the educational goals I have Food Distribution Sites set for myself. I am already acquainted with hard work and Bethel: Choctaw Community Building dedication. I will graduate as valedictorian of my high school Broken Bow: Choctaw Family Investment Center class, which is a goal I set for myself upon entering fresh- Idabel: Choctaw Community Center man year. Through the last four years I have attained good Smithville: Choctaw Community Center study habits and a comprehension of what it takes to achieve Stigler: Choctaw Community Center educational goals. In accordance with federal law and U.S. Department of I believe in myself and my abilities to accomplish any goal Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from dis- I set for myself. That being said, I believe I can successfully criminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, complete pharmacy education while maintaining a high GPA age, religion, political beliefs, or disability. To file a com- in a minimal amount of time. I will set aside the time needed plaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Cousins Rayan and McKenzie Polk pose by the Pow to make education a top priority for the next several years. Adjudication and Compliance, 1400 Independence Avenue, Wow display at Red Earth in Oklahoma City. They Throughout high school I have been involved in many extra- S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, or call 800-795-3272 participated in the parade and pow wow. Rayan is the curricular actiivities and organizations and have enjoyed this (voice) or 202-720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal oppor- daughter of Marcus and Krissy Polk and McKenzie is social networking to the fullest extent. Now it is the time in tunity provider and employer. the daughter of Micah and Natasha Polk. my life when education becomes my focus. October 2010, BISKINIK, Page 13 Council Language instructors officers receive certification begin at Council meeting Three Choctaw language instructors were presented their certifications during the September regular session of the new term Tribal Council. Kristin Pate of Calera will be teaching at Continued from Page 1 Choctaw Nation Interlocal in Durant. Joyce Cooper of Councilmembers ap- Marlow will be teaching in Marlow and Kathy Lee, also of proved District 12 Coun- Marlow, will be teaching in Lawton. Mel Gaines of Okla- cilman James Frazier as homa City also received his certification in September. The Secretary and Joe Coley as number of tribally certified teachers has grown to over 100, Chaplain for the year 2010- with classes being held in several states. 11. Cox, Frazier and Coley Also approved were: were all given unanimous • 13 program budgets for fiscal year 2011 verbal approval. • funds and budgets for the Federal Transit Admininstra- Speaker Cox reappointed tion for Tribal Transit Program Patty Hawkins as Recording • approval of Fuel Monitoring Program for Choctaw Na- Secretary, Sylvester Moore tion Forestry as Sergeant-at-arms, and • authorizing funds for FY-10 CDBG Grant Project Bob Rabon as Parliamentar- • disposal of surplus equipment ian. • a business lease in favor of Hash Communications Officers of the Tribal • a recreational lease in favor of Rick Raney Council serve one year in • three grants of easement their elected capacities. Re- Richard Adams and Roger Scott of the School of Choctaw Language presented • application for the Water Resources Management, Plan- elections are held every Sep- teaching certifications to Kristin Pate of Calera and Joyce Cooper and Kathy Lee, ning and Pre-Development Program, and tember. both of Marlow. • approval of Aging Needs Assessment.

Bobb is excellent Atoka quarterback expected to break school’s record By BRET MOSS cord, which stands at 9,574. tude. “We are going to put After his senior year, spirit and overall showing role model Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma He is less than 1,500 yards ourselves in the best posi- Pfaff, who has been play- of community pride. With Continued from Page 1 away from becoming the tion possible,” said Mazey. ing football since the third a better record of wins and to pass legislation to award The time has come to new record holder. “The team is pretty much grade, plans to continue his making it to the playoffs a Congressional medal to ignite those Friday night With his entire senior focused on trying to win a pursuit of victory on college last year, the school as a the Native American Code lights all over this great na- year ahead of him, and a re- district championship and turf. “I got letters from lots whole has become more in- Talkers.” tion. Within Choctaw coun- cord within his grasp, Pfaff getting to the playoffs,” he of schools, but no big talk terested and involved, notes Chief Pyle told of how try, there are a few players is keeping his focus on what continued. yet,” said Pfaff. His goal is Mazey. To Mazey, Pfaff all senators, U.S. represen- that football fans should is important to him, the As Pfaff stands out as a to play ball for a D1 school. and the team, this record is tatives and their staff were keep their eyes pealed for team and the fans: the win- star among his teammates, When it comes to pass- just a perk that comes with respectful of Brother Bobb this season. ning season. “I’ll do what is he is not without humility. ing record playing a part in playing well and earning and how his first-hand in- A distinguished competi- best for the team,” declares He recognizes that he would this goal, Coach Mazey’s wins. formation of Choctaw Code tor to whom fans should Pfaff as he explains how the not be so close to a record- experience knows that the Regardless of his efforts Talkers helped get the legis- pay close attention is the record is a secondary objec- breaking high school career record is not what matters. to keep the big picture in lation passed and signed so 17-year-old Atoka quarter- tive to a winning season. without his receivers catch- Though it will look good mind, those who are close that the medals are now be- back, L.T. Pfaff. This Wam- Pfaff mentions that he ing the passes. Likewise, he for Pfaff, Mazey plans to to Pfaff cannot help get- ing designed to honor them. pus Cat senior and member feels little pressure about recognized the line, which keep the plays tailored to- ting hyped about the pend- Chief Pyle added that it of the Choctaw Nation of the record. “I just go out gives him time to make the ward what is best for the ing record. Pfaff’s family is was fitting that the theme Oklahoma is not only hop- there and play the game; most efficient passes pos- team and what will get the exceptionally proud of him. for the 2010 Labor Day ing for a spot in the play- I let the stats come after sible. win. “Dad is always bragging on Festival was “Honoring Our offs later this season, but that.” In the spirit of a team As for the team’s talent, it “He is going be measured me at work,” said Pfaff as Heroes,” because Bertram is a contender to become a leader, he makes no plans “looks pretty good, we are as winning ball games rath- he laughed. Bobb was definitely one of record-breaking player. to make adjustments to his progressing every day, and er than the record. In the Being a registered Choc- his heroes. Chaplain Ber- Pfaff is chasing the all-ca- game to help reach the pass- getting better and better,” end, they [recruiters] are taw, he also has gained the tram Bobb continues to be reer record in passing yards ing record. “We are gonna divulges Pfaff. He went on going to see if he can win,” attention of Chief Pyle. an excellent role model for for the state of Oklahoma, keep running our game, do- to mention new freshman declared Mazey. “The Choctaw Nation is all of us. Yakoke, Brother which is currently held by ing what we have to. If we talent Montana Johnson Since beginning his time proud to be blessed with Bobb! Owasso quarterback Paul have a good running game, as being an exceptional with the Atoka Wampus talented members such as Smith who broke the pre- we will stick to that.” receiver, foreshadowing Cats in 2007, Mazey men- Pfaff, and we anticipate one vious record in 2002. Pfaff Coach Forrest Mazey success for the years after tions that he has seen a no- of our own holding the state Princess is approaching Smith’s re- reflects a synonymous atti- Pfaff’s high school days. ticeable increase in school record,” mentioned Pyle.

