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Native Americans share ancestral stories, history, & culture. www.nativechoctalk.com
Episodes
Tuesday Apr 11, 2023
Tuesday Apr 11, 2023
In season 2, episode 18, I got together with Megan Baker from the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Historic Preservation Department. We talked through her extensive work in tracing the history of our Choctaw people, decade by decade, in monthly articles of the Iti Fabvssa in our Choctaw paper called Biskinik.
Back by popular demand, and here to share more insights about our Choctaw history - welcome back Megan!
We left off last time in the 1900s at a time when President Theodore Roosevelt made it known that Oklahoma and Indian Territories would enter the Union as a single state (rather than two), as had been proposed. With this, Indian Territory faced a future in which they would be enjoined with Oklahoma Territory.
The next few decades were crucial. You’ve got statehood and life for the Choctaw after land allotments, a fight against termination of sovereignty and more.
You’ll also hear more about:
- Megan playing stickball in front of the Eifel Tower. What? Yep!
- What homestead vs. surplus meant, land restrictions, per capita payments, guardians, land allotments, the Indian New Deal, the Indian Welfare Act, taxation and more
- The Oklahoma Land Run
- Sonic Drive-In, and how their headquarters being in Oklahoma is significant to us Okies
- Chief Belvin (bless his heart)
- Why Carl Albert was underestimated (and why Megan is a nerd and is his #1 fan)
- The newsletter called “Hello Choctaw” and how it helped to maintain Choctaw sovereignty
- The Bingo Palace (and should Megan and Rachael start their own bingo hall?)
- The history of gaming in Choctaw nation
Yakoke, Megan for your expertise, and I’ll be gathering some materials in case you’d like to open that bingo hall with me!
Check out Choctaw Nation’s Biskinik paper online where you can find the Iti Fabvssa articles that feature Megan and other wonderful Choctaw Nation Writers at: https://www.choctawnation.com/biskinik-archives/
Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast
All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/
Tuesday Apr 04, 2023
Tuesday Apr 04, 2023
I grew up in Hog Creek, which is approximately 5 mile west of Anadarko, Oklahoma. This is a virtually unknown historical place to the general public, but to the locals, it’s filled with Kiowa history. Among many of those in the area whose ancestors roamed these lands is a well-known, tight-knit and beloved family - the Wares.
In this episode, I had a casual visit with our family friend, Lance Ware (Kiowa) and we enjoyed discussing:
- His work as a wild land firefighter, working amongst several tribes
- Ware’s Chapel and cemetery
- How Lance is one of 11 children
- His experience with fancy dancing
- The singing and drumming of the Oh ho ma
- The Ware family today, and those we’ve lost
- Natives in Hollywood, including Leonard Nimoy who played a Chief (true story!)
- His dad, Lehman Ware’s archery skills and how he may or may not have practiced in the house
We also talked about the American Indian Expo, Anadarko, Oklahoma:
- 1950 video of the Expo in 1950 (Oklahoma Historical Society): https://tinyurl.com/3ens63k9
- I hear the Expo will take place on August 2-5, 2023. I’ll be there, will you? Be sure to follow the Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/AmericianIndianExposition
- By the way, Lance was one of the mud men one year!
This time that Lance and I had together is an example of the preservation that can be done in any family - talking about growing up, the things that went on in the town, interesting and entertaining family stories, and so on. I encourage you to turn on your recorder sometime and capture these casual conversations with your family too!
In memory of: Lehman Keith Ware, February 1941-2017 and Carol Jean Ware, March 1941-2023
Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast
All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/
Wednesday Mar 29, 2023
Wednesday Mar 29, 2023
Scalding hot rocks were placed in the center of the dirt floor. Water was poured onto the rocks, inviting a heavy steam that permeated throughout, increasing our heart rates, and causing a profuse sweat.
We came for a cleansing of our bodies, minds and souls, the rejuvenation of our spirits, and a deeper connection with our Creator. This was a Christian-based sweat, and we prayed about each other’s needs and requests throughout the evening. These were just of few of my experiences during the sweat lodge I joined at my guest, Weylin Thompson’s house a couple years back.
