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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

August 2010 Issue Serving 202,205 Choctaws Worldwide Choctaws ... growing with pride, hope and success BISKINIK – The Choctaw news bird On July 10 the Choctaw The Legend to land. When the raft was safely on ground, warriors during the night, Biskinik would warn Nation Tribal Council ap- Folichik, turned into a beautiful woman. Biski- them by tapping out messages on trees around proved a bill that corrected the According to Choctaw legend, two birds – nik remained a bird and always stayed near the the camp. spelling of the tribal newspa- Biskinik (a small, speckled species of wood- camp, warning of danger and also bringing good per, Biskinik. Named after pecker) and Folichik (the scissortail fly catcher) news. Not only is the tribal newspaper changing its the little news bird of Choc- were the only two birds to escape drowning dur- To the Choctaw, Biskinik, the friendliest of name, but it is also stepping into the 21st Cen- taw legend, the Biskinik ing the “returning waters” (the Choctaw term birds, was accorded special treatment and be- tury with the development of an online version. has always been a free service for the Great Flood). In the Choctaw legend, came known as “the little Chahta news bird.” The Biskinik E-News will be available as a to all tribal members and will when the great waters came crashing, there was Biskinik would live around Choctaw homes newsletter for anyone, members and non-mem- continue to be a link among Choctaws wherever a lone man, on a raft, who survived. Biskinik and let them know whenever someone was ap- bers alike, to be received via email. Keep watch- they live in the world. and Folichik accompanied this lone man, who proaching. The friendly little woodpecker was ing for an announcement for the kick-off of the The Tribal Council of the 1970s chose the floated on his raft for many moons. The birds also believed to accompany hunting parties or Biskinik E-News! name Biskinik for the newspaper since it was became tired and perched upside down on the war parties when they went into the field. Chief Gregory E. Pyle and the staff of the a news bird. Unfortunately, the spelling was sky to rest. The waters became rough and the Biskinik would warn the warriors of the ap- tribal newspaper strive to bring news to each incorrect by one letter. With the revival of cul- waves were so high that the waves reached the proach of an enemy, or would indicate to them Choctaw about what other Choctaws are doing. ture and language, the Council passed legisla- birds and actually split the tailfeathers! when game was near and in which direction they Please welcome BiskiniK into your homes tion turning the H into a K so that BISHINIK is After many days and nights, Biskinik finally should travel to find this game. Should an en- as your monthly “news bird” from other Choc- turned into BISKINIK. brought the man a leaf from a tree and led him emy force approach an encampment of Choctaw taws.

Tribal Council holds July session The Choctaw Nation Tribal Council met in regu- lar session on July 10. New business included presentation of a language certificate toB onnie Horn who will be teaching at the Choctaw Community Cen- ter in Durant on Wednes- days. See photo on Page 7. A Council Bill was ap- proved correcting the spell- ing of the tribal newspaper to BISKINIK. Other Council Bills on the agenda that were Emergency Response Center opens in McAlester addressed and approved By KAREN JACOB Response Trailer and an ambu- 100 years for our children and Priddle stood up and said, “This partner, the Choctaw Nation, included: Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma lance. grandchildren. We want our is a day of celebration,” and the City of McAlester has a • Applications to the U.S. “We have two manufactur- children to stay here and have a then spoke of a memo from state-of-the-art emergency re- Department of Transporta- On July 15, the Choctaw Na- ing plants and our biggest plant safe environment.” representatives of the OSU ex- sponse center which will serve tion for Surface Transporta- tion of Oklahoma and the City is in McAlester. We are trying Councilman Bob Pate hon- tension office dated Feb. 14, our citizens and our county for tion Infrastructure; the U.S. of McAlester in a cooperative to create jobs for Oklahomans. ored Capt. Zappy Ott who died 1985, that stated the need for a years to come.” The $1.95 mil- Administration for Children effort celebrated the ribbon- We get the best training because in the line of duty in 1981 while fourth fire station in the south- lion facility was completed by and Families for the Af- cutting of the new McAlester you can only be competitive in battling the Diamond Hardware east quadrant of McAlester. using a $800,000 Community fordable Care Act Tribal Fire and Emergency Response this world if you have the best,” blaze. Members of Captain Mayor Priddle said, “With the Development Block Grant ob- Maternal, Infant and Early Complex. The 7,682-sq.-ft. fa- stated Chief Gregory E. Pyle. Ott’s family were present and help of the Choctaw Nation tained by the Choctaw Nation Childhood Home Visiting cility is located at 607 Village “This building is a joint recognized by his daughter, 25 years later, this need is fi- and a little over $1 million di- Grant Program; and the Blvd. and will station not only venture,” Chief Pyle contin- Sharon Evans. nally being fulfilled. Thanks to rectly from Choctaw Nation Environmental Protection fire trucks but also a HazMat ued. “We are building to last McAlester Mayor Kevin the tremendous efforts of our businesses. Agency for the Climate Showcase Communities Grant Program. • Budget and recontract- ing for the Fiscal Year 2010- Choctaw 11 Choctaw Nation Head Wright City honors Oklahombi Start Program. Choctaw Code Talker Joseph youth camps Oklahombi has been honored with u What’s inside a monument unveiled in his home promote town of Wright City. The granite Notes to the Nation...... 2 stone is engraved “Joseph Okla- cultural Columns...... 3 hombi, 1895-1960.” Nursery News...... 4 Oklahombi was born May 1895 enrichment, Food Distribution Calendar.... 4 near Alikchi, Indian Territory. He Outreach at the Beach...... 5 active moved to Bismark, now known as People You Know...... 6 Wright City in 1910. He enlisted District Princesses...... 10 lifestyles in the Army during World War I Obituaries...... 14 By CHRISSY DILL and was one of the original Choc- Crossword Puzzle...... 16 Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma taw Code Talkers. Iti Fabvssa...... 17 On Oct. 8, 1918, at St. Etienne, The Choctaw Nation has many organizations to promote Labor Day Pow Wow...... 17 France, Oklahombi and 23 fel- the growth of their youth. Whether it is teaching them the Labor Day Entertainers...... 18 low soldiers attacked an enemy Choctaw language or aiding them in furthering their edu- position and captured 171 pris- cation, it’s evident that the Choctaw Nation cares about its The Mission oners. They held the position youth excelling. The Summer Youth Activity Camps pro- of the Choctaw for four days. For his bravery he vide Choctaw children with opportunities to participate in Nation of Oklahoma was awarded the Silver Star from various sports and activities, promoting an active lifestyle To enhance the lives of all the United States and The Croix and productivity in the young population. members through opportu- DeGuerre from the French Mar- There are several Choctaw Cultural Events employees nities designed to develop shal Petain. who are in charge of the camps. Kevin Gwin is the Youth healthy, successful and pro- After the war, he returned to Camp Coordinator, and he has been helping with the camps ductive lifestyles. Wright City. On April 13, 1960, he for the past six years. “I have always enjoyed working with was killed in an accident near his kids,” said Kevin, “so it was an easy choice when my execu- The BISKINIK home. He was buried with mili- tive director offered me this job.” is printed on State Representative Dennis Bailey, State Senator Jerry tary honors in the Yasho Cemetery See CAMPS on Page 15 recycled paper. Ellis and Chief Gregory E. Pyle. northwest of Broken Bow. August 2010, BISKINIK, Page 2 Quinton area residents gather for a fish fry on July 15 and some great food and fun

Councilman Joe Coley, Chief Gregory E. Pyle and Marvin Jane Howell, Ersie Coblentz and Darrel Kimyon. Jean Cameron and Beverly Bice. Ginn.

City Councilman Marvin Ginn, Assistant Chief Gary Bat- Randy Work donated a historic photo of Quinton to Chief ton and Mayor Bonita Pearce. Pyle. Vonzil Kimyon and Yvonne Miller.

King, Betsey, Frazier, Jones NOTES and Dailey Reunion A family reunion for family and friends of Issac King, Lena Mae Betsey King, Nannie Betsey Barcus, Wilson Frazier and Ella Thank you Thank you for certificate Jones Frazier Dailey will be held on Aug. 7 at the Choctaw Na- Dear Chief Pyle A special thanks to the Choctaw Na- tion Community Center at 707 Bond St. in Crowder. Gathering and the Choctaw Nation, tion for giving my son, Robert Samuel, will start at 10:30 a.m. and dinner will be served at 11:30. Family I recently graduated from the a gift certificate for making all A’s and recognition will be at 1 p.m. and gospel singing at 2 p.m. University of West Alabama in B’s. He is the great-grandson of the late Those attending are asked to bring a meat dish, dessert and soft Livingston with a Bachelor’s Julia Tims of Smithville and the grand- drinks. Door prizes will be given and anyone wishing to donate Degree in Athletic Training and son of Dora Wilson. Robert attends items is welcome to do so. The lake is close by so those wishing I have passed the BOC (Board Beggs High School and Green Coun- to swim and fish can do so as well. Bring pictures and mementos of Certification). try/OSU Okmulgee. He is currently of your family to share. I would like to take this op- studying machinist and plans to go to the Navy upon graduation. For more information contact Bryan Frazier at 918-420-0295, portunity to say a “Thank You” Janice Frazier Bitsoi at 918-470-1481 or Leroy Sealy at 405-474- to the Choctaw Nation for pro- Thank you, Career Development 8657. No alcoholic beverages are allowed. viding me with financial aid as I pursued my education. A special thank you to Chief Pyle as he diligently works to Janica Williams finished her CNA class and passed her board move the Choctaw Nation to an upper-level of education which is exam third in her class. She received her little CAN pin and will Jones Academy Male Alumni Reunion the basis that any nation grows upon. I say thank you to Mr. Larry get her card showing her accomplishment in a few days. I am so Wade, director of the Higher Education Department, and all of his proud of her. The Jones Academy Male Alumni Reunion is coming up on staff who are always so kind, prompt and helpful. Thanks to Career Development and Higher Education for the Oct. 16. Supper will be at 5 p.m. Remember to tell the other Jones I am the grandson of the late Sam Cook Palmer, the great- past couple of years and the future for your help and support. boys about the reunion and the gospel singing after supper in grandson of the late Ruby Cook Palmer, both of Preston, Miss., Donna Williams the gym at 7 p.m. They are welcome to sing, listen or play their and the great-great-grandson of the late Peggy Garland Cook, instruments. an original enrollee from Stigler. My plans are to continue my For more information contact James “Jimmy” Bruner at 580- Searching for relatives education as I pursue my doctorate degree in Physical Therapy. 298-3136. If anyone has any information on any of the alumni I am searching for relatives of John Hammons and Elizabeth Thank you and may God continue to bless the Choctaw Nation. who has passed away, please let Jimmy know so they can be Heskett of Crowder, W.D. Eckelman or Lotte Gresham. Contact David Wesley Haggard, ATC, Philadelphia, Miss. added to the “Honor Roll of Taps.” Donna Eckelman-Winfree at [email protected], 530-547- 5541 or P.O. Box 312 Palo Cedro, CA 96073 if you can help. Donna Eckelman-Winfree Santa Fe Days on the Square The Sante Fe Days on the Square in Old Downtown Carrollton, Texas, will be held on Oct. 9 and 10, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This is a free family event that celebrates Native American culture and is open to the public. Special Seminole/Choctaw guest artist Brian Larney will be in attendance. Choctaw artists are wanted for the event! Contact James Box for more information – 469-471-1241 or visit the website, www. santafedays.com.

Southeastern Oklahoma Indian Credit Association The Southeastern Oklahoma Indian Credit Association offers small business, home, home improvement and agriculture loans. To be eligible to apply, a person must reside within the 10- 1/2 county service area of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and must possess a Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood (CDIB) Lil’ Choctaws say thank you from a federally recognized tribe. Team Lil’ Choctaws competed in the Creek Nation Jr. Olympics For more information, please contact Susan Edwards at 580- during the Creek Nation Festival. Sixteen kids participated in the 924-8280 or toll-free 800-522-6170. heat of the day. Six kids placed first, two kids placed second, and three kids placed third in individual competition. The team would like to say thank you to District 3 Councilman Kenny Bry- Gregory E. PyleGregory E. Pyle Gary Batton Gary Batton Chief Assistant Chief ant for the donation to help purchase shirts for the kids. We would Chief The Official Assistant Chief The Official also like to thank Mr. Kimball of Kimball’s Store of Talihina and MonthlyMonthly Publication Publication of the thanks to Choctaw Travel Plaza of Wilburton for donating drinks Choctaw Nationof the of Oklahoma for the kids. Again, thank you for all the donations and support. ChoctawJudy Nation Allen, Executive of Director Oklahoma Vonna Shults, Web Director Melissa Stevens, Mail Center Director Coaches Melissa Impson, Cindy Watson, Cheryl Billy and Judy Allen,Janine Dills, Executive Executive Assistant Director Red Earth Parade a success The Lil Choctaws VonnaLana Shults, Sleeper, Marketing Web Manager Director June 18 was a significant time for the Choctaw People at the Melissa Stevens,Lisa Reed,Circulation Editor Director Larissa Copeland, Assistant Editor 2010 Red Earth Festival Parade. On that sunny and hot day in the JanineKaren Dills, Jacob, ExecutivePurchasing Coordinator Assistant Lana BrendaSleeper, Wilson, Marketing Administrative Assistant Manager midst of tall skyscrapers and the hustle and bustle of city life, the Little Miss Bokchito Chrissy Dill, Journalism Intern sounds of Choctaw songs came to life on the streets of downtown Bret Moss, Journalism Intern says thank you Lisa P.O.Reed, Box 1210 Editor Oklahoma City. A delegation of Mississippi Band of Choctaw In- Durant, OK 74702 Larissa (580)Copeland, 924-8280 • (800)Assistant 522-6170 Editor dians filled the air with traditional songs. The Mississippi women We want to thank all of you who purchased Karen Jacob, FaxPurchasing (580) 924-4148 Coordinator www.choctawnation.com led the men carrying their stickball sticks as they walked behind candles, bought tickets, or made donations to Brenda Wilson,e-mail: [email protected] Administrative Assistant the OK Choctaw Tribal Alliance float. The Choctaws of Okla- help our Little Mattie win the Little Miss Bok- ChrissyThe BISHINIK Dill, is printed Journalism each month as a service Intern to Tribal Members. The BISHINIK reserves the right to edit submitted homa and the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indian united on one chito title and have her special day. She is so materialBret which Moss, it finds inaccurate,Journalism profane, offensiveIntern or mor- ally unacceptable. Copy may be edited for proper grammar proud of her little crown. Her float won second and punctuation. Copy will be accepted in any readable form, path to share the exhilaration! but where possible, it is requested that material be typewrit- place. She also raised more money than any of ten and double spaced.P.O. You Box must include 1210 an address or phone number whereDurant, you may be reached.OK 74702Due to space limitations the contestants. and the quantity of article submissions, we are unable to in- Searching for information on Austin Jim family (580)clude everything 924-8280 we receive. • (800) 522-6170 The Williams and Jordan families. If you are receiving more than one BISHINIK at your home or if yourFax address (580) needs changed,924-4148 we would appreciate My name is Tommy Thompson and I am trying to reconnect hearing from you. The www.choctawnation.comBISHINIK is a nonprofit publication of the Choctaw with my family heritage. My great-grandfather, Austin Jim, re- e-mail:Nation. [email protected] Circulation is monthly. Article deadline is the 10th of the located to Oklahoma from Mississippi. I was told some settled The BISKINIK ismonth printed for the following each month’s month edition. as a service to Tribal Members. Blanche-Bray BISHINIK® 2010 in the Bentley, Okla., area. If there are any people in this family, The BISKINIK reserves the right to edit submitted material which it reunion finds inaccurate, profane, offensive or morally unacceptable. Copy may please contact Tommy Thompson at P.O. Box 131, Connerville, be edited for proper grammar and punctuation. Copy will be accepted OK 74836. Thank you. The Blanche-Bray re- in any readable form, but where possible, it is requested that material be union was held May 1 at the typewritten and double spaced. You must include an address or phone home of Opal Bray. Those number where you may be reached. Due to space limitations and the A visit with Chief attending were her sister, quantity of article submissions, we are unable to include everything we receive. While on vacation in May, we were passing through Oklahoma Chillie Stouff, of San Di- If you are receiving more than one BISKINIK at your home or if your and stopped by Durant. Chief Pyle was in the office and was gra- ego; brother Dalton Blanche address needs changed, we would appreciate hearing from you. cious enough to take time from his busy day to talk with us. We and his wife, Ginger, of The BISKINIK is a nonprofit publication of the Choctaw Nation. thought this was very gracious of him and I wanted to let him Oklahoma City; Paul and Cheryl Stouff of Denver, Colo.; Matt Circulation is monthly. Article deadline is the 10th of the month for the know how much we appreciated that fact. Reiser of Dallas; Mitchell and Anne Blanche of Lexington, Ky., following month’s edition. BISKINIK® 2010 The Parsons Family from Merced, Calif. and Fred and Doris Bray of Broken Bow. The Trail of Tears shirts were selected as our shirt this year. August 2010, BISKINIK, Page 3

Players chant, yell and tap their sticks together as they enter the field. Leading the team on the field. Oklahoma competes in World Series Stickball From the desk of week! As they prepared for This was quite a sight, as Chief Gregory E. Pyle the game, I could hear them both teams had abundant ath- Enthusiastic team members singing, chanting, yelling and letes – some teams have more Oklahoma Choctaws made tapping their sticks from over than 100 players so that the are true Choctaw sportsmen history this July with a team a block away! They ceremo- 30 who are on the field can entered in the World Series niously marched up the street continually be refreshed with Stickball Game at Mississip- to the stadium, led by two less-fatigued team mates from pi. We were made welcome young men with drums. All in the sidelines. by our brethren in our ances- bright turquoise shirts, many I was proud to have prayer tral homeland, as were Choc- with matching bandanas and asked for the team and the taws from all over the United headbands, our team looked game. We always begin meet- States, as teams gathered at great, too. ings at Choctaw Nation with the football field at the Choc- This was my first time at prayer and I am thankful when taw High School in Choctaw, the games, so when the As- we are at public events hosted Miss. Gaming Commissioner sistant Chief and I were asked by others and they have the Henry Williams said that 30 to lead the team onto the field, same traditions. teams would compete before we were honored and thrilled Although we did not win the week was over in the sin- to participate. Still tapping the game, we were blessed to gle elimination tournament. their sticks, still led by the have no injuries. All that was The Oklahoma team com- drummers, and still chanting broken was a pair of sticks. peted early in the week and being loudly cheered on After congratulating the against “Unified,” a diverse from the bleachers, our team Unified team, the Oklahoma team of great players who marched three times from one men left the field, talking ended the game in the double end of the field to the other, about all they had learned and digits, while we cheered our continuing in a single file, how excited they would be team for their two points. then we were joined by our to come back next year and The enthusiastic and pro- opponents who also snaked compete again! These guys fessional attitude of the men alongside our team on our are true Choctaw sportsmen! I on the Oklahoma team lift- journey from goalpost to appreciate each and every one Chief Gregory E. Pyle greets the Oklahoma team. ed my spirits for the entire goalpost. of them!