Continuedwinners from Page 1 Battiest. She attends Wright Higher Ed helps Choctaws complete educational journey City Elementary. By BRET MOSS helps students who would and B.A. degrees,” stated and complete the applica- 1210, Durant, OK 74702. Selected as first runner- Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma like to go to college,” as- Wade. “We help with gradu- tion process. For questions or concerns, up in the Sr. Miss category serted Director of Higher ate programs too,” all the In order to take part in email lwade@choctawna- is Ashlyn Choate of Broken Every year millions of Ed Larry Wade who has way up to the Ph.D. level. Higher Ed, participants will tion.com or call 1-800-522- Bow, the daughter of Rus- people across the United been involved with the pro- Over the years, Higher Ed need to get an application 6170 and request the Higher sell and Annette Choate. States embark on a lengthy gram for 24 years. has been able to make an in- by mail or by going to www. Ed department. Second runner-up is Re- journey towards a higher Last year, the Higher Ed creasing impact on degree choctawnation.com and The Higher Ed program beckah Boykin of Hugo, the education degree. These department awarded around seeking Choctaws. “When clicking on “services,” then began as a Bureau of Indian daughter of Robert “Sam” people invest much time $6,500,000 in scholarships I first started out in the pro- Boykin and Jana Pisachub- “departments,” and then Affairs, a federal program, and effort into seeking these that went toward various as- gram [24 years ago] we had bee Boykin. click “education.” This will in the early ’70s and was degrees, as well as a great In the Jr. Miss category, pects of collegiate expenses maybe two or three hundred lead to a list of all the educa- later turned over to the indi- Melissa Gueli of Tuskahoma deal of money. such as tuition, books, hous- and now we are up to about tional programs sponsored vidual tribal departments in is first runner-up. Melissa For some of these degree- ing and more. About half of 5,000,” said Wade. by the Choctaw Nation, and the late ’80s. is the daughter of Clifford seekers, the money might that money went to in-state “Most of the increase was in that list, scroll down to Since its inception, this and Cathy Ludlow. Second be hard to come by, and this students, while half aided due to the fact that when the Higher Ed section. program has helped many runner-up is Kayleigh Pow- is where the Choctaw Na- in funding out-of-state stu- Chief Pyle got into office In this section, the appli- Choctaws on their journey ell of Durant, the daughter of tion of Oklahoma steps up dents. he put 6 million dollars into cation and all other docu- toward a degree. The High- Monica Blaine. to help out its tribal mem- The Higher Ed depart- scholarships,” said Wade as ments needed will be made er Education Program is yet Little Miss first runner-up bers. The monetary help the ment is available for any he described the increasing available, as well as an- another way the Choctaw is Kalli Battiest of Broken members receive is a result tribal member who plans to number of participants. swers to frequently asked Nation helps to enhance Bow, the daughter of Ken- of the efforts of the Higher attend a college or univer- There is no specific blood questions. the lives of all members neth and Kimberly Battiest. Education Department of sity anywhere in the United quantum required to take After completing the ap- through opportunities de- Second runner-up is Brianna the Choctaw Nation. State. “Participants must be part in the program. Higher plication and gathering signed to develop healthy, Battiest of Poteau, the daugh- “Higher Ed is a grant and seeking some type of degree Ed only requires that you be the supporting documents, successful, and productive ter of Christina Battiest. scholarship program that plan like Associates, B.S. Choctaw, have a CDIB card send everything to P.O. Box lifestyles.

Choctaw Nation Vocational Rehabilitation NOVEMBER Choctaw Nation 2010 Distance Learning Technology GED Classes

Beginning October 18, 2010 Mondays, Tuesdays Idabel and Thursdays 9:00-12:00 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Durant Broken Bow at the Choctaw Nation 8:00 - 4:30 1:30-3:00 Community Centers in Bethel, Smithville Wright City and Wright City Talihina Antlers by Poteau & Bethel by 10:00 - 2:00 appointment 11:30-1:00 appointment Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays McAlester 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. 10:00 - 2:00 Martha Childs gets ready to conduct Adult Education Classes at the Choctaw Nation Crowder by Stigler by over One-Net Distance Learning. Monitors have been set up appointment appointment in Choctaw Nation Community Centers in Atoka, Bethel, Community Centers Coalgate, Smithville, Talihina and Wright City so students in in Atoka, Coalgate Atoka these rural areas will have an opportunity to take the classes and Talihina 9:30-11:00 and earn a GED. Wilburton Coalgate 10:30-2:00 12:30-2:30 Distance Learning GED classes are now available at the above locations to students in the Choctaw Nation. An experi- enced GED teacher will instruct you, using the One-Net Distance Learning Technology. Distance Learning allows students and teacher to see and hear each other on large monitors. You will be able to interact with the teacher as she helps you Phone: 1-877-285-6893 • Fax: 580-326-2410 prepare to take the GED test. Books, supplies and testing fees are provided. The class will meet 3 days each week for ap- proximately 9 weeks. A CDIB (Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood) is required. For more information please contact Neal Email: [email protected] Hawkins or Kathy Springfield, Choctaw Nation Adult Education, 800-522-6170 or 580-924-8280, ext. 2319 or 2122. October 2010, BISKINIK, Page 14 Dancing to reconnect: Impact of a Choctaw pastor still seen today By LARISSA COPELAND storytellers in Mississippi. proper Choctaw dress when Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma “We felt like we needed to performing and the kids do more than just dance. wanted to make sure they Though the impact of a This was our chance to edu- all were. And on that next simple decision, a simple cate,” said Gene. trip, our kids danced with act, can create waves of re- So they developed a the Mississippi Choctaws,” sults throughout the years, structured historical pre- Alicia said proudly. often times many don’t sentation, and along with They averaged about 20- know how or where it origi- performing dances for the 25 kids who danced in the nated. The act in this case students, they taught them group throughout the ‘70s is dance. Could the simple about who the Choctaw are until the mid-‘80s, though act of dancing jumpstart a and how they came to be. it wasn’t always the same revival of a culture? In the “We did the presentations gathering of children. “But opinions of many Choc- and integrated storytell- we did have a core group of taws, the answer is yes. ing and dance,” explained kids who were consistent,” The legacy of the Rev. Gene. “We told the origin said Alicia. Gene Wilson and his wife, story of the Choctaw and The reverend retired Alicia, and their efforts to had the Walk Dance chant from the church in 2005 reconnect Oklahoma Choc- in the background. The but from that core group taws with their roots is a chant really magnified the of kids he brought together story that needs to be told, sense of the presentation. decades before, the tradi- and it is hard to do it justice The chant grabbed the audi- tion of dance has carried on. in a simple article. ence,” he described before So many of them still take For many, the loss of their breaking into the poignant part in festivals, fairs, pow cultural roots is a thought chant. wows, and teach the dances that never crosses their The presentations also to the next generations of mind, but that is exactly included many of the other little Choctaw. what happened to many of Choctaw dances and nar- Curtis Billy, who was part the Choctaw people follow- ratives that recounted the of the dance group, contin- ing the move from Missis- meanings. ued with the school pre- sippi to Oklahoma on the The students and teach- sentations in Broken Bow Trail of Tears. The effects ers found their visits en- with his dance group after of this move caused a wave gaging and educational, as a lot of the schools picked of long-lasting undoing evidenced by repeatedly up on it themselves. “The beyond the removal of an The Rev. Gene and Alicia Wilson show off a hand-beaded belt and drum, both of inviting the group back and JOM (Johnson O’Malley) entire people. In their new which were used by the Okla Humma Chahta Hiltha, a Choctaw child dance group spreading the word about program took over a lot of homeland they were forced they started in the early 1970s. their visits. The group was it in the public schools,” to abandon their language, frequently invited to new said Alicia, referring to the art, sports and most aspects churches there to experi- within their community, even clergy then but it still schools. They all wanted to federal funded program de- of their cultural identity, ence the culture for them- connecting the people by took a few years before we know more. “The