According to choctawschool.com, “…the sweat lodge has been known by several different Choctaw names including ‘anuka,’ meaning ‘the inside,’ and ‘alaksha,’ meaning ‘a place of sweating’. The process of using heat on the body itself is sometimes referred to as ‘shila,’ ‘to bake.’”
To know Weylin today, you’d never sense the pain he faced in the past, his eventual turn to substance abuse and his time in jail. I was grateful that Weylin shared how he turned his life around and is now helping others through sweat lodges and drum circle meetings. In this episode, you’ll hear his story, and about the history, spiritual significance, and healing of sweat lodges, and more.
If you’re ever near Madill, Oklahoma, Weylin and his wonderful wife, Sharon invite you to join them at their healing sweat lodge. You don’t have to be native to join them in Madill, which is near Fort Washita (near where our Choctaw ancestors came during the removal on the Trail of Tears). All are welcome!
Weylin shared some encouraging words of wisdom for us: “You can’t change the past, but you can change the path you’re on.”
If you’re struggling with addiction or are just looking for some encouragement, please don’t hesitate to reach out to @weylinthompson or send an email to thompsonweylin7@gmail.com.
By the way, Weylin’s wife, Sharon is who recently made my ribbon skirts, so feel free to reach out to her at @nativetouch if you’d like one too – she does great work!
Yakoke, Weylin and Sharon and may God bless you both.
Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast
All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/
Wednesday Mar 22, 2023
Wednesday Mar 22, 2023
In this 3rd and final part of this episode with my guest, Dodie Rogers (Choctaw), adopted daughter of the legendary “King of the Cowboys”, Roy Rogers (also Choctaw) and his talented wife, Dale Evans, you’ll hear about:
- Roy Rogers’ horse, Trigger who knew 150 tricks and starred in over 100 movies!
- What it was like to grow up with a large family and lots of animals on the Evans farm
- Those last precious moments with Roy and Dale before they passed away
- What’s next for the Rogers kids
Although Roy and Dale Rogers have passed on, Dodie and her siblings continue to share their memories and to create their own stories, carrying with them the joy, faith, and strength they were taught in their loving upbringing.
Yakoke, Dodie for inspiring us - blessings to you and your family!
Special thanks to the Anadarko Heritage Museum for providing some photos of Roy, Dale and Dodie Rogers and their visit to Anadarko!
Check Out:
Cheryl Rogers: https://www.cherylrogers.com/
Sons of the Pioneers: https://sonsofthepioneers.org/
Anadarko Indian Expo: https://www.facebook.com/AmericianIndianExposition
Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast
All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/
#dodierogers #choctawnationofoklahoma #royrogers #daleevansrogers #dalerogers #happytrailstoyou #anadarko #anadarkooklahoma #cityofanadarko #saveouranadarkoheritagemuseum #anadarkoheritagemuseum #adravance
#nativechoctalkpodcast #nativechoctalk #rachaelellenyoungman #rachaelyoungman #Choctaw #chahta #nativeamerican #AmericanIndian #nativepodcast
Wednesday Mar 22, 2023
Wednesday Mar 22, 2023
Have you ever heard the famous song, “Happy Trails to You”? Do you know who wrote and performed it?
In part one of this episode, we met the lovely Dodie Rogers (Choctaw), adopted daughter of the legendary “King of the Cowboys”, Roy Rogers (also Choctaw) and his talented wife, Dale Evans, who wrote the aforementioned song. Together they performed “Happy Trails to You” many times over. Even to this day, some of the younger generations are familiar with the piece – and thus the Rogers legend lives on.
Here in Part 2, Dodie continues to share the inspiring, yet heartbreaking story of the Rogers family – a family filled with love bursting at the seams, breaking social norms, changing perspectives on autism, and paving the way for future adoptive families.
You may need to grab your Kleenex box for this one, because as you’ll hear, this family faced one loss after another. And yet, their faith in God remained strong, while their family drew closer through every single challenge.
