Native ChocTalk

What does the Choctaw Labor Day Festival mean to YOU? In the final episode of this series where I visited the 2025 Choctaw Labor Day Festival, I'm sharing stories from festival goers about what makes this annual gathering so special. One of my favorite conversations was with my cousin, Cheryl, a descendant of Chief Mushulatubbee and part of our Coley family lineage. Cheryl shares stories about our ancestors, the close-knit Choctaw community they built, and even how family members would move the furniture out of the house so everyone could dance! For Cheryl and me, the Labor Day Festival is a place to “come home”, reconnect with family, celebrate our culture, and remember where we came from. Stick around until the very end for the bloopers. Because apparently, telling history doesn't always go according to plan. Yakoke to the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma for partnering with me on this series! Choctaw Nation Labor Day Festival 2026: September 4–6 in Tvshkahomma, Oklahoma Text LABORDAY to 888777 for festival updates

Deep drumbeats. Sticks striking together. The roar of the crowd. The energy builds… This is Choctaw stickball and it's more than a game. It's tradition, pride, community, and a living connection to our ancestors. In this episode of Native ChocTalk, we're heading to the 2025 Choctaw Nation Labor Day Festival to experience the stickball tournament, hear from players and announcers, and learn why this powerful tradition continues to bring our communities together. Congratulations to the 2025 winners: Women: Team Rouge Men: Team Koni-Shine If you'd like to dive deeper into the history and meaning of stickball, check out Native ChocTalk's Season 2, Episode 5 on YouTube! Yakoke to Steve Aicinena, Owner of Iceman Photo who provided many of the fantastic stickball photos in this episode! Check him out www.icemanphoto.com. Next up: Part 8 - Choctaw Labor Day Festival 2025 | Why We Gather Choctaw Nation Labor Day Festival 2026: September 4–6 in Tvshkahomma, Oklahoma Text LABORDAY to 888777 for festival updates Yakoke to the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma for partnering with me on this series!

Welcome back to this special Native ChocTalk series, where I'm taking you along with me to the 2025 Choctaw Nation Labor Day Festival in Tvshkahomma to explore the history, traditions, and people that make this weekend so meaningful! In today's episode, you'll learn about our Ohoyo Miko Yopisa – the Choctaw Princess Pageants. These pageants are about so much more than a crown. They're a celebration of culture, leadership, language, history, and service. At the 2025 Choctaw Nation Labor Day Festival, 26 young women competed for the titles of Little Miss, Junior Miss, and Senior Miss Choctaw Nation. I had the honor of meeting several contestants and hearing what representing our Chahta people means to them. Congratulations to the 2025–2026 Choctaw Princesses! - Senior Miss - Candis Battice Louis, District 12 - Junior Miss - Akeiley Willis, District 7 - Little Miss - Leigha Scott, District 11 Yakoke to all of the contestants for sharing your stories with Native ChocTalk! Next up: Part 7 - Stickball: “Little Brother of War” Text LABORDAY to 888777 for festival updates & visit https://laborday.choctawnation.com/ Yakoke to the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma for partnering with me on this series!

Would you like to hear stories of stickball that you won't find in the history books? As we continue this series on the 2025 Choctaw Nation Labor Day Festival, you'll find in this episode that as the sun goes down… the celebration isn't over. Did you know you can camp at the Labor Day Festival? What stories do YOU have of camping at Tvshkahomma? After a full day of festivities, I headed over to the campground, where a whole different side of the festival comes to life. Families gather around campfires, share meals, swap stories, laugh, and make memories that last long after the weekend is over. My friend, Solomon Tonihka tells the story of an ancient stickball field near his land - and why trees will never grow there again. He also shares of a particular stickball game and the role of the Choctaw alikchi - our traditional spiritual healers (some term as “witch doctors”). Shauna Williams, Executive Director of Communications for the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, also visits with campers to hear about their fun camping experiences. So grab a seat, settle in, and let's listen in around the campfire. Yakoke to the Tonihka family for your incredible hospitality! Next up: Part 6 - our Choctaw Princess Pageants! Choctaw Nation Labor Day Festival 2026: September 4–6 in Tvshkahomma, Oklahoma Text LABORDAY to 888777 for festival updates & visit https://laborday.choctawnation.com/ Yakoke to the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma for partnering with me on this series!

What if you could experience the Choctaw Labor Day Festival without ever leaving your couch? Come walk the grounds with me! Welcome to Part 4 of Native ChocTalk's Choctaw Labor Day Festival 2025 series! Imagine this… - Drums echoing across the grounds. - Hymns filling the air. - Stickball warriors battling it out. - Buffalo grazing nearby. - Choctaw dancing and beautiful prairie dresses. - Handmade art and crafts everywhere you look. - And enough frybread to make you forget you just ate. In this episode, we're experiencing the music, food, culture and traditions that make Labor Day so special - including a conversation with Lori Rowton of The Close, the 50th-anniversary celebration of the Tvshka Homma Capitol Museum with the unveiling of three new bronze busts honoring Choctaw leaders, ribbon skirts, kids' activities, trivia and much more. Yakoke to Weylin Thompson, for sharing his gift of drumming in this episode! Next up: Part 5 - Stories Around the Campfire. Text LABORDAY to 888777 for festival updates. Want to bring The Close to your area? Email: BOOKING@THECLOSEMUSIC.COM. For more info, visit: WWW.THECLOSEMUSIC.COM. Yakoke to the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma for partnering with me on this series!