schools signed to meet the cultural and integrate into the white selves. bringing them together with finally became accepted,” just started calling – schools needs of Native American culture of the time. Included “Something sparked in the dance. she said. from all over – wanting us children. in this forced forsaking was me while I was there. We’d “When we formed this “We always danced on to come,” stated Alicia. Also, Carl McKinney, the Choctaw dance. gone back to our home- group it was made up of church property,” she con- “A teacher in Idabel even one of the original Choc- “They were made to be- land, but I don’t think we people from the Presbyteri- tinued. “We went to Big asked if her child could taw children who joined the lieve that acting Choctaw, really realized that’s what an Church but soon it began Lick Church in Smithville learn the dances,” she said. group, now has a communal being Choctaw, was shame- we were doing. But there to pull in people – kids and and Oka Achukma Church “They wanted to learn how Choctaw dance group in ful,” said the Rev. Gene we were, closing the gap on adults alike – who didn’t near Broken Bow primar- to make the clothing too,” Smithville. The discipline Wilson, originally of Eagle- all the stories we’d known,” go to church anywhere and ily. At Big Lick, there was because she knew that the instilled as a child about town and currently living explained Gene. they became a part of us,” a church elder that joined group made all their own proper attire and respect in Indiahoma. “This belief “Growing up, I don’t said Alicia. “In a sense, and us and became part of the clothes. for the culture can still be became engrained in them think a lot of us really knew I don’t think we realized it group. She spoke to her “That’s something im- seen in his dance group to- and was passed down year what it meant to be Choc- at the time, but that became peers in her age group, and portant that we did on ev- day. “Carl’s kids have to be after year, from generation taw,” he said. part of our ministry. They then another elder at Oka ery trip we made back to in full Choctaw regalia or to generation.” “We bought into this ste- were learning their culture, Ackukma said he would Mississippi with the group they don’t dance. No blue Over a period of about reotype about the definition learning who they are as dance as well. With that, – every year we went we jeans, no sneakers. They do 140 years, most identifiers of an Indian. That’s what Choctaws. That was the real it began to open up some learned something,” said it right or they don’t do it,” of the culture were either people wanted. Kids at key.” avenues for us within the Alicia. “As the group grew said Alicia. lost or buried deep in Choc- school would tell me ‘you The Okla Humma Chahta church. larger we continued to raise One of the first to join taws who lived the tradi- can’t be a Choctaw Indian’ Hiltha dance group made “I’m not sure what the money to make it back to the group, according to the tions within the confines of because I didn’t wear feath- the trips to Mississippi from thinking was of the early Mississippi. We just took couple, was Eugene Taylor, their homes. But starting in ers. A lot of us grew up not 1971 until the mid-1980s, missionaries who came with a bus and the whole group who joined at 8 years old the early 1970s, Gene and knowing who we were,” with only the first trip being the Choctaws to Oklahoma. went. We assigned differ- and continues to dance to- his wife, Alicia, worked he continued. “I always funded by the church. Sub- They said dance was not ac- ent things for them to learn. day in individual form. Eu- passionately to do their part wanted to know what the sequent trips over the years ceptable. The Choctaws had Some learned how to make gene credits Gene and Ali- in reversing that trend, and Choctaws were like. (On were funded from money to leave their dancing, their the Choctaw diamond; cia for where the Choctaw they started it all with the the trip to Mississippi) I was they all raised themselves. chants, their stickball,” she some learned to make the dance is today. children. rejuvenated and then when I The most productive, ac- said, explaining how the act dresses and shirts; some the “They’re where it all The Wilsons’ story be- saw the dances – ah, we can tive years of the group were was lost in the first place. bead work and belts; some started,” said Eugene, refer- gins with him graduating dance! I didn’t say that out from 1974-1977. Several years went by learned the chants.” ring to the dancing in Okla- seminary in 1969 after more loud but inside there was As part of the Presby- after the start of the dance The chanting was espe- homa. than six years of college, in- an identity that was start- terian Church, cially impor- Eugene also praises Gene ternships and clinical train- ing to be affirmed,” he said, they hoped to es- tant for them to with giving him much more ing. He began working with explaining why he felt the tablish a contact When I saw the dances – learn. Chanting than just a love of tribal the Seminole Presbyterian need to bring other Choc- in Mississippi ah, we can dance! ...inside is a vital ele- dance. “He’s one of the Churches near Seminole taw children there. from another in “ ment of Choc- few people who changed there was an identity that and Wewoka where, after “Based on our experience their church fam- taw dance. It my life. He helped show receiving his first paycheck, there, when we came back, ily; however, there was starting to be affirmed. was important to me what else was out there he married his wife, Alicia. a proposal was submitted were no Presby- know the chants in the world and taught me Alicia, a member of the for a grant and we were terian Churches – The Rev. Gene Wilson ” as each dance is honor and respect for my Comanche Tribe from the funded,” explained Alicia, nearby. In Pearl performed with elders and my culture. He Lawton area, met her future referring to a $2,000 revital- River though, was a Meth- group before they made a specific chant. A couple did that for all the kids who husband in Los Angeles ization grant awarded by the odist Church. “We met a their first public perfor- from Smithville, Jerry and danced with the group.” while he was interning at central office of the Presby- group from the Methodist mance. “We weren’t even Shirley Lowman, were part Presley Byington, who the Indian Center there. terian Church in New York Church and asked if they aware of the public arena,” of the dance group and they joined the dance group Later in 1969, he received City to the Choctaw youth had a facility that the group said Gene. “We were just made it their mission to when he was around 11 a “pastoral call” to be on ministry. “That is how the could stay in,” explained doing it. We’d get together learn the chants while they years old, dances today staff at the Choctaw Parish dance group came to be,” Alicia on the group’s ac- to practice, to just dance. were in Mississippi. much the same as Eugene. Presbyterian Churches in she stated. commodations there. We’d have 50 people or “Jerry and Shirley built He also says the experiences Idabel and was responsible The group she is refer- “That’s where we all stayed. more, kids and parents, a special relationship with he had as a part of the dance for youth ministries at 21 ring to is the Okla Humma We made a monetary con- come out. In church, some- the chanters, Tony Bell and group made a big impact in congregations. Chahta Hiltha dance group, tribution to the church, but times we had trouble getting Prentice and Annie Jack- his life. “The trips to Mis- “I was happy. This was a large group of child Choc- I’m sure it didn’t even cover just five people together. son,” said Alicia. “They sissippi are where my big my home-turf,” he said. “I taw dancers formed by the the cost of us staying there. The dance is what did it,” brought those chants back interest in Choctaw history was young and they needed couple upon their return Everyone brought their bed- he said. here with them.” began,” he said. “They gave a staff person to fulfill the from Mississippi. The name rolls and we all just slept on In 1973, the group was “The Lowmans learned me more of an idea and in- youth ministry position so I means “Choctaw dancers the floor, all in the same invited to dance at the Owa 11 dances and 11 chants,” terest in my own people.” took it on.” from Oklahoma.” building. We cooked and Chito Festival at Beavers said Gene. Presley also expressed Soon after taking the job, “There was an instant made all of our own meals Bend in Broken Bow, but “The kids learned the the importance of telling the idea to visit Mississip- connection I felt with the there too. It was within due to rain the dance was chants, too,” stated Alicia. the story of Gene and Alicia pi, the “homeland” of the dancers and I began to re- walking distance to where called off. “We were all ex- “They would sing them because “a lot of Oklahoma Choctaw, was proposed to late to it,” said Gene, who everything was going on so cited about dancing in pub- while they were dancing Choctaws just assume that help reconnect with the past. spearheaded the idea to we were just back and forth. lic but were disappointed and they began to iden- it (the dancing) had been “Everyone knows that Mis- get money for the group to “We held group meet- when it didn’t happen. But tify which dance went with here all the time. It’s a great sissippi is where we came visit Mississippi. “It didn’t ings at the church there,” that next year, 1974, we did which chant without hav- thing that they’ll know from. Oklahoma wasn’t our take much to learn it – one she continued, “to see what it!” Gene said enthusiasti- ing to stop and say ‘ok, where the cultural rejuvena- true home,” he said. “But step, two step, three step – everyone had learned. We cally. now we’re going to do this tion came from,” he said. no one really spoke about it and then when we got back made sure the kids were Among the dances they dance.’ They’d just start a The result of the Rev. back then.” home and showed it to the learning but we also just learned and performed were chant and the kids knew Wilson’s efforts can still be A group of eight made the others, they had the same let them go and experience the Stealing Partners, the what to do.” seen today almost anywhere trip to Mississippi in 1970, response. ‘Here’s my iden- things for themselves.” Friendship and the Wedding While in Mississippi, the that Choctaws gather, their “and that’s where it all start- tity!’ They didn’t just say At home, the dance group dances, and the Duck, the chanters invited the group dances so seamless one who ed,” said Alicia. “We had no it but that is what was oc- wasn’t met with warm re- Quail, the Turtle, the Snake, to dance with them the next didn’t know better would point-of-contact there, no curring,” he continued ar- ception at first. Over time, and the Raccoon dances, time they visited. This ex- never think the dance was person we knew before we dently. acceptance was earned and several others. cited the kids who all got lost for so many years. It’s went.” “It met a need, a cultural through the elders in the Soon, word of their danc- straight to work on their there though, connecting During their visit they at- need, and fulfilled a self- church. es was spreading. Schools clothing immediately when the present generation to its tended the annual Choctaw identity, and even more, a “It was a real struggle in in southeastern Oklahoma they got back home. roots. Indian Fair in Choctaw, community-identity. We are the beginning,” explained began asking the group “As soon as we got back Because of a simple de- Miss., and were left in awe one. And we closed a gap, Alicia. “The struggle was to come and dance for its to Oklahoma they started cision, a simple act, made of what they experienced. in some sense,” he stated. because we had the Chris- students. The Wilsons saw making their shirts and back in the 1970s by a small It was at the fair that they Along with closing a cul- tian community saying it this as a prime opportunity dresses to prepare for it. The town preacher to recon- came up with the idea to tural gap inside them, they was unacceptable to dance, to tell the stories they’d Mississippi Choctaw were nect a tribe to its roots, the bring the children of the also built a cultural bridge saying it’s a sin. Gene was learned from listening to adamant that the group be in Choctaw dance carries on. October 2010, BISKINIK, Page 15 OBITUARIES James K. Womack Arthur Ray ‘Uncle Boy’ Mackey Rue McClanahan James K. Womack, passed away on Arthur Ray “Uncle Boy” Mackey “Golden Girls” star Rue McClana- Aug. 19, 2010. He was born January 1, was born June 18, 1944, in Hillsboro, han passed away at age 76 on June 3, 1938 in Loving. He was the son of Er- Calif., to Raymond and Frances (Sam) 2010, in New York-Presbyterian Hos- nest and Johnnie Womack. James was Mackey. He passed away on June 28, pital in Manhattan as a result of a cere- the owner and operator of Womack 2010, in Okmulgee. bral hemorrhage. Her son, Mark Bish; Fence Co. on Hwy 10. in Hackett, Ark. In 1966, Arthur joined the U.S. Army sister, Melinda McClanahan; nephew, He was preceded in death by his par- and served during the Vietnam War. He Brendan Kinkade; and niece, Ame- ents and five brothers, Roy, Connie, was honorably discharged in October lia Kinkade, were with her, and other Doyle, John, and infant twin. of 1969. He married Laura Adams on family members and friends were there Survivors include his wife of 51 Jan. 9, 1970, in Poteau. He worked as a in spirit. In November 2009 Rue had years, Sharon Choate Womack; one son, Kennith Ray Womack; welder and diesel mechanic for the Office Environmental Health, heart-bypass surgery and suffered a stroke a week later. In 1997 two daughters, Pamela Jean Womack-Canon of Checotah; Sherry Indian Health Services for 31 years until his retirement in 2004. she was treated for breast cancer. She gave numerous lectures on Patterson of Greenwood, Ark.; seven brothers, Bill Womack of He attended Thessalonian Baptist Church. her personal experience as a cancer survivor to cancer support Barling, Ark., Gene Womack of Spiro, Jerry Womack of Shady Arthur was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and groups and gave many humorous presentations on aging grace- Point, Paul Womack of Kyvel, Ky., Ronnie Womack of Muldrow, Frances Mackey; son, Bryan Keith Adams; brother, Talton Lee fully. She also fought tirelessly for animal rights. Michael Womack of Nashoba and Larry Womack of Nashoba; Mackey; and sister, Yvonne Sue Adams. Rue was born in Healdton on Feb. 21, 1943, to Bill and Rheua two sisters, Ramona Garrett of Muldrow and Betty Obojkouits of He is survived by his wife, Laura of the home; son, Dewayne Nell McClanahan. She launched her acting career in New York in Pennsylvania; nine grandchildren, Eric and Evan Hefley of Alma, Mackey of Okmulgee; granddaughter, April Thomas of Okmul- 1957 and made her Broadway debut in 1969 in the musical “Jim- Ark., Jesse and Brittney Bennett of the home, Caleb Patterson gee; brother, Raymond Mackey Jr. and wife Christine of Wister; my Shine,” which starred Dustin Hoffman. In the early 1970s of Greenwood, Christopher Womack of Colorado Springs, Colo., sisters, Hilda Ruth Carshall of LeFlore, Rotha Adams and hus- Rue segued from the New York stage to Hollywood and landed a Carla Wittington, Tonya Hobbs, and Deana Martin of Green- band Daniel of LeFlore, Mary Coley and husband Joe of Wilbur- role on the soap opera, “Another World.” Then in 1972 TV pro- wood, and five great-grandchildren. ton, Martha Battiest and Gerald Watson of Talihina; numerous ducer Norman Lear, who had spotted her in a dramatic role in James was very proud of his Choctaw heritage. His great- nieces, nephews, cousins and other family and friends, and his the 1969 Off-Broadway production of “Tonight in Living Color,” grandmother, Sarah Jane Loving Justice, was the family’s origi- pets, Mekko, Ceclie and Chabali. cast her in a guest shot on “All in the Family.” This led to her role nal Dawes enrollee. His mother attended Wheelock Academy and as Vivian, Bea Arthur’s ditzy best friend, in “Maude” that aired his daughter, Pamela, is currently employed at Jones Academy as on CBS from 1972 to 1978. She then played the up-tight spinster the school nurse. Inez DeGrace Shockley Aunt Fran in “Mama’s Family” from 1983-1984. When “The Golden Girls” debuted on NBC in 1985, Los An- James was a very joyful and humorous man who made life fun Inez DeGrace Shockley, 86, of Tali- geles Times Critic Howard Rosenberg praised the sitcom about for his family and friends. He was always telling jokes or playing hina passed away May 27, 2010, at her four single retirees living together in Miami as a TV rarity, a pranks on someone. He served three years as a mounted patrol of- residence. comedy that offered a meaningful portrayal of post-middle-age ficer for Sebastain County, Ark. He was an avid hunter who took Inez was born in Talihina on Dec. women that was also “very funny.” She was set to play the part numerous hunting trips with friends. When at home in Hackett, 31, 1923, the daughter of the late Har- of the naïve Rose when Jay Sandrich, who directed the pilot, sug- he was either watching the Western Channel, playing cards with ris and Maggie (Billy) Daney. Inez gested she swap parts with Betty White, originally cast as the a group of family/friends, or at the casino trying his luck on the attended Wheelock Academy and Chi- man-hungry Blanche. Bea Arthur, as the outspoken Dorothy, and slot machines. He never knew a stranger and always took the locco Indian Schools when she was Estelle Getty, as Dorothy’s blunt elderly mother, rounded out the opportunity to take pictures with pretty girls. During the spring very young. Later she worked as a cast. The bawdy show became a massive hit and stayed on the and summer weekends, James could be found at a local car show. nurse aide serving at Talihina Indian air until 1992. The show seized the No. 1 rating its first night in He was the proud owner of a 1946 pickup truck he named, Inca. Hospital, Talihina Manor Nursing Home and the Oklahoma Vet- 1985, stayed in the top 10 for six seasons, and captured numerous His wife told everyone, “Whatever James did, he made it fun.” erans Center. She was a member of the Greenhill Baptist Church Emmys, one of which went to Rue in 1987 for Outstanding Lead for more than 50 years and she served in many church positions. Actress in a Comedy Series. She was nominated for the