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Native Americans share ancestral stories, history, & culture. www.nativechoctalk.com
Episodes
Tuesday Jun 14, 2022
Tuesday Jun 14, 2022
Last September, I stopped by Choctaw Nation Headquarters and enjoyed my conversation with Robert Baker, who contributes to our Choctaw language department on a daily basis.
In this episode with Robert, you’ll hear about:
• His great great grandfather, Ben Carterby, a Code Talker in World War 1
• How Choctaws played a big part in the War of 1812
• Robert’s war reenactments
• His experience playing stickball (you’ll find his life size photo in the First Americans Museum!)
• Interesting stories of Bokchito and Armstrong academy
• Robert reads a story he wrote in Choctaw called, “No Tail Raccoon” (you’ll love this)
Also, a special kudos to Robert’s aunt who made some beautiful earrings that he was able to give me – they’re beautiful!
By the way, would YOU like to take some Choctaw language classes? It’s a lot of fun and no cost. I usually do the Tuesday and Thursday evening classes. Click on this link to learn more.
https://choctawschool.com/classes/internet-classes.aspx
Yakoke, Robert for all you do and for sharing your interesting family stories!
Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast
All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/
Tuesday May 31, 2022
Tuesday May 31, 2022
Most people have heard about the Trail of Tears, or what’s called the “Removal”, in which our Indigenous people were removed from their lands starting in the early 1800s and were relocated to Indian Territory (now Oklahoma).
The Choctaw were the very first to make the trek from Mississippi to their new home. The journey was deadly for some. Many of our people passed away due to harsh weather conditions, illness, starvation, and even at the hands of the soldiers who were transporting them.
But what happened next, once the Choctaw arrived in Indian Territory? And what came of the Choctaws who refused to be removed and to those who ran away into the swamps to hide? These questions have come to my mind over the years, and I’ve found answers here and there, but I needed to learn more. And not only that, I’ve probably pondered 100 other unanswered questions too.
Enter Megan Baker.
Megan is a Research Assistant for the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma’s Historic Preservation department and is currently working on her PhD in Anthropology from UCLA. Her masters is in American Indian Studies from UCLA and she holds a Bachelor of Arts in Ethnicity and Race Studies from Columbia University.
I’ve eagerly followed Megan’s monthly series in the “Iti Fabvssa”, a column in our Choctaw Nation’s Biskinik paper for quite a while, soaking in our history that she has tirelessly broken out by decades. But not only that. She has studied thousands of original documents, records and accounts by the Choctaw themselves (not just the history books) to bring us a very different viewpoint than what we’ve heard before. So it was an honor when she agreed to join me in this special 2-part Native ChocTalk episode.
So please join Megan and me in this journey through each decade with the story of the Choctaws after their removal to Indian Territory. And yakoke to Megan for her hundreds of hours of research that came in handy when I asked hundreds of questions – keep up that great work for our tribe and for future generations to come!
Native ChocTalk Facebook page: www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast
All Podcast Episodes: nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/
Tuesday May 17, 2022
Tuesday May 17, 2022
Most people have heard about the Trail of Tears, or what’s called the “Removal”, in which our Indigenous people were removed from their lands starting in the early 1800s and were relocated to Indian Territory (now Oklahoma).
The Choctaw were the very first to make the trek from Mississippi to their new home. The journey was deadly for some. Many of our people passed away due to harsh weather conditions, illness, starvation, and even at the hands of the soldiers who were transporting them.
But what happened next, once the Choctaw arrived in Indian Territory? And what came of the Choctaws who refused to be removed and to those who ran away into the swamps to hide? These questions have come to my mind over the years, and I’ve found answers here and there, but I needed to learn more. And not only that, I’ve probably pondered 100 other unanswered questions too.
Enter Megan Baker.
Megan is a Research Assistant for the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma’s Historic Preservation department and is currently working on her PhD in Anthropology from UCLA. Her masters is in American Indian Studies from UCLA and she holds a Bachelor of Arts in Ethnicity and Race Studies from Columbia University.
I’ve eagerly followed Megan’s monthly series in the “Iti Fabvssa”, a column in our Choctaw Nation’s Biskinik paper for quite a while, soaking in our history that she has tirelessly broken out by decades. But not only that. She has studied thousands of original documents, records and accounts by the Choctaw themselves (not just the history books) to bring us a very different viewpoint than what we’ve heard
before. So it was an honor when she agreed to join me in this special 2-part Native ChocTalk episode.