Imminent return of our Lord Jesus Christ Our message for this month return. Even though they is on the “imminent return of Chaplain’s Corner could not explain just how or our Lord Jesus Christ.” First, with what speed they might let me share with you these be fulfilled to fit into the pro- words from the book of He- could return at any moment. gram of the Lord’s imminent brews 9 verse 27, “... it is ap- God so ordered His Rev- coming. They just knew and pointed unto men once to die, elation that believers in ev- had the faith to believe that but after this the judgment.” ery age could live with the somehow, some way, God’s It is true that “it is appoint- expectation of the coming of word would be fulfilled. ed upon men once to die.” His Son. The promises are so Today, we can actually wit- We have seen this happen worded that every age may ness certain developments throughout human history. view the coming again of and understand in the light Death goes on. It plays no fa- Christ as imminent, and re- of them how Jesus’ coming vorites. It claims both young ceive the blessing and com- could well be even at the and old, rich and poor, small fort of such a hope. door. and great, the wicked and In view of all that is trans- In our present generation, righteous. piring in the world today our we can see a line-up of na- The Bible indicates that generation has more cause to tions which could, almost Working together there is going to be one gen- be excited about, and to look overnight, develop in the re- eration of believers who will with more expectancy, the vived Roman Empire. We no never die. I am thinking of fulfillment of the promise of longer need to wonder how a to improve lives those who are living when Je- His coming than any other man could become a world From the desk of Assistant Chief Gary Batton sus comes, who in a moment, generation. Even though dictator. in a twinkling of an eye, in Rev. Bertram Bobb Christians in every century The “signs of the times” It is great to work for an entity and a leader who are al- since the ascension of Jesus as given by the Lord in Mat- glorified bodies, rise to meet Tribal Chaplain ways so positive about partnering to improve lives of tribal the Lord in the air. Christ have lived in the ex- thew 24, Luke 13, and Luke members, other citizens and communities around us. Just Paul, in writing to the pectation of His return, we 21 relate to His glorious re- recently, the Choctaw Nation celebrated a partnership church at Corinth, in his Since the days of the Apos- have three distinct advan- turn. Not the rapture. They with McAlester for a new fire department. The tribe com- first letter, First Corinthi- tle Paul, he and all born-again tages over those who have will mark the period between bined an $800,000 Community Development Block Grant ans in chapter 15 and verse believers have shared in that already lived and died – ad- His calling out of the Church (CDBG) and $1,150,000 in tribal funds to build a $1.95 51, wrote, “Behold, I show wonderful prospect that they vantages which should make and His coming to rule. Some million, 7,682-square-foot Fire and Emergency Response you a mystery; We shall not might well be a part of that us more knowledgeable, and of the developments we see Complex on the southeast side of town. all sleep, but we shall all be number who are living when expectant of our Lord’s re- today suggest that the time We are extremely proud to be able to collaborate on this changed.” Jesus comes, and who will turn than ever before. Christ spoke about may be project that provides residents of the city and our tribal busi- Then Paul assured us in never taste of death. First of all we know that we very near. ness enterprises in McAlester a safe environment. Although his first letter to the Thessa- Paul wrote, “Then we are nearer the coming again To the student of prophecy, the Choctaw Nation constructed this much-needed facility, lonians that when the Lord which are alive and remain of our Lord Jesus Christ than the recent activity in Israel the City of McAlester will staff and maintain it. Jesus returns, and we read in shall be caught up together any other generation. and surrounding Israel is of Being toured through the fire station by Fire Chief Harold First Thessalonians 4:16-17 with them ...” Can it be that Secondly, we can enjoy, special interest. Stewart and the other firefighters was a great experience these words: the “we” in that verse refers learn, and profit from the Jesus Christ is coming – they are all excited and appreciative of both the beauty “For the Lord himself shall to us today? studies of outstanding Chris- again. It may be soon. Are and efficiency of the building. While on duty, the station descend from Heaven with Are we that special body of tian leaders dealing with ready? Do you know Jesus is “home” to the firefighters. The dorm rooms and kitchen a shout, with the voice of believers who will hear the the return of the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Sav- area are extremely comfortable, and the conference room the archangel, and with the shout and be raptured into Christ. The prophetic Scrip- ior? doubles as a safe room in case of a tornado. In addition to trump of God: and the dead the presence of our Lord Je- tures can be clearly under- If you do not know Him, the fire trucks, a Hazmat Response Trailer and ambulance in Christ shall rise first. sus Christ without ever pass- stood from men like, John F. will you realize who you are, will be housed in the new station. “Then we which are alive ing through the valley of the Walvoord, J. Dwight Pente- a sinner, realize Who God is McAlester is the second town in Choctaw Nation bound- and remain shall be caught shadow of death? The answer cost and Charles C. Ryrie. and what He has done. He aries to benefit from a fire station built with CDBG and up together with them in the is YES. It could be and may Then thirdly, we have seen sent His only begotten Son, tribal funds. Durant opened a new station near the casino clouds, to meet the Lord in well be. things in our own day which the Lord Jesus Christ, to die and travel plazas last year thanks to a partnership with that the air; and so shall we ever When we speak of the im- bear a striking resemblance on the cross in your place. He town. be with the Lord.” minence of our Lord’s return to the signs Jesus said would was buried and rose again on Other big projects the tribe has completed in local towns These words not only indi- we mean that it could take happen before His coming the third day. Will you trust to improve the community and the lives of people living cate that some believers will place at any time. There is again when He personally re- Him as your Savior? You do there include health clinics, senior citizen housing, jobs never die but also suggest nothing at all standing in the turns to reign over the earth. this by faith. through economic development (mainly casino and trav- the imminence of our Lord’s way. This does not imply that Those who lived in cen- Pray for America and for el plazas), new tribal community centers and roads and return and the translation of He must come today, this tureis past knew that certain our leaders, pray for our bridges improvements. As Mayor Kevin Priddle said at believers into His presence week, this month, or even events had to take place in brave men and women in ser- McAlester, “It is amazing what you can do when you work without ever dying. this year, but He may. He connection with the Lord’s vice. together!” August 2010, BISKINIK, Page 4

Dangers of Make the right food choices Nursery News Daniel Roshon Cato-Smith second-hand for a healthier lifestyle Mary Avis Smith of Norman is proud Step up to nutrition If you don’t or can’t consume to announce the birth of her little cow- smoke boy, Daniel Roshon Cato-Smith. He “Second-hand smoke” is the and health milk, choose lactose-free milk WIC was born at 8:12 a.m. on Feb. 25, 2010, smoke you breathe when you The food and physical ac- WOMEN, INFANTS products and/or calcium-forti- at Norman Regional HealthPlex in are around any kind of smok- tivity choices made every day AND CHILDREN fied foods and beverages. Norman. He weighed 6 pounds and 11 er. It is the smoke that comes affect your health and how › Make half your grains ounces and was 19 inches long. He is from the burning end of any you feel today and in the fu- Choose the most nutrition- whole. Eat at least three ounc- es whole-grain cereals, breads, the grandson of Barbara Smith Roe- tobacco product – cigarette, ci- ture. Eating right and being ally rich foods you can from physically active are keys to a each food group each day – crackers, rice or pasta every buck, nephew of Shanda and Omar Twitty, Courtney Smith, Chris gar, or pipe. It’s also the smoke healthy lifestyle. The Dietary those packed with vitamins, day. Look to see that grains are Smith and Brandi Martin, all of Norman, and great-grandson of that the smoker breathes out. Guidelines for Americans, minerals, fiber, and nutrients refered to as “whole” in the list the late John “Jack” and Peggy Roebuck of Coalgate. Non-smokers inhale the smoke 2005, can lead the way to a but lower in calories. of ingredients. when they’re around smok- healthier you. › Focus on fruits. Eat a vari- › Go lean with protein. ers. There are 60 known and Make smart choices ety – fresh, frozen, canned or Choose lean meats and poul- Anna C. Ferguson other probable cancer-causing from every food group dried. For a 2,000 calorie diet, try. Bake, broil or grill it. And substances in tobacco. It also Give your body the balanced you need two cups of fruit each vary your protein choices with Anna C. Ferguson was born June 16, contains 4,000 chemicals, in- nutrition it needs by eating day. more fish, beans, peas, nuts 2010, to Vincent and Lauren Ferguson cluding pesticides and many a variety of nutrition-packed › Vary your veggies. Eat and seeds. of Pennsylvania. She was 8 pounds 6.6 poisons. foods every day. Just be sure to more orange and dark vegeta- Find your balance between ounces and was 21 inches long. Grand- Second-hand smoke has stay within your calorie needs. bles such as carrots, sweet po- food and physical activity. parents are David and Helena Ferguson stronger concentrations of A healthy eating plan: tatoes, broccoli and dark, leafy Regular physical activity, at of Ohio and Drew and Jerriann Manze some of these harmful sub- › Emphasizes fruits, veg- greens. Include beans and peas least 30 minutes a day, is im- of Pennsylvania. Great-grandmothers are the late Minnie Voyles, stances that what the smoker etables, whole grains, and fat- such as pinto beans, kidney portant for your overall health formerly of Talihina, and Mrs. Loose of Pennsylvania. Uncles are inhales diectly. free or low-fat milk and milk beans, split peas and lentils and fitness – plus it helps con- Dana Manze of Pennsylvania and Jonathan Ferguson of Ohio. Second-hand smoke can products. more often. trol body weight, promotes a cause many health risks. For › Includes lean meats, poul- › Get your calcium-rich feeling of well-being and re- duces the risk of chronic dis- instance, smoke can harm the try, fish, beans, eggs and nuts. foods. Have three cups of Sage Mariah Wetselline heart. Anyone who lives with a › Is low in saturated fats, low-fat or fat-free milk - or an eases. smoker is at risk for develop- trans fats, cholesterol, salt and equivalent amount of low-fat For even greater health ben- Sage Mariah Wetselline was born ing lung cancer or even having added sugars. yogurt and/or low-fat cheese efits and to help control body at Comanche County Memorial Hos-  a heart attack. Get the most nutrition every day (1 1/2 ounces of weight, be physically active pital in Lawton on May 31, 2010. She Inhaling second-hand smoke out of your calories cheese equals 1 cup of milk). for 60 minutes. weighed 8 pounds and was 20-1/4 is especially dangerous for ba- inches long. Proud parents are Katrina bies and young children. Their and Barry Wetselline Jr. of Apache. lungs are delicate and still de- Maternal grandparents are Carletta Glasgow and Israel Morales veloping. The smoke makes Choctaw Nation WIC of Apache. Paternal grandparent is Mary Hight of Apache. Great- their lungs less able to com- WOMEN, INFANTS AND CHILDREN grandparents are Dorie and Doyle Denney of Kingston and Viv- pletely fill with air. ian Hight Wetselline of Apache. She is also welcomed by many Children exposed to smoke aunts, uncles, and cousins. are more likely to get sick. SITE PHONE HOURS DAYS They may get more colds and Antlers 580-298-3161 8:30-4:00 Every Tuesday ear infections from fluid build- Atoka 580-889-5825 8:00-4:30 Every Mon., Thurs. & Fri. Richard Lee Timothy up in their middle ears. 1st, 3rd & 4th Wed. Lauscher Osi-Nita Children can develop pneu- Bethel 580-241-5458 8:30-4:00 1st Tuesday Richard Lee Timothy Lauscher Osi- monia, asthma, bronchitis and Boswell 580-380-2517 8:30-4:00 1st & 2nd Friday Nita (Little Bear) was born at 2:27 other lung infections. They Broken Bow 580-584-2746 8:00-4:30 Mon., Wed., Thurs. & Fri. p.m. on July 9, 2010. He weighed 7 may develop allergies. If a 2nd, 3rd & 4th Tuesday pounds 9 ounces and was 19-1/2 inches child has asthma, it may get Coalgate 580-927-3641 8:30-4:00 2nd Wednesday long. His parents are Tami Champagne worse. Durant 580-924-8280 x 2255 8:00-4:30 Daily Krater and Timothy Ryan Lauscher of As a parent, what can you Hugo 580-326-5404 8:00-4:30 Mon., Tues., Wed. & Thurs. Broken Arrow. He is the grandson of Timothia Smith-Earhart of do? 3rd & 4th Friday Tulsa and Richard and Melanie Lauscher of Broken Arrow. • You should not smoke Idabel 580-286-2510 8:00-4:30 Mon. & Fri., 1st & 3rd Thurs. while you’re pregnant. If you McAlester 918-423-6335 8:00-4:30 Daily smoke, the baby smokes, too. Poteau 918-647-4585 8:00-4:30 Daily • Ask your partner not Smithville 580-244-3289 8:30-4:00 2nd Thursday Reese Elliot Fahsholtz to smoke around you while Spiro 918-962-5134 8:00-4:30 Every Wed., Thurs. & Fri. Reese Elliot Fahsholtz you’re pregnant. Stigler 918-967-4211 8:30-4:00 Every Monday & Tuesday was born on July 16, 2010, • Women who smoke or Talihina 918-567-7000 x 6792 8:00-4:30 Mon., Tues., Wed., & Fri. to Rita Ann Boese and Bry- are exposed to smoke are Wilburton 918-465-5641 8:30-4:00 Every Thursday an Lee Fahsholtz of Enid. more likely to have a low Reese weighed 9 pounds 11 birth weight baby. If you are ounces and was 22 inches smoking ask your health care long. His grandparents are provider about stop-smoking Time for back-to-school immunizations Ann Marie and DeWayne aides. Boese of Enid and Deanna and Clay Cheek of Durant. • Ask your partner or other The Oklahoma State Depart- gets closer. The demand for Three vaccines are recom- family members to go outside ment of Health reminds you vaccines turns into a rush ev- mended for all adolescents at your home to smoke. that now is the best time to ery year before school starts ages 11 to 12 and all teens 13 • Let them know that any check your child’s immuniza- mainly because of the boosters to 18 years who have not yet Piper Joelle Dawn Kelley smoking in the home increases tion record and schedule a visit due for children entering kin- received the vaccines: Two-year-old Sailor Dawn the risk of SIDS (Sudden In- with your health care provider dergarten. · Meningococcal vaccine to Pearl Kelley proudly welcomes fant Death Syndrome). or local county health depart- Children in Kindergarten protect against four types of her new sister, Piper Joelle Dawn We all want the best for our ment to obtain any vaccina- through the 12th grade are meningitis as the risk for this Kelley, to the family. Sailor and babies and children. One of the tions needed for school. required to have the primary disease increases between ages Piper are the daughters of Tim best gifts you can give your This is the best time be- series of the following vac- 15 and 24 years. Kelley. The girls are the granddaughters of Joe Kelley and great- child is to keep them away cause clinics only get busier cines: DTaP (4 doses), polio (3 · TDAP vaccine, a booster granddaughters of Lee Roy "Chick" Kelley. Their great-great- from second-hand smoke. as the start of the school year doses), MMR (1 dose), hepati- against tetanus, diphtheria and grandparents are Joe Kelley and Jane Marris. tis B (3 doses), hepatitis A (2 whooping cough, as immunity doses) and varicella (1 dose) decreases over time. Fruits and vegetables and booster doses of DTaP and · HPV vaccine to protect polio vaccines and a second against viruses that cause 70 FOOD DISTRIBUTION dose of MMR. A second dose percent of cervical cancer and ANTLERS add tasty health benefits of varicella vaccine is also 90 percent of genital warts in Market open weekdays Sept. 1-28, except for: Summer fun brings with it lots of wonderful food fair. From recommended at 4 to 6 years the United States. Sept. 8: Idabel 9-11 a.m.; Broken Bow 12-2 p.m. (market closed) the healthy bounty of fruits and vegetables from the garden to the of age, but is not required in · A second dose of varicella Sept. 15: Bethel 9-10:30; Smithville 12-2 (market closed) not-so-healthy foods from the deep fryers, the rich and creamy Oklahoma. vaccine for the best protection Closed Sept. 29-30 for inventory side dishes full of mayonnaise and the ice cream parlor. There is If a child is behind with his These vaccines are available Cooking with Carmen: Sept. 13 & 23, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. a lot to be said for eating our favorite foods in moderation, yet we or her vaccinations, they can at county health departments, durant should keep in mind the wonderful benefits of all the fresh fruits catch up. Children can start Indian Health Service and Market open weekdays: Sept. 1-28, except for: and vegetables of the season. In fruits and vegetables, as well as school as long as they are in the tribal clinics, and many private Closed Sept. 29-30 for inventory nuts and seeds, are found stanols. Stanols are plant-based chemi- process of complying with the physicians through the Vac- Cooking with Carmen: Sept. 7 & 17, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. cal compounds which can help to reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol requirements. cines for Children Program. levels. Elevated cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart attack Parents of children who Adolescents and teens are eli- McAlester and stroke, which is the number one killer of all diabetics. Ac- haven’t completed the required gible for this program through Market open weekdays Sept. 1-28, except for: cording to the CDC, one in every six U.S. adults has high choles- series and boosters should ob- their 18th year if they have no Closed Sept. 29-30 for inventory terol and these individuals face double the risk of heart disease. tain a schedule from their doc- health insurance, or are eligible Cooking with Carmen: Sept. 2 & 15, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. This month’s recipe gives us the summer fun of grilling out along tor or clinic that shows the dates for SoonerCare (Oklahoma’s POTEAU with the tasty health benefits of fruit and vegetables. when they will receive the rest Medicaid program), or are Market open weekdays Sept. 1-28, except for: of the doses. Parents can then Native American or Alaskan Grilled Chicken with Green Chile Sauce Serves 4 Closed Sept. 29-30 for inventory. 4 chicken breasts, 1/4 tsp. oregano take the schedule to the school, Native, or if their health insur- Cooking with Carmen: Sept. 9 & 21, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. but the children must be started ance does not cover vaccines boneless, skinless 2 jalapenos *All locations closed Sept. 6 for Labor Day holiday. 10-12 tomatillos, husks 1/2 tsp. pepper on the series. or does not cover a particular College students in Okla- vaccine. However, once teens removed and cut in half 2 tbsp. cilantro, chopped Choctaw Nation Food Distribution 1/4 c. olive oil 1/4 c. water homa are also required to pres- reach 19 years of age, they are Open 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday thru Friday. We 1/2 medium onion 1/4 tsp. salt ent vaccination records. All no longer eligible for the Vac- will take lunch from 11:30 to 12 noon 2 limes, juice only 1/4 c. sour cream college students are required cines for Children program. WAREHOUSES & MARKETS 2 cloves garlic, chopped to have MMR and hepatitis B “Summer is a good time to vaccines and first-time college check the vaccination records Antlers: 306 S.W. “O” St., 580-298-6443 1. Combine oil, juice from one lime, oregano, and black pepper enrollees who will live on cam- of everyone in your family. All Durant: 100 1/2 Waldron Dr., 580-924-7773 in shallow, glass baking dish. Stir. pus are also required to have adults need tetanus and diph- McAlester: 1212 S. Main St., 918-420-5716 2. Place chicken breasts in baking dish and turn to coat each the meningococcal vaccine. theria boosters every 10 years,” Poteau: 100 Kerr, 918-649-0431 side. Cover dish and refrigerate overnight. Turn chicken periodi- The college requirements do said Dr. Lynn Mitchell, Chief Food Distribution Sites Bethel: Choctaw Community Building cally to marinate it on both sides. not apply to students enrolling Medical Officer and Deputy Broken Bow: Choctaw Family Investment Center 3. Put water, tomatillos, and onion into saucepan. Bring to gen- only in courses delivered via Commissioner for Prevention Idabel: Choctaw Community Center tle boil and cook uncovered for 10 minutes or until tomatillos are the Internet or through distance and Preparedness Services. Smithville: Choctaw Community Center tender. learning in which the student is “So parents, check your re- Stigler: Choctaw Community Center 4. In blender, place cooked onion, tomatillos, and any remain- not required to attend class on cords too, and get the vaccines In accordance with federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture ing water. Add garlic, jalapeno peppers, cilantro, salt, and juice of campus. you need along with those for policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of second lime. Blend until all ingredients are smooth. Place sauce Vaccines are also strongly your children. Kids may be race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, political beliefs, or dis- in bowl and refrigerate. recommended for adolescents less resistant to shots when ability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Of- 5. Place chicken breasts on hot grill and cook until done. Place and teenagers, although these they know grown-ups have to fice of Adjudication and Compliance, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., chicken on serving platter. Spoon tablespoon of low fat sour vaccines are not required for get shots, too.” Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, or call 800-795-3272 (voice) or 202-720- cream over each chicken breast. Pour sauce over sour cream. school. 6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. August 2010, BISKINIK, Page 5

