Native ChocTalk

S2, E5, P1: Stickball, Little Brother Of War, Brenner Billy, Choctaw

When you think of certain sports like football, you think rough, tough and full of injuries. But that’s nothing compared to say, rugby. Now THAT’s a dangerous sport. But have you heard of a sport that involved a goal to settle disputes between tribes, and sometimes so fierce that it ended in death?

The players of this game prepared by painting their bodies and limiting their diet, drinking Spanish Tea made of bark from red oak trees. And by not eating and sleeping for days and nights, they’d be filled with rage by the time the game kicked off.

As many as 1,000 men from opposing tribes screamed their war cries to the incessant beating of drums. 

With no protective gear, no referees and very few rules, the game began. The preciseness of thrusting a minuscule ball onto a narrow pole can only be performed by generations of warriors inheriting and honing their skill and focus - that same focus of those who hunted the stealthy deer and the running chukfi (rabbit). The game lasted for days, from sun-up to sundown. Whoever won, won not just the dispute, but also their tribe and oppositions’ respect. 

Today in part 1 of “Stickball, Little Brother of War” we discuss the spiritual and hard-core game of stickball, where even as recent as 1937, an eyewitness named Frank Grall was interviewed from Wewoka, Oklahoma while watching a stickball game saying, “…but when the first fellow got the ball, some player hit him over the head with a club, peeling the skin until it hung over his ear. The battle was so fierce, that when the game was ended and one side had been chased from the ground, the pool was perfectly bloody.” (The pool he’s talking about is where the women would pull the men from the game and place them in pools of water to try to get them to regain consciousness.)  He then said, “This was the last Indian ball game played in such a brutal manner, for the Government took notice of such brutality and sent deputy marshals to the games to prevent such cruelty. At this game I saw players bite one another.”

Yep. Definitely rough.

As we talk about this historic and spiritual game that’s still played today, who better to talk about it than expert, Brenner Billy (Choctaw). He comes from a long line of stickball players, he’s damn good at the game, and even he’s a master at making the sticks – a skill passed down to him by family.

And stay tuned for part 2 of “Stickball, Little Brother of War” where I’ll meet with both a filmmaker who documents the world of stickball, as well as one very strong Chahta oyoho (Choctaw lady) and total stickball rock star.

Yakoke!

 

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S2, E4 - 150 Years at Riverside Indian School: Timothy Yeahquo, Kiowa”

You’ve heard the heartbreaking stories of the American Indian boarding schools from years past. And the accounts continue to unfold – children of all ages being removed from their homes, a government intent on “killing the man, saving the Indian”, and innocent kids being taught to forsake their language, customs, traditions and all they’ve ever known. 

But what about the boarding schools that were turned over to the Bureau of Indian Affairs? There’s one such school today that’s run by American Indians, whose mission is not only to teach, but also to encourage and help students to understand, learn about and preserve their history, language ad culture.  

Today, we celebrate the 150th anniversary of Riverside Indian School – the oldest off-reservation Native American boarding school in the United States today! And this, my friends is a boarding school that’s a far cry from those of the past. 

Growing up in Anadarko, Oklahoma and my father working at Riverside, as well as knowing many alumni and teachers, allowed me the experience that others may not know or understand. Take a listen to hear why.

And there truly is so much more to this story. In today’s episode, you’ll hear from Timothy Yeahquo (Kiowa) about:

• The history of Riverside and the Quakers who originally started it
• How the Navajo contributed to keeping Riverside from closing down
• Riverside’s former names
• 76 tribes from all over the US have attended to Riverside. One can walk through the campus at times, enjoying the sound of drums echoing through the campus or watching a game of stickball being played. 

For Riverside Indian School’s 150 year celebration in 2022, alumni, students and teachers will enjoy (at no cost) listening to a Riverside alumni comedian, a concert, a powwow, an art show, a fashion show and more!

For contributions (utilized for student events, shoes for sports, prom dresses, hygiene products and more), please contact: Timothy Yeahquo, timothy.yeahquo@bie.edu, Riverside Indian School, 101 Riverside Drive Anadarko, OK 73005 

Listeners, please stay tuned for a future episode dedicated to the children and tragic stories of the boarding schools, with a guest who will share about the historical trauma carried on today from her own experience, as well as that of her ancestors and thousands of others. We pray for hope and healing for all who have been affected and may we never forget the innocent children who lost so much. And we wish Riverside students many blessings on their journey of education, cultural preservation and future opportunities! 

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S2, E3: Sarah Elisabeth & Lynda Kay Sawyer, Ancestral History & Anniversary Of Tushpa’s Story

There’s an incredibly powerful book that changed the way we understand and “feel” the journeys of those who walked the Trail of Tears. It’s called Tushpa's Story (Touch My Tears: Tales from the Trail of Tears Collection), and January 28, 2022, is the 6th anniversary of its release!

What better way to celebrate this anniversary than by hearing more about the book, directly from Choctaw Author, Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer. And guess what? You can either buy the book on this website (https://www.sarahelisabethwrites.com/), or you can download a FREE copy (by clicking on the red ribbon at the top and signing up for the newsletter)!