So please join Megan and me in this journey through each decade with the story of the Choctaws after their removal to Indian Territory. And yakoke to Megan for her hundreds of hours of research that came in handy when I asked hundreds of questions – keep up that great work for our tribe and for future
generations to come!
Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast
All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/
Sunday May 08, 2022
Sunday May 08, 2022
I stopped by Riverside Indian School in my hometown, Anadarko, Oklahoma last summer to hang out with my friend, Terry Ware and what a great conversation we had!
This is a must-listen, dear listeners as you’ll have the pleasure of hearing:
• Terry singing a Kiowa hymn and the happy birthday song in Kiowa
• About Riverside Indian School’s upcoming 150-year celebration in May of 2022!
• The history of Riverside including about the feral hogs that used to come around (until a fence was put up)
• How Terry is a coach at Riverside, but before that, he was my dad’s student there at the school
• How he’s a legacy student at Riverside, as his grandmother, mom, daughter and grandson attended
• About his family’s church - Wares Chapel - in Hog Creek where we grew up, and where my sister got married. And about the Chapel’s inception in the 1800s and gathering of and transporting stones from Chickasha to Hog Creek.
• About the Kiowa tail bustle and the history from the Omaha tribe in Nebraska to the Cheyenne to the Kiowa
• What his research on the Carlisle Indian School Journals uncovered
• Why the O Ho Mah hid their drums and pipes in the caves in Ridge Stone, west of Hog Creek
• His love of singing and drumming in the O Ho Mah Lodge Singers group
• His ancestors’ names, such as “The Day the Sun Died” because his great great grandmother was born during the eclipse
• About the Fort Sill vs Riverside rivalry (know what I’m talkin’ about, Braves?) 😉
• That “Indian perfume”, which comes out with the full moon in June, is what I should include with my eagle feathers to decrease the strong smell
• And – we discuss the serious topic of our mutual adoration of Sonic drinks
Yakoke, Terry for your time and for sharing so much with myself and my listeners. Blessings to you!
All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/
Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast
Tuesday Apr 19, 2022
Tuesday Apr 19, 2022
There was something comforting about the familiar scent of cedar that permeated from the wood burning stove inside the hogan each evening (“hogan” being the traditional home for the Navajo, in this case built of wood, with a dirt floor). The stove had 3 vents. And little sleepy James would watch the shadows from the vents on the walls, like fire dancing. As his heavy eyelids would slowly cover his eyes (despite trying to keep them open), he felt a sense of security as he couldn’t help but listen to his family members all snug inside talking about the day, the sounds and smells lulling him to sleep.
It was years later when James realized the significance of being surrounded by multiple Code Talkers as he was growing up (including his grandfather, Lemuel Yazzie) as they would all sit around talking about their time as Code Talkers. Even the Medicine Man who spoke many prayers for James was a Code Talker.
In Winslow, Arizona sits the Navajo Reservation, where my guest, Coach James Nells – Navajo, Salt Clan born for Under his Cover Clan – was born and raised. Life on the Reservation wasn’t always easy. Despite no electricity, herding sheep and hauling water, being surrounded by familiar centuries-old traditions and culture, somehow nearly kept intact despite the force of time and assimilation, was always “home”.
Coach Nells speak in his Navajo language and shares his inspirational story from reservation to foster care, to boarding school, to champion runner.
FYI, Coach Nells talks about the Navajo’s traditional squaw dance. This is a traditional term the Navajo called these dances and still call them to this day. I think it’s important that we respect their tradition and their right to call it what they do.
Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast
All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/
Monday Apr 18, 2022
Monday Apr 18, 2022
There are many mysteries out there - many that will never be solved. And some mysteries are so frustrating, they’ll leave a gap in your soul. One of those such puzzles in life is that of we American Indians trying to figure out the stories and history of our ancestors.
Most of our history is told and passed down by oral tradition. So centuries of our own stories have never be heard as they’ve faded over time. We often long to connect in some way with those family members, so that we can understand more about their world and about ourselves, and so they’re never forgotten.
My guest today – Jennifer Story - posed a mystery to me as we were preparing ahead of time for this episode. She stated that as many Choctaws from Mississippi were being removed to Indian Territory (on what’s now known as the “Trail of Tears”), she was baffled by the question that kept coming to her mind - why were her Choctaw ancestors removed many years later than the others?
Listen to today’s episode to hear about this mystery unraveled and solved!
You’ll also learn about:
- A man named Bearheart
- Some unlikely next door neighbors
- What Jennifer learned as she cared for her ill brother
- The stories from Jennifer playing a dancer in the movie, Killers of the Flower Moon (guess whose famous actress’ shoes Jennifer was given to wear in the movie!)