What if one birthday celebration became a reunion of three generations of a Choctaw family... with loved ones traveling from across the United States - and even across the world - to honor their matriarch's 90th birthday? In Part 3 of this series, we're coming to you from the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma's 2025 Labor Day Festival, where thousands of Choctaws gather each year to celebrate our culture, heritage, language, and family. But this episode is about so much more than the festival. Meet Doris Thompson, who shares the remarkable story of her Choctaw family, including her grandfather, Captain Crawford John Anderson (who was born IN the Choctaw Council House!), and her beloved father, John Gilbert Anderson – a story you don't want to miss! Through her memories, we'll step back in time to hear what life was like growing up in Talihina, Oklahoma, and discover the stories she hopes to pass down through the generations. To stay up to date with Labor Day Festival events, simply text "LaborDay" to 888777 and visit https://laborday.choctawnation.com/.

Part 2 of my Choctaw Labor Day Festival 2025 series is here! If you know me, you know I'm a total history nerd - so getting to sit down with Reno Crims, Curator and local historian at the Choctaw Tvshkahomma Capitol Museum, was an absolute highlight of my Labor Day weekend! As the Museum celebrates its 50th Anniversary, Reno shares the incredible history behind one of the most important places in the Choctaw Nation. In this episode, we explore: - The history of the Choctaw Capitol Building - The story behind the Choctaw Capitol Museum - How the Choctaw Labor Day Festival first began Did you know? The historic Choctaw Capitol Building, constructed in 1884, served as the seat of the Choctaw Nation government from 1884–1907. Today, it stands as a powerful reminder of our Nation's resilience and continues to preserve and share our rich history for future generations.  Plan a visit! Choctaw Tvshkahomma Capitol Museum 163665 N 4355 Road, Tuskahoma, OK 74574 Monday–Friday | 8:00 AM–4:00 PM (Closed Holidays) Open Saturdays during the summer Admission is FREE! Trust me - the most powerful stories you'll experience are waiting just inside those historic walls.  Yakoke, Reno, for sharing your knowledge and passion and for helping preserve the history of the Choctaw Capitol Museum for generations to come. For more information on the annual Choctaw Labor Day Festival, stay up to date by texting "LaborDay" to 888777 and learn more at https://laborday.choctawnation.com/.  A huge Yakoke to the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma for partnering with me on this special series! Have you ever visited the Choctaw Capitol Museum? Share your favorite memory in the comments! 

What if I told you there's one weekend every year where thousands of Choctaw people gather to celebrate who we are, where we've been, and where we're going? In 2025, I had the opportunity to spend Labor Day weekend with my tribe at the Choctaw Nation Labor Day Festival in Tvshkahomma, Oklahoma - and it's one of my favorite weekends of the entire year. In this special series, we're exploring: The history of the festival The traditions that have stood the test of time What makes this gathering so meaningful And why it continues to bring our people together year after year. Whether you've been attending the festival your whole life or you're discovering it for the very first time, I'd love for you to join me, Chief Gary Batton, and Shauna Williams as we kick off this journey through one of the Choctaw Nation's most cherished traditions. Stay up to date by texting "LaborDay" to 888777 Learn more at: www.laborday.choctawnation.com Yakoke to the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma for partnering with me on this series!

In this episode of Native ChocTalk, we continue our Choctaw road trip through the historic Latham area, where Chief Mushulatubbee established his community after the Trail of Tears. Joined by my cousin Cheryl and our gracious host, Jonathan Watson (Choctaw) of The Ranch at Latham, we explore the land where Mushulatubbee once lived, led, and helped rebuild the Choctaw Nation in Indian Territory. Together, we take a closer look at the layout of this historic Choctaw settlement, from the Council House, gristmill, and Trahern's Station to Brazil Creek, Council House Spring, and the cemetery where Mushulatubbee is believed to be buried. We also speculate on why Mushulatubbee chose this location, considering its abundant water, fertile land, and position along an important travel route that even attracted visiting dignitaries to this remote part of Indian Territory. Along the way, we discuss Choctaw social dances, traditional regalia, the importance of agriculture and self-sufficiency, and the remarkable resilience of a people determined to preserve their culture while building a new homeland. We wrap up our day with visits to Skullyville Cemetery and the historic Butterfield Overland Mail route, reflecting on the leaders and ancestors whose legacy continues to shape the Choctaw Nation today. For the full experience, we highly recommend watching this episode on YouTube. Search Native ChocTalk – Choctaw Road Trip Part 6 to follow along with the maps, historic sites, and beautiful landscapes that bring these stories to life. Yakoke for joining us on another journey into Choctaw history!

Welcome to part 5 of this Native ChocTalk series, where my cousin Cheryl and I are taking you deep into Choctaw history as we explore the old stomping grounds of Chief Mushulatubbee in Latham, Oklahoma. In the last episode, I shared about the history of this Choctaw Chief and now with the help of our fellow Choctaw, Jonathan Watson, we walk the land where Mushulatubbee (Cheryl and Jonathan's ancestor) lived after the Trail of Tears. You'll see the Council House Spring, the area of Trahern's Cemetery and Station along the Butterfield Overland Mail route, and the place where Choctaw history was made. Along the way, we uncover stories of resilience, leadership, and community, and explore the long-held oral history surrounding the burial site of Chief Mushulatubbee. This is more than a history lesson - it's a journey through the area where the Choctaw Nation rebuilt its future.

Join us in Part 4 of this roadtrip series where my cousin Cheryl and I continue tracing her ancestry to Choctaw Chief Mushulatubbee. Cheryl and I visited The Ranch at Latham in Stigler, Oklahoma, where Chief Mushulatubbee once lived on what is now the lands of Choctaw, Jonathan Watson. I wanted to take a step back and explore the remarkable life and history of Mushulatubbee one of Choctaw Nation's most influential leaders - from his rise as a respected warrior and chief to the difficult choices surrounding removal, the Trail of Tears, and his leadership in Indian Territory. Join us as we uncover the history, the complexities, and the enduring legacy of Chief Mushulatubbee... and the mystery surrounding his final resting place. Yakoke for following along as our journey through Choctaw history continues! Also, I'd like to give a shout out to the excellent research of Greg O'Brien, Ph.D., professor of history at the University of North Carolina Greensboro as you'll hear quotes from his work throughout this episode.