Outstand- Her home was a gathering place for family and friends, which ing Lead Actress three other times. Paul Floyd Webb, Sr. were many. Inez loved to cook and eat. Her home was filled with In real life, Rue married six times and recounted her amorous pictures of family and friends on every wall. Paul F. Webb Sr. lost his long battle adventures in her 2007 autobiography, “My First Five Husbands She was preceded in death by her parents, Harris and Maggie with lung cancer on Aug. 18, 2010. He and Those Who Got Away.” “People always ask if I’m really like Daney; husband, Elzie Shockley; sisters, Lavada Daney, Sauline was born on Nov. 3, 1938, to Charlie Blanche,” she wrote, “I say, ‘well, consider the facts: Blanche Issacs, Vivian Daney; brothers, Harris Daney Jr. and Saul Daney; Lee and Nancy Idabelle Webb. was a glamorous, oversexed, self-involved man-crazy Southern sons, Jerry David Wall and Edmond Dee Tom. Mr. Webb was a welder most of his Bell from Atlanta and I’m not from Atlanta’.” But according to She is survived by brothers, Monnie Daney, Billy Joe Daney; life. He retired from welding in 2002. her sister Melinda, “Rue wasn’t a vamp in real life. She liked to sons, Bob and Charlene Wall, Houston Tom Jr. and Sandy; In 2006 he opened his first wrecker grow tomatoes and make quilts and read and was devoted to her daughter, Sharian and Charles Fremont, 12 grandchildren, a host service, and in 2009 he opened Infinity son, Mark Bish, and to my children, her four nieces and neph- of great-grandchildren, Dale Shannon, Courtney, Joe Don and Towing that he owned until his passing. ews. I had a wonderful relationship with my big sister even when Rachel Daney and many other nieces and nephews. She also is Mr. Webb was survived by his wife we were little kids, and we could always make each other laugh. survived by many friends. of 53 years, Wyona Ruth (Bell) Webb of the home. Also surviv- When she received her Emmy in 1987, Rue said ‘and I would like ing are his children Paul F. Webb Jr, of Vinecza, Italy, Sharon to thank my sister Melinda, who taught me what funny is!” Chambliss of Sapulpa, Rachel Williams of Tulsa, Larry Webb of Rue was a native Oklahoman and attended school in Durant Aurora, Colo., and Dustin Webb of Sapulpa; 10 grandchildren, Houston Tom Sr. and Ardmore and graduated summa cum laude from the Univer- four great-grandchildren with one on the way; his brother Virgil Houston Tom Sr., 85, of Talihina sity of Tulsa in 1956. Her sister says, “Part of her heart remained Webb, and sister Ann Greenwalt. passed away at his home Nov. 26, in Durant and Ardmore, and she loved going back for class re- He was preceeded in death by his parents. He was also preceed- 2009. Houston was born in Talihina on unions with her schoolmates who were life-long friends.” Her ed by one son Richard Glen Webb; three sisters, Loveta Davis, Nov. 12, 1924, the son of the late Esais mother, Rheua-Nell McClanahan, was a beautician and owned La Reatha Holland, Lois Songer and one brother Charles Webb. and Gladys (Baker) Tom. He served in beauty salons in Durant and Ardmore and her father Bill McCla- The family would like to send a very special thank you to Dor- the U.S. Army during World War Two, nahan, was a general contractor in Ardmore. Her grandmother, othy Johnson and Jason Burns. They would also like to thank later he worked as an electrician. He Ida Alice (Allie) Airington Medaris, lived for many years in Ke- everyone for all the thoughts and prayers. loved hunting and fishing and loved to nefic and Achille, then Borger, Texas, and was an original Choc- help his family and friends. taw enrollee. Paul Eugene Lewis He was preceded in death by his par- ents; daughter, Merry Ann; son, Edmond D. Tom; granddaughter, Paul Eugene Lewis, 58 of Sawyer Shelby Nicole Mathews; three brothers, Phillip Wade, L. D. Tom Arthur R. Fisher passed away Aug. 25, 2010. in Hugo. and Ben White; sister, Rosie Watson. Arthur R. Fisher, 62, of Broken Arrow, passed away Aug. 4, He was born Oct. 11, 1951, in Talihi- He is survived by two daughters; Sherian and Charles Fremont 2010. Born Oct. 20, 1947, in Talihina to Israel and Bernice (Jef- na, the son of Eugene Lewis and La- of Slaton, Texas, Sheri Jo and Dewayne Mathews of Talihina; two ferson) Fisher. Arthur grew up in McAlester and graduated from homa (Green). Lewis and had lived in sons, Houston Jr. and Sandra Tom of Elm Mott, Texas, and Jer- McAlester High School in 1965. He then attended Southeastern the Hugo area since 1963. His parents emy D. and Becky of Poteau; stepson, Bob and Charlene Wall of State College in Durant until enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1967. preceded him in deathas well as a son, Wewoka; grandchildren, Mike Fremont, Charles Jr. and Sheanea He trained at the Defense Language School in Monterey, Calif., Kevin Slauter, who passed on June Fremont, Leslie McClelland, Allen Mathews Jr., Justin Dewayne as a radio interceptor and served in Germany during the Vietnam 17, 2008. Paul was a 1969 graduate of Mathews, Tyler Lane Mathews, Jeremy Jordan Tom, Jarron Daw- War. After receiving his honorable discharge, Arthur returned to Hugo High School and was a Vietnam son Tom, Amy Tom, Erica Tom, Sarah Robinson, Robert Wall, Southeastern State College where he received his bachelors de- War Veteran serving in the U.S. Army as a supply clerk. Paul was Melissa Wall and Bruce Tom; great-grandchildren, Brittney Fre- gree in 1974. Shortly after he went to work as an examiner for a member of Shoals Baptist Church and loved working with the mont, Christopher Eusctace, Kevin McClelland, Taryn Fremont, FDIC in the banking commission office until his retirement. He church kids group and drove the church van. He enjoyed camp- Emily Fremont, Ryan McClelland, Kaydence Nicole Mathews, lived his adult life in Broken Arrow. Always an excellent stu- ing, fishing, his animals, working in the garden and working on McKenna Tom, Carson Robinson, Chloe Tom, Carson Robinson, dent, he enjoyed reading books on Choctaw and military history. computers. His world revolved around his grandchildren. He Brendon Wall and Steven; along with numerous nieces, nephews He also enjoyed travel to historical sites and sporting events, married Wanda Anderson at Paris, Texas, in 1989. and cousins. whether in the United States or abroad. He was a member of Lewis is survived by his wife, Wanda Lewis; two sons, Stephen Zion Baptist Church. Lewis of Wylie, Texas and John Paul Lewis of Waldorf, Md.; Survivors include one sister and brother-in-law, Patricia and four daughters, Shelly Annette Lewis-Price of Plano, Texas, Amy Larry James, McAlester; one brother and sister-in-law, Bruce Neil Michelle Lewis-Fletcher of Gulfport, Miss., Diane Elaine Slauter Robert ‘Redtop’ Williams and Anna Fisher of Wagoner. Also nieces and nephews, Matthew of Hugo and Kendra Renee Ritchie of Hugo; four brothers, Albert Robert “Redtop” Williams of Hugo James of McAlester, Amanda Ward of Krebs, Susanna Fisher and Lewis of Apache, Harold Ritter, Larry Ritter and James Ritter, passed away at age 74 on Aug. 16, Judy Fisher, both of Wagoner, and Kyle Buffman, Mancelona, all of Oklahoma City; nine grandchildren along with many other 2010, in Oklahoma City. He was born Mich.; aunts, Phoebe Allrunner of Albuquerque, Reola Fisher of relatives and friends. May 26, 1936, in Poteau to Reginald Liberal, Kan., Emma Fisher of McAlester; uncle Richard Morris Bell Williams and Nancy Ann (Willis) of Lawrence, Kan. and numerous cousins. Elsie Jane Wesley Williams. His parents preceded him in Arthur was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Judy death. He was also preceded in death Buffman. Elsie Jane Wesley, 71, passed away by his wife, Mary “Tookey” Williams; Aug. 25, 2010, in Idabel. She was born one son, Harrison Pete Williams; one May 30, 1939, in Stigler, the daughter daughter, Ramona Williams; and two Bradley Keith Smith of Nelson James Morris and Emaline brothers, James Kenneth Williams and Harrell Leo Williams. (Wall) Morris and had lived in the Bob attended Goodland Indian School. After graduating from Bradley Keith Smith, 51, a longtime Sobol area since 1955. Her parents Goodland as valedictorian of his class, he attended Southeast- Wapanucka-area resident, passed away preceded her in death. She was also ern Oklahoma State University and later enlisted in the U. S. Air on Aug. 29, 2010, in McKinney, Texas. preceded in death by an infant son, Force. After his years of service for his country, he later became He was born on June 23, 1959, to Ed- Charles Allen Wesley; grandson, Jason an “artist” in the occupation as a brick mason. He lived and gar and Susie Ann (Simmons) Smith, at Washington; and four brothers, James worked in the Dallas area, then later moved to Hugo, where he Mt. Shasta, Calif. Brad graduated from Morris, John Morris, Jake Morris and Josh Morris. Elsie was a lived the past 34 years of his life. Bob enjoyed spending time with Wapanucka High School and went on homemaker and a member of Pine Belt Pentecostal Church. As his family and giving inspirational lectures to his children and to marry Christy Taylor on April 11, a young girl, she attended Choctaw Academy at Rufe and Whee- grandchildren when he felt they needed one. 2007, at Boggy Depot. Brad worked lock Choctaw Academy near