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Native Americans share ancestral stories, history, & culture. www.nativechoctalk.com
Episodes
Thursday Jul 13, 2023
Thursday Jul 13, 2023
It’s STORY TIME, y’all! This lengthy 3-part series with Author, W. Michael Farmer is perfect to tune into while you’re taking a road trip or working in the yard or just listening when you can.
“You are stronger than we. We have fought you so long as we had rifles and powder, but your arms are better than ours. Give us like weapons and turn us loose, we will fight you again; but we are worn-out; we have no more heart; we have no provisions, no means to live; your troops are everywhere; our springs and waterholes are either occupied or overlooked by your young men. You have driven us from our last and best stronghold, and we have no more heart. Do with as may seem good to you, but do not forget we are men and braves.” These were the words of Mescalero Chief, Cadete to General Carlton in 1863.
In Season 3, episode 8, my guest, W. Michael Farmer and I talked through the life and times of the great warrior, Geronimo. And over the next 3 episodes, Michael and I will walk through his 3-part book series based on the life of an Apache named Yellow Boy, starting with, “Killer of Witches, The Life and Times of Yellow Boy, Mescalero Apache”. Because Michael has completed extensive research on the Apache, you’ll also learn a great deal about the Mescalero Apache way of life.
A disclaimer…these books and episodes do contain realistic depictions of historic actions and events that do include violence, so listener discretion is advised.
This is a story that’s considered truth told along with fiction in a time when the Apache way of life was being threatened by the overtaking of Americans who were migrating west, and the terrors on the dark side in this life, witches and other evil spirits in the flesh, that still had to be destroyed to enter the next life unscathed.
Check out “Killer of Witches” and other W. Michael Farmer books here:
Website: https://wmichaelfarmer.com/books/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wmichael.farmer
Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast
All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/
Wednesday Jul 05, 2023
Wednesday Jul 05, 2023
Since I launched Native ChocTalk, my goal was and still is “preservation” – the preservation of our ancestral stories, history, traditions and culture. I encourage every age group to do so!
Join me in supporting young Native Comedian and Photographer, Aaliyah (Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas) and her mamma (also a Photographer), Victoria (Choctaw). Young Aaliyah shares not only about her endeavors in comedy, but she also recorded with me to preserve information about her tribe and the memories of her grandpa.
In this episode, you’ll learn about:
- Aaliyah’s beloved grandpa (her “ahwo”), the late Chief Herbert Glenn Johnson who inspired her comedy
- Her grandpa’s love of watermelon, bingo and gospel music (and how he used to call her chickenhawk)
- The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas, the swan dance, and the basket dance
- Aaliyah’s world of homeschooling (which I connected with since I was also homeschooled)
- How a wig resulted in Aaliyah’s aliases/characters
- Aaliyah’s list of favorite comedians, such The 1491s
- Victoria and Aaliyah’s powwow princess stories
- Victoria’s stories of her ancestors
Check out Victoria and Aaliya here:
A sample of Aaliya’s comedy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZDcy7CUx40
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@rolandajnative8609
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/nativerolanda
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087285947666
Victoria’s Skye Breeze Photography:
936-933-5558
Instagram: @skyebreeze82
Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast
All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/
Thursday Jun 15, 2023
Thursday Jun 15, 2023
I hope you’ll enjoy part 2 of 2 of my interview with Carolee Maxwell!
She held the paperwork in her hand, a tissue in the other. This information sat in a folder that hadn’t been opened since 1917. Its contents would unlock the answers to a past long gone, but not forgotten. And it would forever change the way she looked at the life of her grandpa – her beloved Papa.
Meet Carolee Maxwell, Chickasaw & Choctaw Author of “Touched by Greatness, from Indian Territory to the Ivy League”, the true story of her Papa, Charles Watson McGilberry.
Charles was unknowingly part of an “experiment” in which Native American boys were the recipients of a plan to determine if they could be educated and groomed for the Ivy Leagues. Did Charles complete his Ivy League prep school education at Mercersburg Academy? And did he make it to the Ivy League?
In these episodes, you’ll also hear about:
- The love story of Charles and Vivian
- Charles’ friendship with John Phillips Souza
- Charles’ journey from Jones Academy to Chilocco Indian School to Mercersburg & beyond
- The backstory of the PGA (Professional Golfers Association) and Macy’s Dept Store
- An ironic twist of fate in which one of my ancestors was the reason for Charles’ father to be imprisoned
- Carolee’s beloved late husband, S. Wayne Maxwell with whom she co-authored the book
And…see if you can spot our bloopers. Hint: It has to do with the crows.