Join us for Part 3 of our Choctaw heritage road trip as my cousin Cheryl and I continue tracing her ancestry to Choctaw Chief Mushulatubbee. This episode takes us to The Ranch at Latham in Shady Point, Oklahoma, where Choctaw, Jonathan Watson shares the history of his family's land property that was once home to the great Choctaw Chief Mushulatubbee. While this land is rich with Choctaw history, it's also one of eastern Oklahoma's most unforgettable event destinations. Nestled near the beautiful Kiamichi Mountains, you'll get a glimpse of why The Ranch at Latham has become such a sought-after venue for weddings and special events. Blending western charm, breathtaking scenery, and authentic Oklahoma hospitality, it's truly a place where history and celebration come together. And of course, since it's owned by one of my fellow Choctaws, I have to give it a shoutout - be sure to check it out at https://www.ranchatlatham.com! In this episode, you'll get a firsthand look at Jonathan's family property, including historic Choctaw and Civil War-era gravesites that remain on the land today, along with a sneak peek at Chief Mushulatubbee's old stomping grounds. It's an incredible opportunity to stand where history happened and experience the stories that continue to live on through the land itself. Be sure to join us for Part 4, where we explore even more of the places, history, and enduring legacy of Cheryl's ancestor, Choctaw Chief Mushulatubbee.

“Indian Makes An Attempt to Kill.” That was the newspaper headline about my great-great uncle, Cicero - a story I've shared many times. But on one retelling, something unexpected happened. The story didn't just revisit the past - it opened the door to an entirely new world of family connections I never knew existed. In Part 2, we weave together Cicero's story with my own and how, somehow, his history guided me straight to my cousin, Cheryl Stone Pitchford, and a whole new branch of our family tree. Recorded 2 years ago, in this series, Cheryl and I are on an Okie roadtrip and on a mission to visit her ancestor, Mushulatubbee's old stomping grounds, while tracing our own family roots across Choctaw Country along the way. What you'll hear in this series is a heartfelt blend of history, humor and remembrance - a hodgepodge of adventures in the very best way. Next up, we'll head to Shady Point to visit the breathtaking Ranch at Latham, owned by Choctaw, Jonathan Watson to see the land where Chief Mushulatubee lived. In this episode, I proudly sport my lovely earrings, perfectly crafted by Jennifer Ikelman (Registered Tribal Artist of the Choctaw Nation) of Acorn and Oak Crafts. https://www.etsy.com/shop/AcornAndOakCrafts?ref=shop_sugg This series is one I hope you'll watch on YouTube to see the photos and visuals along the way. Yakoke! #cherystonepitchford #theranchatlatham #choctawnationofoklahoma #nativechoctalkpodcast #nativechoctalk #rachaelellenyoungman #rachaelyoungman #Choctaw #chahta #nativeamerican #AmericanIndian #nativepodcast

S10, Ep 1, Pt 1: Weaving Stories, Weaving Bloodlines: With Choctaws, Cheryl Stone Pitchford & Jonathan Watson by Rachael Youngman

Veterans Day holds a special place in this episode, I visited with Choctaw Nation's Assistant Chief Jack Austin Jr., a man whose life has been shaped by service, family legacy, and an unwavering devotion to the Choctaw people. From his small-town Oklahoma upbringing in Talihina, where the soda fountain was a gathering place, and family values were taught in everyday moments, Jack shares what it was like to be raised by his father, the late Jack Austin Sr., and guided by a grandfather who led not through speeches, but through steady action. Jack opens his story wider, reflecting on why he serves his country, his Choctaw Nation, and his community. We trace the legacies passed down through generations, including his own Choctaw ancestor who fought in the Battle of New Orleans, long before citizenship was extended to Native people. Jack unpacks the significance of that battle, the irony woven through history, and how those ancestors still stand with us today. He also speaks candidly about his years in the U.S. Army: the brotherhood, the lifelong friends, the moments that shaped him, transitioning out of military life, and the continued mission he carries through his work with the Choctaw Veterans' Advocacy program. Jack reflects on the prayer that guides him as he serves the Choctaw people, the educational journey he and his wife traveled together on the way to their bachelor's and master's degrees, and the profound turning point in his life when his mother passed away. He honors her legacy of caring for those in need within the Tribe and shares the story of the woman who stepped in as a mother to lift him up during that difficult chapter. Packed with history, humor, heart, and hard-won wisdom, this episode shines a light on what it truly means to lead and to serve with a Choctaw heart. On this Veterans day, yakoke to all who have served, and to the families who stand beside them!

Veterans Day holds a special place in this episode, I visited with Choctaw Nation's Assistant Chief Jack Austin Jr., a man whose life has been shaped by service, family legacy, and an unwavering devotion to the Choctaw people. From his small-town Oklahoma upbringing in Talihina, where the soda fountain was a gathering place, and family values were taught in everyday moments, Jack shares what it was like to be raised by his father, the late Jack Austin Sr., and guided by a grandfather who led not through speeches, but through steady action. Jack opens his story wider, reflecting on why he serves his country, his Choctaw Nation, and his community. We trace the legacies passed down through generations, including his own Choctaw ancestor who fought in the Battle of New Orleans, long before citizenship was extended to Native people. Jack unpacks the significance of that battle, the irony woven through history, and how those ancestors still stand with us today. He also speaks candidly about his years in the U.S. Army: the brotherhood, the lifelong friends, the moments that shaped him, transitioning out of military life, and the continued mission he carries through his work with the Choctaw Veterans' Advocacy program. Jack reflects on the prayer that guides him as he serves the Choctaw people, the educational journey he and his wife traveled together on the way to their bachelor's and master's degrees, and the profound turning point in his life when his mother passed away. He honors her legacy of caring for those in need within the Tribe and shares the story of the woman who stepped in as a mother to lift him up during that difficult chapter. Packed with history, humor, heart, and hard-won wisdom, this episode shines a light on what it truly means to lead and to serve with a Choctaw heart. On this Veterans day, yakoke to all who have served, and to the families who stand beside them!