- How her legendary Aunt Esther single-handedly saved the Tewa language
- Hear what famous actor attended Aunt Esther’s funeral
- Jennifer and I had such a fun time, so you may be hearing quite a dose of laughter from us Choctaw gals
Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast
All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/
Thursday Apr 14, 2022
Thursday Apr 14, 2022
The year was 1830. Up to 6,000 Choctaws gathered each day. White observers also decided to come along. Cattle was butchered to feed the masses, supplies were set up in tents and all were anxious to observe what was to come.
Gambling tables were provided - an activity that opened the door to brawls. Tables were knocked over amongst the fights and many were bullied by trigger-happy troublemakers. On the other hand, Christian services took place amongst the chaos. The Choctaw danced throughout the night, then retired in camps along Dancing Rabbit Creek, while the whites encamped in random spots.
The most notable of the Choctaw were present - Chiefs Greenwood LeFlore, Mushulatubbee, and Nittakechi, Choctaw warrior, Hopaii Ishkitini and many others.
But this was no celebration. The most significant treaty between the US Government and the Choctaw was to be negotiated and signed on September 27th, 1830 at this very site. These signatures meant the Choctaw would be surrendering 11 million Mississippi acres, the removal to Indian Territory imminent. The lives and futures of the Choctaw people would be changed forever.
Amongst these goings on, there once lived a prominent Choctaw woman named Sukky who lived with her husband and 2 kids just up the hill from the Treaty grounds. What did Sukky have to do with these events?
My guest, Chrissy Gray Dickmeyer is a descendant of Sukky and reads to us about a perspective around the gathering of the Choctaw during the signing of The Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek and the struggle she must have faced with the guests she had to host in her home.
But there’s even more…Chrissy also reads to us about the stories of The Edwards Store – a historic trading post that’s been in her family for 170 years! This trading post, nestled among the beautiful San Bois Mountains in Oklahoma, was absolutely essential for the Choctaw. And we’ll also talk about how molasses was a staple by the gallon!
YOU are invited to come visit The Edwards Store, see this living piece of history for yourself, sip on some sweet tea and sit a spell.
Oh and one more thing. Chrissy and I discuss something very important. What REALLY IS in the panhandle of Oklahoma? Okies, you know what I’m sayin’, right?
Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast
All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/
Thursday Mar 31, 2022
Thursday Mar 31, 2022
Enchanting historic roads wind through the miles of evergreen trees in the Kiamichi Mountains of southeastern Oklahoma. The shaky autumn leaves tinted in colors of gold and rust drift to the earth with the Oklahoma wind, whispering the tales of those who have come and gone.
The Caddo Indians would be pushed out of their region by those Choctaw who had survived the Trail of Tears, removed from their original homelands of Mississippi, Louisiana and Arkansas and placed in this new land in Indian Territory. The original bustling town, filled with busy Choctaws going about their day is now under water. Big Foot, who supposedly once ventured through the hills seeking food, faded into but a legend. The bootleggers who honed their skills creating, drinking and selling hooch along the riverbeds of the dark forests, slowly gave way to roads, shops and tourists (or did they?).
I turned to a Choctaw expert who grew up near Hochatown, Shauna Williams to learn more about this mysteriously beautiful part of the state and the comings and goings of such fascinating people, hairy creatures and moving towns. I also asked about the many fun things to do in Hochatown with kids, family or a significant other - from warm fireplaces in lovely cabins nestled in the woods, to adventures for the kids, to camping, to Big Foot hunting and more!
Shauna is the Executive Director of Communications for the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. The day I visited with her at Hochatown at the Choctaw Nation Community Center, there was a big announcement coming that was top secret, and a celebration was even taking place that evening. You can only imagine how intrigued I was. Get ready for the Choctaw Nation's New Entertainment & Resort Development in Hochatown, Okla!
I’m excited for you to hear this week’s episode about beautiful Hochatown, which is east of the Mountain Fork River in southeastern Oklahoma! Today you’ll hear about:
- The history of Hochatown and how it got its name
- Our Choctaw influence in Hochatown
- Why this town is deemed the “Moonshine capital of Oklahoma”*
- Big Foot. Yep. He’s here, y’all. And no one loves Big Foot more than the people of Hochatown!
- Is the original town now really under 200 feet of water?
- Hear Shauna’s own ancestral history and why her uncle had to hide out in the mountains of Smithville.