You’ll enjoy this heartwarming and historical book, “Touched by Greatness”. Find it at:
Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/35x2fd3t
Barnes & Noble: https://tinyurl.com/47w8vdex
Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast
All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/
Wednesday Jun 07, 2023
Wednesday Jun 07, 2023
PART 1 of 2
She held the paperwork in her hand, a tissue in the other. The information had sat in a folder, unopened since 1917. Its contents would unlock the answers to a past long gone, but not forgotten. And it would forever change the way she looked at the life of her grandpa – her beloved Papa.
Meet Carolee Maxwell, Chickasaw & Choctaw Author of “Touched by Greatness, from Indian Territory to the Ivy League”, the true story of her Papa, Charles Watson McGilberry.
Charles was unknowingly part of an “experiment” in which Native American boys were the recipients of a plan to determine if they could be educated and groomed for the Ivy Leagues. Did Charles complete his Ivy League prep school education at Mercersburg Academy? And did he make it to the Ivy League?
In these episodes, you’ll also hear about:
- The love story of Charles and Vivian
- Charles’ friendship with John Phillips Souza
- Charles’ journey from Jones Academy to Chilocco Indian School to Mercersburg & beyond
- The backstory of the PGA (Professional Golfers Association) and Macy’s Dept Store
- An ironic twist of fate in which one of my ancestors was the reason for Charles’ father to be imprisoned
- Carolee’s beloved late husband, S. Wayne Maxwell with whom she co-authored the book
And…see if you can spot our bloopers. Hint: It has to do with the crows.
You’ll enjoy this heartwarming and historical book, “Touched by Greatness”. Find it at:
Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/35x2fd3t
Barnes & Noble: https://tinyurl.com/47w8vdex
Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast
All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/
Thursday Jun 01, 2023
Thursday Jun 01, 2023
Ovid Vickers, the late English instructor from Decatur, Mississippi, wrote, “When a list of influential Choctaw people is compiled, Simpson Tubby…preacher, teacher, and storyteller, will without a question be among them.”
Steven Oklatubbee, the fifth great grandson of the great Choctaw Chief, Mushulatubbee, spoke to us in Season 2 about his ancestral stories. And now he’s here to share the fascinating story about another of his ancestors, Simpson Tubby, based on a paper he wrote titled, “Simpson Tubby: A Voice for God and His Choctaw People.”
We’ll also cover topics such as:
- Thoughts around being mixed blood Native
- The effects of Jim Crow laws and how those played into issuing blood quantum
- The treatment of Choctaws who stayed behind in Mississippi
- Some sad news about one of Steven’s goats (but also some good news ahead)
By the way, Steven also has his own podcast called Anumpa Nan Anoli – check it out on Spotify, y’all! https://open.spotify.com/show/2eWrrTS2KDhdDJbdSJW9aX
Yakoke, Steven for joining me and God bless!
Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast
All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/
Wednesday May 17, 2023
Wednesday May 17, 2023
On the beautiful island of Parksville, on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada you’ll find yourself surrounded by breathtaking sandy beaches and the magnificent Insular Mountains.
You’ll also find a fierce bear hunter named Naukwe (Noon Day Woman), who I know as Brittney Musgrave. But Brittney, who is Wasauksing, Ojibway and Cree, doesn’t hunt for sport. She, like her ancestors before her, utilizes many parts of the bear for good use, including making bear grease into a healing treatment for herself and others.
You’ll hear from Brittney and her husband, Taylor (Haiwatha First Nation) about:
- The benefits of bear grease (including healing for skin rashes, promoting hair growth and more)
- Okwarì;Kowà* Supplies which offers bear grease, cedar, sweetgrass and more
- Brittney’s black bear hunts with a compound bow in Ontario (their treaty area)
- Was Brittney actually charged by a bear once? You’ll just have to listen to find out!
- How one transports a bear back to their vehicle – one of the answers may surprise you
*Okwarì;Kowà is pronounced “ah-gwari-gowa” and means “big bear”
Yakoke, Brittney and Taylor for sharing about your adventurous world there in Canada and the good healing agents you’re making for others!
Check out Okwarì;Kowà Supplies here: https://www.facebook.com/OkwariKowaSupplies
Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast
All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/
Thursday May 11, 2023
Thursday May 11, 2023
Since season 2, I’ve had the pleasure of following the journey of Shell Shaker, a Chickasaw Opera by Composer, Jerod Impichchaachaaha Tate.
This opera is still being composed, and will be the very first of its kind. Even the libretto is in Chickasaw, and every inch of the production, composition, costuming, etc. is led by Native Americans. The premier date has been changed and the new date will be announced soon. I hope you’ll join me at the premier!
After I interviewed Jerod Impichchaachaaha Tate, I then met with the ever-talented, Kirsten Kunkle and Kate Morton (season 3, episode 11) who will perform leading roles in the opera.