PART 3 From opening her own law firm in Durant to protecting Native art and culture, attorney Chloe Moyer joins Native ChocTalk to unpack: ✨ Federal Indian law & tribal sovereignty ✨ Protecting public arts & the Indian Arts and Crafts Act ✨ The balance of communal vs. individual ownership ✨ NAGPRA, NHPA, & protecting what's been taken ✨ Tips for Native artists selling online (contracts, trademarks, copyrights) PLUS: – Tribal IDs and membership rules – Adoption possibilities for Choctaw families – McGirt v. Oklahoma & Castro-Huerta – Starting your own Native-owned business

From opening her own law firm in Durant to protecting Native art and culture, attorney Chloe Moyer joins Native ChocTalk to unpack: ✨ Federal Indian law & tribal sovereignty ✨ Protecting public arts & the Indian Arts and Crafts Act ✨ The balance of communal vs. individual ownership ✨ NAGPRA, NHPA, & protecting what's been taken ✨ Tips for Native artists selling online (contracts, trademarks, copyrights) PLUS: – Tribal IDs and membership rules – Adoption possibilities for Choctaw families – McGirt v. Oklahoma & Castro-Huerta – Starting your own Native-owned business

From opening her own law firm in Durant to protecting Native art and culture, attorney Chloe Moyer joins Native ChocTalk to unpack: ✨ Federal Indian law & tribal sovereignty ✨ Protecting public arts & the Indian Arts and Crafts Act ✨ The balance of communal vs. individual ownership ✨ NAGPRA, NHPA, & protecting what's been taken ✨ Tips for Native artists selling online (contracts, trademarks, copyrights) PLUS: – Tribal IDs and membership rules – Adoption possibilities for Choctaw families – McGirt v. Oklahoma & Castro-Huerta – Starting your own Native-owned business

PART 3 In this episode, my guests, Amy, Ian and Mike take you deep into the heart of Choctaw tradition, food, and the sacred relationship with the hunt. You'll learn about: - Life at Nan Awaya Farm (where yvnvsh (buffalo) and food are grown the Choctaw way - Ancient Choctaw hunting - the reverence for animals & wisdom from elders - Do buffalo will actually charge through 10k volts of electric fence? - What it's really like to care for buffalo every day - The surprising stealth (and jumping skills!) of buffalo - The second edition of Ian Thompson's Choctaw Food book (launching soon!) - Crafting traditional bows, arrows, and quivers - Stories from the hunt - how our ancestors approached deer with such skill and respect   This episode is full of stories, surprises, and teachings that connect past and present. Don't miss it! Native ChocTalk Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast  All Podcast Episodes:  https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/

PART 3 In this episode, my guests, Amy, Ian and Mike take you deep into the heart of Choctaw tradition, food, and the sacred relationship with the hunt. You'll learn about: - Life at Nan Awaya Farm (where yvnvsh (buffalo) and food are grown the Choctaw way - Ancient Choctaw hunting - the reverence for animals & wisdom from elders - Do buffalo will actually charge through 10k volts of electric fence? - What it's really like to care for buffalo every day - The surprising stealth (and jumping skills!) of buffalo - The second edition of Ian Thompson's Choctaw Food book (launching soon!) - Crafting traditional bows, arrows, and quivers - Stories from the hunt - how our ancestors approached deer with such skill and respect   This episode is full of stories, surprises, and teachings that connect past and present. Don't miss it! Native ChocTalk Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast  All Podcast Episodes:  https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/

PART 2 In this episode, my guests, Amy, Ian and Mike take you deep into the heart of Choctaw tradition, food, and the sacred relationship with the hunt. You'll learn about:

PART 1 In this episode, my guests, Amy, Ian and Mike take you deep into the heart of Choctaw tradition, food, and the sacred relationship with the hunt. You'll learn about: - Life at Nan Awaya Farm (where yvnvsh (buffalo) and food are grown the Choctaw way - Ancient Choctaw hunting - the reverence for animals & wisdom from elders - Do buffalo will actually charge through 10k volts of electric fence? - What it's really like to care for buffalo every day - The surprising stealth (and jumping skills!) of buffalo - The second edition of Ian Thompson's Choctaw Food book (launching soon!) - Crafting traditional bows, arrows, and quivers - Stories from the hunt - how our ancestors approached deer with such skill and respect   This episode is full of stories, surprises, and teachings that connect past and present. Don't miss it! Native ChocTalk Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast  All Podcast Episodes:  https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/

PART 2 On this episode of Native ChocTalk, my cousin, Cheryl and I took a road trip into the heart of Choctaw country to explore the fascinating and little-known history of Tamaha, Oklahoma - a town with stories that are anything but small. As we meandered along banks of the Arkansas River, we met a local gentleman walking his dogs. That chance encounter led me to Tonia Brannan - an unofficial town historian with a deep connection to the land, the stories, and the Choctaw history embedded in the soil who shares it all with me today. From early ferry landings of the Choctaw trading points following Removal, to a Civil War steamboat raid led by Confederate Cherokee General Stand Watie, to the very first prisoner of the Tamaha jail, and even the scrappy boxing legend Wild Wilson Dunn, a Choctaw man who claimed to be Osage and once fought Jethro's dad from the show, The Beverly Hillbillies - Tamaha has seen it all! (By the way - know any Choctaws with the last name Dunn? Let me know!) Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/