- FYI, Hochatown is near Broken Bow, so you’ll often hear both names.
- *Shauna and I can neither confirm nor deny if hooch is still being made in the mountain woods…
I hope you’ll enjoy, and if you’ve been to Hochatown, feel free to post photos to my Native ChocTalk Facebook page. Yakoke! https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast
All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/
Monday Mar 28, 2022
Monday Mar 28, 2022
I was recently asked to speak with some inspiring 6th through 12th graders - young ladies of an Oklahoma Native American boarding school that’s near and dear to my heart.
After eating dinner with these intelligent (and fun) gals, many of them eager for their next steps and about to head into the adult world, I talked about Women’s History Month and what it means for us as Native American women.
“How many of you can name at least one famous American Indian Chief?”, I asked. Many of the girls blurted out multiple names of Chiefs that both Natives and non-Natives could easily recall.
“And now, outside of Pocahontas and Sacagawea, can you name some notable American Indian women from history?” The room was silent, as they each started to scan the room for their counterparts who may know. Perhaps they were thinking, “Surely there are several significant Native women we can talk about, right?”
It’s not that these important women don’t exist, they’re just not as well documented and certainly aren’t as well known. Think about it. Can YOU name a few?
Don’t worry, there’s no judgement here and I’ll save you some time – check out this list for starters, from powwow.com, “20 Native American Women You Should Know”: https://www.powwows.com/20-native-american-women-you-should-know/
I went back to my computer later after I met with these ladies and recorded what was in my presentation so that you may also take a listen. I hope you’ll share this episode with your female friends and family members, daughters, nieces, students and so on. It may be a good way for them to start thinking about their own futures and the preservation of the stories of their female ancestors.
In this episode, I share about my own story – the struggles and the successes (cliff notes version of Native ChocTalk’s Episode 1, Season 2). And I delve into the story of the Choctaw woman, Ella Davis, who was given up to a white guardian when she was only 3 years old, and was treated as one of a few slaves in the household. I also tell her of her mother and her mother’s mother, who if you didn’t really take time to peel back the “layers of the onion” of their stories, you’d think they were neglectful and uncaring mothers.
The strength of these women should be one for the history books. And yet their stories, and that of many other Native women in history are rarely preserved. The journeys they made and the struggles they faced have been forgotten – even discarded, like dust in the wind.
And now it is up to us, to both learn about and preserve the stories of those females who came before us. And it is also now our time to make history too!
I thank you, my sisters – both past and present, and those young ladies I met with from the boarding school. I am so proud of you already. I know you will go into the world, work hard, pave your own way, break historical trauma cycles that may be looming and inspire those around you. Maybe someday you will be a guest I’ll be interviewing at Native ChocTalk. And perhaps we’ll be reading about YOU when it comes to Women’s History Month! Please know, I am cheering you on and I will be here for you along your journey.
A special thank you to the ladies’ Dorm Manager at the school and for suggesting this chance to visit with these future generations. I’m inspired by the sincere love you have for these girls.
Yakoke!
Thursday Mar 17, 2022
Thursday Mar 17, 2022
“Be proud of who you are because your existence is a resistance against cultural genocide.”
- Jake Tiger, Seminole
He’s the Seminole from Seminole, Oklahoma who works for the Seminole Nation. Can he even get more Seminole? Meet Jake Tiger, y’all!
In addition to being a Seminole Jake is also:
- A subject matter expert on and creates/sews/crafts Seminole textiles and traditional garments:
- Did you know in the old days, it cost 16 deer hides to buy 1 flintlock rifle and 1 to 2 deer hides for 1 yard of calico fabric?
- Hear about how Jake’s grandpa was the leading expert in Seminole textiles and revelation that came to Jake upon his grandpa’s death
- An actor in films and commercials. Check him out in Killers of the Flower Moon, Reservation Dogs and more. In Reservation Dogs, see if you can find him in Season 1, episode 4 – he tells a funny story about something he did while on set. Listen to also find out which character he was forced to play on a show when he lost in rock, paper, scissors.
- Someone you’d really want to know if the world came to an end, because as his ancestors before him, he knows the Native way to live in nature. He shares about:
- How bear intestines are good for bow string
- How to use bear grease
- Flint knapping
- Brain tanning, which came with a warning to not eat while you’re listening to this episode. “You’ll never look at strawberry milk the same again.” – Jake Tiger
- A descendent of 2 war chiefs – Black Hawk (Sac and Fox) and Osceola
- He’s like a capybara (listen to the episode to find out why he says so)
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