Outreach at the Beach Sardis Lake 2010 August 2010, BISKINIK, Page 6 PEOPLE YOU KNOW Happy 90th birthday Congratulations, Walter Imogene Welch celebrated her 90th Mary Gates would like to congratulate her birthday June 26 at Western Sizzlin’ in cousin, Walter Murillo. Walter is the son of Poteau. Helping her to celebrate were Vedis Murillo and grandson of Siney Noah. many family members and friends. Walter has recently been designated as the Those attending were daughters, Shirley Interim CEO for Native Health. Walter says and Bill Ward, Edith and Johnny Ward, he is “honored to fill the CEO position dur- Claudette Hamner, and Brenda and Jack- ing the period in which a permanent Director ie Sweeten. will be recruited and hired.” He has been with Native Health for Also in attendance were her grandchildren, great-grandchil- over 13 years. dren and great-great-grandchildren, James, Susan, Michael, Mat- thew, and Adrianna Cantwell, Keith, Deann, and Taylor O’Neal and Travis Cox, Kendall, Vanessa, Kenda, Carson, Radley, and Shelbie takes mission Hollan O’Neal, Aaron and Isaiah Lawson, Larinda Sweeten, Jus- trip to Honduras tin McKinney, Tammy and Spencer Ward, Christie, Kinley Belle, Shelbie Smith, daughter of Kristel and and Lillie Branscum, Alicia, Raelyn, and Luke Herell, Katrina Layman Clay of Buffalo Valley, recently and Kieran Jarman, T.J. and Jaelan Holt; friends and relatives, returned from a mission trip to Mision Linda Owens, Lanell McGehee, Nicki Craig, Benny Owens, Ru- District 7 crowns princesses Caribe in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Shel- ben Owens, Betty Morse, Candi and Allee Baggs, Tim and Susan bie traveled with J.D. Miller, nationally Councilman Jack Austin is pictured with District 7’s 2010- Cannon, Kim, Kelly, and Tommy Robertson, Josephine, Marty, known musician from Kentucky, from 11 Princesses – Little Miss Makala Battiest and Jr. Miss Me- Dora, Cody, and Emily Cooper, DelDean and Monty Billinger Houston to Tegucigalpa. The purpose of lissa Gueli. and James Dighton. their visit was to conduct “Talento Cris- Imogene is an active member of the Choctaw Nation District 4. tiano Hondureno,” a talent competition for the young people of the country. From the 90 contestants, a 12-year-old girl won with Thomas a song she had written. earns Happy birthday, Shelbie said, “The country is beautiful and the people are Capri and Joey friendly. There are a lot of needs in this country, like clean water college and reliable electricity. I had taken clean water, electricity and Happy first birthday to Joseph diploma especially air conditioning for granted. We are really blessed Rodriguez and happy second here in the United States to have these things that are needed so birthday to Capri Rodriguez, Thomas E. Da- badly in other areas of the world. I would like to thank my home both of Oklahoma City. vis, 61, was pre- church, Valley Christian of Talihina, Mark and Janet Layman, sented an Associ- missionaries for Global Witness, J.D. Miller of Kentucky and the Joey was born on Aug. 20, ate’s Degree in Applied Science in Human Services on June 18 prayers and support of my family and friends for making this trip 2009, six days before big sister from Grays Harbor College in Aberdeen, Wash. possible. I can’t wait until I can go back again!” Capri’s first birthday on Aug. Davis hopes to earn a family wage income by being of service Shelbie is a 2010 graduate of Buffalo Valley and has enrolled in 26. to his community as a Domestic Violence Advocate, Sexual As- Connors State College for the fall semester. She plans on further- Celebrating are their parents sault Advocate and employ the humanistic counseling approach ing her education to become a doctor. to Emergency Disaster situations. Moreover, Davis is a registered Kimberly and Leonardo Ro- counselor in the state of Washington with intentions of becoming driguez-Grados; grandparents, a Chemical Dependency Professional at some future date. Bob and Cheryl Farrar, Luisa and Atillo Rodriguez; and aunts Wrestling champ, While earning his degree, Davis was Native American Student and uncle Kristal, Madeline and Philip Ginn. Their grandfather Phillip Reitz Jr. Association President for three terms; a member of the Presi- is the late Ricky Ginn, great-grandmother Virginia Bond Grider dent’s Scholars, which requires a grade point average of 3.5 or and Charles Rikli, great-great-grandparents are LeRoy and Alma Congratulations to Phillip Reitz Jr. of above; standing in Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society Membership; Leona Bond, great-great-great grandparents are Henry Jesse Joplin, Mo., for wrestling in the Missouri AutoCAD Certification; and voted the Teddy Bear Award by his Bond and Elizabeth Anderson Bond. The family is proud of their State Wrestling Tournament in Columbia. constituent Human Service Club Membership. The graduating Choctaw heritage. He wrestled in age group 12 and under, class consisted of 260 students and approximately 545 guests, 175 pounds, taking second place. Phillip faculty and family members were in attendance. also became a national champion when The ceremonies were conducted by President Edward J. Brew- Happy birthday, Maleck he wrestled in the Liberty National Tournament, 12 and under, ster; the Honorable Christine Gregoire, Governor of Washington; 175 pounds. He is proud of his Choctaw heritage and his sin- Maleck Ginn celebrated his seventh glet proudly states “Native American.” He is the son Phillip Sr. and Fawn Sharp, President of the Quinault Indian Nation and birthday on Aug. 7. Maleck has one member of the Grays Harbor College Board of Trustees. and Tina Reitz of Joplin and the grandson of Lena Karen Sexton, brother, Elijah, and sisters, Eralee and Caney, and the nephew of Victoria Maturino, Joplin. Davis was deeply humbled and honored when he received a Izzie. Mac’s parents are Lauren Horn and card of congratulations postmarked in the state of West Virginia Philip and Madeline Ginn. His favorite signed by Bettye Bolen, Career Counselor for the Choctaw Na- aunts and uncle are Kristal Ginn-Farrar Happy birthday, tion of Oklahoma Career Development Educational Assistance and Kimberly and Leonardo Rodriguez. Program which stated: “The success of one inspires the dreams Cousins helping him to celebrate are Khloe and Kendon of many.” Joey and Capri. Sister and brother, Khloe Gon- Grandparents are Cheryl and Robert Farrar, the late Ricky Ginn, zalez and Kendon, recently cel- Congrats, Lyndsi Brenda Horn, John and Neysa Horn. Also, great grandparents ebrated their birthdays together. Virginia Bond Grider and Charles Rikli, great-great-grandparents Khloe turned two on May 30 and Former Okla Chahta Head Alma Leona and LeRoy Bond, great-great-great-grandparents Kendon celebrated his 12th birth- Princess Lyndsi Riley gradu- Henry Jesse Bond and Elizabeth Anderson Bond. day on June 2. Sending them birthday wishes are their mother ated May 21 with honors and Ambree. from San Diego State Univer- sity with a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts & Sciences Tamara graduates in Classics with an emphasis The family of Tamara Haslip is proud Lil’ Choctaw cutie in Classical Languages. Her to announce her graduation with her This little “darling” is Meredith Ri- grandparents Chuck and Bar- Bachelor’s in Nursing from California ley Scott, great-granddaughter of Mary bara Ishcomer and Aunt Tami State University, Palm Desert Campus. Lynn. joined with her mother in at- Tamara graduated with departmental tending the commencement ceremonies and in wishing Lyndsi a honors and received a special award for very prosperous future. While earning such a prestigious degree, her scholastic abilities. She is the daugh- translating Latin and Greek text and participating as a member of ter of Susan Wilson Bullock, stepdaughter of Daris Bullock, and Sigma Alpha Lambda, Lyndsi also competed for the San Diego granddaughter of Thomas and Gladys Wilson. They are thankful State Aztecs as a member of the NCAA Division I Cross Coun- to the Choctaw Nation for its assistance with Tamara’s education. try and Track and Field teams where she won Scholar-Athlete Honors. John Anderson wins Currently Lyndsi is in Greece, fulfilling the study abroad com- Great job, ponent of her degree. When she returns in the fall, she will begin truck driving competition studying for her teaching credential at Sonoma State University Rory, Rily and Rayce John Anderson, son of original en- where she will also be competing once again as a distance run- At the end of the spring se- rollee James Ralph Anderson and Mar- ner on the Cross Country and Track teams for the Sonoma State mester, Rory Sanders completed garet Louise Andrews-Anderson, and Seawolves. An avid athlete and sports fan, Lyndsi’s heart is to requirements for an associate grandson of original enrollees James encourage young people to lead a healthy lifestyle and would degree in radiology technology D. Anderson and Millie Carnes-An- someday hope to help implement a fun run at the Annual Okla from Oklahoma State Universi- derson-Fitzgerald, took first place in Chahta Gathering in California as a way to encourage children of ty, Oklahoma City campus. Pres- the California Trucking Association’s her own tribe. Lyndsi and her family are extremely grateful and ently he is employed by Bone Truck Driving Championship Competition held June 6 in Arca- appreciative to Larry Wade and the Choctaw Nation for their very and Joint Hospital in Oklahoma dia, Calif. As state finalist in the four-axle semi-trailer division, generous support of her education. City. Rory’s future plans include John will compete with other states’ winners at the American competing his bachelor’s degree and to become a physician’s as- Trucking Association’s National Truck Driving Championships sistant. A special thanks goes to Robin Counce for her help as being held in Columbus, Ohio, Aug. 3–7, 2010. Lily turns two Rory pursues his education. John has been a professional truck driver with FedEx National Lillian Jade Wahkinney celebrates her Rily Sanders, also a graduate of OSU-OKC, is currently at- LTL for almost four years and began his 34-year driving tenure second birthday Aug. 4. Her parents are tending the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond. He is in the oil fields of Oklahoma. He has received numerous “Driver Gena and Joey Wahkinney; grandparents studying general business. of the Year,” “Driver of the Month,” and safe driving awards are Kevin and Vera Wahkinney, Patricia Rayce, the youngest brother, is currently enrolled at OSU-OKC throughout his driving career. Roberts and the late Harold Isom. Lily’s and will continue his education at UCO in Edmond to complete John lives with his wife, Cinde, in Millbrae, Calif. He has four sisters are Saphire and Raven. a degree of technology in industry education, to be a certified children and five grandchildren. His sons, Robbie and Josh, and welding instructor. their families live in Wilburton, and his daughters, Jessica Flores Rory, Rily, Rayce, along with their parents, Rick and Pamela and Sheridan Trailer, and their families live in the Millbrae area. Sanders of Piedmont, are very appreciative of the Choctaw tribe’s John’s family and friends wish him much success in Colum- Happy birthday, Kylee support in their pursuit of post-high-school education. bus. The brothers are the great-grandsons of the late Charlotte Kylee Sellers of Hugo competed in Hampton, an original enrollee. Their grandparents are Richard the 2010 MLB Pitch, Hit and Run lo- and Bennie Edmonds of Mustang, Cecil and Mac Sanders of Yu- cal competition held in Hugo and tied kon, and Vic and Eva Daniels of Enid. Sisters celebrate for first place. She then advanced to the State Sectional Competition in August birthdays Tahlequah. Kylee won first place in Wesley attends The family of Alondra Janette Perez the pitching and running part of the and Maria Isabela Perez would like to competition and finished second over- Wright City events wish them both a happy August birth- all. She received a second place medal. Williston Wesley attended the day. Bela is turning six and Alondra is Kylee plays for two fastpitch softball teams where she is a 100-year Wright City Centen- turning 15. They are the great-grand- catcher, centerfielder and relief pitcher. She is the daughter of nial Ceremony. He is pictured daughters of Nelson Holman, Gladys Khristy Sellers (Wallace) and Roger Sellers of Hugo. She has two at the gravesite of Joseph Okla- Durant, and Marie Larney. The girls sisters, Lauren and Kamryn. hombi. He also rode a horse in are descended from a blending of Choctaw, Seminole and Creek Kylee turned 11 on June 7 and celebrated her birthday with the annual American Legion tribes. They have one sister, Alexandra. Their family is very her family at Texas Ranger stadium, where she had her name up Rodeo parade and attends the grateful for blessings received this year after a terrible accident in lights during the game and received a gift bag from the Texas Wright City Choctaw Commu- happened in which both of these children were injured, and hope Rangers. nity Center regularly. that they are blessed with many more years to come. August 2010, BISKINIK, Page 7 Hooser honors his Oklahoma Choctaw heritage By Chrissy Dill photography class at Southeast- students and enjoys teaching Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma ern Oklahoma State University. people about the Choctaw heri- He wanted to earn his living tage. Recently, Ernest has been by doing things he loved, not reading Choctaw stories to chil- Ernest has a passion for working at something he didn’t dren in the Robert E. Lee Public teaching people about his enjoy. With his work in teach- Library in Durant. Choctaw heritage. He shows an ing children, school adminis- Ernest encourages young outstanding amount of honor tration, directing students in people to go out and get an for his history and he is proud television program production education because it will be of how his past has made him and photography, Ernest is liv- very helpful to them later in into the man he is today. ing his life doing the things he life when they are searching for Ernest was born Oct. 8, 1917, loves most. the right career. They should in Tuskahoma. His father is the Something that Ernest thinks choose a career field they will late Newton Hickman Hooser, is important to do is to read to love and enjoy so they will live coming from Missouri, and his children. “I have made an ef- a happy life. Ernest advises the mother is Helen Amanda Hoos- fort,” he said, to read to all of youth of today to “study and er. Ernest’s mother is 3/4 degree his children, grandchildren and know more about your people” Choctaw, which gives him 3/8 great-grandchildren. It brings by studying the native language degree of Choctaw blood. Er- him great pride for his chil- and heritage. “I like for people nest grew up with his mother, dren and grandchildren to say to be proud of whatever they father, two sisters and three to him, “I remember you read- are,” he said, even if they’re not brothers in Tuskahoma and at- Ernest Hooser reads to a group of boys and girls at the Robert Lee Williams Library in ing us stories.” He now reads Choctaw. tended elementary and high Durant. The book he has chosen for the day is “Choctaw Little Folk” by Novella Goodman to his six great-grandchildren Ernest Hooser is an honor- school there. Martin. The first four stories are attributed to his grandfather. as much as he can. They say to able Choctaw elder who is ad- After graduating high school him, “Big Papa, tell us stories!” mired by many. Ernest Hooser in 1936, Ernest headed for the and some were barefoot in remembers his mother telling television station coming out of According to Ernest, this fills was named an outstanding elder Murray State School of Ag- the less-than-12-degree weath- him and his brothers and sisters Durant Public Schools. “I really him with pride. of the Choctaw Nation of Okla- riculture in Tishomingo and er. According to Ernest, the is, “You are going to college!” enjoyed the TV,” Ernest said. “I Ernest loves reading to his homa in 2004. Ernest’s brother, graduated two years later. He “Trail of Tears” earned its name It was very important to her that enjoyed all of it.” It was a tele- great-grandchildren, but he John Hooser, has also been went on to Oklahoma A&M during this time from a Choctaw they gain a good education, and vision station for the students, shares his stories with as many named an outstanding elder. College (now Oklahoma State chief being interviewed at the that’s just what Ernest did. He by the students. Ernest en- people as he can. Since Ernest He is an incredibly kind man University) in Stillwater. He Arkansas post. The chief said, had earned his bachelor’s de- joyed working with television came to Durant in 1959, he has who lives to love, learn and pass earned his bachelor’s degree “The way things look, it looks gree in math and science from production and attended some been close with the Choctaw his wisdom to those around in math and science and started like a trail of tears.” While Er- Oklahoma A&M College and television teaching studios in Nation. “I tried to be involved him. He has recently closed a teaching in 1940 at Stigler. nest’s great-great-grandmother went from teaching school in east Texas for a time. He also in everything I could with the speech, receiving a well-earned On Sept. 21, 1940, Ernest passed away on the Trail, her Stigler to becoming the high worked at KXII Studios one Choctaws,” he said. Ernest has standing ovation by over 100 married his college sweetheart, three sons survived to pass on school principal in Tuskahoma summer. traveled to various schools and listeners, by stating, “I am a Helen Woolard, in Tishom- the story. in 1943. He became principal Not only has Ernest been read Choctaw stories to stu- proud Oklahoma Choctaw Indi- ingo. Helen was an artist and Ernest still owns land in Tus- of Antlers High School in 1944 involved with television, he’s dents. “It’s good for children an. I am a proud American Indi- the years she was alive, they kahoma, where he spent his and earned his master’s degree been a photographer as well. He to have people read to them,” an.” Ernest shows pride for his traveled across the United days as a young boy with his from Oklahoma A&M College developed his first roll of film said Ernest. He has read both Choctaw heritage in a way that States and some foreign coun- brothers and sisters. His mother in 1949. He was working to- in 1937. He has taught a night- to elementary and high school deserves the utmost respect. tries. Throughout their travels, would send them on adventures wards his doctorate, but decid- she completed 2,600 beautiful to climb the trees that were near ed to focus more on his current paintings of our nation’s land- their home to retrieve the bark career in education and admin- Horn to teach language classes in Durant scape. Helen gave Ernest his at the top. His mother would use istration. “I don’t regret quitting Bonnie Horn two children. the inside scrapings of this bark pursuing my doctorate,” Ernest was presented her Ernest’s Choctaw family to make medicine. They would said, and he soon became the teaching certifica- goes back to the Trail of Tears also dig up “snake root” to be superintendent of Eagletown tion during the July with his great-great-grandmoth- used for medicine. “My parents Public Schools. 10 Council Meet- er. On her journey on the Trail, didn’t own a car until I was a Four years after serving as ing. Pictured are she walked to Memphis where junior in college,” said Ernest, superintendent for Eagletown, Council Speaker she had to share four boats with so they walked or rode their Ernest began teaching at Durant Delton Cox, Coun- 2,500 other Indians. She walked horses wherever they needed to Jr. High School and made Du- cilman Ted Dosh, up the Arkansas River where go. They were a blessed family rant his home. He still resides Horn, Community she encountered a winter storm. during The Depression because there today. He taught many Language Director There were less than 20 tents they had plenty of farm animals math and science classes and Richard Adams, for the 2,500 Indians. Most of to keep them well-nourished. eventually was put in charge and Assistant Chief the people were barely clothed Something important Ernest of and directed an educational Gary Batton. Durant High School alumni is baseball stand-out at OU By Bret Moss over the season, there is now White works as hard in the Cod to play summer ball, but Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma speculation that he could be classroom as he does on the we went so far in the series that considered for professional field during games and practic- I couldn’t,” commented White. Oklahomans take pride in baseball. White commented, es. A lot of practice, hard work His plans for the summer have many things, and near the top of “There is a great chance for pro and hours on the road filled changed to “hitting the weights that list would be baseball and ball… I don’t care what team I White’s freshman year at one pretty hard” and getting some their University of Oklahoma would play for, getting to the of Oklahoma’s top universities, rest for next season. Sooners. Max White, who just show is everybody’s dream.” but he still managed to do well Remembering the road to finished his freshman year at White’s dreams of pro ball in his studies and pulled off 30 his success, White looks back OU is an embodiment of this might just come true if he keeps credit hours over the year while on high school and remembers pride. up his success on the field. excelling in athletics. Coach Zach Crabtree as an in- White, a 2009 graduate of Max is not the only White White looks back on his spiration to become the player Durant High School and mem- pleased with recent success. experience on the team with he is. “He made me a better per- ber, plays left field for the His mother, Kim White, says, fondness. “Its like we grew up son before a player,” said White Sooners and just returned from “It has been an amazing ride… together, nobody thought they regarding his former coach. an impressive display of talent we never dreamed he would do were better than anybody,” His advice to high school in the College World Series. “It is surreal,” stated White as All this attention has not hit so well so fast.” As Sooner fans, commented White as he de- athletes looking to venture into Though the Sooners did not he described his first year and White just yet and he describes the White family was very ex- scribed the Sooner baseball collegiate athletics is, “Don’t take the series, much hype has the media spotlight. “I remem- it as still not feeling real. “It will cited to see their son make the team. “We were a close team take the time you have in high been generated in their favor ber the first game I started, I probably hit me when I get old- team and obtain a starting posi- and that is what got us that far.” school for granted. Work hard and White has been recognized was named the OG&E Player of er,” White said when describing tion. “Everything you wish for White is back in his home- with that time and you will be as an athlete with great poten- the Game… I was interviewed the experience. when you are a kid, he is living town of Durant for the summer. taken by surprise with what you tial. live on TV and radio.” Given his exceptional play that,” asserted Kim. “I was supposed to go to Cape can do.” Choctaw Nation Distance Learning Technology College Prep Coordinator Stephanie Hodge Gardner is named Oklahoma’s Rising Star GED Classes Stephanie Hodge Gardner, Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Scholarship Advisement Program’s College Prep Coordinator, Beginning: has been named Oklahoma’s Rising Star for 2010 by the Great August 16, 2010 Plains Association of College Admissions Counselors (GPA- Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays CAC). GPACAC is a three-state (Nebraska, Kansas and Okla- 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Choctaw Nation homa) regional organization that is an affiliate of the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) a Community Centers in Bethel, 10,000-member international organization. Smithville and Wright City GPACAC’s Rising Star Award honors top individuals and/or programs in each of its states that exemplify excellence and dedi- cation to serving the needs of students who are in the transition Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from high school to college. 1 – 4 p.m. at the Choctaw Nation The Rising Star award recognizes a young professional who Community Centers in Atoka, Coalgate has been in college admission counseling for less than five years and Talihina and has shown leadership and commitment to the profession and to helping students with the college transition process, according Distance learning GED classes are now available at the above to Barbara Adkins, Associate Dean of Admissions for the Univer- Barbara Adkins, left, Associate Dean of Admissions for the locations to students in the Choctaw Nation. An experienced sity of Tulsa and past president of GPACAC. Adkins nominated University of Tulsa, presents the Great Plains Association GED teacher will instruct you, using the One-Net Distance Stephanie for the Rising Star Award from Oklahoma. of College Admissions Counselors (GPACAC) Rising Star Learning Technology. Distance Learning allows students and “As a new member, Stephanie embraced our organization,” Award to Stephanie Hodge Gardner (right), Choctaw Schol- teacher to see and hear each other on large monitors. You will says Adkins. “She went to our national conference, and also arship Advisement Program’s College Prep Coordinator and be able to interact with the teacher as she helps you prepare attended Guiding the Way to Inclusion (GWI) Workshop.” GWI GPACAC’s Oklahoma 2010 Rising Star. to take the GED test. Books, supplies and testing fees are pro- is a NACAC workshop that helps counselors assist underrepre- vided. The class will meet 3 days each week for approximately sented students and their families in the transition from secondary it her all. She, in our opinion, is someone who will bring new 9 weeks. A CDIB is required. For more information please to postsecondary education. GWI is tailored to address current ideas and leadership to our organization.” contact Neal Hawkins or Kathy Springfield, Choctaw Nation multicultural and diversity issues in higher education. For more information about the Scholarship Advisement Pro- Adult Education, 800-522-6170 or 580-924-8280, ext. 2319 gram and its staff, visit the SAP website at www.choctawnation- or 2122. “Stephanie is a real go-getter and very dependable,” says Ad- kins. “She jumps into any project that will help students and gives sap.com. August 2010, BISKINIK, Page 8 Youth Advisory Board takes action around the Choctaw Nation