You’ll also hear about:
- Roy and Dale’s 9 children and their interesting stories
- The inspiring, yet humorous story about how Dodie was adopted
- The Chicki Wicki Choctaw song, written for Dodie by her mom (you’ll also get to hear the song)
- My own personal theory about why Dale started pushing Dodie to learn more about her heritage
Stay tuned for part 3 coming up next!
Special thanks to Anadarko Heritage Museum for pulling some photos of Roy, Dale and Dodie Rogers and their visit to Anadarko!
Check Out:
Cheryl Rogers: https://www.cherylrogers.com/
Sons of the Pioneers: https://sonsofthepioneers.org/
Anadarko Indian Expo: https://www.facebook.com/AmericianIndianExposition
Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast
All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/
#dodierogers #choctawnationofoklahoma #royrogers #daleevansrogers #dalerogers #happytrailstoyou #anadarko #anadarkooklahoma #cityofanadarko #saveouranadarkoheritagemuseum #anadarkoheritagemuseum #adravance
#nativechoctalkpodcast #nativechoctalk #rachaelellenyoungman #rachaelyoungman #Choctaw #chahta #nativeamerican #AmericanIndian #nativepodcast
Wednesday Mar 22, 2023
Wednesday Mar 22, 2023
Have you ever heard the famous song, “Happy Trails to You”? Do you know who wrote and performed it?
In part one of this episode, we met the lovely Dodie Rogers (Choctaw), adopted daughter of the legendary “King of the Cowboys”, Roy Rogers (also Choctaw) and his talented wife, Dale Evans, who wrote the aforementioned song. Together they performed “Happy Trails to You” many times over. Even to this day, some of the younger generations are familiar with the piece – and thus the Rogers legend lives on.
Here in Part 2, Dodie continues to share the inspiring, yet heartbreaking story of the Rogers family – a family filled with love bursting at the seams, breaking social norms, changing perspectives on autism, and paving the way for future adoptive families.
You may need to grab your Kleenex box for this one, because as you’ll hear, this family faced one loss after another. And yet, their faith in God remained strong, while their family drew closer through every single challenge.
You’ll also hear about:
- Roy and Dale’s 9 children and their interesting stories
- The inspiring, yet humorous story about how Dodie was adopted
- The Chicki Wicki Choctaw song, written for Dodie by her mom (you’ll also get to hear the song)
- My own personal theory about why Dale started pushing Dodie to learn more about her heritage
Stay tuned for part 3 coming up next!
Special thanks to Anadarko Heritage Museum for pulling some photos of Roy, Dale and Dodie Rogers and their visit to Anadarko!
Check Out:
Cheryl Rogers: https://www.cherylrogers.com/
Sons of the Pioneers: https://sonsofthepioneers.org/
Anadarko Indian Expo: https://www.facebook.com/AmericianIndianExposition
Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast
All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/
#dodierogers #choctawnationofoklahoma #royrogers #daleevansrogers #dalerogers #happytrailstoyou #anadarko #anadarkooklahoma #cityofanadarko #saveouranadarkoheritagemuseum #anadarkoheritagemuseum #adravance
#nativechoctalkpodcast #nativechoctalk #rachaelellenyoungman #rachaelyoungman #Choctaw #chahta #nativeamerican #AmericanIndian #nativepodcast
Wednesday Mar 22, 2023
Wednesday Mar 22, 2023
The town: Anadarko, Oklahoma. The year: 1967. Hundreds of onlookers, both locals and those from elsewhere (even from around the world) lined the streets of the little town.
The 36th annual Indian Expo was to kick off as usual, with a parade featuring Kiowa, Comanche, Apache, Fort Sill Apache, Ponca, Pawnee, Delaware, Cheyenne, Arapaho Caddo, Osage, Sac, Fox, Otoe-Missouri, Wichita, and up to 50 other tribes proudly singing, drumming and dancing their way in their regalia down Main Street.