Now, meet Mark Billy - a Choctaw baritone who will also star in the opera and who took some time out of his performance schedule to visit with me. In this episode, we discussed:
- His fascinating role in Shell Shaker
- What it means to be a Verdi Baritone
- Our view on small towns and Wal-Marts
- His exciting new performance announcement!
- A harrowing health scare that resulted in Mark losing a year of his life
By the way, we know there are a lot of Choctaws out there with the last name Billy. Feel free to give us a shout if you’re a Billy and want to connect with Mark – he’d love to hear from you!
This unprecedented opera will be a pivotal moment in the Native American arts. I hope you’ll join me in supporting these artists, this composer, and their upcoming performances!
Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast
All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/
Thursday May 04, 2023
Thursday May 04, 2023
“What might the first World Indigenous Skyworld Space Stations look like? We think in circles with no beginning or end. We go into space as a human right and right of self-determination. We go into space for development, exploration, and cultural preservation.”
These are the words and the vision of my guest, Dan Hawk of the Oneida Nation, and Principal Scientist at United First Nations Planetary Defense who answers the question for me, “Why should Native Americans go into space?” The answer goes well beyond going to the moon and to Mars and beyond. This is about helping national security and all Indigenous populations. A program for Native Americans in space is the way into space for other communities as well. And Dan is pioneering the way for such a program for our Indigenous people.
Today, you’ll hear from Dan about:
- Who owns space
- The Oneida people
- Stories of Dan’s ancestors
- What is “space sovereignty”
- United First Nations Planetary Defense
- Growing up on the Oneida Reservation in Wisconsin
- A view of the dust bowl you may not have heard about
- The story about what inspired Dan to go into his profession
- Dan’s work with NASA, his support of the Montana Space Grant, and more
- The story of the Golden Eagle Rocket that’s now in the Smithsonian institute
- How an American Indian space program can help Missing & Murdered Indigenous People
Check out these links:
- BisonSat - Kootenai College: https://cubesat.skc.edu
- Artemis Space Program: https://www.nasa.gov/specials/artemis/
- United First Nations Planetary Defense: https://ufnpd.wordpress.com
- AISES - American Indian Science and Engineering Society: https://www.aises.org
- Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority: https://airspaceportok.com
Yakoke, Dan for your commitment to sovereignty for Native Americans beyond the boundaries of earth.
Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast
All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/
Thursday Apr 27, 2023
Thursday Apr 27, 2023
I’m incredibly proud to be a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. But I’m even prouder when I reach out to our Chief and he’s willing to share with us about the latest goals and the future of our tribe!
Chief Gary Batton and I met in Hugo, Oklahoma to talk about:
- This year’s election
- Future plans for the tribe
- Upcoming capital projects
- Choctaw Nation’s Cultural goals
- Conversations with Governor Stitt
- The LEAP program (lease to purchase)
- The latest on the aftermath of McGirt vs Oklahoma
- The excitement & info around the upcoming new Choctaw Landing gaming resort in Hochatown
- I asked how he does it all, being constantly on the go (you’ll be interested to hear his answer when I asked how many hours of sleep he actually gets!)
Yakoke, Chief for being transparent and forthright with us. We appreciate your many hard hours and care and concern for the Choctaw people. God bless!
Link to the LEAP program: https://www.choctawnation.com/services/?_sft_category=housing
Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast
All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/
Tuesday Apr 18, 2023
Tuesday Apr 18, 2023
It’s time to turn off the t.v., turn the lights down low and settle in for a creeeeepy episode of Native ChocTalk. But be sure to keep a blanket close by in case you need to hide underneath.
He’s said to have claws like the eagle – sharp talons in the shape of a teardrop. Natives in the U.S. say the babies alone can get up to 8 feet tall and some Canadian tribes say 15-20 feet is the norm. Some enjoy the thought of a creature whose face we stamp on a t-shirt. Others caution us to avoid the ferocious giant.
We know him as Bigfoot – the hairy, elusive beast who keeps trackers, hunters and fans busy all year long.
Hear about the origin of Bigfoot, enjoy a cameo appearance from my friends and former guests, Solomon and LaVon Tonihka, who talk about Bigfoot’s appearances in Wright City, Oklahoma. And I'll share some eerie Choctaw folklore such as the Shadow People (Nalusa Falaya) and a version of The Leflore County Bigfoot War that I wrote just for you.
Please enjoy a safe and fun Halloween but whatever you do, keep an eye out for Bigfoot and Nalusa Falaya!
Season 1, Episode 12: “It’s a Creepy Native ChocTalk Halloween! Bigfoot & Spooky Choctaw Folklore”
https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/
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