Governor Bill AnoatubbyOur annual gathering stirs memories of the past
By Bill Anoatubby, Governor, Chickasaw Nation
When we come together later this month for our Annual Meeting and Chickasaw Festival, we will be celebrating much more than food, fellowship and fun events.
Those things are, of course, important. As Chickasaws, we enjoy getting together, renewing old friendships and acquaintances, and attending all the great demonstrations.
What we are actually doing is affirming not only our existence, but also the survival of our tribal history and traditions. When so many Chickasaws are gathered in one place, it is not difficult to envision similar gatherings from generations ago. Chickasaws came together to discuss important issues and to plan for upcoming events. Defense of tribal villages, alliances with other tribes, storing and distributing food –this and much more was discussed.
When we come together at the end of September in Tishomingo, we are fulfilling centuries-old traditions. The Chickasaw people, prior to Removal, were known by neighboring tribes, and later by Europeans, as innovative, prepared –and often fierce. The people came together from the villages to make the best use of the ideas presented to protect the tribe and ensure its long-term survival.
The tribe was very good at providing for its people, and at adapting to changing environments. If game became scare, Chickasaw hunters were quick to establish new hunting areas. If trade with another tribe became unattractive, new trading partners were soon established. If an enemy threatened Chickasaw villages, a workable and aggressive strategy of defense was devised and executed.
We are modern Chickasaws and we function in a modern world. And although our surroundings have changed, we continue to honor our traditions in our everyday lives. We have held close our sovereign government and ensured it has survived to serve the people. The Chickasaw Nation has endured physical, political and legal assault, and has emerged as strong as ever. The people have, over the generations, faced challenges that had no precedent. And we have not only survived. We have, together, forged a leadership position among America’s Native nations.
The Chickasaw people have survived war, disease, removal, injustice, neglect and more. These incredible obstacles have been overcome through the quiet determination of people who consistently recalled their traditions, and relied on those traditions. Chickasaws understand our ancestors endured much hardship, and that has become strength.
We honor the Chickasaws who have gone before us by continuing to build a strong and vital tribe. Our tribe is built on a rock-solid foundation of centuries-long dedication and commitment to each other.
So we will once again gather and enjoy the company of one another. We will again share stories and catch up on the news of family and friends. We will celebrate our Chickasaw culture through our art and our history.
We have learned many lessons from the past. The most important may be our tradition of self-reliance, learned from countless experiences along the road of time. It is by learning the lessons of the past that we today pave an exciting path for our future generation of Chickasaws.
I look forward to seeing you at the 48th Annual Meeting and 20th Chickasaw Festival!