Stigler YAB presents the Freddie Falvmmichi posters dur- Passing out flyers for the annual, “Howe Trash-off Day” Heavener YAB members, Shelly Herrin, Jessie Blackwell, ing training. Falvmmichi is a domestic abuse prevention pro- that would take place the following weekend. Heavener and and Sierra Janway hand out Valentines to their local senior gram geared toward 2nd graders, where the YAB mentor Howe YAB took time off on a Saturday to pick up thier com- citizens. these students and teach them that, "It's not cool to hit." munity.

Howe YAB members and cheerleaders announcing that Alysia Pemberton, Erica Monks, and Kolton Bryant pass- Howe YAB performing a skit for the residents of The Oaks February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. ing out popcorn at the Stigler Health Fair. Nursing Home. Workforce Investment Act working hard at Jones Academy Jones Academy hired 25 students to work through the WIA summer work program sponsored by the Choctaw Nation. The stu- dents did a remarkable job mowing, cleaning, painting and refurbishing the facilities on the Jones Academy campus. Besides being paid for their labor, the students enjoyed the experience of knowing a job was well done.

Martina Delaware paints mural freestyle.

Part of the work crew group with social worker Mary Canham. From left: David Gordon, Shaylin WhiteBuffalo, Richard Pedro, Mary Canham, Jarn Richards, Francis Brown, Courtney Wallace, Bennie Simpson and Alan Harjo.

The boys cleaning up the playgrounds. From left: Lee Scott, Austin Ste- vens, Alan Harjo, and Aleex Chatke- hoodle. Lucinda Roberts strips and waxes floors.

CHOCTAW NATION VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION

Phone: 1-877-285-6893 • Fax: 580-326-2410 Email: [email protected] August 2010, BISKINIK, Page 9 Youth Advisory Board Scholarship winners CDIB Membership 1st place CDIB Membership 2nd place CDIB Membership 3rd place

Kacie Orzol Kassi Baughman McKenzi Baldwin Kacie Orzol’s future goals are to graduate college and become I would like to thank the Choctaw Nation Youth Advisory Board I would like to thank Chief Pyle and the Choctaw Nation for a kindergarten teacher. I plan to attend Carl Albert State College for educational opportunities such as this one. I am so grateful for awarding me the Choctaw Nation Youth Advisory Board Schol- in Poteau, then transfer to either Northeastern State University or winning this scholarship. This will be a vital role toward helping arship. I greatly appreciate the Choctaw Nation for everything it University of Arkansas-Fort Smith. This scholarship will help me me advance one step closer to achieving my academic goals. I has done for me in high school and entering into college. I will be receive the education I need in order to achieve my goals. I would plan on attending Southeastern University for basic education, attending NSU in the fall where I will earn my degree in Speech like to thank the Choctaw Nation Youth Advisory Board for select- then transferring to Southwestern in Weatherford, Okla., to pur- Language Pathology. Thank you again. – McKenzi Baldwin ing me to receive this scholarship. I greatly appreciate it. sue a Pharmacy degree. – Kassi Baughman

Choctaw Scholarship Advisement Program sets date for third annual

Ivy League & Friends Koby Cross, First Place I would like to thank the Choctaw Nation for the last four years of my high school career. Without the Youth Advisory Board, I The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and Princeton are among the group of would not have been able to experience the things I have. From (CNO) Scholarship Advisement selective institutions that have also been compliance checks to New York City, I have enjoyed everything Program (SAP) has set Saturday, Nov. invited. you have given me. I greatly appreciate the generosity which al- More Time and More Break-out 6 as the date for its third annual Ivy • lowed us to participate in all the activities and trips in the last four League & Friends Choctaw Student Sessions – Ivy League and Friends 2010 years. The Choctaw Nation will only continue to grow because of Recruitment. The praise and feedback will be a full day, not just an evening the great leadership and willingness to make the Choctaw Nation SAP received from past Ivy League affair. Students and parents will have of Oklahoma a better place to live. This scholarship will help fur- & Friends sessions ensure the 2010 time to learn more about each school and ther my education and the ability to give back to my community. gathering of students, parents and Saturday, Nov. 6 attend their choice of numerous special The opportunities are endless because of this scholarship. I will the nation’s top colleges will be an breakout sessions scheduled through- forever be grateful for the financial support and endless life les- occasion CNO scholars from across at out the day. Sessions are planned for sons I have learned because of the Youth Advisory Board. Again, the country will not want to miss. each college and university and much thank you so much for the experience I would have never experi- Ivy League and Friends began Choctaw Casino Resort more time for one-on-one question and enced on my own and for believing and investing in today’s youth. in 2008 when Harvard University answer opportunities will be provided. visited Durant to meet with nearly 200 Choctaw students • Special Presentations – Breakout sessions will also high- and parents. The interest and response to the Harvard session light special presentations on a variety of college preparation Amy Wallace, Second Place prompted SAP to expand its 2009 event to include not only topics. Look for sessions covering Financial Aid, College Amy Wallace is the daughter of Gary Harvard, but Yale, Dartmouth, Columbia, Penn, Johns Hop- Test Preparation, Resume Building and more. and Nikki Wallace and the sister of Reed kins, Cal/Berkeley and Phillips Academy • Added Graduate Student Emphasis – Ivy League and Wallace of Hugo. She is also the sister of as well. More than 300 CNO scholars and parents from Friends 2010 has more information and emphasis for gradu- Blake, currently deployed to Afghanistan. nine different states attended Ivy League and Friends 2009, ate students. The event will include graduate student break- Amy has been a graduate of Hugo and proving beyond a doubt that the Choctaw Nation of Okla- out sessions and many colleges will bring graduate student an active member of YAB for two years. homa’s college-bound students and parents are eager for recruiters. She also encourages young people, such information about, and the chance to meet, America’s top • Held at the Choctaw Casino Resort – Ivy League and as her younger brother to become partici- schools. Friends 2010 will be held at the new Choctaw Casino Resort pants in YAB. Amy was most impressed In 2009’s post event survey more than 95 percent of re- in Durant, Oklahoma. The new Resort Hotel features over with the healthy lifestyle goals of YAB. She says, “Membership spondents said they would be extremely likely to recommend 300 well-appointed rooms and luxury suites complete with has enabled me with the techniques that will sustain me through- attending Ivy League and Friends to a fellow CNO scholar. exclusive amenities. The Resort Hotel offers a business out my college tenure and as an adult. Regarding violence, society The highly positive feedback from last year also provided center, fitness center, retail outlets, shuttle service and, of offers many challenges to children and adults. Yet with this basic constructive recommendations that will make this year’s Ivy course, access to Oklahoma’s finest casino and entertainment knowledge I can encourage healthy choices for me, my peers, and League and Friends even better. Additions and improvements experience. my family.” for 2010 include an impressive list: Save the Date - Get Ivy League and Friends 2010 Updates. Amy is currently working at Falls Creek, a Christian youth • More Schools – It’s anticipated this year’s Ivy League CNO students and parents are urged to save the date – camp, for the summer. In the fall she will attend OSU majoring in and Friends will more than double the number of the 2009 Saturday, Nov. 6 – for the 2010 Ivy League & Friends. On interior design. She is also considering entering law school. attending colleges. SAP expects 20 or more of the nation’s SAP’s Web site browse to www.choctawnation-sap.com/ivy She is greatly appreciative of the scholarship, and it will be a top colleges will attend. Schools and programs already for more information and updates. Also, be sure to check out great benefit to her as she enters OSU in August. scheduled to participate include Columbia, Johns Hopkins, SAP’s Facebook, Twitter, online newsletter, and blog for the Cal/Berkeley, Purdue and College Horizons. Harvard, Yale, latest Ivy League & Friends news.

LeFlore County YAB hosts Senior Citizen Dance The YAB of Le- flore County hosted the second annual “Dancing with the Seniors Under the Stars” at the Oaks Nursing Home in Brett Porter, Third Place Poteau. This was a evening full of fun, I am attending Southeastern Oklahoma State University in music and laugh- the fall, where I am majoring in biology. I will be a member of ter for the YAB and the honors program. After graduating I plan to attend pharmacy Seniors alike. At the school. Upon completing pharmacy school I hope to have the op- end of the dance, a portunity to work for the Choctaw Nation. This scholarship will dancing queen and help me get out of college debt-free. I am very thankful that the king were crowned. Choctaw Nation YAB has the scholarship program.

Youth Advisory Board supports breast cancer awareness The Youth Advisory Board members of Cameron High School planned and hosted a week devoted to Breast Cancer Awareness. This event, PinkZone, was held Feb. 1-5. Events that took place during the week were a poster contest, Support the Banks, where grades competed against each other to see who could raise the most money, and Tickle Me Pink Challenge, where students put money in faculty members’ jars and the one with the most had to be com- pletely decked out in Pink. On Friday the YAB hosted a reception for breast cancer fighters, had a pep rally in the gym, and encouraged all the fans to wear pink to that evening’s bas- ketball game. All proceeds made from events and T-shirt sales were donated to the Susan G. Komen foundation. The amount raised was $1,266.07. August 2010, BISKINIK, Page 10 2010 District Choctaw Princesses

Whitney Griffith Kalli Battiest Nikki Amos Ashlyn Choate Joyce Cummings Brianna Battiest District 1 Little Miss District 2 Little Miss District 2 Junior Miss District 2 Senior Miss District 3 Junior Miss District 4 Little Miss

Callie Curnutt Andrea Ford Kristie McGuire Mahala Battiest Melissa Gueli Summer Moffitt District 4 Junior Miss District 4 Senior Miss District 5 Senior Miss District 7 Little Miss District 7 Junior Miss District 8 Little Miss

Sarah James Rebeckah Boykin Heaven Williams Kayleigh Powell Ataiya Jim December Pittman District 8 Junior Miss District 8 Senior Miss District 9 Little Miss District 9 Junior Miss District 10 Little Miss District 10 Junior Miss

The Choctaw Princess Pageants are a way to let the beautiful attends school at Clayton High School. Melissa enjoys attending girls of the Choctaw Nation represent their tribe in a fun, excit- various Choctaw Bible Camps, singing in a Choctaw choir, learn- ing and competitive way. They show their pride for their Choc- ing traditional beadwork, cooking traditional Choctaw foods, taw heritage through their traditional Choctaw talents, dress and playing sports, learning Choctaw dancing, shopping, learning speech. The women responsible for keeping these young ladies bow shooting and spending time with friends and family. organized are Choctaw Nation Director of Tribal Events and District 8 Little Miss – Summer Moffitt Summer is the Wheelock Academy, Faye Self, and her assistant director, Elaine daughter of Johnny and Barbara Moffitt. She is from Hugo and Thompson. attends school at Hugo Intermediate School. Summer enjoys Elaine has been working with Faye for about 4 ½ years. Faye Anna Kenietubbe Cherish Wilkerson singing and performing the Lord’s Prayer in sign language, draw- became the pageant director about two months ago. “She has got District 11 Little Miss ing and artwork. She also donates items to the Court Appointed such great organizational skills,” said Elaine concerning Faye. It District 11 Junior Miss Special Advocates for children. has been a quick learning experience for Fay and Elaine and they District 8 Junior Miss – Sarah James Sarah is the daughter have really enjoyed it. They’re always up for a challenge. “We’re of Tony and Brenda James. She is from Hugo and attends school just motivated to make it better,” commented Elaine. They work at Hugo High School. Sarah likes to play sports and learn more to make sure the pageants are right and fair to everyone, and put about her heritage. When she’s not helping out with the cleaning a lot of effort into increasing pageant participation. and cooking, she’s doing her homework, studying and reading. These Choctaw Princess Pageants are held in all 12 districts District 8 Senior Miss – Rebeckah Boykin Rebeckah is the in the 10 ½ counties of the Choctaw Nation. They are split up into daughter of Robert (Sam) Boykin and Jana Pisachubbee Boykin. three divisions; Little Miss, between the ages of 8 and 12; Junior She is from Hugo and attends school at Soper High School. Re- Miss, between the ages of 13 and 17; and Senior Miss, between beckah enjoys playing soccer, basketball, golf, getting to travel the ages of 18 and 23. All participants must have at least 1/16 Rachelle Hatcher Cameron Hardy with the Choctaw Social Dancers and performing dances, learn- degree of Choctaw blood or more, and they must be a resident of District 12 Junior Miss ing about her heritage, doing beadwork with her mom, playing the Choctaw Nation. District 12 Little Miss the piano for her dad, spending time with her family, shopping The Little Miss competition consists of judgments based on with her friends and having play time with her niece. She also en- beauty and personality, traditional Choctaw talent, their goals as joys going to livestock shows with her goats and her show heifer. princess and traditional Choctaw dress. The Junior and Senior District 9 Little Miss – Heaven Williams Heaven is the Miss pageant consists of personality, goals as princess, beauty daughter of John and Shelley Williams. She is from Durant and and poise, traditional dress and accessories and traditional talent. goes to school at North West Heights. Heaven’s interests include The winners of the district pageants will go on to compete for playing soccer, basketball and softball. She has a 100% batting the title of Little, Junior and Senior Miss Choctaw Nation. This average in softball. She enjoys hunting and fishing with her dad pageant is held at Tuskahoma on Thursday, Sept. 2, just in time and cooking with her mom. She is a great artist and loves to do for the Labor Day festivities. beadwork and make bracelets for her teachers and friends. Elaine and Faye are responsible for the behind-the-scenes Sara Morgan District 9 Junior Miss – Kayleigh Powell Kayleigh is action that happens while the girls are performing on stage. “My District 12 Senior Miss the daughter of Monica Blaine. She is from Durant and attends favorite part about the pageants is the girls’ excitement and en- school at Durant Middle School. Kayleigh likes shopping, tex- thusiasm,” said Elaine. “They show the culture of the tribe and ting, spending time with friends, mudding, riding four-wheelers, the represent the Choctaw Nation.” The toughest part, according Miss Choctaw Nation Pageant swimming, basketball, golfing, babysitting and going to the lake to Elaine, is keeping up with all of the participants’ paperwork. tanning. Faye and Elaine have several duties as the pageant coordina- Tushka Homma District 9 Senior Miss – Autumn Cooper (not pictured) tors. They are responsible for meeting with the girls and getting Autumn is the daughter of George E. and Janette Allen. She is everything set up for them. They get their rooms, food and other Thursday, Sept. 2, 2010 from Calera and attends school at Southeastern Oklahoma State accommodations ready for the participants. They are there for the University. Autumn likes attending the Choctaw Language com- girls and their families when the phones are ringing off the hook Drama Team. munity class. She is a member of SE’s Native American Coun- with questions about the pageant. “We take care of their needs,” District 3 Little Miss – Jessica Schoon (not pictured) Jessica cil and SE’s President Leadership Class. She enjoys beading and said Elaine. is the daughter of Angel and Angela Delao. She is from Talihina learning. Currently, the 12 district pageants are all wrapped up and and attends school there. Jessica likes animals, cooking, softball, District 10 Little Miss – Ataiya Jim Ataiya is the daughter the princesses have been crowned. They are now busy prepar- beadwork, crocheting, singing and church activities. of Raymond Mantano and Jana Jim. She is from Stringtown and ing themselves for the Miss Choctaw Nation Pageant in Septem- District 3 Junior Miss - Joyce Cummings Joyce is the goes to Stringtown Elementary. Ataiya enjoys riding her bike, ber. Watching theses young ladies perform their Choctaw talents daughter of Greg Cummings and Angela Delao. She is from swimming, caring for her three dogs and hamster, playing bas- and showing off their colorful Choctaw dresses will give you Whitesboro and attends Whitesboro Public Schools. Joyce likes ketball and soccer. pride for your Choctaw heritage. These girls are the youth of the participating in 5K runs, playing softball and spending time with District 10 Junior Miss – December Pittman December is Choctaw Nation and they display the Choctaw culture in a great friends and family. the daughter of Bradley Shawn Pittman and Julie Marie Lamber. way. If you’re interested in participating in the Choctaw princess District 4 Little Miss – Brianna Battiest Brianna is the She is from Atoka and attends school at Atoka McCall Middle pageants, call Faye Self at 580-924-8280, ext. 2192, and be sure daughter of Christina Battiest. She is from Poteau and attends School. December likes to go swimming, play with her cousins, to come watch the Miss Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Princess school at Poteau Upper Elementary. Brianna enjoys running 5Ks, play with her four sisters and hang out with her friends. She loves Pageant at Tuskahoma on Sept. 2. Here is a list of this year’s playing soccer, basketball and softball, going to church with to sing and dance and she likes to try to help people achieve their winners: Nana, brothers and cousins. goals. District 1 Little Miss - Whitney Griffith Whitney is the District 4 Junior Miss – Callie Curnutt Callie is the daugh- District 11 Little Miss – Anna Kenieutubbe Anna is the daughter of Jimmy and Paula Griffith. She is from Millerton ter of Bruce and Francine Curnutt. She is from Wister and at- daughter of Brian Hamilton and Teresa Kenieutubbe-Hamilton. and attends school at Lukfata Elementary. Whitney likes to play tends school at Wister Public Schools. Callie likes to hunt and She is from McAlester and attends school at Edmond Doyle- softball and is the first-baseman for the Lady Dawgs. She enjoys ride horses. She is very involved in 4-H and shows goats. She is McAlester. Anna likes to play basketball, softball and spend time playing at her friend Hannah’s house, talking on the phone, play- also involved in several community service projects throughout with friends and Grandpa Kenieutubbe. She attends First Indian ing Nintendo and Wii and watching TV. the year through 4-H. Baptist Church. She also participates with 2nd Saturday at the District 1 Junior Miss - Mona Jones (not pictured) Mona District 4 Senior Miss – Andrea Ford Andrea is the daugh- community center. is the daughter of Kimberly Holt. She is from Idabel and attends ter of Jimmy and Sherry Ford. She is from Howe and attends District 11 Junior Miss – Cherish Wilkerson Cherish is the school at Idabel Middle School. Mona likes participating in show school at Carl Albert State College with a major in Sports Medi- daughter of Dennis and Dena Cantrell. She is from McAlester choir, reading, texting and talking on the phone, hanging out with cine. Andrea enjoys attending sporting events at Carl Albert, fish- and attends school at Crowder Public Schools. Cherish enjoys friends and family, singing, doing chores and going to church. ing, playing with her dogs and attending church. cheerleading, riding horses, showing goats in FFA, hanging out District 2 Little Miss - Kalli Battiest Kalli is the daughter District 5 Senior Miss – Kristie McGuire Kristie is the with friends, dancing, going for walks and going to the movies. of Kenneth and Kimberly Battiest. She is from Broken Bow and daughter of Harold McGuire. She is from Keota and attends District 12 Little Miss – Rachelle Hatcher Rachelle is the attends school at Bennett Elementary. Kalli likes to play softball, school at the University of Central Oklahoma with a major in daughter of Kris and Sandra Hatcher. She is from McAlester and do Choctaw social dance and talk on the phone. Biology. Kristie likes to read and spend time with her family. attends school at Indianola. Rachelle likes baseball, basketball, District 2 Junior Miss - Nikki Amos Nikki is the daughter of District 6 Little Miss – Hailey Scott (not pictured) Hailey is soccer, playing with her little sister and riding four-wheelers with Michael and Vicky Amos. She is from Broken Bow and attends the daughter of Wayne Scott, Sr. and Nora Scott. She is from Wil- her dad. school at Lukfata Elementary. Nikki likes spending time with her burton and attends school at Jones Academy. Hailey likes horses, District 12 Junior Miss – Cameron Hardy Cameron is family and friends, playing basketball, softball and soccer, read- watching TV, caring for her animals and going to movies with the daughter of Paula Carney. She is from Coalgate and attends ing, riding four-wheelers, hunting and fishing, attending church, her cousins. school at Wallace Byrd Middle School. Cameron enjoys sports singing Choctaw hymns and Choctaw social dancing with the District 7 Little Miss – Mahala Battiest Mahala is the and practice, the Choctaw language, culture and traditions, pre- McKinney Dancers. daughter of Jeremy Scott Battiest and Rachel Battiest. She is serving our heritage, spending time with friends and church youth District 2 Senior Miss – Ashlyn Choate Ashlyn is the from Wright City and attends school and Wright City Elemen- activities. daughter of Russell and Annette Choate. She is from Broken Bow tary. Mahala enjoys playing sports. She is active in coach-pitch District 12 Senior Miss – Sara Morgan Sara is the daugh- and attends school at Broken Bow High School. Ashlyn enjoys baseball, soccer, she enjoys reading and spending time with her ter of Tommy and Shirley Morgan. She is from Centrahoma and Choctaw Nation Youth Advisory Board activities including al- dogs. She likes riding her horse “Princess” and helping her mom attends school at East Central University with a major in Vocal cohol compliance checks, SWAT, nursing home visits and tutor- with her baby brother and sister. Music Education. Sara likes spending time reading, going to the ing; Choctaw social dancing, watching sporting events, including District 7 Junior Miss – Melissa Gueli Melissa is the daugh- movies, spending time with her family and she loves singing all stickball; and being a member of the Myrtlewood Baptist Church ter of Clifford and Cathy Ludlow. She is from Tuskahoma and the time. August 2010, BISKINIK, Page 11

