Governor Bill AnoatubbyLiiholiitoblichi - Let’s celebrate at Annual Meeting, Festival!
"Let’s Celebrate!"
In Chickasaw, Liiholiitoblichi – a fitting theme for our 51st Chickasaw National Annual Meeting and 23rd Annual Chickasaw Festival!
This year's events will begin September 24 and run through October 1, and we are all looking forward to some cool and pleasant weather. We have so many great reasons to be thankful this year, and to come together and celebrate our tribe, our people and our progress.
Since our gathering one year ago, we have experienced more growth in the areas that are making our tribe and our people strong. We are always grateful for the economic successes we are achieving, and thankful for the people who make these achievements possible.
It is extremely gratifying to see our younger people joining in our Chickasaw language and culture programs. Our native language is once again taking hold among our people, and more and more young people are learning and appreciating our traditions. These are truly great things to be celebrated!
Many of the traditional events we have come to expect are back for this year's Annual Meeting and Festival, and there will be more fun than ever!
On Saturday, Sept. 24 we can all enjoy the Junior Olympics at the Tishomingo High School football field. Also that day will be the annual golf tournament, the co-ed slow pitch softball tournament, and the traditional corn stalk shoot. And don't forget our elders! Many will be participating in the Chickasaw Senior Olympics at Pennington Park in Tishomingo on Saturday.
Throughout the week everyone will enjoy Chickasaw Museum tours, kids' activities, cultural demonstrations and much more in our historic capitol city of Tishomingo. Attendees can also enjoy tours of the Chickasaw White House in Emet, and of the Chickasaw Cultural Center in Sulphur.
Our annual Princess Pageant on Sept. 26 will feature many of our beautiful and talented young Chickasaw ladies. The Pageant begins at 6 p.m., at the Ada High School Cougar Activity Center. This is such a special event. If you've never had the opportunity to attend, make this the year!
The popular Chickasaw Cultural Evening will be hosted this year at the Chickasaw Cultural Center on Sept. 27. This event is a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in all things Chickasaw, and also enjoy a nice meal and great fellowship.
The Arts and Culture Awards event is set for Sept. 29 at the Murray State University ballroom, and the Southeastern Art Show and Market offers a great opportunity to view – and purchase – exceptional Chickasaw and Southeastern artwork. The Show and Market run all day Sept. 30.
Of course, Saturday, Oct. 1 features the State of the Nation address, the Festival Parade and our traditional Chickasaw meal, all in Tishomingo. The Art Show and Market will continue, along with books signings by authors of Chickasaw Press volumes. Everyone always enjoys Saturday's extensive cultural demonstrations and all the great activities at Pennington Park.
Liiholiitoblichi – "Let's Celebrate!" This is your official invitation to join your fellow Chickasaws and friends for this tremendous annual event. If you've attended before, you know what a great time this is. If you've never been – now is the time for you to join us!
We welcome you, and we look forward to seeing you in Tishomingo this year!