PART 1 On this episode of Native ChocTalk, my cousin, Cheryl and I took a road trip into the heart of Choctaw country to explore the fascinating and little-known history of Tamaha, Oklahoma - a town with stories that are anything but small. As we meandered along banks of the Arkansas River, we met a local gentleman walking his dogs. That chance encounter led me to Tonia Brannan - an unofficial town historian with a deep connection to the land, the stories, and the Choctaw history embedded in the soil who shares it all with me today. From early ferry landings of the Choctaw trading points following Removal, to a Civil War steamboat raid led by Confederate Cherokee General Stand Watie, to the very first prisoner of the Tamaha jail, and even the scrappy boxing legend Wild Wilson Dunn, a Choctaw man who claimed to be Osage and once fought Jethro's dad from the show, The Beverly Hillbillies - Tamaha has seen it all! (By the way - know any Choctaws with the last name Dunn? Let me know!) Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/

PART 3 Join me in this 3-part series as LaNora Parker, great-granddaughter of legendary Comanche leader Quanah Parker, shares her story of leadership, survival, and healing. LaNora was one of the first women to serve as Vice Chairman and Interim Chairwoman of the Comanche Nation. She reflects on her family's powerful legacy—her father, Simmons Parker, was a Comanche Code Talker and WWII hero—and how that shaped her path. She opens up about the painful realities of Native boarding schools, the loneliness, and cultural erasure she experienced, and how Comanche language and hymns remained a source of strength. Now, as a voice for Native recovery, LaNora shares her personal healing journey and her mission to support sobriety through culture and purpose! Along with her niece, she co-founded Warchief Collection, a non-alcoholic beverage line rooted in Native wellness and resilience. Learn more at warchiefcollection.com Her words of encouragement for all who are in recovery? “Pray about it. Cry about it. Read about it. Write about it. Talk about it. Be about it.” Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/

Join me in this 3-part series as LaNora Parker, great-granddaughter of legendary Comanche leader Quanah Parker, shares her story of leadership, survival, and healing. LaNora was one of the first women to serve as Vice Chairman and Interim Chairwoman of the Comanche Nation. She reflects on her family's powerful legacy—her father, Simmons Parker, was a Comanche Code Talker and WWII hero—and how that shaped her path. She opens up about the painful realities of Native boarding schools, the loneliness, and cultural erasure she experienced, and how Comanche language and hymns remained a source of strength. Now, as a voice for Native recovery, LaNora shares her personal healing journey and her mission to support sobriety through culture and purpose! Along with her niece, she co-founded Warchief Collection, a non-alcoholic beverage line rooted in Native wellness and resilience. Learn more at warchiefcollection.com Her words of encouragement for all who are in recovery? “Pray about it. Cry about it. Read about it. Write about it. Talk about it. Be about it.” Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/

PART 1 Join me in this 3-part series as LaNora Parker, great-granddaughter of legendary Comanche leader Quanah Parker, shares her story of leadership, survival, and healing. LaNora was one of the first women to serve as Vice Chairman and Interim Chairwoman of the Comanche Nation. She reflects on her family's powerful legacy—her father, Simmons Parker, was a Comanche Code Talker and WWII hero—and how that shaped her path. She opens up about the painful realities of Native boarding schools, the loneliness, and cultural erasure she experienced, and how Comanche language and hymns remained a source of strength. Now, as a voice for Native recovery, LaNora shares her personal healing journey and her mission to support sobriety through culture and purpose! Along with her niece, she co-founded Warchief Collection, a non-alcoholic beverage line rooted in Native wellness and resilience. Learn more at warchiefcollection.com Her words of encouragement for all who are in recovery? “Pray about it. Cry about it. Read about it. Write about it. Talk about it. Be about it.” Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast  All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/

PART 3 In this powerful 3-part episode, we dive into the tragic legacy of the Wounded Knee Massacre and its connection to the ongoing fight for Native American religious freedom. My guest, law Professor, Richard Garnett - a Choctaw citizen and expert in religious freedom at Notre Dame - helps unpack what the law *actually* says about Native religious rights, sacred land use, and the balance between tribal sovereignty and U.S. legal systems. From the Ghost Dance to peyote use in the Native American Church, and from religious Acts and the Constitution, we explore how Native faith practices have been criminalized, protected, and misunderstood throughout U.S. history. We also discuss the painful irony that Native communities often need specific legislation just to practice their traditions, unlike many other faiths in America. Professor Garnett shares why religious freedom isn't just about individual rights - it's also about land, language, and the deep communal connection to sacred spaces. If you've ever wondered how law students and Professors at places like Notre Dame are shaping the future or how land rights like those at Oak Flat and beyond are tied to religious liberty, this episode is for you. Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/

PART 2 In this powerful 3-part episode, we dive into the tragic legacy of the Wounded Knee Massacre and its connection to the ongoing fight for Native American religious freedom. My guest, law Professor, Richard Garnett - a Choctaw citizen and expert in religious freedom at Notre Dame - helps unpack what the law *actually* says about Native religious rights, sacred land use, and the balance between tribal sovereignty and U.S. legal systems. From the Ghost Dance to peyote use in the Native American Church, and from religious Acts and the Constitution, we explore how Native faith practices have been criminalized, protected, and misunderstood throughout U.S. history. We also discuss the painful irony that Native communities often need specific legislation just to practice their traditions, unlike many other faiths in America. Professor Garnett shares why religious freedom isn't just about individual rights - it's also about land, language, and the deep communal connection to sacred spaces. If you've ever wondered how law students and Professors at places like Notre Dame are shaping the future or how land rights like those at Oak Flat and beyond are tied to religious liberty, this episode is for you. Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/

In this powerful 3-part episode, we dive into the tragic legacy of the Wounded Knee Massacre and its connection to the ongoing fight for Native American religious freedom. My guest, law Professor, Richard Garnett - a Choctaw citizen and expert in religious freedom at Notre Dame - helps unpack what the law *actually* says about Native religious rights, sacred land use, and the balance between tribal sovereignty and U.S. legal systems. From the Ghost Dance to peyote use in the Native American Church, and from religious Acts and the Constitution, we explore how Native faith practices have been criminalized, protected, and misunderstood throughout U.S. history. We also discuss the painful irony that Native communities often need specific legislation just to practice their traditions, unlike many other faiths in America. Professor Garnett shares why religious freedom isn't just about individual rights - it's also about land, language, and the deep communal connection to sacred spaces. If you've ever wondered how law students and Professors at places like Notre Dame are shaping the future or how land rights like those at Oak Flat and beyond are tied to religious liberty, this episode is for you. Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/