ConnectingBy LARISSA COPELAND generations through flute-making Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma auctioned for various fundrais- ers. When he does sell one it is Almost all the tales from usually by word of mouth. THE PROCESS: the different tribes about the The Forest Heritage Center Transforming raw bamboo origins of the flute say it was in Broken Bow has two of his an instrument of love. The sto- flutes on display. When visitors into an instrument ries reference men playing the ask how they can get one, they flute while courting a young direct them to Presley. Presley cuts the bamboo and lets it dry out for about maiden. “They played from the Sometimes he is asked to set two weeks before it’s ready to be used. Not counting this heart,” says flute maker Pres- up a booth at festivals; howev- cutting and drying out process, it usually takes him about ley Byington of Idabel. er, he doesn’t do this often. “I four to six hours to craft a flute. Presley, one of only a hand- don’t do it to make a living. I Native American flutes have two air chambers, how- ful of Choctaw flute makers, do it for fun and because I just ever, the piece of bamboo has three sections separated has been crafting flutes from like making them.” by two dividers. It’s important to pop out the divider cane for about 20 years. While Presley also does numerous between the lower bamboo joints while it’s still green; visiting Cherokee, S.C., as demonstrations for children otherwise, if it’s dried out the piece is likely to crack. If a kid, he saw and heard one throughout the year at various he doesn’t get it out while it’s green he burns it out when played, and the seed of admira- camps and school programs. tion was planted, continuing to Most recently, on July 14, he it dries by heating a long metal pick and burning through grow ever since. gave a presentation for kids the divider. The divider in the top is left in place. Presley has worked for the at a summer camp at Beaver’s Next he rough sands the piece to remove the outer skin. Oklahoma Forestry Depart- Bend in Broken Bow. When he He uses a pencil and marks ment since 1992, but years ear- does visits like this he usually a line down the front and back lier, when he went out on his brings along two flutes to be of the bamboo, and in front and own at 16 years old, he didn’t given in a drawing – one for behind the node (joint) that have a real plan for what he a girl and one for a boy. He still has the divider intact. He wanted to do. Later, his mother gives away 10 to 12 flutes a makes six pencil marks along asked if he wanted to appren- year to kids in this way. the top, measuring from the tice Floyd Peters, a silversmith Presley is passionate about she knew. She offered to pay the Choctaw culture and does node, at 2-3/4 inches, 1-1/8, for his training and he agreed. much to pass it on and edu- 1-1/8, 1-1/4, 1-1/8, 1-1/8. This is the only part of the flute It was during his silver- cate the next generation. Not that is measured; the rest is done by eye or feel. smith training with Floyd that were made of switch cane or Presley says he wasn’t able only does he make and play Next, he draws the “duck Presley learned to make the river cane and they were made to play a note of music for the the Choctaw flute, he also does bill” on the end of the flute flute. Floyd was taught the with only two holes. In ear- first three or four years that he tribal beadwork, is a Powwow then uses a hand saw to remove flute-making trade by a man lier Choctaw tales, this type of made them until he ran into dancer, does acting portrayals, the sides. He says the duck or who wanted to learn to be a flute was usually played by the fellow Choctaw flute maker, is a storyteller, and does dem- crane bill is in the stories of silversmith. The two made a medicine men, or holy men, of Paul Hackard. Paul gave him a onstrations on other aspects of many tribes and is symbollic as deal to teach each other their Choctaw culture. the tribe during the game of book of flute music and from a prayer for rain. trades. So, as Floyd taught Pre- stickball. Presley makes only a it he learned to play “Amazing He has even been asked to He then burns the holes into sley the ways of a silversmith, few of these flutes. More often, Grace.” He later learned that give blowgun demonstrations he also showed him the art of he makes the six-hole, Plains- is the song most players first to classes at the University of it by heating a metal rod and flute-making as well. In the style flute and typically uses learn to play. Oklahoma. poking it through at the marks he measured off, saying end, though Presley started out bamboo instead. Over time, the He tunes each flute by ear He does all this because he drilling would cause it to splinter. The flute has eight learning to be a silversmith, he Plains-style flute has been the during the creation process, feels like it’s what he’s sup- holes burned into it – the six going down the body and became a flute maker instead. style many flute-makers have making fine, minor adjust- posed to be doing. “It just all two near the top on each side of the node. When it comes to how he adapted to, but the principles ments as he goes. The smaller fell into place. I’m supposed The node “is where the music makes the flute, Presley takes of both flutes are the same – to in diameter the flute, the harder to be, well, I am an educa- is made; it has to be just right,” the “think smarter, not harder” create beautiful music. He just it is to tune. “If I can get it to tor of our culture. I’m always he says. He scrapes out a hol- approach. Though he knows willing to tell our stories,” he prefers the sound that a bam- play ‘Amazing Grace’ I’m low area between the two holes how to make a flute the way boo flute makes over that of happy with it,” he says. explained. “It’s so important to create the “saddle.” This al- his ancestors did he chooses switch cane. He makes approximately that we don’t lose our iden- to take advantage of the tools He cuts his own bamboo 25 flutes a year to give away tity. You’ve got to know where lows the air to flow out the top of today when he creates one. from a local patch in Bro- or sell. He keeps about six to you’ve been to know where hole, under the birdie, or tuner, “Choctaws are smart people. ken Bow, owned by a man he eight completed flutes on hand you’re going.” through the saddle and out through the bottom holes, They use what tools are avail- knows. The man made a deal to give or sell to individuals “Who we are, our blood, it’s where he manipulates the sound with his fingertips. able to them,” he explained. “If with Presley that if would and museums, also making important,” he said. “You have He holds on a test tuner to try out the flute. He blows they’d had power tools back make him flutes to give to his them on order as well. He cre- to have a want deep inside and in to test the sound. If it’s not quite right he’ll make a then I’m certain they would grandchildren Presley could ates a variety of styles; some hold on to it. We’re a piece of few adjustments, deepening the saddle by whittling out a have used them. My process use all the bamboo he wanted big, some small, some plain, the puzzle to connect the past little more. He’ll test it again, continuing his fine-tuning. is different but it’s the same and present culture,” he con- from the patch in exchange. some fancy with beadwork and He can’t say how he knows what tweaks to make; it’s just result.” Presley eagerly agreed and has a nice bag. He usually donates tinued, “and it’s important that something he can hear and feel. Original Choctaw flutes used his bamboo ever since. the more elaborate ones to be we keep passing it on.” He then hand sands the rough edges and rounds off the ends. Using a propane-fueled flame, he “cures” the flute, Preserving the past with photographs starting at the ends. He scorch- By BRET MOSS 72 dpi. Higher quality images es the bamboo to a chocolate Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma can be purchased for other brown color, which helps to use, and are available upon crystallize the sap, making it Throughout history, many request in 300 dpi. harder, stronger and last lon- men have left their mark on To keep the photos pre- ger. The sap pops out when the world and are remem- served, the photos are care- heated and makes a crackling bered through photographs. fully cleaned, put into sleeves sound. He has to be careful about the amount of heat he In the case of Chester Cowen, that contain certain chemical applies so it doesn’t crack. his mark is photographs. qualities best suited for pre- Cowen is the recently re- serving the particular image He lets it cool for about 10 tired curator of the Oklahoma and then stored in a dark room minutes, and then sands the Historical Society’s photo to prevent light determina- flute by hand to remove the archives, a sizable collection tion. “These images will stay excess burned areas, giving it of photographs that number preserved for a very long time a better color and smoother ap- in upwards of nine million. and we hope to have better pearance. He has aided in the growth, methods in the future that will He takes a small, square organization and storage of keep them even longer,” says piece of cedar and marks where these historical artifacts since Cowen. he wants to cut the birdie, then uses a band saw to cut it 1990. Cowen has had the plea- out. He sands the birdie by hand, rounding off the edges. Born in Chickasha in 1939, sure of working with valuable Cowen is the son of Ches- pieces of Native American He then places the birdie over the two tops holes already ter M. and Hazel Cowen. history during his career. He burned into the flute and sands it down to make a perfect He attended the University has archived the Will T. Nel- fit. Each birdie is unique to the flute for which itwas of Oklahoma, where he ob- son collection, whose “work created. tained two baccalaureate de- was widely used for Choctaw He buffs each piece to shine grees and a master’s degree. purposes,” said Cowen. and to smooth it out. He then He went on to Indiana Uni- Nelson was a photographer burns his “mark,” into the versity, where he completed who sent out a small publica- backside of the piece. His the coursework toward a When Cowen arrived to pertise to determine the year it tion titled “Hello Choctaw.” mark consists of his initials Ph.D. his job in 1990 at the Histori- was taken. Some images can This publication was admired and the year on the outside of Cowen is a member of the cal Society, there were about be dated without even seeing by the chief at the time, David two crossed arrows. He started Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma 64,000 images that he had to the picture, said Cowen. He Garner, and was made perma- and a member of the Choctaw work with. Within the 20-year went on to tell how one can nent. “Hello Choctaw” later putting his mark on his flutes in Veteran’s Association for his span, he has built the collec- greatly narrow the timeframe took a name change and is now 1998. A lady wanted a flute for her husband but wanted service in the U.S. Army. tion to over nine million, with of the photo by just the texture the “Biskinik.” Presley to put his mark on it, identifying him as the artist After serving his country, an average of 475,000 new im- of the photo. Cowen is now retired from who made it. Since then, every flute he creates carries Cowen traveled back to Okla- ages per year. When it comes to archiving his position at the Historical his mark. homa to study traveling pho- With all these photographs and sorting the documents, Society, but his work is far from Last, he takes a long, thin tographers of territorial Okla- under his supervision, Cowen Cowen and his colleges use a over. In his retirement Cowen strip of leather and wraps it homa. He indexed photos and has a sizable job to do in keep- very detailed system to keep plans to publish a monograph several times around the birdie was able to date them by ex- ing up with valuable pieces of the photos organized and cat- on how to date family photos. and the flute, tying it in a tight amining the type of print that Oklahoma’s history. The duties egorized. They are copied and He plans on having this work double knot over the node and was used, the clothes the sub- of Cowen, and the rest of the referenced by year and subject completed within two years. jects wore and the material on Historical Society is to date, matter. Along with the new Cowen also plans to keep saddle. which the photo was printed. sort, archive, preserve, and building, came the ability for studying images for the society Taking a trip by Oklahoma’s make available to the people large scale scanning. All the in order to better preserve the He does one final test. He puts capital building might lead all of the images in the archive. images are in the process of history of the state. He has left his mouth to the top and out of the you near the site of Cowen’s “It’s a lot of work, but its what being scanned and made avail- his mark in history be preserv- flute comes the smooth, unique life work. The Oklahoma His- we do,” said Cowen as he joy- able for the public. ing the image of Oklahoma. If torical Society’s new building fully described his career. All the images that have the phrase “a picture is worth sound that only bamboo can make. called the Oklahoma Histori- When dating the incoming been scanned into digital for- a thousand words” holds true, “Amazing Grace” is his song of cal Center houses the photo photographs, Cowen and his mat are available to the public then Cowen has helped Okla- choice. He sets it down, satisfied archives, along with numerous team use a wide knowledge to use for research purposes homa tell a nine billion-word with the result. Smiling, he says, other state artifacts. of history and photograph ex- and are free on the website in story. “Sounds pretty good, I reckon.” August 2010, BISKINIK, Page 12 Choctaw Nation honors veterans in its districts

Antlers Broken Bow

The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma honored the veterans in each of its 12 districts during the months of June and July. Each was presented with gifts from the tribe and treated to a spe- cial meal. Their names go on special plaques that hang in each Community Center. Coalgate

Crowder Spiro

McAlester

Atoka

Poteau

Atoka

Smithville Stigler August 2010, BISKINIK, Page 13 Five Tribes Story Conference planned for September The Five Tribes Story Conference, hosted by the Five Civi- lized Tribes Museum in Muskogee, will be Sept. 24 and 25 at the historic Bacone College. The purpose of the Five Tribes Story Conference is to cre- ate an annual event unprecedented in Indian Country. It will Thank you provide an enriching southeastern tribal environment; a join- to all ing of academic, interpretive, literary, and performance dis- ciplines. Cultural performances and literary readings will be of our followed by academic-focused panels, featuring leaders in the veterans! four disciplines. Idabel Stories, whether written, enacted, or illustrated, instill deep cultural connections. Intended to preserve, protect, and per- petuate culture. Stories build multi-cultural and multi-genera- tional bridges and engage involvement. Crucial to the effective impacts of stories are context, au- dience, performance, and intent. The conference will bring together tribal participants in the fields of history, ethnology, performance, and literature to discuss how each discipline in- forms the other. Sessions and panels dedicated to specific top- ics will engage participants in an open and interactive format. Tim Tingle (Choctaw) will help co-host the conference and is the keynote speaker for Friday morning’s opening. He is an award-winning author, storyteller, and folklorist. Tim travels the nation to schools, libraries, universities, museums, and tribal events presenting stories and cultural lessons gleaned from a lifetime of deep involvement in Choctaw oral history. In addition to Tim Tingle, 15 well known authors, anthro- pologists, historians and storytellers will take part in the con- ference. The list includes: Choogie Kingfisher, (a Kituwah Cherokee), Ryan Mackey (Cherokee), Stella Long (Choctaw), Lorie Robins (Chickasaw), Greg Rodgers (Choctaw/Chicka- saw), Phillip Harjo (Seminole), Richard Adams (Choctaw), Talihina Diane Glancy (Cherokee), Dr. Les Hannah (Cherokee), Linda Hogan (Chickasaw), LeAnne Howe (Choctaw), Dr. Phillip Carroll Moargan (Chickasaw/Choctaw), Dr. Daniel Little- field (Cherokee), Joyce Bear (Muscogee), and Dr. Pete Coser (Muscogee). The conference has a limited enrollment so plan to enroll early. Evening performances will held at the Five Civilized Tribes Museum and are open to the public free of charge. For more information about the Five Tribes Story Confer- ence visit fivetribestory.org, call 918-683-1701, or e-mail [email protected]. The Five Tribes Story Conference is made possible in part the Oklahoma Humanities Council and We the People initia- tive through the National Endowment of the Humanities.

OK Choctaws list August activities The OK Choctaw Tribal Alliance (OCTA) in Oklahoma Talihina City is having its August taco sale on Saturday, Aug. 14, from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.. This will also include storytelling from about 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. by Greg Rodgers, a professional Native American storyteller, and a longtime OCTA member and former board member of the Alliance. The taco sales are held the second Saturday each month. The Alliance is also planning to have a breakfast fundraiser the following Saturday, Aug. 21, from 8-11 a.m. The menu will include pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, bis- cuits and gravy, etc. In addition to the breakfast there will be homemade fruit pies for sale. Greg Rodgers will also be there with his storytelling again. Also, the Alliance will have its taco trailer at Tushka Hom- ma this year from Sept. 2-6 selling their Indian Tacos. The secret is in the soft bread and meat sauce. This will be fol- lowed by their monthly Taco Sale on Saturday, Sept. 11, from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. They just finished up a busy month in July with their parade float being in the Libertyfest Parade in Edmond on July3, their monthly taco sale on July 10, serving Indian Tacos for the Synod of the Sun held at the First Presbyterian Church in Wilburton Oklahoma on July 17, and having their taco wagon at the In- dian Hills Powwow from the 23rd to the 25th of July in north Oklahoma City. The Alliance is located at 5320 S. Youngs Blvd., in Oklaho- ma City, about five blocks north of Southwest 59th Street be- tween May and Pennsylvania Avenues. For information about membership, contact Phyllis Been at 405-535-8418 (cell), or Judith Bryant at 405-755-6983.