As every year, a Native celebrity was selected as “Indian of the Year” and in 1967, the Choctaw “King of the Cowboys”, Roy Rogers was the grateful recipient. There he rode, cowboy hat and all, in a convertible, along with his cowgirl wife, Dale Evans adorned in an apple-print dress. Seated between the two was a young girl, also wearing a dress with apple print.
The girl’s name was Mary Little Doe or “Dodie” for short, and I had the honor of visiting with Dodie (Choctaw) to hear her story in this 3-part series. Listeners, this is one you do not want to miss!
In this episode, you’ll hear about:
- The surprising story of Dale Evans’ firstborn son
- Roy Rogers and Dale Evans - their early life, careers, heartbreak in the love department prior to meeting each other, and finally their love story
- Roy Rogers’ trips to children’s hospitals with his horse, Trigger who would climb the stairs to see the kids
- The hilarious story of Roy and Dale’s wedding in Oklahoma
- Anadarko, Ok (my hometown) and Horace Poolaw and Robert Goombi Jr’s connection to Dodie and her parents
Stay tuned for parts 2 and 3 coming up next!
Check Out:
Cheryl Rogers: https://www.cherylrogers.com/
Sons of the Pioneers: https://sonsofthepioneers.org/
Anadarko Indian Expo: https://www.facebook.com/AmericianIndianExposition
Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast
All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/
#dodierogers #choctawnationofoklahoma #royrogers #daleevansrogers #dalerogers #happytrailstoyou #anadarko #anadarkooklahoma #anadarkoheritagemuseum #saveouranadarkoheritagemuseum #adravance
#nativechoctalkpodcast #nativechoctalk #rachaelellenyoungman #rachaelyoungman #Choctaw #chahta #nativeamerican #AmericanIndian #nativepodcast
Monday Mar 13, 2023
Monday Mar 13, 2023
Meet Linda Cooley (Yurok tribe), CEO of Mad River Brewing Company in beautiful Blue Lake, California!
And look out, world – because this American Indian CEO is out to help her tribe and the planet too.
After profitability, Linda set out to put a portion of Mad River Brewing funds to good use by helping her Yurok Nation and the land in the area. For instance, their Undammed Seltzer promotes the removal of dams in Native country. This effort resulted in the largest undamming in history, with hopes of restoring the salmon spawning grounds back to their original glory. Mad River also partners with California State Parks for good causes so take a listen to hear more!
We all know there is great sensitivity around substance abuse in our Native American population, and I took this factor into consideration when contemplating this episode. Linda herself experienced the detrimental effects of her father’s addiction, and she determined to utilize her work in the beverage industry to bring awareness to the topic, while also doing good for her tribe and community.
In this episode, you’ll also hear about:
- Linda’s family and ancestral stories
- How Linda got started in the industry
- Tourism being an economic driver in Native country
- The Yurok tribe and the challenges the brewery is trying to help solve
- Mad River Brewing’s intertribal partnerships
- Linda’s first pitch with Mad River Brewery’s partner, the San Francisco Giants
- The brewery’s gold-winning brews
Mad River Brewing is family and dog-friendly (yay!), has live music and some of the best BBQ on the planet!
Linda is on a mission to do good in an unexpected way, with results that are actually working. Her strong leadership skills, determination to make change, and care for her tribe and surroundings is a legacy many can only hope to leave behind.
Yakoke, Linda for all you’re doing and for making Indian country proud – cheers to you!
Please consider supporting Mad River Brewing by liking and sharing their page at: https://www.facebook.com/madriverbrewing
Website: https://www.madriverbrewing.com/.
Special thanks to Justin Chester of @tepacompanies for the introduction!
Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast
All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/
Wednesday Mar 08, 2023
Wednesday Mar 08, 2023
This is the story of the resurrection of a tribe who had lost its sovereignty and ultimately, its hope. It’s the story of a retired elder who had a vision and devoted his remaining years to bringing the tribe back to its glory.
It’s also the story of a young new Chairman who led a tribe from corrupt and chaotic leadership to flourishment and victory.