Sarah isn’t just a writer - she’s a trailblazer. In her collections, she takes our historical Choctaw stories and events and creates fascinating can’t-put-it-down historical fiction books (“heavy on the fiction and heavy on the on the history”, she says) – finally, a way to make our history come alive!

A special guest, Sarah Elisabeth’s mother, Lynda Kay was also willing to join in to share about the work she does to support Sarah’s writing, about their family’s ancestral stories and about her photography, writing and jewelry design. Check out this website to see her jewelry! https://www.sarahelisabethwrites.com/shopping?category=Jewelry

Sarah Elisabeth mentions in her website, “enduring hope and incredible beauty rises from the ashes.” And that’s what I love about these books. Each one conveys hope, even in the worst of times. I think you’ll be inspired, so enjoy and let me know what you think!

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S2, E2, Chief Mushulatubbee & The Traditional vs Progressive Struggle, Steven Hunter Oklatubee

Buckle up, y’all. Because today you’re going to study with me and my guest about a time in history when the entire future of our Indigeneous people had come to a crossroads that depended upon crucial decisions. Would each tribe fight for the right to stay in the land of their ancestors? Or would they succumb to the pressures of colonization and the removal to the new, unknown lands of Indian Territory.

These decisions, which could mean life or death for many or all, were the burden of every Chief.

No one personifies this pivotal moment more than the man some described as, the “Last great chief of the Choctaw.” His name was Mushulatubbee. And my guest, Steven Hunter, is the fifth great grandson of this great “Minco” (or Chief, in Choctaw). Steven presents his extensive research and his paper about this Minco, who was tasked with balancing the elements of an ever-changing world that would change the tribe’s way of life forever.

And perhaps a new appreciation will be born for the hundreds of Mincos who suffered under the tremendous burden of choice during these times. May they never be forgotten…

 

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S2, E1, P2: Rachael Youngman, Part 2, The Choctaw Girl from Hog Creek

WELCOME to Season 2 of Native Choctalk, A Podcast by Natives For All!

My Producer and friend, Bee will be interviewing me in this 2nd of a 2 part series. I am honored to openly share about my ancestral stories, following the lineage of my great grandmother Ella, starting with her mother, Rosa Coley. I say “openly share”, because for too long, our ancestors were told to “be quiet”, to not speak their language and to disown their culture and traditions. I hope to be their voice today, to keep their memories alive and to honor their story and their journey.

You’ll hear about the journey of the Coley family, who were outstanding and prominent citizens in their Choctaw community. Yet, in the year 1896, with the fate of one single decision, their lives would change forever, and generations to come would stare poverty, loss, abuse and death in the face.

Yet even in the midst of such sorrow, resiliency, faith and sheer Okie red dirt grit, held this tight-knit family together. 1896 may have knocked some down, but they were not out, and they found strength in family and in rebuilding together.

Bee and I enjoyed recording these 2 episodes - we can’t seem to get together without laughing and carrying on. However, although we may occasionally burst into friendship mode and a laugh or two, we do care deeply about the people we’re discussing, and we take the issues at hand very seriously.

Yakoke to my ancestors for choosing to carry on, despite the pain and sorrow, and for living the example of strength and resiliency by which we, your descendants can forever be inspired.

CHAHTA SIA HOKE!

 

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S2, E1, P1 - Rachael Youngman: The Choctaw Girl From Hog Creek

WELCOME to Season 2 of Native Choctalk, A Podcast by Natives For All!

I’d like to thank each and every one of you who listened in Season 1 and supported this effort to preserve our American Indian stories, history, culture and traditions!

And, in order to take my own advice about preserving stories, today’s episode is in 2 parts and it’s a bit of my own story as well as that of my own ancestors.

My Producer and friend, Bee will be interviewing me today. We may have had a little too much fun recording these episodes - we can’t seem to get together without laughing and carrying on. However, although we may occasionally burst into friendship mode and a laugh or two, we do care deeply about the people we’re discussing, and we take the issues at hand very seriously.

In this first of 2 parts in this series, I share about growing up as 1 of 3 “feral” children in the country way out yonder in Hog Creek, miles outside of Anadarko, Oklahoma.

And I’ll share the raw truth about the challenges that came later as I navigated life as a divorced, single mom. And about the inspiration I found in my favorite Bible verse and how it prompted this Okie girl to pull herself up by her bootstraps.

Yakoke (thanks) to Chihowa (God) and to my chukka achvffa (family) for loving and supporting me.

Chahta sia hoke!