VeteransVeterans Advocacy Advocacy Program Program VeteransVeterans Advocacy Advocacy Program Program of the Wright City Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma

To assure that Choctaw veterans receive benefits and services on par with other veterans

Choctaw Nation Veterans Advocates Brent Oakes and John Lance P.O. Box 1210, Durant, OK 74702-1210 1-800-522-6170, ext. 2163 or 2160 Fax: 580-920-3155 Hugo August 2010, BISKINIK, Page 14 OBITUARIES Dale Allen ‘Chuckie’ Williams Don Eckelman Wilma LaTrelle (Layman) Boudreau Dale Allen Williams 58, passed away Don Eckelman, 83 of Anderson, Ca- Wilma LaTrelle (Layman) Boudreau March 26, 2010, at his home in Peoria, lif., passed away May 31, 2010. He was passed away on June 23, 2010, after a Ariz. He was born August 13, 1951, at born in Ringling on March 18, 1927, to long battle with diabetes. She was born the old Indian hospital in Phoenix. W.D. and Relma Eckelman. He was the Dec 28, 1933, in Bennington to Charlie He owned and operated Choctaw grandson of John Hammons and Eliza- J. Layman and Thelma Beames Lay- Trucking for many years. He sold his beth Heskett of Crowder. man. She was the grandchild of origi- trucks when diabetes got the best of He was founder of Eckelman Paint- nal enrollee Josiah Beames and Min- him but it didn’t slow him down. ing & Drywall in Salinas, Calif. He was nie Sauls Beames. She grew up in the He loved to fish, hunt and boat the a Sergeant in the Army during World Bennington/Bokchito area where she Colorado River and area lakes. Chuck- War II. He was an Elder with the New attended Beames School in Benning- ie was a great cook. He loved to grill and acted as camp cook Life Christian Center in Redding and ton and graduated from Bokchito High on many hunting trips with his family and friends. He loved the prior to moving to Anderson, he belonged to the Church of God School. She later moved to Denver, Colo., where she met and mountains, especially those in Montana, Wyoming and Colorado. in Salinas. Don loved the Lord and often shared he “has had a married Merrill Russell Boudreau on July 9, 1963. He was man- He was proud of his Choctaw heritage. He took his Pops to wonderful life.” His children and grandchildren feel he has truly ager of the Bootery and they lived and traveled in many states visit Oklahoma during his last years and visited all the important blessed each of them with an amazing legacy. finally settling in Durant after he retired. He preceded her in death places in the Scott/Williams history. While there they dropped by He is survived by brother Harry and wife Joyce Eckelman of in 1986. to visit with Chief Pyle at his office. Redding; sister Gerry and brother-in-law Roy Harper of Yuma, Throughout her life, Wilma worked hard and enjoyed a variety Chuckie carried on the gift given to him by his father as a sto- Ariz.; son-in-law Elmer; daughter Donna (Eckelman) Winfree of of interests including being a den mother for the cub scouts, play- ryteller. His stories will be repeated by all who loved him. He Palo Cedro; son Larry Eckelman of Cottonwood; nine grandchil- ing bingo, doing craft projects, gardening, fishing and enjoyed was a lifelong resident of Peoria. He graduated from Peoria High dren, 18 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. participating in the Choctaw senior citizens program. She was School, played football and was on the wrestling team. Chuckie He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Joyce; daughter very proud of her Choctaw heritage. Wilma worked as a domes- was a family man and he loved “his people.” Those people in- Sharon; grandson Danny; and great-grandson Christopher. tic engineer at Tufte Manor Retirement Home in Grand Forks, cluded his family and many, many friends. N.D., for 14 years before moving to Durant where she worked He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank Williams Jr. for Four Seasons Nursing Center. She was a member of the VFW and Udell Scott Williams. He is a great-grandson of original en- Cameron Wilson Hardy Women’s Auxiliary and the DAV. rollee Frank Williams Sr. Wilma’s greatest enjoyment in life was her children, grandchil- Chuckie is survived by his wife of five years, Susan; daughter Cameron Wilson Hardy was born dren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Shannel Wells; granddaughters, Manaia and Nohea; son Billy; April 29, 1974, to proud parents Aaron Left to cherish her memory is daughter Wilma Claudine Alli- grandson Wyatt; brothers, Gerald, Floyd and Dan; sisters, Ruby Hardy Sr. of Hugo and Bertha Amos. son-Feest and Albert of Racine, Wis.; sons, George Boudreau Wilson and husband Del, Rachel Minor and husband Doug, Nor- He passed away May 12, 2010, af- and Candi of Tampa, Fla.; Michael Layman and Stacia of Hal- ma Gregg and husband Donny, and Sandra Howard; Jimmie and ter a six-month battle with lukemia. stad, Minn.; Robert Laymon and Joslyn of Pearly, Minn.; step- nieces and nephews. He wanted more Native Americans to daughter Yvonne Christensen and David of Weslaco, Texas.; and His ashes were scattered over the mountains of the Smith River learn about this disease. stepson Terrance Boudreau and Ruth of California; three sisters, area of Montana. Cameron was a son, father, husband, Phyllis Goar of Oklahoma City, Jackie Heinz and Duane of Bis- uncle, nephew and best friend to many. marck, N.D.; Shirley Wallace and Rickey Dean of Durant; Ken- He graduated from Guthrie Job Corps neth Layman of Durant and Gary Laymon of Silo; many nieces, James Finis Garland in December 1991. He was a certified carpenter and enjoyed his nephews, cousins, friends; and special friend Naomi Hamil. work very much. He gave his life to the Lord and was saved in She is also survived by 10 grandchildren, Tyson Allison, Shar- James Finis Garland, born December of 1932, died April 17, 2005. He attended church at Central Baptist in Oklahoma City. dae Feest; Brittany Feest, Steven Burgess, Bobby Joe Burgess, 2010, at the age 77. He was born in Garland to Jim and Jewell He enjoyed being in choir and attending events with his children. Reed Boudreau, Crystal Laymon, Brandy Laymon, Cassandra Garland and in August of 1939 the family moved to Wasco, Ca- He was very proud of his Choctaw heritage. Laymon, and Dori Laymon; step-grandchildren, Jason Boudreau, lif. Finis attended local schools and graduated from Wasco High He had six children, Mekyla, Neiatha, Nathaniel, Mia, Erin and Derek Boudreau, and Tamara Boudreau; 16 great-grandchildren, School in 1952 where he is remembered for his athletic ability in Lorna. He loved his children very much and thought the world of Eli Allison, Hannah Burgess, Haydn Burgess, Amira Laymon- all sports. He married his high school friend and soul mate, Lilly each of them. He married Chauncine Hardy on July 17, 1997, and Mesna, Bailey Mesna, Payton Mesna, Taylor Mesna, Ethan Ferne Mears on Jan. 24, 1953. loved his wife dearly. Mesna, Dominick Laymon, Izak Rocha, Austin Laymon, Jas- He joined the Army in May of 1953 and served 19 months in He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Semion and mine Rocha, Anthony Laymon, Skylar Laymon, Ricky Gonzalas Germany. He was honorably discharged in May 1955. In October Maxine Jacobs; sisters, Gwendolyn and Morgan Lee Postoak. Jr., Christian and Kingston Alexander, Candice King, Christine of 1955, Finis began his career with Monolith Portland Cement King; great-great-grandchildren Skyler and Blaine Jantzen; and Company in Tehachapi and retired in December of 1985. In 1987, other great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. he and Lilly moved to Santa Maria to enjoy retirement, where Ruth (Power) Arnold Doan She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, in-laws they lived until his death. George and Elvira Boudreau; brothers, David, James and Mi- So many things can be said about Finis. He was a hard worker, Ruth (Power) Arnold Doan, 95, for- chael Leroy; sister Jo Ann Wallace; brothers-in-law, Johnnie always put his family first, and always gave a helping hand to oth- merly of Eagletown, passed away April Goar and Chester Wallace; stepson Timothy Boudreau; son-in- ers. He was a quiet man and no one knows all the things he did for 18, 2010, at Memorial Heights Nursing law Duane Allison; nieces, Stephanie Layman and Stacy Wallace; others. His greatest pleasure was walking on the beach, feeding Home in Idabel. She was born on June and nephew Tracy Wallace. the squirrels and enjoying nature. He loved God, respected others 18, 1914, to Addy M. Power and Mattie for their beliefs and he also had a sense of humor. M. (Harris) Power at Pleasant Hill. His great-grandfather, Joseph G. Garland Sr., was Chief Justice Ruth was a generous mother, grand- Jimmy Charles Pushmataha of the Supreme Court of the Choctaw Nation from 1891-1905. mother and teacher. She was always Finis will be greatly missed by his loving wife of 57 years, ready to lend a hand or donate to a Jimmy Charles Pushmataha, 83, died Lilly Ferne; grandson Rodney Garland and wife Kristy of Ba- child’s cause. Her career as a teacher in Okmulgee on Feb. 8, 2010. He was kersfield; great-grandchildren, Chyann and Joshua Garland; sis- spanned 30 years, beginning in Wright City, Mount Herman and born on May 3, 1926, to Lee Roy and ter Ina Kay and husband Jim Bark of Pocola; and so many other finally Eagletown Schools. Eunise Cecelia Greenhaw in Miami, relatives and special friends. Ruth enjoyed sewing and cooking and was always willing to Fla. He was very proud of his Indian He was preceded in death by his parents; three sons, Randy, whip up a meal or a coconut crème pie on a moment’s notice. She heritage. Rodney and a baby boy; and his brother, Harold Garland. always had a song in her heart and loved gospel music. Some of Jim graduated from high school in her favorite times were spent with the family gathered around the Los Angeles, Calif., where he earned piano, harmonizing to “I’ll Fly Away” and other gospel favorites. all-city honors as a running back and Lisa Y. Johnson She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Nelson, soon thereafter enlisted in the Navy Wallace and Milburn; daughter Virginia; and two grandchildren. during World War II. After his service, he played college football Lisa Y. Johnson, 52, passed away- She is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Aubry and Ina for Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles and ultimately April 11, 2010, in Albuquerque, N.M. Arnold of Eagletown; a daughter and son-in-law Glenna and Son- received his B.A. from the University of Southern California. Jim She was the beloved daughter of Wil- ny Minter of Idabel; a sister Margaret Gillenwater of Lebanon, began a career playing professional football as a fullback for the liam and Wanda Lewis Urabazo and the Ore.; three sisters-in-law, Jackie Power of Denton, Texas, Sole- Baltimore Colts, but that path was cut short by injury. An avid great-great-granddaughter of the late dad Power of North Hill, Calif., and Alta Power of Pleasant Hill; athlete, he also played minor league baseball and tried profes- Nicholas Araspar, Wichita allottee and 10 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and nine great-great- sional bowling. Susie Araspar, Wichita allottee, and the grandchildren; along with numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Following his career in sports he went into advertising in Los great-granddaughter of the late Adol- Angeles. Jim wrote and produced television ads for several large phus (Arispi) Araspar, Whichita allot- corporations including Honda. In 1980, he retired and moved to tee and Edna Rios (Arispi) Araspar, and Ramona Allen Okmulgee to care for his mother. the late Jessie and Bettie Martin Lewis, both original enrollees, Jim resided at Creek Nation Housing for 30 years. In 2002, he Ramona Allen, 80, of Tulsa died May 30, 2010. She was born and the granddaughter of the late Joe and Lucy Urabazo, Anadar- was elected president of the Creek Nation Elderly Housing Ten- March 27, 1930, in Hoyt to Rolf and Ora (Gideon) Holder. Ra- ko, and Sina Lewis of Atoka. ant Association. He remained president and was a faithful and mona worked for Blue Cross/Blue Shield for many years, and Formerly LaWanda Yvonne Urabazo of Anadarko, she gradu- loyal supporter of all residential activities until his death. retired from NATCO as a key punch operator. She was a member ated from Anadarko High School where she was a band member He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Roy and of Sandusky Christian Church. She enjoyed gardening and cook- and a baton twirler. She later attended Highlands University, Las Gary Greenhaw; and sons Rory Elder and Jimmy Greenhaw. ing. She was the granddaughter of Catherine Crowder Holder, an Vegas, N.M., where she met her husband, Robert T. Johnson II. He is survived by daughter Teresa Weiby and husband Clay- original enrollee. Air Force life took them to Honolulu, Hawaii and there their son, ton of Edina, Minn.; sons, Paul Greenhaw and wife Patricia of Ramona was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald; broth- Robert Johnson III, was born. They settled in Albuquerque, and Scarsdale, N.Y., and Scott Greenhaw of New York City; daugh- er Wendell, and sister Helen Jean Wyatt. she became a Registered Nurse. She was diagnosed a diabetic ter-in-law Vicki Elder of Monterey, Calif.; grandchildren Brianna She is survived by sons, Nelson Ray Allen and wife Sandi when she was six, and her kidneys began to fail in her 40s. She Leavitt-Alcantara and husband Salvador, Travis and Kyle Elder, of Tulsa, and Robert W. Allen and wife Ann of Broken Arrow; chose not to undergo dialysis. Jack and Matthew Weiby, and Tess, Emily, Tommy, and Cody grandchildren, James Paynter and wife Courtney, Lisa Allen, She was preceded in death by a younger sister, Karen Sue Greenhaw; and great-grandchild, Mateo Alcantara. Amanda Williams and husband Will; great-grandchildren, Dylan Urabazo. and Henry Paynter, Liam Williams; brothers, Reginald Lee Hold- She is survived by her husband, Robert Johnson, of the home; er of Tulsa, and James Mitchell Holder of Kansas City, Mo.; and son Robert T. Johnson III and wife Maria; a granddaughter, Madi- sister-in-law Mary Holder of California. Mary Eslie Adams Hansgen son Johnson; two sisters and their spouses, Marsha and James Scott of Atoka and Billie “Lee” Urabazo and James Hall of Al- Mary Eslie Adams Hansgen, 92, passed away June 24, 2010 buquerque; parents William and Wanda Urabazo of Lawton; and Sarah ‘Lucille’ Blackard in Keene, N.H. She was the daughter of an original enrollee. many uncles, aunts, nieces and nephews and other relatives. She is survived by daughters, Judy Wilmeth of Keene, and Jean Sarah “Lucille” Blackard, 93, of Val- Hansgen of Macon, Ga.; son Fredric Hansgen of Lenoir, N.C.; liant, passed away June 26, 2010. Lu- three grandchildren and one great-granddaughter; and two sisters, Ruth Ludlow cille was born April 16, 1917, in Wis- Helen Callahan and Emily “Beth” Graham, both of Oklahoma. ter, the daughter of Sam and Florence Ruth Ludlow, 97, of Hugo passed (McAlvain) Thomas and had lived in away June 28, 2010. Ruth was born the Valliant area most of her life. Pamela Ann Porter-Roberts April 5, 1913, in Nashoba, to Thomas She married Odell Blackard on Feb. Hardy and Littie (Noah) Hardy. She 26, 1954, in Hugo. She was a gradu- Pamela Ann Porter-Roberts of Deer lived most of her life in the Hugo area ate of Valliant High School and had a River, Minn., passed away April 3, and enjoyed gardening, fishing, mak- Bachelor of Science in Education from 2010. She was born May 19, 1962, ing quilts and reading her Bible. Southeastern Oklahoma State Univer- at Camp Pendleton Naval Hospital, Ruth was preceded in death by her sity. She was a retired school teacher, serving for over 30 years. Oceanside, Calif. Pam was a great- parents; sons, Johnny Ray Ludlow and She loved her church home, First Baptist Church in Valliant. She granddaughter of Albert Pike Harkins Billy Joe Ludlow; daughter Lettie Jean enjoyed spending time with her friends and former students in the and Cena Bessie Davis and a grand- Ingram; brothers, Kinley Hardy, Cam- Valliant area, and was devoted to her grandchildren and family. daughter of Rod Anderson and Geneva eron Hardy, Manning Hardy, Victor Hardy, Harvey Hardy and She was an accomplished artist, vocalist and athlete in her youth. Harkins. Osborn Hardy and sisters, Sissie Hardy and Hester Hardy. Lucille was preceded in death by her parents; brother Denver Pam had been a resident of Deer River for 10 years. She was She is survived by sons, Bobby Ludlow and wife Ruby of Thomas; and sister Doris Loftin. very proud of her Choctaw heritage. She was a volunteer at Deer Honobia, Roy Ludlow and wife Margaret of Antlers, and Gaylon She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Odell Blackard; son River Health Care Center. Ludlow and wife Rose of San Antonio, Texas; daughters, Lucille and daughter-in-law, Joe Thomas Blackard and Tammy Blackard Survivors include parents B. B. and Helen Porter of Olathe, Ludlow of Talihina and Sarah Hardy of Hugo; and numerous of Idabel; grandsons, Collin Blackard of New York, N.Y., and Kan.; brother Rod Porter of Stillwell, Kan.; grandmother Geneva grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, Garrett Blackard of Norman; many cousins, nieces and nephews, Anderson of Amarillo, Texas; aunt Janice Hughes of Amarillo; along with many other family and friends. along with numerous other relatives, friends and former students. two cousins of Amarillo and one of Midland, Texas. August 2010, BISKINIK, Page 15 Choctaw veteran chosen

Byfor LARISSA COPELAND Oklahoma Honor Flight Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma

At an age when boys are usu- ally preoccupied with things like impressing girls, doing homework and following their favorite sports teams, 15-year- old Isaac “Ike” Simpson of Hugo was making a decision that would change his life – ByDARE BRET MOSS car wins award joining the military during a Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma time of war. In 1939, just out of the eighth grade, Ike enlisted in “We’ve actually had a truck driver call and ask if we could the Oklahoma Army National pull him over,” stated Executive Director John Hobbs of the Guard and would soon be on Choctaw Tribal Police Department. This truck driver was not his way overseas to fight for his looking for an encounter with the police, but for a picture of country in World War II. their squad car. The 2010 Chevy Camaro SS is definitely an Following in his older eye-catcher, but this particular vehicle is a must-see. brother, Edgar’s, footsteps, Ike The 45th Infantry Division marches down Fifth Avenue in New York City before deploying In February, the Tribal Police Department of the Choctaw joined Company F, 180th In- overseas in World War II. Ike and his brother, Edgar, were part of the Color Guard leading Nation invested in the visually appealing demonstration of fantry, 45th Infantry Division. the formation. American muscle. “I wanted something that was going to be “The recruiter knew (that I was patrol but a buddy who had a different,” stated Hobbs. too young) but asked ‘can you hurt foot asked if he could go The vehicle is not just for looks and upholding the law, carry a rifle?’ I said I could and on my patrol in the Jeep and but is also used as an aid in teaching elementary children the he enlisted me right then,” he I take his foot patrol. I traded harmful effects of drugs and how to avoid them. The Camaro said, setting in motion a journey weapons with him; I took his is the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) car for Du- of a lifetime. smaller M1 rifle and he took rant and the surrounding area. Now, fast-forward 70 years. my BAR. On his way back to The police departments that host DARE programs all have Ike was once again asked to camp on that patrol, a German their own DARE cars, and they take a trip to Oklahoma City take a trip because of his service tank blew up all three vehicles to his country so long ago, only to compete in an annual event titled “Oklahoma DARE Of- in that entire patrol, killing this time it included no bullets ficer Association Car Show,” to see who has the best of the them all,” he continued. “God being shot at him, no danger of year. This year, Officer Nathan Calloway of the Choctaw didn’t want me to die that day. enemies, no weapon in hand. Tribal Police Department took home the trophy for best car I carried his rifle for the rest of This trip was to honor him. Ike of the year with his Camaro. my tour.” and 98 other World War II vet- DARE is a program that began in 1983 Los Angeles, as “You don’t forget those mo- erans from Oklahoma were se- a result of the efforts of the late LAPD Police Chief Daryl ments,” he said, still affected by lected to go on an all-expenses- Gates who wanted to prevent the youth from getting involved it all these years later. paid trip to Washington, D.C., with drugs and other destructive habits. “We didn’t pay attention to on May 17 on the inaugural the day or the time. We walked Now DARE is a functioning program in all 50 states of Oklahoma Honor Flight to visit the United States as well as in 43 countries worldwide. In everywhere. We walked all the monuments and memorials across Sicily and Italy. I spent a elementary schools, the fifth grade classes are privileged with dedicated to them, and all the partaking in the DARE program and taught how to avoid sub- year on my feet,” he said. “But men and women who served Ike Simpson I made it home alive, both of us stance abuse and the peer pressure that leads to it. during the war. The DARE car is used to inspire dialogue among the did, me and my brother.” Oklahoma Honor Flights, an anything.” “Going in on the beach, I Upon returning from the DARE students. “It gets the kids talking,” said Officer Cal- organization made up of vol- “I wondered if any of my wasn’t scared, not until the loway. “The ones that don’t usually like to talk will begin to war, Ike stayed in the Okla- unteers who raise money to buddies that were killed were bullets whizzed by me or until homa National Guard for two get involved,” continued Calloway. charter the flights and cover all buried there (in Arlington.) I I experienced the barrage of more years, being honorably The DARE car is not just for show, it is very capable of get- expenses for these World War II never knew what happened to fire,” he said, explaining the discharged as a Sergeant. He ting the job done. The V8, 6.2-liter engine, 426 horsepower veterans, flew the group from the ones that died,” he said. atmosphere. “It’s scary but it’s got his GED and later attend- and 20-inch wheels enable this vehicle to reach destinations Will Rogers World Airport in Ike, a private first class at the over with really quick and we’d ed Southeastern State College quickly when needed. Oklahoma City to Washington time the 45th was called up for be ready to go again.” in Durant. He went on to play The looks of the car are almost as impressive as the ma- for a rainy, but full day touring mobilization in 1940, served as On his next major mission, semi-professional baseball in chinery under the hood. Blue racing stripes down the cen- the sites. They visited the World an infantry/rifleman. The Divi- Ike was also in the first wave Texas and Louisiana. ter and tribal graphics and text on the side have turned many War II, Korean War and Viet- sion deployed in 1943 to the of the troops in the invasion at It was during that time that heads. “It gets attention everywhere it goes,” stated Hobbs as nam memorials, the statue of European theater of operations, Salerno, Italy. He saw many he met his future wife, Bobbie, he described the look of the car. One Stop Graphics of Durant Iwo Jima, Arlington Cemetery, spending 23 days traveling of his brothers-in-arms fall in a farm girl from Soper. handled the graphics, and Shipman Communication installed and while there, they witnessed across the Atlantic on a combat- combat. “When we met, he’d been all the patrol lights. the Changing of the Guard at loaded ship to reach their des- “It was bad. I lost a lot of around the world and I’d never It’s not just the kids of the DARE program that get excited the Tomb of the Unknown Sol- tination. After landing in north- friends, a few of them right be- even left Choctaw County at to see the exceptional automobile, but just about every one dier. ern Africa, they continued to side me. I was just one of the that time,” said Bobbie, think- who sees it can’t help but want to see more. Officer Callo- Buses carried the veterans train for a week in preparations lucky ones,” he said, recall- ing back of their chance meet- way tells of many occasions when the neighborhood kids will and their “guardians,” persons for their first combat mission, ing many instances of “close ing at a café in Hugo. come to his door asking to take a look and a light display. tagging along to assist the many of them not realizing the calls” including once making it Shortly after their wedding Whether catching the bad guy, winning the award, or help- group, to the memorials. Ike’s magnitude of it until after it was through an artillery barrage that Ike went to work for Choctaw ing spark interest in the classroom, the DARE car is some- guardian was Gary Banz, Okla- over – the invasion of Sicily. took the life of his close friend Electric Co-Op, where he re- thing in which the officers and the community can take pride. homa State Representative, Ike and his oldest brother, and fox-hole buddy. “That one tired after 43 years of service. District 101. Edgar, were in the first wave of is still with me.” Ike and Bobbie have been The visit, the first for Ike to soldiers to come ashore during Truly an experience unfor- married for 54 years now and Choctaw Code Talkers documentary the nation’s capitol since trav- the amphibious assault. They gettable, with emotion in his reside on a portion of his par- eling through on a troop train fought bravely during the six- voice, he recalled some of the ents’ original Indian land allot- comes to public television in Fall 2010 so many years ago on his way week land battle throughout more intense moments he faced ment in Hugo. They have two to prepare for the war and, ul- Sicily, where Edgar was injured during combat, “It was scary Native American Public Telecommunications, Inc. (NAPT) sons, Mike and Alan, seven timately, to the ship that would and sent back to the United but we just faced it. I had many proudly announces the release of a new documentary that exam- grandchildren and 10 great- carry him to battle, was an States to recuperate. (After close calls. We all did what we ines the pivotal role that Choctaw soldiers played in helping shape grandchildren. With the excep- emotional experience for him. healing, he returned back to were trained to do in order to an earlier end of World War I. tion of his time spent in service “It brought back a lot of feel- combat to fight in Germany.) stay alive.” In 1918, not yet citizens of the United States, Choctaw members to his country, Ike has spent all ings that I haven’t felt in a long “There was so little commo “I carried a BAR (Browning of the American Expeditionary Forces were asked by the govern- his life in Hugo. time,” he said. “It was very (communication) over there. Automatic Rifle) for most of ment to use their Native language as a powerful tool against the “I was glad to come home. I sad. It all comes back to you We didn’t have radios like they my time over there,” he said, German Forces in World War I, setting a precedent for code talking was glad when the war ended,” and takes you back to what do today but we did our best to explaining one of his more viv- as an effective military weapon and establishing them as America’s he said. “There are a lot of sto- you were doing during the war. know what everyone else was id memories. “One night, I was ries from my time over there… Original Code Talkers. I wouldn’t have missed it for doing,” he said. supposed to go on a mounted Co-produced by Red-Horse Native Productions, Inc., Valhalla a lot of stories.” Motion Pictures and Native American Public Telecommunications, Inc. (NAPT), “Choctaw Code Talkers” will transport viewers back to World War I for an intimate and engaging look into the lives of Six summer camps are offered annually to Choctaw youth these brave men, their families, their dreams and their patriotism to a country who would remember them as heroes, but not until after Continued from Page 1 They were also shown how setting goals and self-discipline will not their death. With the help of his assistants, Kevin is responsible for setting up only help their playing ability, but help them in their everyday lives “The government had sworn them to secrecy about what they the dates, locations and times for all the camps. He’s also in charge off of the field. did,” said Evangeline Wilson, relative of Code Talkers Mitchell of ordering the sports equipment that is given to the campers and During the basketball camp, the campers learned fundamental Bobb and James Edwards, Sr. responsible for finding and hiring coaches. skills of basketball to use throughout his or her school career with Choctaw Code Talkers is a follow-up to the award-winning doc- “Over the years I meet lots of coaches,” said Kevin. The Summer the ultimate goal of playing college-level basketball. They picked umentary “True Whispers: The Story of the Navajo Code Talkers,” Youth Camps have responsible coaches and staff who are motivated up tips from high school head coaches and former university play- a PBS nationally broadcast documentary produced by Valerie Red- to give the kids a good time while teaching them about the sport ers. Horse, President, of Red-Horse Native Productions, Inc. with Gale or activity of their choice. “When I tell the coaches what I do, and The football camp this summer featured the University of Okla- Anne Hurd, CEO, of Valhalla Motion Pictures. ask if they would like to help in the summers, they jump at the op- homa’s Assistant Coach and Quarterback Coach, Josh Heupel, for- “By launching the original concept of code talking for secure portunity.” mer Big XII players and former NFL coaches. The boys received military communications, these brave Choctaw men laid the foun- There are six camps offered to the kids. The camp that shows instruction in areas of offensive drills, defensive drills and Sooner dation for all other battlefield code talkers, including the Navajo, kids different aspects of the Choctaw heritage and culture, the cul- ball. who were so instrumental in World War II. Even though it is over- tural enrichment camp, gives them some exciting opportunities. The The Summer Youth Camps have about 2,500 kids participate each due, nearly 100 years since their service, I am honored to be a part campers take part in stickball, archery, arts and crafts, storytelling summer. The selection of activities, from learning the Choctaw lan- of bringing this important American story to the screen,” Red- and the Choctaw language. guage to hitting a homerun, give Choctaw children opportunities to Horse said. Though the cultural enrichment camp gives campers the chance have a fun summer learning more about the sport they love to play. In World War I, by 1918, the German Forces had deciphered the to shoot a bow and arrow and play some stickball, it’s the golf camp “I feel very fortunate to work for great employees at the Choctaw Allied Forces’ radio codes, tapped into their phone lines and cap- that usually has the most participants. It’s the staff and instructors’ Nation,” said Kevin. “Without everyone’s help from my department tured messenger runners in order to anticipate the Allied strategies. priority to teach each participant, whether it be a first-time golfer or and all other departments that volunteer their time, these camps The Allied Forces were desperate to attain secure communications an advanced golfer, the rules and game of golf. would not be possible.” and requested Choctaw soldiers to use their language to transmit “My personal favorite [camp] is golf,” Kevin said, “because I If you are interested in getting your child active next summer, messages in the field and from the trenches. love to play golf myself.” The golf camp is also Kevin’s favorite the application deadlines for each camp are in April. Applications “This is an important story of heroic men whose wartime contri- sport to put his coaching skills to work. “Because I play so much, I have to include copies of the child’s Certificate of Degree of Indian butions helped to change the course of world history. Their Code feel I can help all skill levels with something in their golf games.” Blood card and Choctaw Nation membership card. Saying, “I can’t was created while the men risked their lives fighting in Northern The baseball and softball camps were conducted by former Divi- wait to see the kids again next year,” Kevin is already anxious to France during the fiercest and bloodiest battles of World War I. The sion I players from the Big XII and ACC Conference in softball and get started for the summer of 2011. Whichever of the six camps Choctaw American Indian soldiers outwitted their German oppo- top Oklahoma high school coaches. The players were coached in your child chooses to attend, the coaches, along with the Cultural nents, turning the tide of the War and ensuring the Allied victory,” areas of hitting, pitching and fielding. Each camper was given the Events and Summer Camps employees, promise them a fun, active said Hurd. proper instruction that will help improve his or her level of play. and educational time. August 2010, BISKINIK, Page 16 The process of making Choctaw traditional pottery By DR. IAN THOMPSON Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma

The main raw material in Choctaw pottery is clay, dug Clay creations a passion for McMahon straight from the ground. By LISA REED Choctaw pottery classes in December 2009. When looking for a new clay Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Dan enjoys it. Mary is passionate about it. She source, areas where multiple has created over 60 pots in the seven months layers of soil are exposed, Brown eyes crinkle as Mary McMahon since starting the class. such as construction sites, or laughs and says that the old adage, “Idle hands “My sister told me about the classes and at the steep banks of streams are are the devil’s playground,” will never apply to first I thought, ‘that isn’t for me,’ but after the ideal. Clay can be nearly any her. first class I knew it was something I wanted to color, but is recognized from She sits at her dining room table which is do,” she says. “There is no end to what you can a distance by its slightly shiny covered with traditional Choctaw pottery and do with the clay.” luster. describes the pleasure she derives from the Her beginning work is a bit rough around the Good pottery clay is sticky creations, beginning with the hunt for the edges but the progress is obvious as she points ® workable, like Playdough . perfect clay. out the first pinch pot and then her newer pots. English-speaking potters refer “Everyone calls us clay hounds,” she says. There are pitchers, bowls with handles, bowls to clays that have this tight, Her husband, Dan, nods in agreement. with lids, small ones, large ones, and her sticky texture as being “fat.” The two travel all over southeastern Okla- pride-and-joy – a beautiful gray pot with a neck Interestingly, in the Choctaw homa with shovels and buckets. They bring that stands about 9 inches tall. language, the term for clay home black clay from Talihina, yellow clay A few of the pots have cracks, but Mary is “lukfi nia,” or literally “fat from Atoka, red clay from Yanush, and were assures there is still a use for them. Broken pots dirt.” In addition to having the excited to find a whole ribbon of white clay are used to fire the good pots, she explains. appropriate texture, the clay near McAlester. “It takes about 3 to 4 hours to make a pot,” must also have a low shrinkage “The white is hard to find,” Mary said, Mary says. “First you have to pick all the little rate as it dries, and the ability describing the way it ran – a ribbon of red, a rocks from the clay. I use about as much clay as to withstand high heat without ribbon of white, another ribbon of red. “We you can put in a butter tub – about half clay, cracking or spalling. If a potter found it by the lake and asked the people who half sand and mix it until it feels right.” pot and think, ‘I used a piece of clay and made hasn’t used particular clay be- lived there if we could get some of it.” Mary painstakingly etches Choctaw designs that’.” fore, the best way to evaluate Bags of clay are labeled with where the on the pots. She traces the patterns in the clay The class meets every other Monday night at these latter two properties is to McMahons found it and are stored in a back and repeatedly goes over them so they will the Choctaw Nation Community Center in simply make a small test pot room of their home. Some were brought to endure the firing. The patterns provided by Poteau. Each class lasts 4-1/2 hours. The McMa- out of the clay and see how the them by their instructor, Ian Thompson, and are Thompson depict those on ancestral Choctaw hons enjoy meeting new people and have made a clay responds during the fol- marked with “Louisiana,” “Mississippi,” pottery found in Moundville, Ala. lot of new friends. They share home-cooked food lowing production steps: “Alabama,” and “Tom, Okla.” The McMahons Mary describes her pottery as a hobby, a and stories while learning a time-honored Once a clay has been lo- in turn share their clay with other class mem- pastime, but it has become a legacy she shares tradition. They often stay past the scheduled time cated it is dug out of the earth bers. with others. One of her granddaughters, to just visit. by hand, and is then carefully “We think the clay from Mississippi will fire Brittany Wilson, spent a Sunday afternoon Mary looks forward to moving on from bowls cleaned of any roots, sticks, pink,” Mary says, holding up the bag full of a learning a portion of Choctaw heritage from to pots and pans in pottery class. And she would or rocks that may be inside it. definitely pink-tinted clay. She can’t wait to get Mary. Brittany’s pot sits with Mary’s waiting like to learn to make baskets ... and beadwork…. This is often done by breaking started on it. for the firing planned in August. There are so many fun ways to keep her hands the clay into small pieces and The McMahons began taking traditional “It is so rewarding,” Mary says. “I look at a busy. fishing out the foreign objects. After cleaning is complete, the pottery-making potential of River are able to take as much into a shallow dish, taking tions of combs across the clay, broken pieces of pottery are At a still higher temperature, most clays can be improved by as 50 percent temper. For pots on the shape of that dish. The making intricate parallel lines. laid over the surface of the hot, the pot will begin to glow a red mixing them with amounts of that are to be used for eating or walls of the new pot could be Firing is done on a dry, calm dry dirt, creating an isolative color. At this stage, the edges clean, sifted non-plastic mate- serving food, the temper ma- shaped by pinching or add- evening, on a piece of ground layer. The pottery to be fired of the clay particles have fused rial, called temper. Tempering terial is usually ground into a ing coils to this base. At some that is sheltered from any un- is placed on top, and slowly together, functionally firing the materials used by ancestral powder. Pots that are to be used times and places, our ancestors expected wind gusts that may begins to heat. Slow heating pot and making it useable. Clay Choctaw potters through time for cooking usually have larger made pottery by rolling the come up. The method we use helps minimize the chance of bodies that have shell, bone, include finely chopped organic temper particles. clay body out thin like cookie in Choctaw traditional pottery cracks. After some time, a ring or limestone temper must be material, such as pine needles, The clay and temper are dough, cutting it into the de- class has been reconstructed of fire is kindled around the heated no hotter than glowing sand, burned and crushed lime- thoroughly mixed to form a sired shape, and then rolling or from the best available infor- heating pots, causing their tem- red. Clay bodies tempered with stone, crushed up pieces of old clay body. For hundreds of folding it up to form a pot. mation about how our ances- perature to slowly and evenly sand can be heated hotter, to pottery, burned and crushed years, our Choctaw ancestors After a pot is made, it is tors fired their pottery. First, raise higher and higher. Over glowing orange. mussel shell, and burned and used several techniques to allowed to dry, slowly and the sod is carefully scraped the course of an evening, the If the fire is allowed to die crushed animal bone. The ad- shape a clay body into a pot. evenly in a dark, cool place. from the ground. Then, the soil ring of fire is slowly scooted down naturally around the dition of these materials opens The most basic method was to This usually takes a couple of is turned over with a shovel, closer to the pottery, until it pots, they will end up with light up the structure of the clay, form the clay body into a ball, weeks for an eating bowl-sized just like in a garden. A large begins to touch it. Finally, us- and dark fire clouds on them. If helping it to dry evenly. Tem- stick a thumb into the ball, and piece. When an eating or serv- fire is then built on top of the ing thin pieces of wood, the fire the pots are removed from the per particles also help to physi- then begin pinching and turn- ing bowl is halfway dried, it churned soil. When the fire is built right over the pottery. fire while still glowing, they cally block any cracks that ing the clay to make a “pinch can be burnished, by rubbing burns down to coals, these As this wood burns, it turns to will end up a solid light color. may begin to form in the clay pot.” Our ancestors also made a smooth, round stone quickly coals are churned down into coals that fall down around the The pots can also be smudged itself. The amount of temper “coil pots” by rolling the clay over its surface. This aligns the soil, and another fire built pots, heating them still higher. a solid black color by allowing that is added depends on the body into thin coils, or snakes, the tiny clay particles and can on top. The heat on top of and Our ancestors used the the fire to burn down until it is type of material being used and then layering them on top make the pot shiny enough to inside of the soil dries it out, changing colors of the pottery nearly out, then piling it with and the quality of the clay it- of each other to make the pot’s give a reflection. Cooking pots and makes it look like cinna- to gage its temperate. During dry corn cobs or some other self. In general terms, the more basic shape. The coils were were left with rough textures. mon or cocoa powder. If this the firing process, the pottery smoky material, and allowing temper that is added to the then pinched together and of- Designs are often scratched is not done before firing, the will first turn a dark color as it to smoke, putting out any clay, the less likely a pot made ten beaten with a small paddle into eating and serving bowls heat from the fire will cause the the clay absorbs the smoke flames that may rekindle. from it will crack. Sandy, or- to compress them. Our ances- with sharp objects. At the Trail ground to give off water vapor, from the fire. Next, it turns a The next morning, the pots ganic clays may require very tors also made pottery using a of Tears time period, Choctaw which will enter the pots and light color as the pot gets hot can be taken from the firing little temper, while some of the mold technique. For this, the potters made distinctive de- make them crack. enough to burn the smoke out area, inspected for cracks, care- very sticky clays from the Red clay body was simply pushed signs by scratching broken sec- After the ground is dried, of it. fully washed, and then used.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Wedding to honor native culture spire young and old alike 18 19 20 Couple plans to learn more about their 21 22