PART 3 In this new season of Native ChocTalk, I sat down with Tiffany Baker, the heart and hands behind Bakers Bar Soapery! Tiffany shares her powerful journey of tracing her Choctaw ancestors — all connected by one common thread: the land. From uncovering family allotments and the deep sentiment of holding onto family land, to the tangled stories of district agents, guardianship scams, and the feisty squabbles between Choctaw mammas — with a bit of Tamaha, Oklahoma town gossip sprinkled in too! Tune in to hear how Tiffany weaves her family's past into her modern-day business, creating soaps that carry the love, land, and legacy of her people — and maybe a bit of Tamaha mischief too.  Listen now and get inspired by the strength that runs through the land — and the families who keep it alive.   Native ChocTalk Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast  All Podcast Episodes:  https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/

PART 2 In this new season of Native ChocTalk, I sat down with Tiffany Baker, the heart and hands behind Bakers Bar Soapery Tiffany shares her powerful journey of tracing her Choctaw ancestors — all connected by one common thread: the land. From uncovering family allotments and the deep sentiment of holding onto family land, to the tangled stories of district agents, guardianship scams, and the feisty squabbles between Choctaw mammas — with a bit of Tamaha, Oklahoma town gossip sprinkled in too! Tune in to hear how Tiffany weaves her family's past into her modern-day business, creating soaps that carry the love, land, and legacy of her people — and maybe a bit of Tamaha mischief too.   Listen now and get inspired by the strength that runs through the land — and the families who keep it alive. Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast  All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/

PART 1 In this new season of Native ChocTalk, I sat down with Tiffany Baker, the heart and hands behind Bakers Bar Soapery! Tiffany shares her powerful journey of tracing her Choctaw ancestors — all connected by one common thread: the land. From uncovering family allotments and the deep sentiment of holding onto family land, to the tangled stories of district agents, guardianship scams, and the feisty squabbles between Choctaw mammas — with a bit of Tamaha, Oklahoma town gossip sprinkled in too! Tune in to hear how Tiffany weaves her family's past into her modern-day business, creating soaps that carry the love, land, and legacy of her people — and maybe a bit of Tamaha mischief too.  Listen now and get inspired by the strength that runs through the land — and the families who keep it alive. Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast  All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/

It started with a murder...but what followed was silence. And for one Choctaw family, that silence lasted for generations. In this gripping two-part series, we dive into a mystery that stretches across time - a broken bloodline, a forgotten story, and the journey to uncover the truth. It begins with the unsolved killing of Adam Wilkins, who served as a Choctaw Indian Police and interpreter — and the great-grandfather of my guest, Amy Lemmer. Still, as we've seen in true Choctaw fashion, this isn't just a story about loss - it's about legacy. Because Amy's family didn't let that tragedy define them. In the previous series, her father, Woodrow Wilkins, Jr., gave us a window into a nearly 100-year life — telling stories of his childhood, his first picture show, his service in the military, and the deep cultural threads that tie their family to Choctaw history. Now, Amy steps in to pick up where the silence began - and perhaps, where healing begins, too. Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/

It started with a murder...but what followed was silence. And for one Choctaw family, that silence lasted for generations. In this gripping two-part series, we dive into a mystery that stretches across time - a broken bloodline, a forgotten story, and the journey to uncover the truth. It begins with the unsolved killing of Adam Wilkins, who served as a Choctaw Indian Police and interpreter — and the great-grandfather of my guest, Amy Lemmer. Still, as we've seen in true Choctaw fashion, this isn't just a story about loss - it's about legacy. Because Amy's family didn't let that tragedy define them. In the previous series, her father, Woodrow Wilkins, Jr., gave us a window into a nearly 100-year life — telling stories of his childhood, his first picture show, his service in the military, and the deep cultural threads that tie their family to Choctaw history. Now, Amy steps in to pick up where the silence began - and perhaps, where healing begins, too. Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/

Part 3 This May, as we celebrate Choctaw veterans, I'm proud to feature Woodrow Wilkins on Native ChocTalk — a proud Choctaw veteran whose life is a blend of service, culture, and resilience. From stories of military service to memories of wagon days, wild onion dinners, Choctaw hymns, flower sack dresses, and watching his first picture show, Woodrow brings the old days to life with heart and humor. But why was Woodrow “kept hidden”? We dig into the surprising backstory behind his journey. This series is a tribute to all our veterans and the beautiful culture they defend. Don't miss this powerful conversation that weaves together story telling, legacy, laughter, and love for our people. Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/

PART 2 This May, as we celebrate Choctaw veterans, I'm proud to feature Woodrow Wilkins on Native ChocTalk — a proud Choctaw veteran whose life is a blend of service, culture, and resilience. From stories of military service to memories of wagon days, wild onion dinners, Choctaw hymns, flower sack dresses, and watching his first picture show, Woodrow brings the old days to life with heart and humor. But why was Woodrow “kept hidden”? We dig into the surprising backstory behind his journey. This series is a tribute to all our veterans and the beautiful culture they defend. Don't miss this powerful conversation that weaves together story telling, legacy, laughter, and love for our people. Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/

This May, as we celebrate Choctaw veterans, I'm proud to feature Woodrow Wilkins on Native ChocTalk — a proud Choctaw veteran whose life is a blend of service, culture, and resilience. From stories of military service to memories of wagon days, wild onion dinners, Choctaw hymns, flower sack dresses, and watching his first picture show, Woodrow brings the old days to life with heart and humor. But why was Woodrow “kept hidden”? We dig into the surprising backstory behind his journey. This series is a tribute to all our veterans and the beautiful culture they defend. Don't miss this powerful conversation that weaves together story telling, legacy, laughter, and love for our people.