 

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S1, E17: Steve & Seba Discuss Their New Book, “The Native American Contest Powwow: Cultural Tethering Theory”

Public Service Announcement: Y’all have to check out the Choctaw Powwow, coming up Dec 4^th and 5th, 2021 in Durant, Oklahoma! You’ll get to experience the Dancer Contest, Drum Contest, Pow Wow Stickball Exhibition games and good fellowship. Feel free to post photos to my Native ChocTalk Facebook page if you get to go!  https://www.choctawnation.com/powwow

 

My guests, Dr. Steven Aicinena and Dr. Seba Ziyanak share details from their new book, “The Native American Contest Powwow: Cultural Tethering Theory” and I think you’ll find it fascinating and informative. You’ll learn about:

 

• Why the powwows are actually crucial (not just social)
• Can contest dancing be considered a sport?
• The “stranger viewpoint” on powwows (observances by non-Natives)
• Comparison of powwows to other cultures globally
• Traditional powwows vs contest powwows
• Are the contests spiritual or just for competition?

 

Let me know what you think and yakoke!

 

Season 1, Episode 17: “Steve & Seba Discuss Their New Book, “The Native American Contest Powwow: Cultural Tethering Theory”

 

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S1, E16: Jim Thorpe – Great American Athlete (and Native Superhero)

Life did not set him up for success. He didn’t have a wealthy upbringing, he suffered great loss many times over, he didn’t come from a long line of famous athletes. In fact, he was an American Indian - the most despised and discarded race in America.

What turned this despised Indian into a super star athlete (or who I consider to be a Native “superhero”)? How did he go from discarded, to receiving gifts from the Czar of Russia and the King of Sweden and even his body being fought over after his death? 

His name is Jim Thorpe. And in 1912, this Native American sports super hero triumphantly bolted into his sports career by winning the Decathlon AND the Pentathlon at the Stockholm Olympics with 8,146 points (today’s current highest score is 9,126). One of his teammates once described him as “an oak tree doing a hundred yards in 10 seconds”. But he didn’t stop there. This track star also found success in football and baseball too!

But the journey was not easy. I sat down with Ashley Scott, Curator at the Jim Thorpe Home in Yale, Oklahoma to hear more about this Native American super hero - his success, the obstacles he overcame and the inspiration he brings to all people of all races from all backgrounds!

Season 1, Episode 16: “Jim Thorpe – Great American Athlete (and Native Superhero)”
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S1, E15 - Jones Academy, Choctaw Nation Boarding School: Patrick Moore, Pawnee

In this episode, my sister and I traveled to beautiful eastern Oklahoma to visit a friend of mine, Patrick Moore, Superintendent of the Choctaw Nation’s boarding school, Jones Academy in Hartshorne, Oklahoma.

Jones Academy is located at the base of the beautiful Pocahontas Mountains, surrounded by rolling hills and trees as far as the eye can see – a perfect place for this boarding school. This establishment serves Native American students from around the country who wish to continue learning about their culture, language and traditions while being surrounded by other Native kids (and the pleasing hills of eastern Oklahoma). 

One of the reasons I wanted to introduce you listeners to Patrick and to hear about Jones Academy is to shed light on the fact that there are some excellent Native boarding schools in existence today. Considering the horrid treatment and cultural genocide of thousands of American Indian children over the years finally coming to light and flooding the news, I think it’s also important that we educate ourselves on the other side of the story too. Although we mourn the atrocities that occurred and we certainly will never forget the injustices, I hope we will also recognize that boarding schools like Jones Academy are a far cry from the schools of yesteryear, and are crucial establishments and an incredible experience for our Native children. It’s a place they can go to be surrounded by kids from dozens of different tribes and to continue their education around their own culture. There is much more to this other side of the story, so I hope you’ll take a listen!

Check out Jones Academy at https://www.jonesacademy.org/.
Yakoke! 

Season 1, Episode 15: “Jones Academy, Choctaw Nation Boarding School: Patrick Moore, (Pawnee) Discusses the Other Side of the Story”

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S1, E14: Choctaw Nation’s Chief Gary Batton & Tribal Prosecutor, Kara Bacon on McGirt vs. Oklahoma

“The most impactful part of this decision was Justice Gorsuch saying, ‘On the far end of the Trail of Tears there was a promise’. And I think every Native that read that felt like, hey it’s about time. The US government is now going to be held to the treaties they made with our First Nations when they removed our people from their homelands”.  – Kara Bacon

Friends, on July 9^th, 2020, THE single most extraordinary and unprecedented Supreme Court decision in our lifetime was made for Native country. It was decided in McGirt vs. Oklahoma that Creek Nation lands would remain “Indian Country” jurisdiction. And other tribes would soon follow. This was a win – a BIG win!

But as much as we celebrated this victory, we also simultaneously looked at each other asking, “But what does it really mean - for us as Natives, for our tribe, for our justice system, for our healthcare and so on?”

To squelch the confusion, I’ve called in the best of the best – our Choctaw Nation Chief, Gary Batton and our Tribal Prosecutor, Kara Bacon. It’s important for everyone, but especially we as Chahtas to comprehend what all of this means. I highly recommend taking time to listen and soak it all in.

High fives to us all – to Indian country, to our ancestors who were swindled and lied to, and to our future generations who will hopefully carry the torch even further. Chahta sia hoke!

Season 1, Episode 14: “Choctaw Nation’s Chief Gary Batton & Tribal Prosecutor, Kara Bacon on McGirt vs. Oklahoma and About Tribal Government” (post episode)

 

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