Governor Bill AnoatubbyWe are once again coming up on that very special time of year!
Our 52nd Annual Meeting of the Chickasaw Nation and 24th Annual Chickasaw Festival begin September 28. As is traditional, our meetings, events and celebrations will be centered in our historic capitol city of Tishomingo.
The Annual Meeting and Festival are always a great way to share experiences with our family and friends. We have the wonderful opportunity to reconnect with our Chickasaw history, traditions and culture, and share those things with others.
This year our theme is “Spirit of A Nation.” And as we all know, Chickasaws most definitely have spirit! We will gather together in venues throughout the Chickasaw Nation for great events, great fellowship and celebration of our beloved tribe.
This year kicks off with the Stomp Dance at Kullihoma beginning at 8 p.m., Friday, Sept. 28. If you have never attended a stomp dance, you must come this year! You’ll be glad you did!
Saturday features the golf tournament at Tishomingo Golf Course, the co-ed slow-pitch softball tournament at Murray State College, Junior Olympics at Tishomingo High School field, Senior Olympics at Pennington Park and the popular Corn Stalk Shoot. Test your skill with the bow!
Monday is our traditional Chickasaw Princess Pageant at Ada High School. Three young ladies will be selected to serve as our Chickasaw Royalty. Please make your plans to attend. We are very proud of our young Chickasaw women and their dedication to our traditions.
Tuesday through Friday features tours of the Tishomingo museums and Chickasaw White House as well as the Youthful Celebration, Kids Activities Tents and petting zoo. This is also the time when area school children visit to tour and learn about our culture.
Thursday features the Arts & Culture Awards and the traditional Cultural Evening at the Chickasaw Cultural Center in Sulphur.
Friday is the popular Southeastern Art Show and Market where you will find a wide variety of exquisite art. At 8 p.m. that evening, put on your boots and enjoy the rodeo at the Tishomingo arena.
Saturday, Oct. 6 is, of course, our biggest day with the State of the Nation address at 9 a.m. at Murray State College, followed by the annual parade. The traditional Chickasaw meal will be served at noon.
Of course, there will be all the events and venues that have become traditions to us over the years.
Isn’t it time you made your plans to attend the Annual Meeting and Chickasaw Festival? I guarantee you will be glad you made the trip.
There is nothing more precious than our families, our friends and our fellow Chickasaws. We share a history that each of us can celebrate!
Make time this year to renew that wonderful connection. I look forward to seeing you this year!