Millerton. Elsie loved her family, He is survived by his four daughters; Judith “Rocky” David- in the oil field as a derrick hand and enjoyed cooking and entertaining her family and enjoyed going son and husband David of Hugo, Jana Boykin and husband Sam then went on to help the elderly. He loved riding motorcycles, his to church. of Hugo, Jodi Williams of Oklahoma City, and Teri Williams- horses, gardening, fishing, antiques, going to garage sales, col- Survivors include three sons, Richard “Buck” Wesley and McKey and husband Alton of Oklahoma City; one son, Mark lecting and hunting for old coins with a metal detector. He loved wife Gayle of Wright City, David Lee Wesley and wife Karen Abbott and wife Lucille of Tulsa; two sisters, Ramona McCready Jesus very much. of Idabel, and Nelson “Tommy” Wesley and wife Debra of Rat- and husband Bill of Seneca, Mo., and Virginia Johnson of Poteau; Brad is survived by his wife, Christy Smith of the home in Wa- tan; five daughters, Ann Wesley of Rattan, Verna Washington and three brothers, David Bell Williams and wife Sue of Pocola, Earl pancuka; children Kate and Erica Smith of Tulsa, Shayla Cooper husband, Jamie of Idabel, Nadine Wesley of Idabel, Wanda Noah Neal Williams and wife JoAnn of Gilmore, Texas, and Reggie of Claremore, Holland Brown and Joseph Smith of Wapanunc- and husband, David of Idabel and Sandra Williams and husband Don Williams and wife Barbara of Idabel; 12 grandchildren, five ka; granddaughter, Peyton Nicole Smith of Tulsa; brothers, Ron Johnny of Holley Creek; one brother, Joseph Morris of Antlers; great-grandchildren and one great-grandchild on the way; several Smith and wife Lorie of Wapanucka, and Gary Smith of Redding, one sister, Stella Long of Oklahoma City; 21 grandchildren and nieces and nephews; honorary family members Laura “Sissy” Calif.; father-in-law Raymond Taylor of Boggy Depot. 45 great grandchildren; two special nieces, Anna Helt and Susan Sumner of Hugo, and Deena Jo Smith of Oklahoma City; spe- He was preceded in death by parents, Edgar and Susie Ann Ahdokabo and two special nephews, Mike Morris and Thomas cial friend, Lota Wanna Moore of Midwest City, along with many (Simmons) Smith; sister, Rena Dee Smith; stepmother, Shirley “Beaver” Morris along with many other relatives and friends. other relatives and friends. Ann Smith. October 2010, BISKINIK, Page 16 Making a Choctaw bow Dear Iti Fabvssa, make the bow very smooth I was wondering if you and pleasant to touch, and could tell me about the pro- can help reduce the chance cess for making a Choctaw of the bow breaking. longbow. Any help would Iti Fabussa With the high humidity be appreciated. of Mississippi and Okla- Bess time. A few Choctaw bow- With the green wood tech- homa, it is necessary to seal makers are currently revi- nique, for the entire length the wood in order to protect Dear Bess, talizing this ancient green of the bow, the sides are it from moisture. This is Thank you for your great wood / stone tool technique, uniformly trimmed down important because shooting question! January’s edition using a combination of only to the intended widest a bow that is even slightly (2010) of “Iti Fabvssa” fo- still-surviving information dimension of the finished too damp (something you cused on the form, history, and personal experimenta- bow (Baker 1994). This can’t necessarily discern and effectiveness of the tion. However, for the last gives the wood a straight, by touch) can permanently Choctaw bow and arrow. three centuries, most Choc- board-like shape that will weaken it. One of the most Due to space constraints, taw bow-makers have used prevent it from warping common sealing methods we had to leave out a de- metal tools. Today, steel sideways as it dries. Only (e.g., Speck 1909:20) is to scription of how Choctaw tools are most often com- after the wood is fully dry gently warm the finished bows are made. Thanks to bined with a technique that (see below), will the tips of bow and repeatedly rub you, we can now present involves cutting wide trees the bow be narrowed down. bear or opossum fat into that information. down and splitting them Conversely, with the dry the wood. Bows made from Through time, and in into bow staves. The ends wood technique, the bow’s certain woods including References Cited different places, Choctaws of the staves are sealed to tips are usually narrowed as hickory, can also be heat- Baker, Tim Speck, Frank have used many different prevent cracking, and the soon as the back of the bow treated as a part of the same 1994 A Stone Age Bow. 1909 Ethnology of the varieties of hardwood to wood is set aside to slowly has been shaped. process (St. Louis 2008). In the Traditional Bowyers Yuchi Indians. University make bows, however two cure for up to several years. The “belly” side of the To do this, the belly side Bible, Vol. III. edited by of Pennsylvania, Philadel- woods in particular have Bow-making is begun only bow is what faces the shoot- of the bow is held next to Jim Hamm, phia been especially popular. In when the thick pieces of er. It is shaped through a a bed of hot coals, close pp. 183-198. Bois d’Ark Mississippi, before Remov- wood are fully dry. process known as “tiller- enough to the heat that the Press, United States. Swanton, John R. al, hickory was the most Whether using stone or ing.” Tillering is where wood becomes too hot to Garcilaso de la Vega 1946 The Indians of commonly used (c.f. Adair steel tools, green or sea- the skill of the bow-maker touch, but not so close that 1993[1596]La Florida. the Southeastern United 1775:331). After Removal, soned wood, the same basic really comes into play. it scorches. In The De Soto, edited by States. Smithsonian Insti- Oklahoma Choctaws found steps must be accomplished Wood must be removed in After half an hour, the Lawrence A. Clayton, Ver- tution Bureau of American themselves in the just the right pro- belly side of the bow non James Knight II, and Ethnology Bulletin 137. heart of bois d’ark portions so that the should start to become an Edward C. Moore. pp. 25- Greenwood Press Publish- country, and have bow will bend in an even brown color, at which 560. University of Alabama ers, New York. come to make most, even arc. Moreover, point it is taken away from Press, Tuscaloosa. but not all, of the just the right total the fire. This process thor- 2001 Source Material bows from it. Both amount of wood oughly dries the wood and St. Louis, Mark for the Social and Ceremo- hickory and bois must be removed also shrinks the cells on 2008 Heat-Treating nial Life of the Choctaw d’ark are excellent so that the finished the belly side of the bow, Bows. In The Traditional Indians. Reprint. bow-making mate- bow will have the permanently making them Bowyer’s Bible Vol. 4, Ed- University of Alabama rials because these desired draw length less able to absorb water. ited by Jim Hamm. The Ly- Press, Tuscaloosa. woods have a high and draw weight. This makes the bow more ons Press, Guilford. density and because This is accom- springy and powerful. In- they very quickly plished by incre- terestingly, early European snap back to their mentally shaving accounts tell us that Na- original shape when off small amounts tives living in the South- Choctaw Nation they are bent and re- of wood from the east could make a bow any Historic Preservation Department leased. This means belly side of the color they desired and with to host that a bow properly bow. Periodically, surfaces so shiny that they Native American made from these the bow is carefully were reflective (Garcilaso woods can shoot an bent to evaluate its 1993:305 [1596]). This was Repatriation Summit III arrow with a lot of strength and the probably done by coating speed and force. to make a good bow. Bow- shape of the arc it makes. the bows in varnish made Durant Casino Not just any hickory or makers usually start by Then, additional wood is from tree sap mixed with Oct. 25-27, 2010 bois d’ark tree will work shaping the “back” of the removed accordingly. This pigments. This would also The Native America Repatriation Summit (NARS) for bow-making. Most bow, the side that faces process is repeated dozens help to protect them from represents a coalition of federally-recognized Tribes bow-makers prefer trees away from the shooter. of times, and with each, moisture. from across Oklahoma and beyond on issues of mutual that are relatively straight, Most Choctaw bows were the bow is bent slightly far- As we mentioned in our interest and concern involving the Native American free of large knots, and free and are made in such a ther, and slightly farther. January article, Choctaw Graves Protection and Repatriation Act. In this meet- of grain twist. Examining a way that the back side of With the green wood tech- Nation sponsors a team that ing, the Tribes will be formulating joint resolutions to tree’s outer bark can usually the bow exposes only one nique, tillering is complet- uses traditional Choctaw take before the NAGPRA Review committee in Wash- tell a lot about the proper- growth ring in the wood. ed approximately half way bows in inter-tribal archery ington D.C., in a cooperative effort to make it easier ties of its underlying wood This helps to make the bow while the wood is green. competitions. Choctaw for Tribes to reclaim our sacred