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Native Americans share ancestral stories, history, & culture. www.nativechoctalk.com
Episodes
Friday Oct 14, 2022
Friday Oct 14, 2022
I recently caught up with Dr. Art Martinez from the Chumesh Tribe while he was at the Washoe Tribal Concessions at the beautiful Meeks Bay at Lake Tahoe. Dr. Martinez is a Trauma Specialist, and Clinical Psychologist. He’s also the Co-Director for the Center for Native Child and Family Resilience and more.
(If you or someone you know is struggling with domestic violence, thoughts of suicide or trauma, please see important resources below.)
Dr. Martinez has spent his career promoting the healing of historical trauma within our American Indian communities. In this episode, he shares examples of historical trauma as it pertains to those who were forced to flee their lands to save their people, the boarding schools and ongoing family trauma, the missing and murdered and their families, and drugs, alcohol, domestic violence and violence on the reservations and elsewhere.
Dr. Martinez is proud to work with Native Dads Network (“NDN”) to help build a stronger community for Native children who don’t have father figures. He also is involved in “Boys with Braids” to promote healing and strength, as well as several other valuable organizations.
In this episode you’ll also learn about:
- What trauma actually entails
- Why some American Indians don’t support each other
- What to do when you observe someone being abused
- White Bison, Inc., Native Wellness Institute, My Two Aunties - all agencies that are part of the solution for healing
- A form of historical trauma that Dr. Martinez himself has faced
- Suicide rates among American Indians
The following resources are available for those struggling with thoughts of suicide, domestic abuse, sexual violence and more:
- Center for Native Child and Family Resilience: https://cncfr.jbsinternational.com/
- Capacity Building Center for Tribes https://capacity.childwelfare.gov/tribes
- “StrongHearts Native Helpline is a 24/7 domestic, dating and sexual violence helpline for Native Americans and Alaska Natives, available by calling or texting 1-844-762-8483 or clicking on the chat icon on Strongheartshelpline.org.”
- National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
- Crisis Text Line (Text to this number: 741741)
For those dealing with trauma or various forms of abuse, please know you are not alone and may Creator protect you and bless you.
Yakoke, Dr. Martinez for helping us to understand this crucial topic and for all you do to help our communities!
Communities for Healing:
- Native Dads Network: https://www.facebook.com/NativeDadsNetwork
- Boys with Braids: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063728225133
- StrongHearts Native Helpline: https://www.facebook.com/strongheartsdv
- White Bison, Inc: https://www.facebook.com/whitebisoninc
- Native Wellness Institute: https://www.facebook.com/NativeWellnessInstitute
Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast
All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/
Thursday Oct 06, 2022
Thursday Oct 06, 2022
Native ChocTalk Presents Season 3, Episode 3: "Heroes of WWI: Nuchi Nashoba (Choctaw) and Judy Allen (Choctaw) on Our Choctaw Code Talkers"
They were forbidden to practice their culture and to speak in their Native tongue. And yet, in World War I, that very language would surprise the Germans and ultimately contribute to victory!
Many know of the Navajo Code Talkers, but what most don’t realize is that in World War I, it was the Choctaw who were the first to begin Code Talking.
I come to you today from the beautiful First Americans Museum (FAM) in Oklahoma City to talk about our Code Talkers with my Choctaw guests, Nuchi Nashoba (President of the Choctaw Code Talkers Association) and Judy Allen (Historic Projects Officer at Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma)!
I think you’ll enjoy this fascinating information on our great Choctaw Code Talker heroes. Yakoke, Nuchi and Judy!
Thanks again to First Americans Museum for hosting us! https://famok.org/
Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast
All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/
Monday Oct 03, 2022
Monday Oct 03, 2022
Native ChocTalk Presents:
S3, E2: Say Her Name: Karissa Hodge (Choctaw & Caddo) on Our Missing Murdered Indigenous Women–Chahta
A word of warning about today’s content – I’ll be speaking with Karissa Hodge, President and Founder of Missing Murdered Indigenous Women-Chahta. Although you’ll hear stories that are disturbing, they’re necessary to be told, in hopes that the missing may be found, and so the missing and murdered are never forgotten.
If you or someone you know is in a dangerous situation, please call the domestic violence hotline, at 1-800-799-7233 or visit thehotline.org.