This month, for Memorial Day and Military Appreciation Month, we honor our Native American veterans. Did you know our Native people serve at the highest rate per capita of any group in the U.S.? Yet, Native veterans also face some of the highest suicide rates, often twice the national average. Factors like historical trauma, limited access to culturally relevant care, and the lingering effects of service contribute to this crisis. For younger Native male veterans, the risk is especially high, making culturally rooted, community-based support critical. Programs that reconnect veterans to nature, culture, and tradition are helping restore hope. I sat down with Choctaw veteran Teyler Williston, who continues his family's legacy of service through his work in Native veteran mental health. His story spans generations—from his Choctaw Lighthorseman Grandpa to Teyler's Air Force Firefighting and his role in the Choctaw Honor Guard. If you're a Native Veteran looking for support, please see the following information: https://www.choctawnation.com/services/warrior-wellness/ Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/

This month, for Memorial Day and Military Appreciation Month, we honor our Native American veterans. Did you know our Native people serve at the highest rate per capita of any group in the U.S.? Yet, Native veterans also face some of the highest suicide rates, often twice the national average. Factors like historical trauma, limited access to culturally relevant care, and the lingering effects of service contribute to this crisis. For younger Native male veterans, the risk is especially high, making culturally rooted, community-based support critical. Programs that reconnect veterans to nature, culture, and tradition are helping restore hope. I sat down with Choctaw veteran Teyler Williston, who continues his family's legacy of service through his work in Native veteran mental health. His story spans generations—from his Choctaw Lighthorseman Grandpa to Teyler's Air Force Firefighting and his role in the Choctaw Honor Guard. Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/

Part 6 In Honor of Memorial Day: This series is dedicated to our Native American veterans—our warriors—who have served with honor, courage, and an unshakable commitment to protect this land and its people. With Father's Day around the corner: We also honor our fathers and our future warriors - our young men. Long before Choctaws were farmers and business people, they were WARRIORS. Here to talk about this subject is Choctaw Nation's Historic Preservation Department's Ryan Spring. As We Conclude This Series, We Explore: - Preparing for Battle—Then and Now: What traditional preparation looked like, and how its principles still apply today. - A Message to Our Young Choctaw Men: A call to strength, purpose, and pride rooted in identity. - What It Truly Means to Be Choctaw: Embracing servant leadership, cultural pride, and responsibility to community. - The Modern Warrior: Is there still a place for the warrior spirit in today's world—and how do we carry it forward? - From Warriors to Farmers: The great societal shift: how Choctaw men adapted from warriors to builders of community, and what that transformation means for us now. Our warrior spirit didn't end in the 1800s. It didn't stay buried in old stories or museum displays. It lives on—in the hearts of our Choctaw veterans who've served our country. When we honor our veterans, we're not just thanking them for their service—we're recognizing a legacy. Yakoke, to all who have served!

PART 5 In Honor of Memorial Day: This series is dedicated to our Native American veterans—our warriors—who have served with honor, courage, and an unshakable commitment to protect this land and its people. With Father's Day around the corner: We also honor our fathers and our future warriors - our young men. Long before Choctaws were farmers and business people, they were WARRIORS. Here to talk about this subject is Choctaw Nation's Historic Preservation Department's Ryan Spring. In this episode you'll learn about untold Choctaw warrior legends:  A Choctaw warrior on foot who outwitted and outran twelve Muscogee horsemen • The incredible tale of a Choctaw warrior who fell through a ceiling into a room full of sleeping enemies • Nearly forgotten details of Choctaw valor at the Battle of New Orleans • The heroic story of 65 Choctaw warriors who helped turn the tide of the War of 1812 These are the stories you've probably never heard—until now.

In Honor of Memorial Day: This series is dedicated to our Native American veterans—our warriors—who have served with honor, courage, and an unshakable commitment to protect this land and its people. With Father's Day around the corner: We also honor our fathers and our future warriors - our young men. Long before Choctaws were farmers and business people, they were WARRIORS. Here to talk about this subject is Choctaw Nation's Historic Preservation Department's Ryan Spring. In this episode you'll learn about warriors and the changing world: - The Battle of Caddo Hills - The Battle of Fort Rosalie (the “other side” of the story) - The story of mischievous Choctaws who brought chaos to a fort - The cultural shift from war to trade - How the influx of alcohol destabilized Choctaw communities and led to the rise of the Lighthorsemen. - As traditional roles faded, how did Choctaw men adapt - The modern warrior's path: finding today's inner warrior - Reclaiming identity and strength through community leadership and ancestral connection

PART 3 In Honor of Memorial Day: This series is dedicated to our Native American veterans—our warriors—who have served with honor, courage, and an unshakable commitment to protect this land and its people. With Father's Day around the corner: We also honor our fathers and our future warriors - our young men. Long before Choctaws were farmers and business people, they were WARRIORS. Here to talk about this subject is Choctaw Nation's Historic Preservation Department's Ryan Spring. In this episode you'll learn about: - The role of boys and young men in Choctaw life - The strength of our matriarchal society - What Choctaw people ate — in hunting season and at home - Coordinated strength: how Choctaws hunted and fought as one - Teaching the hunt: how boys learned the ways of the woods - Storytelling: passing down wisdom to the next generation - Balance and respect: the equality of men and women in Choctaw society - Becoming a warrior: proving bravery, skill, and endurance - Returning from battle: the 30-day period of reflection and healing - Mourning those lost — even enemies - Did Choctaw warriors practice scalping? The truth behind the stories - Legendary battles of the Choctaw — told in a way you've never heard

Part 2 In Honor of Memorial Day: This series is dedicated to our Native American veterans—our warriors—who have served with honor, courage, and an unshakable commitment to protect this land and its people. With Father's Day around the corner: We also honor our fathers and our future warriors - our young men. Long before Choctaws were farmers and business people, they were WARRIORS. Here to talk about this subject is Choctaw Nation's Historic Preservation Department's Ryan Spring. In this episode you'll hear stories of strength: The Choctaw and the Path of the Warrior - The role of the bison: a short look at its presence in Choctaw homelands - Were bison native to our lands — and how did we interact with them? - What did it take to become a Chief? - Preparing for battle: war paint, feathers, and red dye - The meaning behind warrior tattoos — marks of honor and identity - Allies and enemies: tribes we stood with and those we stood against - The Choctaw and Chickasaw conflict — why did two sister nations clash?