objects and rebury our before it is cut. Most bow- durable – as a bow is bent, Then, the emerging bow is bow shoots are held on the ancestors. For more information, please contact Cyndi makers prefer to select and the side fac- Tushka Homma Houser 1-800-522-6170 ext. 2559 cut trees during the winter ing away Council House (see Swanton 2001:49) be- from the Grounds on most cause at this time of year shooter is second Satur- the sap is down, and the experienc- days. outermost growth layer in ing tensional As a part Choctaw Traditional Pottery Class the wood is dense and hard. forces that of these, tal- Times and Locations: Through time, most try to pull ented Choctaw – Durant – Choctaw bow-makers have the wood bow-maker Les Oct. 17, Nov. 7, Nov. 21 – 5:30-9:30 p.m. probably used one of two grain apart. Williston peri- Cultural Events Building, 4451 Choctaw Rd. basic techniques to trans- Having only odically teaches – Poteau – form raw wood into a work- one growth classes on mak- Oct. 18, Nov. 8, Nov. 22 – 5:00-9:30 p.m. ing bow. The older of these ring exposed ing Choctaw Poteau Field Office, 208 B Street two involves doing most on the back bows. For in- of the shaping right after side of the formation about – Idabel – the tree is cut down, while bow mini- these, please call Oct. 19, Nov. 9, Nov. 23 – 2:30-4:30 p.m. the wood is still green (see mizes inconsistencies in lashed down to a flat sur- the Cultural Events Depart- Idabel Field Office, 2408 Lincoln Rd. Beverley 1705, reproduced ment. the wood, making it much face along its entire length – Atoka – in Swanton 1946:577). This is by no means the harder for tension to find a to prevent warping and set Oct. 7, Oct. 21 – 5:30-9:30 p.m. Green wood is softer and full story on the Choctaw weak spot to pull up a splin- in the shade until the wood Atoka Field Office, 1410 S. Gin Rd. easier to work than is dry, ter and break the bow. dries. This happens rapidly bow. Be on the lookout for seasoned wood. This dif- Hickory bows are made because by this stage, the future Iti Fabvssa articles – Antlers – ference is night and day from the sapwood of the bow is already pretty thin. about making Choctaw Oct. 20 – 6:00-9:00 p.m. if the bow-maker is using tree. To create a hickory Drying the wood before the bowstrings, arrows, and ar- Antlers Community Center, 400 SW Quest stone tools. With the “green bow back that exposes only later stages of tillering is rowheads. wood” technique, the bow one growth ring, one sim- important because bending is roughed out to near its fi- ply strips off the outer and the wood too hard or too far nal shape, and then allowed inner bark, leaving the out- while it is green will strain to quickly dry under con- ermost growth ring of wood it and cause permanent trolled conditions that pre- exposed. In other words, the damage to the bow. After vent it from warping. The very outer part of the wood the wood has become fully fine-shaping of the bow is becomes the back of the dry, the tips of the bow are done only after the wood bow. Bois d’ark bows are narrowed down and then has become dry and hard. made from the tree’s inner tillering is completed. With With this technique, a liv- heartwood. The bark and the dry wood technique, til- ing tree can be transformed white sapwood must both lering is usually done right into a powerful, seasoned be removed from the outer after the bow’s sides are bow in less than two weeks part of the tree, exposing finished. the outermost During or after tillering, layer of yel- nocks are cut in the bow low heartwood. tips to hold the string. Sur- This becomes viving old Choctaw bows the back of the from different parts of bow. Choctaw Nation have dif- After the ferent styles of nocks that back of the include several shapes and bow has been arrangements of double and shaped, the pin nocks. After the nocks sides of the are cut in, most bows are bow are usu- sanded and/or burnished. ally roughed The latter is done by rub- out. The thick- bing the bow forcefully on est part of most all surfaces with a hard, Choctaw bows smooth object, such as the is at or near side of a deer antler or a the handle. smooth rock. These steps October 2010, BISKINIK, Page 17 Blaine following path to playing golf with the pros By BRET MOSS As Blaine moved into He is now playing for the whose encouragement and Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma high school sports, he con- First Nations Golf Asso- support have made it pos- tinued collecting trophies ciation (FNGA), which is a sible. If you were to look and leading his team toward non-profit organization ded- “I wouldn’t be able to do through a scrapbook of an numerous wins, as he did in icated to developing Ameri- any of this without my fam- athlete with true and unmis- 2008 when he led his team can Indian golfers. FNGA is ily,” stated Blaine. “They takable talent, you would to victory in the Durant Li- better known as the Native always went with me and find words such as “wins” ons Golf Classic. In this, Pro Circuit. supported me.” Blaine is and “champion.” That is ex- along with multiple other He recently finished up specifically grateful for his actly the case with 19-year- competitions, he demon- his most recent tournament grandmother Lorene Blaine, old Cody Blaine of Durant. strated his talent throughout at the Choctaw Masters, grandfather Silas Blaine, Blaine, a member of the his high school career. held in Choctaw, Miss., sister Kayleigh Powell, Choctaw Nation of Oklaho- In his freshmen, junior where he won Overall uncle Junior Blaine, his ma, is a graduate of Durant and senior years of high Grand Champion. He will mother Monica Blaine, as High School, where he was school, he was invited to the be returning once again in well as many other family a star performer on the golf state tournament. His senior late November. members. team. Sinking putt after putt year he placed 10th in the The FNGA is a great As she witnesses her son and nailing the long drives state tournament and made stepping-stone on his path mature into a gifted athlete, has earned Blain a reputa- the All-State team. While on to PGA stardom. If he does Monica Blaine states, “He is tion as a considerable golf- the All-State team, he helped well in this circuit, he will doing what he has dreamed ing talent in the local area. the East All-State team to be able move up to the Na- of doing, I’m a very proud Blaine began golfing in win out over the West team. tional Golf Tour, which is a mother and enjoy getting April of 2003 and has been That was his last tournament prerequisite to the PGA. If to travel with him every perfecting his game ever as a Junior Golfer. he does well there, it is on chance I get. It is something since, winning titles and tro- He continued his success to the big league for Blaine. special to witness first hand phies along the way. This all by winning the National Na- Along with the FNGA in him winning a major tourna- began when he was encour- tive Youth Golf Champion- his path towards pro status, ment.” aged by his friend, Chad ships at the WinStar Golf He has also qualified with Chief Pyle and the Choc- McCarty, to pick up a club Course in Thackerville soon Cory Gilbert, his golfing taw Nation of Oklahoma and give it a try. after his graduation in 2009. partner, for the ESPN Na- have been a great aid on “One day we just went Blaine has competed on tional Golf Challenge. The the road to golf success as out and played golf… I high school years, Blaine his age division and over- 28 courses throughout the challenge was sponsored by well. “The Choctaw golf just started hitting the ball tore through the competi- all. This score helped bring state of Oklahoma and 10 ESPN Regional Television camps helped me out a lot,” good,” humbly explained tion. “There were only four back the team trophy to the out-of-state courses, grac- Network and was presented Blaine elaborated. Cody is Blaine as he reflected on tournaments my seventh Choctaw Nation. ing locations such as Or- by Calloway Golf. especially grateful for Chief his beginnings in golf. Af- grade year, and I won all In December of the same lando, Fla., Lakeside, Calif., Blain plans to keep mov- Pyle, Assistant Chief Batton ter spending that day on the four of them,” stated Blaine year, he was invited to the and Santa Fe, N.M. He has ing forward toward the ac- and the Tribal Council for course, Blaine was hooked. as he remembered his ear- Doral-Publix International also traveled internationally complishment of his dream. their interest and support in His newfound fascination lier years of golf. Jr. Golf Classic in Miami, to compete in the sport he His objective now is “to helping him to achieve his with golf came as a sur- In 2004, at the Choctaw/ Fla. It is one of the top Jr. loves. keep practicing, do better in goal of one day being a pro- prise to his mother, Monica Chickasaw golf camp in Golf Tournaments in the Through his success in these tours and get noticed,” fessional golfer. Blaine. When he told her he Kingston he qualified for country, representing 45 golf, Blaine has realized says Blaine. Blaine’s advice for any- wanted to join the golf team the National Native Ameri- states and 38 countries, and his dream in life is to play While chasing a dream, one who is in pursuit of be- and asked for a set of clubs