You’ll also hear about Karissa’s own journey, as she has utilized her story as motivation to help others. I don’t take lightly the fact that Karissa is willing to share. Those who bravely come forward can sometimes face criticism from their family, friends and even their tribe. Yakoke, Karissa. We support you and your determination to help others!
MMIW-Chahta Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/NotInvisibleMMIWChahta
Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast
All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/
Thursday Sep 01, 2022
Thursday Sep 01, 2022
It was the 1800s and the days of the old wild west. As more settlers inhabited our Choctaw peoples’ lands in Mississippi and later Indian Territory, laws had to be put in place to attempt to tame the incoming unknowns. But who would enforce these rules on Native lands?
Every story needs a hero, and in today’s episode, you’ll hear about our brave Choctaw heroes who rode through the pine wood forests of Mississippi, and later the rolling mountains of southeastern Indian Territory, protecting and serving their Choctaw communities. They were the Issuba Ominili Tvshka – the Choctaw Lighthorsemen - and they WERE the law of our Indian lands during those wild west years.
Many thanks to my award-winning guests, Historians Ryan Spring from Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and Tribal Policeman, Nick Wallace who delve into the worlds and history of these warriors on horses!
You’ll also get to hear excerpts from Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer’s book, “Traitors” from her Choctaw Tribune Series, Book 2 – thank you, Sarah.
Join us, as we honor and learn about these courageous Lighthorsemen and about some fascinating stories of the old wild west!
Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast
All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/
Monday Jul 11, 2022
Monday Jul 11, 2022
He was raised in a home with no electricity and no running water on his family’s Indian allotment land in western Oklahoma – out where that bright red dirt could both stain your clothes and, in some ways, stir that Okie pride.
From red dirt, ancient village country living to Mechanical Engineer specializing in aerodynamics, my guest’s stories on this last episode of Season 2 do not disappoint! I’d like to introduce you to Phil Cross - a historian, lecturer, Caddo traditional songs and dances lead singer, author, drummer, woodworker, flute maker and much more. And may I also point out, he’s from my hometown of Anadarko, Oklahoma. (He gets extra points for that.)
In this episode you’ll hear about:
- How Phil’s dad was born on their allotment in western Oklahoma in a dug-out house
- How he’s one of the only remaining experts that can build a koo hoot kiwat (Caddo grass-thatched house)
- How his bow-and-arrow-making skills, using bodark wood (also known as Osage Orange)
- The Caddo’s Turkey Dance (in fact, you’ll also hear from Caddo, Lowell Edmonds on the subject as well)
- How his father played on the Haskell Indian football team
- Phil shares about his greatest regret and words of wisdom for young men
How Phil produced and wrote a documentary called “Disinherited: Caddo Indians Loss of their Homelands” about the removal of Caddos from their ancient homelands to their reservation in Oklahoma. - How he’s related to Jim Thorpe!
- The Caddo’s battles with the Osage
Yakoke, Phil for all your expertise and allowing us to learn more from you!
Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast
All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/
Wednesday Jun 15, 2022
Wednesday Jun 15, 2022
The Trail of Tears. It’s the story of heartbreak and sorrow for those who didn’t survive, as well as for those who did. And for us as descendants of the survivors, when we hear the phrase, “Trail of Tears” we are immediately taken to a place of mourning for those who suffered. As much as there’s acknowledgement of this tragedy, there’s also hope and inspiration. This is truly the Choctaw way.
There’s not a more inspirational story recorded than that of those who observed the Choctaw as they tirelessly walked their long journey and were heard….singing! Yes, singing. Observers recounted how an unlikely sound could be heard sweeping through the trees - beautiful hymns, Choctaw hymns – breathed with passion, courage and nostalgia, all emanating from the weary travelers’ voices. How did they find this strength? How was it even possible to sing during the worst of times?
My guest today, Sarah De Herrera is on a mission in life to record all 163 Choctaw hymns in order to bring healing for generational trauma, channeling those hymns that were sung along the Trail of Tears and beyond.
You’ll love this episode, as you’ll not only hear Sarah singing some lovely songs (that you’ll recognize) in the Choctaw language, but you’ll also hear about:
- The life of a Choctaw princess – it’s not as easy as you may think!
- About the significance of a preacher named Cyrus Byington
- The story of her grandpa and the pucker-toed moccasins
- Interesting stories written about her ancestor, Willie Spring – you’re gonna love this!
Yakoke, Sarah!
Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast
All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/
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!
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