Information on more than 40 Chickasaw students who attended boarding schools has been compiled as part of preparations for a June 23 reunion at the Chickasaw Community center in Ada, Okla.
The reunion will honor boarding school students and celebrate the survival of Chickasaw language and culture through the boarding school era.
Students and relatives have submitted photos and information spanning more than a century of boarding school experiences from at least eight schools.
This information includes at least one student who attended Bloomfield Academy from 1890 through 1908.
Students who are currently attending Sequoyah High School and Riverside High School have also submitted information and are expected to attend.
Carter Seminary, Chilocco, Haskell, Jones Academy and Goodland Indian Academy are also expected to be represented by students or family members.
Stories, photos and memorabilia will be shared during the reunion.
A number of Chickasaws have also spoken about their experiences for a video presentation which will be shown at the event.
Chickasaws who have attended boarding schools or family members of those who have attended boarding schools are being asked to participate in interviews during the reunion.
These oral histories and other information gathered at the reunion will help preserve the history of the boarding school experience for students, family members and future generations.
Event organizers are urging Chickasaws of all ages to participate in this event.
Family members are asked to share the name, school information and years of attendance for any Chickasaw citizens who have attended or are attending tribal or BIA boarding schools.
Organizers are also asking family members to share memories of boarding school experiences as well as any photos of Chickasaws at tribal or BIA boarding schools from all time periods.
Photos will be scanned and returned to the owner.
This information will help in creating a list of Chickasaw boarding school students, a photo gallery of their experiences and a video documentary including interviews with boarding school students of all ages.
Please send any relevant information and photos to:
Lori Hamilton
124 East 14th Street
Ada, OK 74820
For more information, call Lori Hamilton or Chenae Casady at (580) 421-7711.
