Chickasaws to celebrate 50th Annual Meeting
One half-century of progress will be celebrated during the 50th Annual Meeting of the Chickasaw Nation and the 22nd Annual Chickasaw Festival.
Events kick off Saturday, Sept. 25 and culminate Saturday, October 2.
The theme of this year's event, "The Legacy of our Journey" reflects the Chickasaw Nation's proud history, culture and heritage and celebrates the possibilities of tomorrow.
The event also marks the 50th anniversary of the Chickasaw Annual Meeting.
"Chickasaw people have demonstrated an unconquerable spirit throughout our historic journey," Gov. Bill Anoatubby said. "Our ancestors and elders blazed the trail for much of the success we enjoy today. Because of that, we share a sense of pride in our culture and heritage, the courage of our convictions and aspirations to preserve that legacy for future generations."
Activities and events which celebrate Chickasaw heritage, history and customs will be featured at different venues throughout the Chickasaw Nation, including the cities of Tishomingo and Ada, and the Chickasaw Cultural Center in Sulphur.
Annual Meeting
Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby will deliver the State of the Nation address during the 50th Annual Meeting 9 a.m., Saturday, October 2 at Fletcher Auditorium on the campus of Murray State College in Tishomingo.
Immediately following Governor's address, the Festival Parade will make its way down Tishomingo's Main Street.
The Southeastern Art Show and Market will begin at 11 a.m. at the west Capitol grounds, and a Chickasaw Press book signing will be from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the same location.
A traditional meal will be served and a health fair will begin at 11:30 a.m. on the Murray State lawn.
A petting zoo, kids' activities and a "make-and-take tent" will be open from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Tishomingo's Pennington Park.
Horseshoe Tournament registration begins at noon at Pennington Park, and arts and crafts and food vendors will also be located at the park from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Stickball, dance troupe and cultural demonstrations will be available on the west side of the Chickasaw Nation Capitol grounds, along with a Gospel Singing from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
The Chickasaw White House in Emet, Okla., will be open for tours from noon until 4 p.m.
The day will end with the Johnston County Riding Club Rodeo at the Tishomingo Tee Pee Arena, beginning at 8 p.m.
Also on Saturday, Oct. 2, the Chickasaw Cultural Center, in Sulphur, will be open from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tours of the Chickasha Poya Exhibit Center, art exhibits, the honor garden, Chikasha Inchokka' Village and the Holisso Research Center will be conducted throughout the day.
The Chickasaw-produced movie "Pearl" will be shown at 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m., and "Behind the Scenes" will be shown at 3:30 p.m., at the Anoli Theater. Storytelling will begin at 2:15 p.m. at the Amphitheatre at take place again at 3:15 p.m. and 4:15 p.m.
September 25 Activities
Several activities, including the annual Junior Olympics, Golf Tournament, Traditional Corn Stalk Shoot and Co-Ed Slow Pitch Softball Tournament, kick-off the week-long celebration Saturday, Sept. 25.
The Junior Olympics, where little ones compete in several track and field events, begins at 9 a.m. at the Tishomingo High School Football Field. Golf Tournament registration begins at 7:30 a.m. and play begins at 9 a.m. at Dornick Hills Golf Club, Ardmore. The Corn Stalk Shoot will begin at 9 a.m. at Kullihoma Softball Field and the Softball Tournament begins at 9 a.m. at the Murray State College Sports Complex.
The Chickasaw Senior Olympics will be conducted 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. at Tishomingo's Pennington Park Saturday, Sept. 25 and the Margaret Roach Wheeler and Mike Larsen art exhibitswill be open Sept. 25 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Sept. 28-Oct. 1 in the Chickasaw Cultural Center Exhibit Hall.
Many exciting events and activities will be conducted throughout the Chickasaw Nation the week of the festival.
Chickasaw Museum tours, cultural demonstrations, youthful celebration, a petting zoo and kids' activities will be available from Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Tishomingo at the Capitol grounds and Pennington Park.
Arts and Cultural Awards
The annual Arts and Culture Awards will take place Thursday, Sept. 30 at the Murray State Ballroom at 6 p.m., with an artist reception/book signing immediately following the ceremony.
Cultural Evening
The annual Chickasaw Cultural Evening begins at 4 p.m. Monday, Sept. 27, in Sulphur at the Chickasaw Cultural Center.
Tours of the exhibit gallery, a collection of Mike Larsen's portraits and Margaret Roach Wheeler designs will be on display from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Author Phil Morgan will be signing copies of "Chickasaw Renaissance" and "Chickasaw: Unconquered and Unconquerable" during the day in the Aatifama Room.
Honor Garden tours will be conducted from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and cultural demonstrations and children's activities will be available in the Traditional Village from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
The Opening Ceremony is set for 5:30 p.m. at the Kochcha' Aabinili' Amphitheater with a prayer and the traditional bell ringing prior to the evening meal.
Closing ceremony at 7:30 p.m. will feature Chickasaw and Choctaw hymns, stomp dancing and a skit performed by the Chickasaw language club.
A complete listing of events, locations and schedules is available online at www.chickasaw.net
For more information, contact the Chickasaw Festival office at (580) 371-2040 or 1 (800) 593-3356.
