The Chickasaw Nation inducted three into its Hall of fame Thursday night. From left are Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby, music teacher Colbert Hackler, a plaque honoring historic tribal leader Piomingo, textile artist Margaret Roach Wheeler, and Lt. Governor Jefferson Keel.
An award-winning textile artist, a music educator, and a protector of tribal sovereignty were inducted into the Chickasaw Nation Hall of Fame Thursday, August 19, at Riverwind Casino in Norman, Okla.
Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby said that each of the inductees lived a life which brought honor to the Chickasaw Nation.
"It is our privilege to honor these individuals for their contributions to society," said Gov. Anoatubby. "Each one is a shining example of the Chickasaw heritage of strength, perseverance and commitment to the greater good."
Neal McCaleb served as emcee for the event
Mr. McCaleb, a Chickasaw, is a former U.S. Assistant Secretary of Interior for Indian Affairs, and former Oklahoma Secretary of Transportation.
An award-winning weaver, fiber expert, textile artist and designer, Margaret Roach Wheeler, was one of four Native American fashion designers chosen to speak at the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian in New York.
She was also an NMAI Artist in Residence. Ms. Wheeler has exhibited works at the Museum of Art and Design in New York, the National Museum of the Indian in New York, and the Institute of American Indian Arts, among many others. She has won numerous awards, including the President's award at Red Earth Festival and Eiteljorg Indian Market Purchase award for the feather cape and kilt she designed for the Chickasaw Nation original production, "Lowak Shoppala." She also won "Best of Class" at the Heard Museum Indian Fair and Market and placed first and second in textiles and the 2009 Southeastern Art Show and market.
Formerly an educator, Margaret is now owner/operator of her company, Mahota Handwovens, designing and marketing hand woven contemporary fashion, costumes, and traditional Native American regalia. She actively participates in Chickasaw Nation events and generously offers her time to teaching Chickasaw youth in the Chickasaw Nation Summer Arts Academy.
Mrs. Wheeler said that her father taught her about her heritage at an early age.
"He always said you are from a civilized tribe, so you will act in a civilized way," she said with a chuckle. "I took that to heart and I always tried to conduct myself in a way that I could be proud of my Chickasaw heritage."
Mrs. Wheeler also said that the Chickasaw Nation not only helps provide stability for its citizens, it also provides opportunities and nurtures creativity.
Colbert Franklin Hackler received his first fiddle as a Christmas gift at the age of six and it was a gift that opened doors to a career and a lifetime passion for music and teaching.
Born in 1918 in Mannsville, Okla. to Charles Franklin Hackler and Eva Lou Colbert, Mr. Hackler graduated from Ringling (Okla.) Public Schools in 1935. He received his Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts at Oklahoma City University and obtained his Master and Doctorate Degrees in Music Education at the University of Oklahoma.
Mr. Hackler worked as Elk City (Okla.) Schools music educator for 23 years.
He also worked with the Methodist church choir.
Mr. Hackler gave thanks to his family, school administrators and students for the help they provided throughout his career. He also expressed his appreciation to the Chickasaw Nation for providing educational assistance to his children
In 1960, he was invited to teach music at the OU Laboratory School in Norman, Okla. He went on to receive his tenure from the University and when the laboratory school closed in 1972, he was transferred to the music school on the main campus. He continued to teach until his retirement in 1981.
Along with his late wife, Mary Jean, Mr. Hackler has two children, Sally Rice and Mary Ann Tullius; five grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
Mr. Hackler was one of 24 Chickasaws honored in Mike Larsen's exhibit, "I Am Very Proud to be Chickasaw." Other honors and awards Mr. Hackler has received include: Oklahoma Music Educators Hall of Fame; Oklahoma Bandmasters Association Hall of Fame; Oklahoma City University Distinguished Alumni Award and Elk City Alumni Hall of Fame.
Chickasaw Piomingo served his people during the last half of the 18th century- a time of devastating warfare from many fronts both Native and European. Piomingo was born about 1750 in a settlement now located north of Tupelo, Miss.
"Piomingo has come to symbolize all the best qualities of what it means to be Chickasaw," said Gov. Anoatubby. "His strength of vision, character and perseverance is an inspiration to each of us."
Piomingo was a pre-removal chief who provided strong leadership during the time Chickasaws lived in the homelands. He successfully protected the Chickasaws sovereignty.
Piomingo, along with other Chickasaw leaders, acted as a statesmen and diplomat. He suffered and survived many personal hardships as he resolved and settled threats to tribal survival both internally and externally through diplomacy.
His vision, resolve, intelligence, respect and leadership led to the Chickasaw people surviving today through many challenging decisions in war and in treaty making. Piomingo met with other southeastern tribes, with Chickasaw factions, governors of states, with president Washington and the Secretary of War, reaching agreements that benefitted his people.
It has been documented that Piomingo was married and had one son and one daughter. He died in approximately 1799 and was buried with his favorite possessions under his house.