Choctaw culture, and 23 special day hopefully other couples 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

who are planning to mar- 31 during this ry will want to include 32 33 34 35 year’s Labor some of these Choctaw 36 37

wedding ceremonies in 38 Day Festival their wedding, ” stated 39 40 41 42 43

By BRET MOSS Debra. 44 45 46 Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma This will not be the 47 48 49 first occasion in which 50 51 “It’s important to be Erik and Debra display proud of who you are,” their Choctaw heritage. ACROSS DOWN stated Debra Belt as she Both are avid traditional 3. Lusachikchiki 1. Achafa reflected on her Choctaw Choctaw dancers. As 5. Auah Tałapi 2. Amba, anoti 10. Abechakali 3. Isi, issi heritage. She will display they dance in pow wows 13. Hatak haksi atapa 4. On, on this pride on one of the 14. Ataloa 5. Kallochit hilechi and many other social n most anticipated days in 15. Taha 6. Anu ka occasions, it is easy to 16. Hannali 7. Auah Ushta a person’s life – her wedding day. see that Choctaw runs through their blood. 17. Yohmi 8. Tabokoli Debra Ann Belt, 26, of Oklahoma City, will marry her fiancé, Erik has been dancing in social dances since he was five. His 18. Ushta 9. Yoshobli 20. Anakshołi 11. Isht Holissochi Erik Estrada Garcia, in a traditional Choctaw wedding ceremo- family also has a dance troupe in Mississippi. Erik also enjoys 22. Auah Tuchina 12. Tuklo ny on Sept. 2, 2010, at the Choctaw village in Tushka Homma. the longtime favored Choctaw sport of stickball, and he plays on 24. Untuklo 13. Banna She believes that in having a traditional Choctaw wedding, she many occasions, including the Labor Day games and Mississippi 27. Nukoa 17. Na yoshoba 28. Holabi 18. Tałapi and her future husband will be honoring their native culture in a games. 29. Haksobish 19. Pi meaningful manner. Debra has been dancing in pow wows for about seven years. 31. Yaki 20. Auah Untuklo Erik, age 24 and a Mississippi Choctaw, met Debra in Tushka 32. Kasheho, sipokni 21. Imi, immi She was the Oklahoma City Pow Wow Club Princess in ’07 and 34. Tuchina 22. Auah Tuklo Homma during the Labor Day festivities of 2006, where they be- ’08. She also teaches beadwork at the Oklahoma Choctaw Alli- 36. Auah Achafa 23. Auah Hannali gan their journey toward wedding bells. After Erik met Debra, he ance. 37. Foha 25. Auah Untuchina 38. Pokoli 26. Chakali fell in love, which led him to proposing in 2009, during the social The couple’s future plans consist of starting a photography 39. Bashpo 30. Keyuchohmi dancing of the Labor Day festivities. business. Debra is certified in photography and Erik plans to at- 41. Pokoli Tuklo 33. Nipi n The wedding will consist of many Choctaw traditions, the first 44. A h 35. Lukfi tend Oklahoma City Community College to obtain his associate’s 47. Pokoli Chakali Akucha Tałhapi 39. Itinkanomi being, “The Choctaw Wedding Chase.” In this event, the bride degree in photography as well. 49. Ala 40. Inoa, ikhana (short English will run towards a pole as the groom chases her. If he can catch Erik is the son of Robert and Madie Garcia and the descendant version of word) her, there will be a wedding, but if she reaches it before he catch- 50. A, pila 42. Foka of Lilly Mae Billy, an original Mississippi Choctaw. Debra is the 51. Tiak nia 43. Haiyup es her, everyone goes home. Other events at the wedding consist daughter of Laura Belt and the late Elvis Belt. She is also the 45. Binili of: Choctaw gift giving, Choctaw social dancing and a piñata to great-granddaughter of Elizabeth Cole Bully-Pistubbee, an origi- 46. Afama tok 48. Keyu celebrate Erik’s Mexican heritage. nal enrollee of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. “Erik and I notice that many young people are not interested The wedding will begin at 2 p.m. starting with the Wedding Translate the Choctaw words into English and fill in the crossword in learning their Choctaw traditions or culture, so by having a Chase. The ceremony will follow, with Olin Williams minister- puzzle in English. Also, see the “ł” above for the aspirated l. wedding that will consist of Choctaw traditions, we hope to in- ing. There will be a reception shortly after the ceremony. Answer in September BISKINIK August 2010, BISKINIK, Page 17 Thank you, Chief Aufaumatauba’s daughter For this month’s edition of Iti Fabvssa, we d a u g h t e r ’s on Choctaw century ago, includes in-depth descriptions of are diverging slightly from our usual format. remains back history and making and firing Choctaw pottery, Choctaws Rather than responding to a written-in question, into Choctaw t r a d i t i o n a l bows and arrows, Choctaw baskets, a detailed we are taking this opportunity to make our read- control. lifeways was account of the way our ancestors used to plant ership aware of the positive things that a very This sum- shared be- their different types of gardens and the plants special Choctaw woman has been doing for the mer, after Iti Fabussa tween the they put in each of them, recipes for many Tribe over the last month and also to thank her. six years of three Choc- traditional Choctaw foods written in Choctaw We can’t give you this woman’s name, but she hard work by both parties, the remains were taw tribes and the Smithsonian staff, with ev- and in English, funny stories, war stories, and is the daughter of Choctaw Chief Aufaumatau- ready to be transferred to the joint custody of eryone learning a tremendous amount about funny war stories that go back into the 1700s, ba. She was born in what is now southwest- the three federally recognized Choctaw tribes, the lives of our ancestors. Representatives from a complete muster role of the Choctaw soldiers ern Alabama, in the Oklahannali or “Sixtowns” which include the Choctaw Nation of Oklaho- Choctaw Nation formally documented many of who fought under Chief Pushmataha in the District of the Choctaw tribe, sometime around ma, the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, the pieces in these collections, making it pos- War of 1812, descriptions of ancient Choctaw the year 1800. She grew up and lived there with and the Jena Band of Choctaw Indians. In July, sible for representatives from each of the Choc- dances no-longer remembered in today’s com- her community until her untimely death in her representatives from each made the journey to taw tribes to have hundreds of photographs and munities, details on Choctaw house-building, mid-20s. Her loved ones laid her remains to rest Washington, D.C., for the formal repatriation. other information to share with tribal members name-giving, time-keeping, child-rearing, and in a small earth mound, intending for them to We came with a variety of emotions, but one back home. much, much more. These unpublished manu- slowly return to the earth in peace. expectation likely shared between all of us was During the visit, the Smithsonian staff in- scripts are arguably the best written source Around that time, Choctaw leaders at the trib- that a wrong was about to be righted. Specifi- formed the Choctaw representatives about the on Choctaw traditional life in existence, and al level ceded this land to the United States in cally, after the mistreatment of Aufaumatauba’s programs and funding that could potentially there they sat in the Alabama State Archives! the Treaty of Hoe Buckintoopa (or “Hobvk Ito- daughter’s remains, something good was going help our tribes to set up education programs to We would not have seen these if it was not for pa”). As a result, this woman’s community had to be done for her and for the tribe in bringing strengthen our traditional culture and arts. They Chief Aufaumatauba’s daughter bringing us to leave her burial behind, and in time, many her back to her home. However, we were soon also told us about the possibility of the Smith- through Montgomery. of those who knew her were probably forced humbled to realize that rather than us helping to sonian loaning some of its Choctaw collections Chief Aufaumatauba’s daughter passed from to emigrate to Oklahoma on the Trail of Tears. do anything noteworthy while we were in D.C.; to tribal museums such as at the Tushka Hom- this life at an early age, during one of the dark- A United States arsenal was soon built near her it was really this ancestor herself who began ma Capitol, so that more Choctaw people can est points in Choctaw history. Her home was burial spot. bringing about a lot of positive things for Choc- see these Choctaw national treasures. We were overrun, her grave was desecrated, and her As happens much, much too often to our taw people. It happened in ways no one could additionally made aware of potential opportuni- remains shipped nearly 1,000 miles away and Choctaw ancestors, without family or friends in have conceived at the beginning of the trip: ties for other tribal representatives to one day put in storage for 140 years. In the summer of the area to actively watch and protect her grave, The three federally recognized Choctaw come to D.C. to study the Choctaw collections, 2010, through her repatriation, this woman has this woman’s bones were dug up by a collec- tribes have been separated since the Trail of and of programs to assist budding Choctaw art- brought back a tremendous amount of infor- tor as a kind of morbid trophy. They were then Tears. However, Aufaumatauba’s daughter ists. Each of these has the potential to bring the mation about Choctaw life to today’s Choctaw shipped to the eastern United States, and spent lived before this imposed separation and is po- Smithsonian and the Choctaw tribes in mutu- communities, and has made the cultural depart- 140 years in collections, eventually ending up tentially ancestral to all three groups. Because ally beneficial partnerships that could help both ments of Choctaw tribes more aware of the at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. of this, representatives from each of these well into the foreseeable future. many opportunities for cooperation we have From the traditional Choctaw perspective held Choctaw tribes came to D.C. working together As we left Washington, D.C., we were hum- with each other, and with other groups like the by this woman when she was alive, a perspec- as one. During this contact, a recurring topic of bled and amazed by all that Chief Aufaumatau- Smithsonian staff. Her remains are back at rest tive that is still held by many tribal members discussion concerned the ways that the historic ba’s daughter had brought about for Choctaw in a place that will be protected, but all of the today, such grave desecration is one of the most preservation departments from the three tribes people living today ... She wasn’t done yet. good things that her repatriation has brought despicable and hurtful offenses that can be done can work to help each other on a variety of is- The reburial brought Choctaw Nation staff to to light for Choctaw people will live on in up- to a person or a community. sues. Joint cultural activities were planned that Alabama, and into cooperation with the MOWA coming generations. For a long time, tribal people had no recourse will continue to bring members from each of Band of Choctaw Indians, who still reside in the Aufaumatauba imvllatek, nana moyoma ish- for righting such wrongs. However, beginning these tribes together in the future. state. Again, relationships were created there michi-tuka, eho-chi-yakoke. Chi-foni -yvt foha- in the late 1980s, Native American organizers Over the week, the Choctaw representatives that will help to bring Choctaws together into chi akinli! and lawmakers helped bring about legislation were allowed to view the Choctaw collections the future. that makes it possible for tribes to reclaim and in the National Museum of Natural History and Moreover, on our way to meet the MOWAs, Note – The Choctaw Nation Historic Preser- repatriate the remains of their ancestors from National Museum of the American Indian. We we had the opportunity to visit the Alabama vation Department is already working on ways among the tens of thousands of Native American saw and handled hundreds of non-burial Choc- State Archives, in Montgomery, Ala. This col- of making the information on Choctaw history human remains held in the collections of feder- taw items made by our ancestors more than a cen- lection houses the unpublished manuscripts of and traditional life obtained at the Smithsonian ally funded institutions. In 2004, the Choctaw tury ago including blowguns, moccasins, bows, Henry S. Halbert. In the late 1800s, Halbert and at the Alabama Archives available and ac- Nation of Oklahoma and the repatriation staff arrows, pottery, baskets, beadwork, drums, lived with the Mississippi Choctaw. He had a cessible to tribal people in Oklahoma, includ- at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural stickball sticks, baskets and much more. These strong interest in the Choctaw people, and spoke ing possible publication. However, the sheer History (one of whom is herself Choctaw) began objects represent the traditional knowledge de- Choctaw fluently. His manuscripts represent a volume and detail of this “new” information cooperatively working on the long documenta- veloped by our ancestors, and were an impor- vast wealth of information for today’s Choctaw will require quite some time to completely pro- tion process that would make it legally possi- tant part of their Choctaw identity. In viewing people about our ancestors. This information, cess. For more information, please call 1-800- ble for the museum to return Aufaumatauba’s these collections, a great deal of information given from the mouths of Choctaw elders a 522-6170 ext. 2216.

Chief Pyle’s Physical Fitness Challenge encourages healthy and active lifestyles By Chrissy Dill and a winner is determined. effort by Chief Pyle and the 13th Annual Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma “There’s really an emphasis Choctaw Nation to promote put on your time,” said Jason. physical fitness. The Choctaw Labor Day The annual Labor Day Fes- The popular 40-yard dash is Nation continues to encourage tival held at the Choctaw Na- there to stay, but there are some the fight against obesity, dia- tion capitol grounds in Tushka activities that are improving betes and heart disease. “We’d Homma is the site of many this year. In the past, the kids like to thank Chief Pyle and exciting activities for all ages. competed in a vertical jump the Choctaw Nation for their POW WOW There is the promise of en- contest, a long jump and a 20- support in this cause,” said Ja- tertainment every year, and yard shuttle. These will be re- son. everyone who attends has a placed with plyometric boxes Registration for Chief Pyle’s great time. The Chief Gregory that measure jumping distance Physical Fitness Challenge is September 3rd E. Pyle Physical Fitness Chal- and height. The kids will also 5 p.m. Sept. 3 on the Council The Choctaw Nation lenge gives kids from the ages pull a “sled” to strengthen their Chambers Lawn at Tushka 8 to 18 the opportunity to get legs, and there will be hurtles Homma. The fitness challenge Capitol Grounds active and show off their phys- for them to leap. begins at 6 p.m. ical abilities. “Plyometric exercises are Jason and his friends in the Jason Campbell created this to improve the kids’ potential STAR Program encourage the Tushka hoMma event four years ago, and each to excel in sports, but we’re youth to participate in this year an average of 50-60 kids not promoting just athletics,” exciting event on Labor Day. participate. “We hope to in- said Jason. “We are promoting Each child that participates crease that number this year,” physical fitness.” and finishes the challenge will The Line Up commented Jason. Jason is the The Chief Pyle Physical receive a free T-shirt and jump MC- Tim Tallchief deputy director of the STAR Fitness Challenge is another rope. (Success Through Academic Arena Director- Bill Takeshorse Recognition) Program for the Head Man- Cecil Gray Choctaw Nation, which is an Labor Day Head Woman- Rebecca Roberts educational incentive program HEAD Gourd- Darrell Wildcat for the Choctaw youth. With Festival Southern Drum- thunder hill the help of his fellow STAR C A Program employees, Jason or- T-Shirts northern drum- dry creek ganizes the Chief Pyle Physi- B & Souvenirs color gaurd- choctaw nation cal Fitness Challenge each E year. D Order Form The purpose behind the The schedule physical fitness challenge is to 2 p.m. gourd Dance promote Chief Pyle’s mission 5 p.m. Break of encouraging healthy and 6 p.m. gourd dance active lifestyles for everyone, especially children. 7 p.m. grand entry “There’s so many activities registration closes for the adults at Labor Day. The physical fitness challenge is another activity for the featuring kids,” explained Jason. The adult contest youth contest challenge consists of sports- A - Waterproof drawstring backpack Yellow Tiny Tots contest oriented activities, but is open with Seal - can be worn as a back- Blue All Contestants must be in Grand Entry and participate in Inter-Tribal dances. to everyone, not just sports- pack or carried - $10.00 lovers. B - Labor Day Shirt - White - $15.00 Must be in regalia to receive prize money. There are several activities C - Labor Day Shirt - Black - $15.00 that make up the challenge. D - Labor Day Cap - White - $12.00 For information: Willard Polk 580-924-8280 The “most fun” event accord- E - Labor Day Cap - Black - $12.00 or Sue Folsom - Cultural Events 580-924-8280 ing to Jason is the 40-yard Public welcome, free admission, bring your pow wow chairs. dash. “Everyone seems to All drums, princesses are invited. talk about the 40-yard dash Call Willard for booth information. Booth fee is $20. and looks forward to it,” said To order, send payment (No Personal Checks) NO ALCOHOL OR DRUGS WILL BE TOLERATED Jason. The kids are separated with completed form to: into age groups and the boys Labor Day T-Shirts and girls are not separated. PO Box 1210 Durant OK 74702 Their 40-yard sprint is timed August 2010, BISKINIK, Page 18

LABOR DAY FESTIVAL Concerts September 3 through September 5 Concerts are free

Don’t miss any of the great activities beginning Travis Tritt Vince Gill September 2 and running through September 6 on the Choctaw Nation Bring your quilts and lawn chairs and enjoy the Jimmy Wayne Neal McCoy Capitol Grounds near Choctaw Nation’s exciting lineup this year!!!! Tuskahoma, Oklahoma.

Stoney Larue Casting Crowns Crabb Revival

Friday, Sept. 3 Saturday, Sept. 4 Sunday, Sept. 5

5.30 p.m. Jimmy Wayne 7:00 p.m. Neal McCoy 7.30 p.m. Jason Crabb 7:00 p.m. Stoney Larue 9:00 p.m. Vince Gill Crabb Revival 9:00 p.m. Travis Tritt Aaron & Amanda Crabb Mike & Jan Bowling 800-522-6170 • www.choctawnation.com 9:00 p.m. Casting Crowns

2010 Choctaw Nation Labor Day Schedule

Thursday, September 2 Sunday, September 5 7 p.m. Choctaw Nation Princess Pageant, Amphitheater 8 a.m. Fast Pitch Tournament continues Entertainer: Joni Morris before and during the pageant 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Youth Advisory Board Offers Crafts for youth, playground 10 a.m. Worship Services, tent behind amphitheater Friday, September 3 Noon-5 p.m. Choctaw Nation Museum open Noon Gospel Singing @ Amphitheater 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Choctaw Nation Museum open Noon Domino and Checker Tournament Registration, Cafeteria Noon- 8 p.m. Photo ID booth open Noon-7 p.m. Photo ID Booth open 10 a.m. Arts & Crafts exhibits open 1 p.m. Domino and Checker Tournament in Cafeteria Noon-8 p.m. Health Expo, next to Council Chambers 1-3 p.m. Education and Screening @ Health Expo Noon-5 p.m. Quilt entries @ Information Center 1:30-3:30 p.m. Choctaw Code Talker Association Board Meeting, 2 p.m. Gourd Dancing on Capitol lawn Council Chambers 5 p.m. Registration for Chief Pyle Physical Fitness Challenge, No tent setups or 2-4 p.m. Buffalo Tours, load bus @ Museum roping of areas Council Chambers Lawn 4 p.m. Choctaw Dancers, Capitol Lawn on grounds until 6 p.m. Chief Pyle Physical Fitness Challenge, 5 p.m. Stickball Exhibition, Capitol Lawn August 27 Council Chambers Lawn, youth ages 8 -18 7:30 p.m. Crabb Revival @ Amphitheater 6 p.m. Concerts @ Amphitheater No dogs 9 p.m. Casting Crowns @ Amphitheater 7 p.m. Inter-Tribal Pow Wow Grand Entry, Capitol lawn allowed on 7 p.m. Fast Pitch Tournament at Red Warrior Park Monday, September 6 Capitol Grounds except service Saturday, September 4 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Photo ID Booth open animals 6:30 -7:45 a.m. 5k Registration at Hwy. 271 Choctaw Nation Museum open 10 a.m. Labor Day Official Ceremonies, Amphitheater No drugs 8 a.m. 5k Race begins at Hwy. 271 or alcohol Posting of Flags - Choctaw Color Guard 8 a.m. Fast Pitch Tournament continues allowed 8 a.m. 3 on 3 Choctaw War Hoops Basketball Registration The Lord’s Prayer in Sign Language on Capitol 8 a.m. Horseshoe Tournament Registration Storyteller Tim Tingle Grounds 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Health Expo Introduction of Tribal Council and Judges 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Youth Advisory Board Offers Crafts for youth, Playground State of the Nation Address by Chief Gregory E. Pyle 9 a.m. Playground supervised Door Prize Drawings 9 a.m. Horseshoe Tournament 11:30 a.m. Free Meal for Everyone, Cafeteria 9 a.m. Co-Ed Volleyball Tournament Noon Pick up Quilts from Quilt Show 9 a.m. Quilt Show @ Information Center 9 a.m. War Hoops 3-on-3 Basketball at Basketball Courts Events throughout the Festival 10 a.m.-12 noon Buffalo Tours, load bus @ Museum Carnival Rides Free, courtesy of Chief and Tribal Council; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Choctaw Nation Museum open Specialty Acts

10 a.m. 7th Annual Choctaw Art Show, 2nd floor of Museum 10 a.m. -8 p.m. Photo ID Booth open Choctaw Village Schedule 2 p.m. Terrapin Races, Playground Saturday, September 4 Sunday, September 5 2–4 p.m. Buffalo Tours, load bus @ Museum 10 a.m. Choctaw Dancing 1 p.m. Flint Napping 5 p.m. Children’s Drama, Choctaw Village Amphitheater 10:30 a.m. Stickball Skills 1:15 p.m. Silver Smithing (bring lawn chairs) 11 a.m. Banaha Making 1:30 p.m. Primitive Weapons 4 p.m. Free-Throw Contest @ Basketball Courts 11:30 a.m. Storytelling 1:45 p.m. Storytelling 4:30 p.m. Tough, Tough Choctaw Registration, Council Chambers Children’s Activities Children’s Activities 5 p.m. 3-Point Contest @ Basketball Courts 1 p.m. Stickball 2:15 p.m. Corn Game 5:30 p.m. Tough, Tough Contest, Council Chambers lawn 1:30 p.m. Language 2:40 p.m. Pottery 6 p.m. Concerts @ Amphitheater 1:45 p.m. Arts & Crafts 2:15 p.m. Choctaw Dancing