Today, you’ll hear the inspiring story of Andrew (Dru) Alejandre, Tribal Chairman of the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki, and Board Chairman of Tepa LLC.
(“Chairman” to the Paskenta is equivalent to the title, “Chief” in other tribes.)
In this episode you’ll hear about:
- Chairman Dru’s ancestor, Andrew Freeman, and listen to a fascinating recording of him speaking in his Nomlaki tongue
- The 300-member Paskenta band of Nomlaki Indians and their reservation in Corning, California
- Paskenta Brewery and Distillery in the Rolling Hills Casino
- The unlawful termination of the tribe and its restoration in 1994, due to the vision and determination of Chairman Dru’s grandpa, Everett Freeman – spoiler alert, Indian taco sales were a contributor to the cause
- How Chairman Dru set out to bring corrupt tribal leaders to justice. We’re talking a story of private jets and lavish trips with funds stolen from the tribe, culminating to a cyber-attack on the casinos and the need for armed guards – stuff you typically only see in the movies.
- The tremendous growth of tribal commerce now that the proper leadership is in place.
And speaking of - shout out to Justin Chester of the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians-owned Tepa Companies, who was instrumental in introducing me to Chairman Dru. Yakoke, Justin!
Tepa provides construction, engineering, environmental technology and more. Preference is given to American Indian applications, so check them out! @tepacompanies https://www.tepa.com/
Chairman Dru honors his grandpa, Everett Freeman’s legacy by leading with wisdom and strength, while also exemplifying humility. Here is a leader that should not be underestimated. And here is a tribe whose sovereignty was regained and whose determination will not be shaken. Not bad for a man with a vision, and an Indian taco sale or two that helped make it all happen.
Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/paskentabandofnomlakiindians/photos
Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast
All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/
Thursday Mar 02, 2023
Thursday Mar 02, 2023
“I tossed my hair, my braids glowing in the sunlight. I walked my horse forward, recalling Papa’s words, often said in a most authoritative tone. ‘Get off that pony and walk in the wildflowers, Little Bird. Touch the flowers and feel their petals. They are soft, like feathers. Touch the bark of the trees. Their bark runs in circles, like our lives. The tree grows roots and spreads leaves over the earth. The lines of the bark tell many stories of our ancestors. It is a time for you to remember and enjoy the beauties of God’s land. Get off your horse, Little Bird.’ I would be mesmerized by his words. I looked up to see my three favorite crows on a branch above. They took off, leading the way home. Their feathers glistened in the sun, like my hair.”
In today’s episode, you’ll hear the true story of Esther McLish, told by Chickasaw/Choctaw/Cherokee Author, Mary Ruth Barnes from her award-winning book, “Little Bird”. I was so intrigued by this story that I stayed up nearly all night to finish it – it truly is a must-read!
Check out this beautiful Little Bird trailer: https://mbarnes.faso.com/video/7545
You’ll hear about Esther’s relationship with the crows that always seemed to have a message for her, the encounters with the Comanches who lived in Reck, how Esther would travel multiple times to challenge the Dawes Commission, and her heartbreaking journey of much loss, while maintaining her enduring strength and spirit.
Mary Ruth also shares with us the story of the pecan trees on her property, what Chihawa lowa means, and the inside scoop of her ancestral stories.
“In the light of the moon our silent ancestors walked, moving among us, giving us hope and truth. The truth of their ancient promise is not made with their words, but with the lives of those who have experienced the past. Please keep researching.” Those were Mary Ruth’s beautiful words at the end of our visit, and I couldn’t agree more.
Rumor also has it there’s a sequel coming out, so as for me, I’ll be ready for another all-nighter to read more about Esther’s life! Check out “Little Bird” at:
Chickasaw Press: https://chickasawpress.com/Books/Little-Bird.aspx
Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/2sek8xd8
And at First Americans Museum in Oklahoma City!
Mary Ruth’s Website: https://www.maryruthbarnes.com/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/mary.ruth.barnes
Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast
All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/