In Honor of Memorial Day: This series is dedicated to our Native American veterans—our warriors—who have served with honor, courage, and an unshakable commitment to protect this land and its people. With Father's Day around the corner: We also honor our fathers—thank you for your strength, guidance, and love. To our young men. You are the future. We hope you'll tune in and remember: - You are important. - You are needed. - Your life matters. Long before Choctaws were farmers and business people, they were WARRIORS. Here to talk about this subject is Choctaw Nation's Historic Preservation Department's Ryan Spring. In Part 1 you'll learn about The Choctaw Warrior Society - What it took to become a Tvshka — a warrior - The enduring wisdom of our traditional ways for future generations - Weapons of our ancestors: tools of survival and skill - Evidence our ancestors once brought down mammoths - Yes — the Choctaw hunted buffalo

In this final episode of my conversations with the great grandchildren of the heroic Comanche leader, Quanah Parker, we open with a moving moment: Sandra, great-granddaughter of Quanah Parker, reads a heartfelt letter from her father, Baldwin Parker, Jr. — a message of strength, legacy, and deep-rooted pride. Did you know that Quanah Parker was not only a fierce Comanche leader but also a savvy businessman? He was one of the largest shareholders in the Quanah, Acme, and Pacific Railway (QA&P), a 117-mile freight line that began service in 1902 and later merged with Burlington Northern Railroad in 1981. (@cyndidonovan) Tune in to hear how his descendants carry forward that pride in their family's unexpected but powerful place in rail history. We also explore the pivotal moment of Quanah's surrender — a decision that weighed heavily on him as he navigated the impossible balance between protecting his people and adapting to a changing world. We close with a heartfelt toast to Quanah's enduring legacy, brought to you by War Chief Collection, a line of non-alcoholic beverages crafted by his descendant, Jody Colbert. The collection will relaunch in Summer 2025 — stay tuned at www.warchiefcollection.com! Marʉawe to these Comanche elders who generously shared their stories and wisdom, now preserved for generations to come. Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/

In part 6 of this series, you'll continue the Journey into the life, legend, and legacy of Quanah Parker — last chief of the Comanche, warrior, spiritual leader, and protector of Native tradition. You'll learn from his descendants about: - The powerful story of Quanah's fight to preserve the sacred use of peyote through the Native American Church, and his pivotal role in protecting Indigenous religious rights. Family stories and accounts from these elders that you won't find in the history books. Don Parker singing the “Quanah Parker Song”. - We uncover the man behind the myth — a misunderstood figure whose acts of generosity still echo today. - Learn the story of how a medicine man helped the Comanches escape U.S. forces, collaborated by the “other side” of the story within the history books. - The untold stories of Quanah's home, the “Star House”. Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/

In Part 5 of Native ChocTalk's powerful series on the legendary Comanche warrior Quanah Parker, his descendants share intimate stories about his mother, Cynthia Ann Parker—known to the Comanche as Na'ura (1827–March 1871). Taken captive at just 9 years old during the Fort Parker Massacre of 1836, Cynthia Ann was raised by the Comanche people, eventually marrying Chief Peta Nocona (also known as Puhtocnocony and Tah-con-ne-ah-pe-ah, c. 1820–1864). Together, they had three children, including Quanah Parker, who would go on to become the last war chief of the Comanche. This episode explores Cynthia Ann's heartbreaking journey—from her deep love for her Comanche family to the grief she endured after being forcibly returned to the white world, separated forever from her son and tribe. You'll hear the haunting lullaby “Where is My Boy Tonight,” a song she sang for years in mourning—and you'll experience its emotional power as Don Parker, Quanah's great-grandson, performs it in Comanche. Also in this episode: - The sacred Comanche traditions surrounding death and the journey after life - Reflections on faith and identity: Did the Creator know us? Did He walk with our people and provide for us in the ways we lived and survived? Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/

PART 4 “Don't let go of one foot in one place and one foot in the other. Don't ever forget who you are. You are Comanche, you are Indian. You are a Parker.” - Jacquetta Parker, proud great-granddaughter of the legendary Comanche warrior Quanah Parker, sharing his timeless wisdom and guiding his descendants as they navigate the complexities of two very different worlds. In Part 4 of this series, where I visited with the descendants of Quanah Parker, we explored a more personal side of the legendary Comanche leader—Quanah as a father, husband, and historical inspiration. Our conversation uncovered fascinating stories, including: - Despite his reputation as a fierce and respected warrior, Quanah had a deep compassion for orphans and those in need. - The time President Roosevelt visited his home. - The treasured china passed down to one of his great-granddaughters. - Insights into Quanah's many wives. - The remarkable story of how Quanah and the Mennonites envisioned and built Post Oak Mission. - How both Comanche and English were sung and preached in the church. - The role of frybread sales in rebuilding Post Oak Mission. - The secret to making the perfect frybread—at least, according to these particular Comanches. - Clumpy or soft frybread? You decide. (I say we settle this with a bake-off!) Join me as we uncover these incredible stories, bringing Quanah's legacy to life through the voices of his descendants. Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/