can Jr. Golf Championship boasting over 600 golfers. professionally in the PGA. it might be easy for one to ing a golf champion is to for his birthday, she knew it which was held at the Walt Cody placed 10th as he rep- Since his graduation, he forget those who made it practice a lot, have friends was serious. Disney World Resort in Or- resented the State of Okla- has continued to pursue his possible. That is not the case that like to play, and “make During his junior high and lando, Fla. His three-round homa and the Choctaw Na- dream of becoming a pro- for Cody Blaine. He humbly sure you have good support score placed him first in tion. fessional golfer. remembers the individuals, from your family.” Rachelle DiNardo says farewell after her 2009-10 reign Wow! What an incredible Wheelock and Five Civilized Mall commercial model, Miss with my name and for driving the events, the rides at the car- journey this past year has been Tribes festivals. I visited the Muskogee Independence, Ju- your sports cars for Stephanie, nival and the gospel singings as Miss Choctaw Nation. This Nanih Waiya mound and family nior Miss Choctaw Nation Juanita and I to ride in parades; we shared. And thank you for journey took me to California, in Mississippi. I played stick- 2006, Miss Choctaw Ouachita to Benji Grants for the beaded helping me share the Choctaw Texas, Mississippi, and to sev- ball and danced Choctaw social 2007, and top 10 Miss Teen fans; to my Aunt Betty Ross culture with Bacone students. eral towns here in Oklahoma. I dances with my cousins Melo- Oklahoma USA. At college I and mom for the several Choc- To my successor, Miss Kris- will forever treasure the memo- dy, Onna, Hallie Denson, my became a part of the college taw dresses; to Grandma Jean tie McGuire of District 5 – Con- ries at Labor Day, Trail of Tears brother Preston and Standing cheerleading squad. We won DiNardo for the beaded mocca- gratulations Miss Choctaw Na- Walk, Veterans ceremonies and Pine dancers. My Mother and the National cheerleading com- sins and cousin Kim Battiest for tion 2010! pow wows, conferences, Ivy Aunt Barbara Cates took me petition. I was honored as most repairing my moccasins during Have fun on an amazing yet League College event, Choctaw to Native Choctaw Cultural outstanding freshman student as my reign; to the Denson family memorable year visiting and Language High School gradu- museums in Mississippi, Okla- selected by Bacone staff and it for other beadwork and baskets speaking with so many interest- ate ceremony, JOM conference, homa and Washington, D.C. I included a $500 scholorship. It and helping me backstage dur- ing people. National Victim services with traveled with my family, Kim was my honor to serve as Head ing the pageant when I wanted a A few words of wisdom: al- cultural immersion confer- Peters-Battiest, Janice Ward, Lady dancer for Bacone’s pow- different dress for each compe- ways walk in the beauty of the ence, Oklahoma state events, Terry Loman, Barbara and John wow held at Jones Academy. tition. To Choctaw Color Guard Choctaw culture, while living in California Okla Chahta Gath- Cates and Grandma Jean to Thank you Chief Pyle, As- member Terry Lowman and my the present. ering, Choctaw weddings, Dis- many pow wows in Oklahoma sistant Chief Batton, Council- family for the finances, travel To be born a Choctaw is trict 11 dinners, Chief Pyle and and Texas. I experienced the man Bob Pate and the Tribal and items for giveaway during something that distinguishes Councilman Pate birthday par- Gathering of Nations Pow wow Council for giving Choctaw this past year. Thank you Dad- us from every one else. We are ty, parades, Native American in New Mexico. My family and young ladies the opportunity dy and Mom for getting me blessed to be Choctaw, People Awareness Expo, visiting those I went with Les Williston and to represent their tribe. Thank where I was asked to be. To My who overcame many obsta- in the hospital, other tribal festi- Sara Sharp to several Stomp you Faye Self, Elaine Thom- Lord and savior for blessing me cles and hardships to become vals and pageants and served as dances. I witnessed my Grand- son, Vickie McClure, Connie with opportunities, for my fam- a proud nation. Growing in Head Lady dancer for the pow mother Jean shake traditional Courtwright for all you did for ily and my tribe. education, health, government, wow held at Jones Academy. I with all the District princess on turtle shells and I learned to wrap us. Thank you Jerry Lowman To Stephanie, Junior Miss business, jobs and community served as Bacone’s princess stage. I remembered all the peo- my legs good before I started for the sterling silver Choctaw Choctaw 2009, you are a good services. pageant judge, and at Bacone ple that had help me get to this shaking my own can shells to stickball sticks; to Aunt Aline role model and good with To quote Chief Pyle, “Choc- College activities and grand point. Each of them teaching or avoid blisters. Les showed me Ward and Suzanne Heard for the children. I’ll remember the taws growing in pride, hope and openings. giving me some advice or pro- how to make stickball sticks words of wisdom and to borrow hours we shared in the airport sucess.” It was several years ago that viding me with items. My name and Curtis Billy let me help the Aunt Aline’s moccasins; to Mr. how you were like a big sis to Yakoke. first I competed for Choctaw was called; I took a step for- children at Choctaw Nation Reed for making the cedar box Juanita. To Juanita, Little Miss district princess. I didn’t win ward and accepted the crown. Culture camp with pottery to keep the Choctaw crowns Choctaw 2009, you and your 2009-2010 Miss that year but I tried again and Bob Pate placed the Great Seal clay. I attended Choctaw Lan- in; to Nathan Elliot who em- brothers are good Choctaw Choctaw Nation experienced the opportunity of The Choctaw Nation crown guage classes in Wilburton in broidered my Choctaw sash gospel singers. I’ll remember Ashton Rachelle DiNardo of being Junior Miss Choc- on my head and I walked for the 2004 and at Bacone College. taw Nation 2006, followed by first time experiencing a dream All of these events in my life Miss Choctaw Owa Chito 2007. I had dreamed of. including my cousin Consuelo I will always remember the My journey started as a Splawn’s Choctaw wedding times when I traveled with Miss young girl watching items gave me the understanding of Choctaw Nation 2006 Court- made by my family: Choctaw how Choctaw culture is a vital ney Baker to many Choctaw food, shirts, dresses, flutes, aspect of what it means to be district gatherings and Miss baskets, and beaded jewelry. I Choctaw. Choctaw 2007 Kandace Fol- listened to stories and history This past year was one of som reviewing the jingle dress as told by Grandma Jean Di- many accomplishments. I just dance style with me and giv- Nardo. I sang Choctaw gospel graduated from Hartshorne ing me advice for pageants. I with Great-grandpa Lee Roy High School and left Jones always remember Elizabeth Ward while he played the piano. Academy Indian Boarding Wright, Miss Indian Okla- Watched my Great-grandma school. I entered Bacone Col- homa 2005, my mom and I Alice Ward make baskets, My lege in Muskogee. I received a preparing for pageants District Uncle Rev. Floyd Peters made $1,000 scholorship as Miss 11, Indian Oklahoma, and the a Choctaw flute and taught me Choctaw Nation 2009, $600 Sunburst pageants. I know my how to play. I went to beading scholorship as Miss McAles- cousins Girlie, Autumn and I class and Aunt Nancy Peters ter first runner-up, a four-year will remember winning Owa- helped me with beaded jew- 100 percent tuition scholorship Chito and Our Diamond Miss elry; My cousins Alex, Girlie, offered from Bacone College pageants in our age catago- Autumn, Kallie, Lucas Batti- President for being Miss Musk- ries. All of these times helped est and I participated at Bro- ogee Azalea Festival Queen, be- me become more prepared for ken Bow AILYC pow wows, ing a Muskogee Arrowhead the Miss Choctaw Nation 2009 pageant. It seems only yesterday win- ning the District 11 Choctaw Bacone College 2010 Outstanding pageant then representing my Freshman is Rachelle DiNardo district at the Choctaw inter- view competition. At the inter- Bacone College has presented the Earl Riley Scholar- view I wore a beaded jewelry ship Most Outstanding Freshman Award to Rachelle Di- set my great-great-grandmother Nardo. original enrollee Francis Willis This scholarship of $500 was presented to Chel at Ba- made. While at the Choctaw cone’s awards assembly. Recommendation came from the Labor Day pageant I carried Vice President of Bacone and Dean of Faculty. a small Choctaw basket my Chel currently receives a 4 year 100 percent tuition great-grandmother Alice Ward made. I sang the National An- scholorship from Bacone College President Rev. Dr. Rob- them in the Choctaw language ert J Duncan. for the talent competition and Chel ‘s parents are Reggie and Danielle and grandparents dedicated the performance are Ray and Jean DiNardo and Pauline and the Late Rich- to our veterans. Then I stood ard ChuckLuck. Her great-grandfather is LeeRoy Ward. Pow Wow 6 GoN Ad.indd 1 9/8/10 10:09 AM October 2010, BISKINIK, Page 18

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